RI Live with NK's Frank Biller 01/16/2009 2-4 pm

[SwissSculler]

Never too late for questions!

The SpeedCoach is calibrated to a specific impeller on a specific shell. Calibration number might change very very slightly based on water type (temperature, density) but pretty much negotiable.

However, any water-based speed measurement is absolutely current-neutral is it only registers how fast the water flows over the hull. Since rowing with or against the current is physically indifferent, in fact there is no such thing as "rowing against the current" UNLESS you compare to LAND-based measurement (stop watch, GPS). The only exception is extreme situations around very tight turns on a bridge, where a part of the system (boat/oars) might temporarily be exposed to a different current from each other. However, that is rarely ever the case, and in bodies of water where it happens often there is simply no rowing or flatwater caneoing, but river rafting...

[theGraduate]

I guess I'll keep stuggling with the damn calibration.

[SwissSculler]

Come on, it's not so hard, a one time deal, 500m up, 500m down, record the meters displayed, then do the following:

landbased distance: 500m

upriver displayed: 540m

downriver displayed: 470m

500
--------------- = 0.990 (your speedcoach was slightly "too fast", hence calibration number < 1.000)
(540+470)/2

[theGraduate]

I know, im making it too dificult. I have and XL2 and I still can't get it right.

[SwissSculler]

you are probably a rocket scientist and too smart... you will fit right in with your future destination...

[theGraduate]

HAHAHAHA