I actually helped BZ buy his Android device at Ionia for SGP last summer (nearby Walmart). I believe he ultimately paid $50 for his android smart phone (pre-paid ready) and $25 for the 2GB data plan. Anyone can, of course, do this themselves. The deals are always available and the phones always average $50, $100 for a top of the line pre-paid smart phone. For some reason, BZ's unit works really, really well. Maybe he could share the exact model with us here somehow. BZ seems to always have great range and tracks.
iPhones and the iPhone "app" seem to be a little less capable/reliable in general. But this is the problem with our current Glideport.aero "Hodge-podge" of devices approach. There are so many variables to break down the ultimate goal. We could all really benefit from a dedicated, reliable, standard tracking device (see Aussie LiveTrack24 devices, etc) and or far better "app" quality. The iphone app is a beta from 2-3 years ago. Its probably due for an update. Maybe we could do a 'GoFundMe' for Pedja to do this? I'm not sure how he is being compensated by the SSA for his time with developing Glideport.aero, but he certainly deserved to be compensated for all of this effort.
The Android app has had some more recent updates.
Spot trackers are still useless for interesting tracking. Now that is "technology" that should actually be banned from the SSA tracking system.
And still no tasks are being configured for Perry. Amazing.
On Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 6:09:40 PM UTC-4, John Godfrey (QT) wrote:
On Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 5:58:12 PM UTC-4, Ron Gleason wrote:
On Wednesday, 19 April 2017 07:34:48 UTC-6, Ron Gleason wrote:
On Wednesday, 19 April 2017 00:40:46 UTC-6, Andy Blackburn wrote:
On Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 8:21:07 PM UTC-7, Tom BravoMike wrote:
"Fine, but why does the 98% of the SSA membership have to fund this for the benefit of the 2% that fly contests?"
Sorry, but using the same logics, why do 99.999999% of Americans have to fund the outer space research for the benefit of the 0.000001% that actually get launched from Cape Canaveral?
One of the answers is: Because it drives progress in so many areas of the modern technological civilization. In a similar way competitions that are broadcast live (almost) have the potential to attract some new fans to the art of soaring, and also help bring together people from the global village, who share the same passion.
I, on my part, support Sean's idea about the logging equipment provided by the SSA to competitors and declare that I would accept an increase of the annual membership fee to achieve that goal, if necessary. How about saving some funds by going totally digital with the "Soaring" magazine?
My understanding of Sean's message is: Let's move on! Let's not give up! Something can be done - let's try it! (((or, if you prefer, "Let's make (soaring in) America great again!)))
Tom BravoMike
A few years back a handful of us felt strongly enough about the importance of PowerFLARM in contests that we bought several dozen rental units.. The same idea could apply here. It would be pretty straightforward for those who support this to put together a group of like-minded pilots and soaring benefactors to buy the gear and make it available either for free or for a small fee to pilots who wish to use it in contests. They could even contribute the money to cover the shipping.
It's been done successfully before. I tend to prefer market solutions over socialist ones.
Andy
9B
Here is another tracking option http://www.bbc.com/news/business-39637974
AT the Perry contest glider BZ, John MIttel, has the best tracking. It is updated frequently, detailed (3-5 second interval?) and displays altitude.
Any one know what setup John is using?
Ron Gleason
Hit enter too soon. I believe BZ is using IGCDroid on a Samsung.