[NSRCA-discussion] D4 Scoring System

Tue Jun 7 09:55:40 AKDT 2016

Vicente, 

I cannot agree with you more strongly about the preregistration concept. We have been doing it in SPA for a number of years, now. Our registration data comes out as an Excel spreadsheet. As a CD, I do not need to worry about having the scoring program loaded with pilots' information. Our long-time scorer, Joel, downloads the information and loads it into the scoring program (copy & paste) -- probably the most helpful contest programming feature we could have. Pilots planning to attend a contest go to our SPA website, go to the contest calendar page, and click the "Register" button, then enter their information. It takes the pilot less than 5 minutes, and saves a ton of hassle at the contest. 

We had one pilot for our last contest who discovered he couldn't attend, and it was much easier to delete his material than it would have been to enter it at the contest on Saturday morning if he had decided to come and had not preregistered. 

Phil Spelt, KCRC Emeritus 
AMA 1294, Scientific Leader Member 
SPA L-18, Board Member 
Oliver Springs, TN (865) 435-1476v (865) 604-0541c 

----- Original Message -----

Hello all, 

This past weekend I got the chance to use the one we got for D5 S. For first time users it is good to practice with the system as much as you can. Here some very general recommendations or suggestions: 

1. I suggest that we start a process of pilots pre-registering to the contest in the NSRCA web site if possible. There are several reason why is a good idea. Here some: This allow the CD to have the patternscoring file ready as close as possible before starting the contest. In my contest, there was a pilot that decided to enter in the contest in the last minute and I made a mistake when selecting his class as Intermediate - F3P. Yes, it was my mistake but this could be avoided if I have more time to check the file before we started the contest. This caused few problems on the first day of the contest but we were able to resolve. The second day of the contest the system worked great since we were able to erase the F3P portion. Pre-registering also save time and we get better logistics in preparing for the contest. For example, we painted the boxes lines for two flight lines. However, we got 9 pilots attending the contest so we used only one. If CD has an idea how many pilots are planning to attend we would have saved time and money to paint extra box lines. Estimating food is also a good reason for pre-registration. If pilot pre-register and for some reason cannot attend can call the CD and let him know or erase his name in the pre-registration. 

2. More important pre-registration allow the CD to communicate back to all pre-register pilots in case of schedule changes or another important information. Therefore, pre-registration should include preferred type of communications with CD (e-mail, phone number, etc.). I had to reschedule the contest because of bad weather. I tried to use all types of communication to let everybody knows about the change. However, there was one pilot that for some reason didn't get the information and he called me the original day of the contest from the field to ask me why nobody was there. Fortunately, he was very friendly and understood the situation. He decided to do visit some nice areas in Kansas City that weekend. On Sunday I invited him to come to the field for some flying and had chance to meet him. 

3. Read and follow the instruction manual that Peter put together. And read it again to get all details. The person that is going to help the CD needs to be familiar with the program and read the manual too. 

4. Set up the system at home and run a dummy contest with two or three pilots per class. That is probably the best way to practice. If you can do one day practice at the field with some pilots that are willing to fly and practice is even better. 

For sure the system worked great and it is going to improve the judging. We all know that already. Best, . 

Vicente "Vince" Bortone 

On Tue, Jun 7, 2016 at 8:35 AM, Lewis McNickle via NSRCA-discussion < nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org > wrote: 

An update on the purchase of the electronic scoring system for D4: 

Right now we’re about $160 dollars short of the purchase price of the recommended system which includes eight iPod units and eight controllers. This is the price if Peter Vogel can obtain refurbished iPods, if he has to buy new the cost will be higher. 
Peter Van Heusden had very generously agreed to provide a computer to remain with the system, in addition to a financial contribution. 
Thanks to all who have contributed and pledged. If you have pledged but not got your donation to me please do so at your earliest convenience. If you can see your way clear to contribute your support will be appreciated. I’ll be at the West Virginia contest this weekend and will be accepting donations there. 
Any contributions in excess of the actual system cost will go towards replenishing the D4 treasury. 
Peter informs me that it will take three to four weeks from the time we place an order to deliver the system so I’d like to get this done as soon as possible. 

Scott 

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