[Land-speed] British Steam effort 139.843mph

[Jon Wennerberg]

On Sep 2, 2009, at 10:14 PM, dan warner wrote:

> So, what does everyone who is dissatisfied with current timing  
> system propose to do with previous records? Toss 'em because the  
> older methods were not as accurate as the current or future methods?
>
> I noticed no one has claimed to not have accepted a record because  
> they are didsatisfied with the recording methods currently in use.  
> One thing about the timing as now used is that it is consistant for  
> everyone involved. I also noticed that there are no complaints from  
> the people who string, rewind and service the wire.I would think  
> that they would be the first on the wireless bandwagon.
>
> I helped James Rice setup the course for the steam car. We were  
> within 1/4" across the mile and kilo measured by length and width  
> and cross measured. If I remember James' comment about FIA  
> requirements, the mile/kilo needs be only 4 or 6" accurate. The FIM  
> on the other hand requires something like .0010" accuracy. Has  
> anyone checked the certificate of accuracy at the Bub meet?
>
> DW


Dan --

I hope you're not including me in the group of folks "...dissatisfied  
with current timing system...".  There is absolutely no way that I  
have ever either stated - or even implied any dissatisfaction with the  
current system.  And as for tossing old records when a new measuring  
system arrives on the technological scene -- sure, toss out the old  
ones, just like has evidently been done each time there has been any  
advance in measurements.  It was done that way in the past, I presume,  
if you suggest (by implication)
  that it be done again.

Unless, that is, you go from my words to a conclusion that because I  
suggest trying to design a different system - which might have less  
errors inherent -- is an expression of dissatisfaction.  I can't stop  
you from interpreting what I say - as you choose to so do rather than  
as what I mean.

I won't get into a discussion about the relative accuracy of surveying  
methods -- I'm not trained in that field and can't offer any real  
input.  I have questions -- but will ask a surveyor, not this board.

Deep enough for Thursday morning.  Have another cup of coffee and sit  
back and enjoy the day.

Jon