Re: [RCSE] OVSS and Line Breaks

[Jeff Steifel]

A weak link slows down the contest because it has to be replaced. If it 
is the last ring you must put a new one on. If it is between the line 
and chute you must get the chute. Limiting power doesn't slow the 
contest down.

New winches aren't necessary. Resistors could be made of all thread or 
anything.... But all would have to meet the resistance test.
Admittedly not all winches will be of the same power there either. 
Differences in drum diameter create different power bands. The smaller 
the drum the more power.

the larger drums create more speed but less power...
Single support vs dual supported drum, real balls vs oilite.... all add 
to the differences.
But assuming that power is restricted you level the playing field quite 
a bit. No one can draw the max power from the winch, and the brushes 
should last longer too by eliminating the higher current.

John wrote:
Jeff I agree that limited power winches would be a great thing, but it is
not practical for all club to get new winches. I don't understand why a week
link slows down a contest. In theory the weak link is the part that breaks
and almost all breaks will not be re-launched. When it is not the weak link
the only fair thing to do is re-launch because the line was damaged in the
first place and that is the cost of doing business.
John
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Steifel [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 7:52 PM
To: John
Cc: RCSE
Subject: Re: [RCSE] OVSS and Line Breaks
I don't think a weak link works. You want to keep things moving a link
only serves to slow things down.
I think the FAI solution works great.  Limit the power on the winches.
The resistored winches cut the power down and then everyone is nearly
identical in power.
Now does this solve line breaks... somewhat... it certainly cuts it down
a considerable amount if  you lower the power and level the playing
field. But breaks will still happen especially on windy days.
In the ESL we noticed that new spools from Memphis twine had bad spots
in it. After clearing the breaks, the lines rarely broke. We don't
respool between contests any more, only when the line gets ragged. This
is consistent with my experience with my own clubs and also retriever
lines too.
3 years ago at the nats I hit the pedal and broke the line. before I got
any tension. Fortunately I got another winch. But the no relaunch policy
doesn't allow for bad  retrieves, or a previous bad launch. What about
someone who launches before you and pulls the knot to exterme. or
stresses the ring. The no relaunch doesn't work. BUT neither does
letting the person relaunch with all the markers in the air.
Either let them launch again or relight the group. If you let them
relight it must be point the plane to the ground and land... no dilly
dallying.... anyone caught slowing up for a reading of air should
forfeit their flight.
John wrote:
 

Mark,
Why not use a weak link of 225lb at the tow hook with 280-300 line on the
winch? If the line breaks the weak link then they fly. You would need to be
able to check the line quickly. That said. I feel that you are doing a
   

great
 

job with the series and everyone knows the rules. Everyone launches under
the same rules. They can choose to stay home if they don't like the
   

contest.
 

You can't factor out all circumstances of launch problems. It is a roll of
the dice. You pays you money and you takes you chances.
John
-----Original Message-----
From: Marc Gellart [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 6:04 PM
To: soaring@airage.com
Subject: [RCSE] OVSS and Line Breaks
Jim, Paul, Jack,and Jim:
  Great comments and you all have pretty much sited all the pros and cons
about what we face at each and every contest.  From what i know every one
   

of
 

the contests we will be flying 280 or 290 line this year that is having MOM
formats, I know STL relined this weekend and all the winches that are
   

coming
 

are set up with the good stuff (actually one club event ona line I think
eliminates the splices and they are even better then).  Like all have said,
that eliminates nearly all the issues right there.
 But, still what do we do?  I have had folks saying to me that I should
mandate line strength and such, I have taken the attitude in the past that
the clubs run their show and OVSS just uses the scores generated.  I
   

realize
 

that my free market approach appaers a bit loose, but I still feel that
   

this
 

approach is best since as has been pointed out that conditions can vary as
well as equipment.  I urge clubs in the direction that I feel is what the
customer wants, i.e. MVSA going MOM format this year with the heavier line
than they have ever used before, there was trepidation, but they will make
folks happy with the choice.
  My answer to what I will do in STL since I am the CD there is to give
line breaks in the first round and to call down the entire flight group,
   

but
 

after that the show is on and no more chances are available.  That is my
answer, and it can be used as a template, but each club is on their own
   

with
 

council from the wise among us.
 My 2 cents on the subject...
Marc
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--
Jeff Steifel
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--
Jeff Steifel
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