[NSRCA-discussion] PACSS Update - Help Needed

Sat Sep 11 09:47:27 AKDT 2010

I'm not so sure I agree with a simplified version for a couple of reasons.

First, It would require Gene or somebody to maintain two sets of SW because somebody doesn't want to take the time as a CD (not a good trait for a CD). What is simple for one, may not be for another. PACSS for me is about as simple as it gets.

Secondly, PACSS has evolved over a number of years by the hand of Gene. Gene has never asked for any money to use this system. PACSS is truely is a labor of love. His only request is to upload once you complete your contests and to provide feedback for continuous improvement.

PACSS isn't that complicated IMHO, even with all the bells and whistles. If a CD is properly prepared, they will or should have, worked with PACSS for about 1/2 to 1 hour minimum well before the contest which is all that is needed. There are many folks on this discussion group that have knowledge and if Gene isn't available somebody is sure to know the answer for PACSS related questions.

If the concern is that a CD doesn't want to put the effort to learn PACSS and opts to use a simplified spreadsheet, then no problem. I will say IMHO it will take longer to come up with another system than to learn PACSS.

PACSS serves to keep consistancy throughout the NSRCA, which appears to be expanding.

Another thought on why to use PACSS for a Pattern Contest is if a CD gets hung up or caught unprepared, the likelyhood of somebody attending that knows PACSS and could help is very high.

Not directed at anybody specifically...

My .02 for the concern...

--- On Sat, 9/11/10, Ron Hansen <rcpilot at wowway.com> wrote:

From: Ron Hansen <rcpilot at wowway.com>
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] PACSS Update - Help Needed
To: "'General pattern discussion'" <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2010, 6:23 AM

One other suggestion would be to provide a simplified version of the program for local contests.  The complexity of the program has lead some to use other programs.  All you need for a local contest is to be able to select or enter pilots, select the schedules and print results.  All other features should be removed for the local contest version.  Bob Kane’s suggestion is a must as well.

-----Original Message-----
From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Bob Kane
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2010 7:45 PM
To: General pattern discussion
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] PACSS Update - Help Needed

As for FAI prelim/finals I would like to fly both in a single contest, and be able to set how the program calculates the winner. For instance:

4 rounds prelim, 2 rounds finals sequence.  Use best two prelims and both finals scores.  Or allow me to do the traditional best 4 of 6, but make it my choice. Whatever choice I make applies to all pilots.

BTW, I use your software and appreciate your efforts, thank you.

Bob Kane
getterflash at yahoo.com

--- On Fri, 9/10/10, Gene Maurice <gene.maurice at sgmservice.com> wrote:

From: Gene Maurice <gene.maurice at sgmservice.com>
Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] PACSS Update - Help Needed
To: "'General pattern discussion'" <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Date: Friday, September 10, 2010, 11:14 AM

I am in the process of a major update to the PACSS system and need some help. 

Part of this update drastically changes the way Schedules are defined and used. The change will result in the system being able to support schedules for multiple organizations, ie. AMA, MAAC, SPA, etc., in the same release. This includes the default class name and description being imbedded in the Schedule, Schedule Import from an external sequential file, etc.

To help me work thru this process I need a couple of things:
1.       A copy of the “SCHEDULE.MST” file from anyone who has created a custom schedule record and used that schedule in a contest. Without this information I can’t automatically convert the data during the release upgrade process and would have to default any unknown schedule, that is, any schedule that is not equal to the schedules originally delivered with the system, to “UNKNOWN”
2.       The schedule information for any organization that would like to have schedules included in this upgrade in Text, Word Doc, or Excel format, anything that I can convert to a sequential file. I don’t want to have to type all that data in!!!
3.       This includes the 2011 AMA schedules, does anyone have them in the above formats.

In addition, I’m finally going to try and fix the automatic processing for a contest flying both FAI Prelims and Finals.  In the past I’ve asked for input on this with little response, so I’ll try again. Are there any scoring scenarios that should be considered? How have you run a contest with Finals? What is currently included in the automation is:
1.       System Performs NO automated process
2.       Fly two separate classes. Contestants will automatically be entered in both classes
                i.e. 3 of 4 Prelims rounds has separate standings from 1 of 2 rounds of Finals
3.       Change the FAI schedule to the FINALS after PRELIM round: XX
                 Contestants assigned Schedule is automatically changed to the Finals Schedule after the XX Prelim round, 
i.e. 4 of 6 rounds used in standings calculations regardless of schedule flown
4.       Create a Normalized Round 1 in the FINALS after PRELIM round: XX
                 i.e. If 2 rounds of Finals are flown, standing would be calculated as best 2 of 3 
                      with the standings from the Prelims weighted equal to the Finals

And finally, ANY other suggestions. All will be considered. Without input I have to assume the system is perfect and having worked in systems for over 35 years I know that’s not true. Besides, a single resource designing, coding  and testing a system is prone to error!!!! 

The help is greatly appreciated………………………..

Gene Maurice
gene.maurice at sgmservice.com
Dallas, GA
AMA 3408
NSRCA 877
PACSS.sgmservice.com

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