The first question that comes to many pilots is "why?" Why change the paper-based scoring system weve been using for years? Well, consider:
* At a contest with 20 pilots flying 6 rounds there are 4560 individual scores to be entered into the scoring computer. Thats 4560 chances for an error to be made in data entry, requiring each pilot to cross-check 228 scores.
* A judge must simultaneously keep their eye on the plane while reading the maneuver description/Aresti and mentally counting downgrades, then write the score down without losing sight of the airplane. This essentially impossible task (unless a scribe is provided, which is very rare at a local contest) means judging often degrades to "impression judging" because of the task loading we impose on judges.
* For the score keeper, they are typically unable to participate in the camaraderie of a contest and cannot learn from watching other pilots fly or relax prior to their competition flights because falling behind in score entry delays the entire contest.
The electonic scribe system is designed to solve all of the above by providing a very simple, eyes-free scoring interface for the judge and wirelessly transmits the scores to the scoring computer after the judge has had a chance to review while the next pilot prepares to compete.
* Each maneuver is read to the judge through earbuds or other headphone device (at the judges discretion).
* A simple game controller allows the judge to tally downgrades as they are seen with simple button clicks without taking their
eyes off the plane. Pull a trigger to advance to the next maneuver.
* The current score is voiced through the earbuds as it changes so the judge is always aware of the score and knows that their button click
was successfully registered.
Contact me at https://www.patternscoring.com to get a fully configured contest setup with 8 iPod touches, recommended network routers, backup batteries, game controllers, custom-designed carrying cases, printer and scoreboard display monitors at my cost for the materials.