What is?
GPSSpeedRun.com
GPSSpeedRun.com (GPSSR) was started based on the initiative to bring a standard for how to make valid speed runs using common easy to follow step by step guidelines. GPSSR contains relevant record lists for people to aspire to and to explore the world of speed running (through interactive links for every run listed etc.). GPSSR's vision is to create and expand a more accessible competitive side of the hobby of fast rc power boats and encourage more peope to push their models to the limit. GPSSR's mission is to legitimize GPS Speed Runs as a common benchmark by creating an accessible and trusted platform for those with a competitive obsession for going fast.
Speed Running
Speed Running is going as fast as possible with the equipment you got!
SAW
SAW and GPS Speed-Running are all about going fast, but the way they are measured and listed is very different.
SAW is essentially also speed running, but typically assosiated with an official event, and the speed is measured by the model passing though light traps 100meter/330feet apart, and the benchmarking result happens based upon the average speed of two way trip.
GPS Speed Running is often done without association to an official event, and with the use of widely avaible GPS watches or mobile logging units. These speed results are based upon max velocity/speed rather than an average (unlike the SAW results).
For more information about SAW, please visit www.rc-saw.de
For more information about GPS Speed Running, please keep study this page or find more information on the facebook group SAW/Speed-Run RC Power Boats
GPS Data Logging Units
Some of the most commonly used gps units and watches are as follows:
- SkyRC GNSS Performance Analyzer GSM020 (note this unit needs special procedure, and it is required to use SkyRC RC Gears app*)
- SkyRC GNSS Speed Meter GSM015
- Garmin Forerunner Series (301, 201, 101 etc.)
- Garmin Foretrex Series
- Dynamite Passport GPS Speed Meter
- Holux GPSport
*In alignment with the latest community insights and to streamline our system, we are limiting the compatibility of app to the GNSS GSM020 system. From 1st of March 2024, only the first-party SkyRC version of the app, "RC Gears", will be authorized for use. This decision is aimed at maintaining uniformity and standardization across the platform.
GPS Accuracy
More often than not, the question of why two or more GPS units might show a different peak speed result keeps coming up. Reason for any two GPS-units not to show identical numbers, is that top speeds on short speed runs are achieved in just a few seconds (from zero, to max speed, to zero). With the refresh rate of 1-2 times per second found on most gps-units, there will be variations between any two GPS-units, as they do not update the exact same instant. Therefore the actual peak speed of a given run will be higher than or closer to the highest reading of the GPS-units used (if no abnormalities such as blow overs or crashes affect the run).
We reached out to hear from the engineers at SkyRC and Garmin, for them to elaborate or come back with some feedback.
Feedback from SkyRC:
SkyRC came back, supporting the theory above, further highliting sensitivity of physical placement of the units them selves, might also play a role and explain the results differ.
Feedback from Garmin:
Garmin came back, supporting the theory, but don’t have any public statements on the relation between refresh rate and peak speeds. Garmin on the other hand did reference the following document, from which it can be derived, that higher speeds, will result in higher relative accuracy, as the GPS location accuracy is 3 meter (10 feet). Considering environmental factors as things that interrupt the signal path of a GPS satellite to your watch can also affect GPS accuracy and drift.