from Yahoo Groups - ContestRoc Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 21:38:44 -0000 From: "Tom Lyon" Subject: NAR Contest Board & Altimeter use OK, after months, and actually years of looking at this issue, collecting data, and reading the endless threads on here while lurking. There will be some way of implementing altimeter use in NAR competition. There WILL be the good things coming from this but also there WILL be restrictions and other... as some will definitely call it.... bad things. Yes I considered allowing altimeters at NARAM-48 for F Alt, but decided against it because of the returnable part especially in the AZ heat. THIS IS NOT IN FORCE YET.... still working on acceptable procedures. REMEMBER... this will be for everyone. It will be all or nothing, the only way to be fair. Some will not like it, tough... the idea is to make it fair for everyone no matter where, who or what they fly. The main purpose for allowing altimeter use will be for those contest directors and/or clubs that do NOT have theodolites to do optical tracking and would like to fly altitude events. If Theodolites are present at a meet, THAT will be the only reduction method to be used. Using an altimeter as redundant will not be recorded (all or nothing). Meet sanctions must specifically state whether using theodolites or altimeters for altitude events on the request forms. The NAR CB will only allow "approved" altimeters, not provided by NAR HQ, but by the individual contestants. The approval process will be by NAR CB and not NAR S&T (S&T has already told me this). Only commercially made altimeters will be considered. Altimeters used will have NO alterations whatsoever - NONE - including alterations to the power supply. I know this will make a fuss with those that want to cram something into a 13mm model, but it will be all or nothing. Flights with altimeters obviously must be returned. If it can't be returned, then event rules apply first, then can be considered as "track lost". See Rule 14.9 If the altimeter fails to report, or reports a grossly erroneous result (working on the definition of "grossly erroneous"), that particular flight can also be considered as "track lost". At safety check, the altimeter must be presented as manufactured to insure no alterations/modifications and is not having an altitude reading already stored Immediately prior to launch the RSO/LCO will confirm the altimeter is in it's "ready & waiting" mode. After the flight, the model must be returned unopened with the altimeter still enclosed and presented to the returns official. The model can then be opened and the contestant and returns official will concur on the recorded altitude emitted by the altimeter. In the area of allowing records, The NAR CB is still in debate. If records will be allowed (I said "if), they will be in a seperate category noted with a *EA* for electronic altimeter. We may NOT allow records because of differences in barometric pressures in different locales, and from my own personal experiences in my R&D project at NARAM-47 and updates to my NARAM-48 R&D project. I have already noted that I can fly a rocket and get 15 feet more altitude flying in Cincinnati OH than I can in Richmond VA. I also noted that I can lose 5 feet in altitude flying in September versus flying in April (in Richmond VA) NAR CB approval for allowing altimeters will be under an emergency RCP as noted in the Pink Book under the "Notice of Rulemaking Procedure" section specifically Rule F7 and F8. We are looking for implementation for the 2006-2007 contest year starting July 1 2006. NARAM-48 will NOT be included. Just wanted topost this to let people know. Tom Lyon NAR Contest & Records Committee