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Board » General Discussion » Starting practice races

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Posted by
Rod


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2010-06-24 22:30:48
2011-04-03 16:50:10 - Starting practice races
This is a general inquiry about the mechanics of the "start process" that is used in practice races.
I have observed that, when I click the "send" button precisely at the starting second, and then observe the relative positions of the starting boats, even when they are on almost identical courses, that very often several of the other boats will be noticeably ahead.
Does this mean they have jumped the start (Over early)?
What is the exact relation of "clicking the button" to "Starting"? Does it help to use a DC start? If the button is clicked PRIOR to the "start', does the start occur at the time of "jump update", or at the time of 'button click'?
If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy.
Posted by
Capt.D.P.


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2009-10-27 01:51:32
2011-04-03 23:37:35 - Re: Starting practice races
ROD, I would advise you to do DC start as there is few seconds delay when you press the button on the hour of start.
Furthermore as it is not quite easy to input DC command exactly on the second I would advise you to use Brainaid DC editor where you could insert 00 seconds

africa
Posted by
76Trombones


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2011-04-04 00:14:24 - Re: Starting practice races
Due to the way SOL steers, I suspect that a DC for 00 or a "click just in time" both start on the next update cycle. Whether you are ahead or behind the other boats also starting at the same time is luck of the draw. The only fair start is a DC for 0 sec or a click *after* the gun (and check system clock as well). Easiest answer is to not worry too much.
Posted by
AGage


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2011-04-04 11:02:31 - Re: Starting practice races
Yes sync your local pc time with a network time server. I actually noticed a few times when I sent an 'immediate' command, it actually showed up in the DC list for a few seconds before firing....??
Now I sync my clock just before every race - usually no less than 500ms is the adjustment. Small yes...
I help develop the client interface for the best online ocean racing sim there is... __/)/)_/)__
Posted by
Rod


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2011-04-04 16:52:26 - Re: Starting practice races
Waaaa-aa---aaah...!
MY computer doesn't work in milli- or micro-seconds, my desk clock has a sweep second hand, and my wristwatch is terribly hard to set to the exact second!!! (With my wrist watch I can manage +/- 1 second, but that is a 100% error term).
I don't believe in letting 'brainaid' have all the fun, I like my OWN hobby, not his!
From the answers received above, I must conclude that "you can't get there from here", and that I must resign myself to 'not winning', except by accident.
If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy.
Posted by
76Trombones


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2011-04-04 19:00:17 - Re: Starting practice races
You start when the server starts you. Setting ultra-precise start DC gains you nothing. Wait for the gun then click send... easy.

Those practice racing need to be comfortable that on short impromptu courses, the server will favour some boats by a few seconds. It's fun right?

Posted by
RainbowChaser


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2011-04-05 08:53:29 - Re: Starting practice races
Rod - it is perfectly possible to set a precise start DC without brainaid's DC Editor. In fact, I rarely use his DC Editor - but as a good SOLAdmin I have checked out what is available so I understand what folks are talking about.

Just work out the delay you need before the start, maybe factor in a few seconds to allow the internet/servers to process the command and then enter it!

OK so you won't always be starting at zero seconds but, frankly, that is no biggie.

I take great pride in setting pretty precise start DCs for practice races... and judging by comments made in last night's practice race,I am not alone in this!! Its satisfying when a v close DC is set after only a few tries!!


--- Last Edited by RainbowChaser at 2011-04-05 08:54:24 ---
Posted by
RainbowChaser


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2011-04-05 21:13:56 - Re: Starting practice races
Rod - I have noted in another thread that you have now decided not to participate in practice races... :-(

--- Last Edited by RainbowChaser at 2011-04-05 21:15:48 ---
Posted by
AGage


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2011-04-06 05:26:15 - Re: Starting practice races
Rod said @ 2011-04-04 16:52:26:
Waaaa-aa---aaah...!
MY computer doesn't work in milli- or micro-seconds, my desk clock has a sweep second hand, and my wristwatch is terribly hard to set to the exact second!!! (With my wrist watch I can manage +/- 1 second, but that is a 100% error term).
I don't believe in letting 'brainaid' have all the fun, I like my OWN hobby, not his!
From the answers received above, I must conclude that "you can't get there from here", and that I must resign myself to 'not winning', except by accident.
WHat The??
Why has brainaid suddenly come into this?
His tool is actually fantastic if you sail on DCs frequently, but calling it "his fun"??? again What The??
And actually if your computer is less than a few years old, then it probably runs on nano-seconds
A 1 GHz computer means 1 clock signal every nanosecond.
330 picoseconds is about the time it takes a 3Ghz computer to add 2 numbers
;-)

I only suggest a clock sync as I said I notice some immediate commands showing up in the DC tab... Also if your clock is out you wont see the right weather, but ut would take a reasonable discrepency for this to be apparent
I help develop the client interface for the best online ocean racing sim there is... __/)/)_/)__
Posted by
Rod


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2011-04-06 12:01:07 - Re: Starting practice races
At the beginning of this I said that it was a general inquiry about the mechanics of the process.
I know I can set a DC, but is this different from clicking on the 'start' instant? I still don't know.
p.s. I hope brainaid worked out his program because he enjoyed doing it, rather than being employed to do it. I don't think he gets paid for it. I also race SOL because I enjoy doing it, out of my own head.

--- Last Edited by Rod at 2011-04-06 12:07:14 ---
If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy.

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