[NSRCA-discussion] PACSS Update - Help Needed

Sat Sep 11 15:52:31 AKDT 2010

Ron,

Can you give me some details about things that you think complicate the
program that you would like to see removed. I would be glad to consider
making some things "optional", but I really don't want to maintain multiple
versions of the system. One of the reasons I'm make some fairly significant
change in this release is so that I don't have to maintain an AMA, a
separate SPA version, and a 64 bit "fix" version. 

Right now in the current system all that is really required to get a contest
going is create a "New Contest", enter the dates for the contest, select the
schedules, even there the system defaults to the current AMA schedules based
upon the date of your contest, set the contest to active. Enter contestants
name, AMA number, class, and frequency. Enter scores. Everything else is
optional. Granted, there is a lot more stuff there, but most of it is
already defaulted or can be ignore. Things like all of those scoring
parameters at the class level in Contest Setup are required for calculating
scores and standings. The rules give you these options when running a
contest but the system defaults to the most commonly used settings so you
really shouldn't have to change any of them 

The system was designed for the Local Contest. I've CD'd or Co-CD'd about
20+ contests over the years and built the system based upon my experience.
Stuff like "Set Flight Order" is the if you want to use it but not required.

I look forward to your input, thanks.  

Gene Maurice

gene.maurice at sgmservice.com

Dallas, GA

AMA 3408

NSRCA 877

PACSS.sgmservice.com

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Ron Hansen
Sent: Saturday, September 11, 2010 6:24 AM
To: 'General pattern discussion'
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] PACSS Update - Help Needed

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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