MPGuino calibration on a boat

[bestclimb]

[quote]how will you KNOW what your efficiency IS if you don't value the current into the equation? did you get better efficiency because you balanced it right? trimmed it right? or because you had a 3mph current pushing you along faster.

[/quote

That is the problem with deriving MPG from GPS. If you don't know your effcincy through the water you may think you are ballanced well because of a boost from the current. If you are basing it on water speed you will know if your GPH is higher or lower than normal for a spacific speed through the water.

The effect of current is that your journy is effectivly longer or shorter up or down stream. Your goal is to run the thing through the water at as effcient a speed as posible.

The mpg from distance made good is interesting from a mathimatics and data point of view, but as practical for use when deciding how much throttle keeps you moving at the most effcient speed.

Having that information as well would deffinately allow one to fine tune speed for effcincy though.

[dcb]

Originally Posted by bestclimb

Having that information as well would deffinately allow one to fine tune speed for effcincy though.

You can still "fine tune" the throttle with good miles however, if available, and you can then make more accurate round trip comparisons to land vehicles, regardless of current or wind.

A level (or even a semi-circular canal) might be better for checking trim balance, and anything that floats (i.e. a loogie) can give you a snapshot of the current.