Pattern Help

[Gordon Anderson]

Help yourself to the application. Its open to anyone who wants to use, modify
and improve the program. You can download a zip file with install directions and
all the spreadsheets at, www.mstar2k.com <BLOCKED::http://www.mstar2k.com> .
Select the download page and scroll to the bottom for a link to the score
program.
I have not yet updated this to the 05 masters routine and I plan on writing more
comprehensive documentation for it before the season starts.
Its all done in Excel and heavily uses the VBA macro language. There is a Score
spreadsheet that controls everything and a spreadsheet for each class. Play with
it and I'll answer any questions you have.
 
Thanks for your interest!
 
--Gordon

  _____  

From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org] On
Behalf Of Earl Haury
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 3:56 AM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: Re: Pattern Help


Gordon, Rick
 
Your score analysis spreadsheets are exactly what I was referring to - nice
work. Rick, nice job with the reference diagrams for the "coach" - certainly
important that one's help knows what to look for! Thanks for sharing your work,
files and links as these make this forum / society more useful for the
beginners, and seasoned competitor alike.
 
Earl

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Gordon Anderson <mailto:GAA at owt.com>  
To: discussion at nsrca.org 
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2005 7:43 PM
Subject: RE: Pattern Help

Earl,
 
Regarding the calculation of statistics from the scoring of a contest; I have
attached a final score sheet from my scoring program used in most of the D8
pattern contests last season. This program is a series of excel spreadsheets and
macros. I will give this to anyone interested but you will need Microsoft Excel
to use this program. 
I calculate a number of statistics and plot score distribution data that I find
very useful in focusing my practice. 
 
--Gordon 

  _____  

From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org] On
Behalf Of Earl Haury
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2005 10:35 AM
To: Discussion List, NSRCA
Subject: Pattern Help


Several have mentioned the lack of help in the form of coaches, competent
observers, etc. which could help them improve their flying skills. This is
probably more common than not, and makes it difficult for each of us to improve
(even the FAI guys). I've found a couple of ways around this that some might
find useful. 
 
The first is score analysis. Simply input raw scores (each maneuver / each
judge) into a spreadsheet. Even a 4 round contest with 2 judges / flight will
yield 8 scores / maneuver. Average each maneuver's score set and calculate the
standard deviation. This provides a feel for how well any given maneuver was
flown and a feel for consistency - the lower the std dev the better. This info
lets one see what needs improvement the most and, over several contests, note
progress.
 
Of course score analysis doesn't indicate just what the problem is. There have
been many good suggestions regarding seeking that input from fellow competitors,
interested observers, etc. Another method exists that can provide valuable info.
That method is a datalogger. I've recently been using the latest USB Datalogger
to look at in flight parameters.
http://www.eagletreesystems.com/Plane/plane.html  This newest version provides a
useable graphics display of flight parameters (even more useful if the data are
evaluated in a spreadsheet) - your choice as to just what to look at. I
typically log altitude, airspeed, and aileron inputs. 
 
The altitude inputs allow observation of entry / exit altitudes, altitude
changes in level flight, diameter (height) of loops, cross over points, altitude
loss / gain during spin entry, altitude loss / gain during rolls, etc. All basic
stuff that's important to get right for good scores. Speed data provide clues as
to where too much / little power is used and whether a prop works well or not.
The aileron inputs can be superimposed on the altitude data to determine roll
position on vertical lines. While not all pattern parameters lend them selves to
analysis with this technology, a good deal can be learned with it.
 
While recently evaluating engine / prop combinations (very top secret), I noted
something that looks useful regarding snaps. During both up and downline snaps
the speed signal drops to zero for a period of time roughly equivalent to snap
duration. It appears that possibly airflow separation from the wing includes the
pitot tube. Upline snaps also show a marked decline in ascent rate during the
snap. 
 
Recent snap discussions have made me curious, so I've decided to do some snap
analysis with a G-force sensor connected to the logger. I've ordered the sensor
and plan to take a good look at "real" snaps and barrel rolls. What to bet that
the G loads spike quickly then drop dramatically during snaps, but increase
throughout the barrel rolls? I'll present this work as a K-Factor article when
finished, if anyone wants data sooner, a datalogger costs the same as a couple
of servos. 
 
Earl

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