Improved live tracking for the SSA membership?

"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

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

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

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

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

IGCDroid on a Samsung.

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.

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.

On Friday, April 21, 2017 at 2:00:27 AM UTC+3, Sean Fidler wrote:
iPhones and the iPhone "app" seem to be a little less capable/reliable in general.

iPhones have features that try to prevent apps from unnecessarily using CPU, communications etc in the background and draining your battery quickly.

But there are ways for an app to tell the OS "No, I actually do need to do this, it's not just by accident".

Details at: https://developer.apple.com/library/...Execution.html

See, in particular:

- Implementing Long-Running Tasks
- Apps that keep users informed of their location at all times, such as a navigation app and/or
- Apps that need to download and process new content regularly

Apps that implement these services must declare the services they support and use system frameworks to implement the relevant aspects of those services.

In Xcode 5 and later, you declare the background modes your app supports from the Capabilities tab of your project settings. Enabling the Background Modes option adds the UIBackgroundModes key to your app’s Info.plist file. Selecting one or more checkboxes adds the corresponding background mode values to that key.

More information at: https://developer.apple.com/library/...009497-CH2-SW1

I'm currently working for Samsung and haven't written iOS code for a few years, but I found this information in about two minutes, so you'd hope any competent iOS developer would be able to as well.

Reading on ...

Deferring Location Updates While Your App Is in the Background

https://developer.apple.com/library/...09497-CH2-SW14

This is interesting. Your app can tell iOS to record the user's movements, but only wake the app after a certain distance has been travelled, or a certain time has elapsed. The OS will then wake your app and give it all the information that was gathered in the meantime.

With suitable tuning you could use this to get frequent updates while the glider is flying at high speed, but less frequent while thermaling in one place. The end result on the map could be as detailed as you want, but with a number of location points arriving at the same time (every 15 or 30 seconds maybe).

Or course a good app should accumulate location fixes if internet connectivity is lost, and then send them all together when there is signal again.

None of this is difficult to do.