Zero Off VERSION R International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation USA Water Ski American Water Ski Association Will Bush willbush@att.net +1 (916) 837-7464 Rev Date 04 / 01/ 2013
Zero Off GPS Speed Control System
New Displays beginning 2013 Expect to see other boat manufacturers to do the same
What else is NEW for 2013? Version R Approved for use USAWS / AWSA Towboat Tests Slalom NEW + PLUS features Jump RTB modified so that speed returns to the set speed in 41m segment Jump - Change times displayed to 3 --52m, 82 m, and 41 m segments. User selectable TORM (Throttle Over Ride Mode) River Mode option added for use to compensate for any water currents. New option that changes system settings with different propellers 3 blade or 4 blade (MasterCraft, Malibu, Centurion) Provides set up option with initial installation to choose different engine options. Discourages a driver from limiting or blocking the throttle in slalom. When the system detects an insufficient throttle handle position, it will gradually slow the boat by 2 kph
BASICS - How does ZO get its Information? Zero Off uses data from GPS satellites to determine speed and location; and uses its internal accelerometer (your smart phone also has one of these) to instantaneously determine if the boat is decelerating or accelerating; and communicates with the ECM/ECU (engine control management system) to control speed control and provide you course timing data. The GPS antenna(s) can receive signals thru glass or plastic, but not solid objects. The antenna(s) should have a clear view of the sky and ideally not be blocked by trees, nearby structures or mountains. Zero Off can map slalom and jump courses, utilizing the GPS location data, and store them in memory. However, care should be take to confirm course precision before an event. As times, there can be a significant difference between the timing beep and the location of the start to entrance to the course. If this is the case, the system should be re-mapped.
Zero Off uses signals from the worldwide US - GPS satellite system GPS Minimum - 24 satellites orbit the earth at any given time. Satellites in 6 planes, each with at least 4 satellites equidistant.
Orbits range from 55 north to 55 degrees south. At least four satellites can be received at any time at any place in world. Closer to the poles, the lower over the horizon the satellites are located. Can still be received, but they are not directly above. This could result in a typically insignificant - loss of the precision of position
ACCURACY??? - WAAS (United States) / EGNOS (Europe) Errors are created when GPS signals pass through the earth s atmosphere (reflected & slowed). Result less than ideal location information (accuracy within 10 meters or better) WAAS (covering USA), and EGNOS (covering Europe) are similar systems/satellites which provide correction information and more precise location for Zero Off. These satellites are stationary over the equator and broadcast on the same frequency as GPS satellites. The WASS/EGNOS use readings from ground stations that are in a known fixed positions. The fixed ground stations compute the exact distance to each satellite, measure ionospheric lag and tell any nearby GPS how much to correct -- "Differential GPS" (DGPS). (accuracy within 1 2 meters or better). Zero Off with use error differential data automatically - whenever it can see the satellites above the equator.
Number of Satellites and DGPS Correction 8 Satellites N0 - DGPS 8 Satellites with DGPS Each.001 latitude equals approx 6 feet Obviously GPS is NOT Working check GPS pucks use Diagnostics screen to troubleshoot
SLALOM New + Setting. Separate variable from LETTER/NUMBER Don t forget to change for next skier!!!
Slalom General Information Zero Off is a speed based control system. It constantly strives to maintain the Set or Target Speed and will do so through the entire course. Before the entrance gate, the speed is elevated to compensate for the load you will apply going thru the entrance gate. In the course, Zero Off does not gas you it only responds to what you do! Zero Off Does NOT gas you! As a general rule, in slalom, Zero Off ONLY responds when you increase your pull or load on the rope, reducing the boat s speed. And the same is true when you let up on your pull or load on the rope, increasing the boat s speed. In other words, Zero Off ONLY reacts to changes in boat speed and does NOT gas you on its own.
Slalom Points For Discussion Letters/Numbers/ + settings -- What they do? Can a skier change the letter/numbers during their ski ride? Shortcut How do I to recall times from earlier passes Slalom Wait Timer How to set the WAIT time JUDGE - WHY do I hear ZERO OFF constantly BEEPING (more that just at the timing points) as the boat and skier go down the slalom course? JUDGE - Why don t I hear the beeper? Why is the volume off? JUDGE Am I checking to ensure that the beep /timing process is occurring when the GPS puck is precisely at the slalom entrance gate? (Does the system need to be re-mapped?)
Letters / Numbers SLALOM Version Q Previously 9 Letter / Number combinations Version R Slalom Changes + Retains the original 9 settings from Version Q. Adds 9 additional settings with + Now 18 Letter / Number combinations The + setting does things: 1) increases the speed outside the entrance gates and; 2) makes the engine response faster for each letter setting
+ Setting Generally, heavier / stronger skiers may prefer the plus + setting, looking for a faster start and quicker throttle response. The faster speed outside the entrance gates and quicker engine response ensures that for the stronger skiers, the boat /engine does not fall behind; eliminating any catch up and the feel of gassing the skier into the next buoy. The + setting is a SEPARATE variable from the LETTER setting. When the + is active (visible), the speed before the entrance gate will be FASTER and the boat WILL respond QUICKER for each letter setting. Be certain you RETURN to the Normal setting for the next skier!!!!
Version R - Letters / Numbers / + We will discuss NORMAL PLUS + A1 A2 A3 B1 B3 B3 C1 C2 C3 A1+ A2+ A3+ B1+ B3+ B3+ C1+ C2+ C3+ Faster entrance gate Quicker engine response
Letters The LETTERS dictate how quickly the engine will respond. In other words, WHEN Zero Off begins to apply throttle. You have the option to select a letter that responds differently to your PULL and your RELEASE from that pull. PULL -- As you begin your pull the boat speed begins to drop below the SET/target speed. The letter tells the engine how QUICKLY to begin to apply power to get back to the SET speed. RELEASE -- As you let up on your pull the boat speed begins to rise higher than the SET/target speed. The letter tells the engine how QUICKLY to reduce power to get back to the SET speed Each letter gives you different options depending on your style and preference. Remember that NO two skiers are alike. You will need to find what works best for you!
Letters - PULL PULL with a skier s pull, boat speed will FALL and the engine will respond to maintain the set speed The LOWER the letter, the LONGER it will take for the engine to respond to speed drop. Conversely, the HIGHER the letter, the FASTER the engine will respond to speed drop. NOTE: A is the lowest letter. For each letter setting, the + provides faster engine response. This will benefit skiers looking for immediate reaction from the engine / throttle. (NOTE: The engine will respond quicker on A+ than on C. LOWER LETTER = SLOWER ENGINE RESPONSE (to your pull) SLOWEST RESPONSE A B C A+ B+ C+ FASTEST RESPONSE
Letters - RELEASE RELEASE as the skier releases his pull, boat speed will RISE. The HIGHER the letter, the LONGER it will take for the engine to reduce throttle. Conversely, the LOWER the letter, the FASTER the engine will reduce throttle. For each letter setting, the + provides faster engine response. HIGHER LETTER = SLOWER ENGINE RESPONSE (to your release) (in this case - the fastest release is A+ / slowest release is C)
Letters IT S WHEN YOU PULL (AND HOW HARD YOU PULL) - NOT WHERE YOU PULL!!! Remember, that Zero Off responds to your pull and release; and not to WHERE you are in the course. SO, regardless of the letter, it is WHEN you pull not WHERE you pull. In selecting a letter, know that the faster the boat recovers speed, the sooner it can release the skier. IN THE END, each skier needs to find what works best for his or her personal style. Since no two skiers are alike some pull or load the boat out wide, some at the buoy and others closer to the wake, each setting will produce a different feel within the rules. In other words, your friend s setting may not be best for you!!!
Numbers Dictate the INTENSITY of throttle Response The numbers dictate the INTENSITY of throttle / engine response to your pull. In other words, HOW MUCH throttle to apply With a lower number, the feel of INTENSITY of the throttle will be less, with a longer duration to get back to the set speed. With a higher number, the feel of INTENSITY of the throttle will be more, but with a shorter duration to get back to the set speed. With +, throttle intensity will INCREASE. Typically ONLY heavier / stronger skiers will benefit from use of the + settings LESS INTENSITY 1 2 3 1+ 2+ 3+ MORE INTENSITY
The Letters Skier s view.. A. Letter A favors a smoother, longer turn and provides more time for proper body position before the pull from the boat increases. The A setting results in a slower engine response to the skiers load on the boat, meaning the skier will move closer to the wake before the pull from the boat increases. Letter A provides the fastest release as the skier lets up on the load; however, the entire process happens later than Letters B &C. B. Letter B favors a skier looking for a balanced pull and release from the boat. Setting B2 is the default setting and should be used when the skier does not choose another setting. The B setting is best described as a moderate engine response. The boat s rpm will increase earlier than with setting A. The release is symmetrical with the load. C. Letter C works particularly well for a skier whose style includes a faster turn. The C setting gives the fastest engine response to the skiers load on the boat, meaning the pull from the boat will come on very close to the finish of the turn. The release is a bit slower that the other letters.
The Letters MORE than you wanted to know! A. With Letter A, the PULL value is slower and the RELEASE value quicker. For both letters A & C, the PULL & RELEASE values are different (Asymmetric Load & Release) B. For letter B, the PULL and RELEASE values are the same. (Symmetric Load & Release) C. With Letter C, the PULL value is quicker and the RELEASE value slower. For both letters A & C, the PULL & RELEASE values are different (Asymmetric Load & Release)
Numbers How does this happen? When throttle is applied, the amount or INTENSITY is dictated by the number selected. HOW does change in INTENSITY happen? Initially, throttle is applied to counteract the skier s slowing of the boat. Zero Off can measure the skiers load (g-force*). When the skier s load reaches a predetermined load point, Zero Off begins to reduce the rate of adding throttle. This reduction in throttle rate is felt by the skier. The lower the number the sooner the skier will feel a reduction in the INTENSITY of the pull from the boat. *g-force (with g from gravitational) is a term for acceleration felt as weight and measurable by an accelerometer.
Numbers MORE than you wanted to know (Engineer s perspective) An accelerometer measures the skier s force or load on the boat. When the skier s measured force (g-force) is reached, any rate of additional throttle is reduced as boat attempts to get back to the set/target speed. The lower the number the sooner the skier will feel a reduction in the INTENSITY. In other words, it requires less force for a change in throttle rate to occur.
Entrance Gate Speed The elevated or target speed, outside course (entrance gate) is a percentage of the set speed Using the normal setting, Gate Speed is +.75 % above the set speed Using the plus + setting, Gate Speed is +1.6 % above the set speed
The Numbers Skier s Perspective 1: The 1 setting requires the least amount of skier pull or force to initiate a change in throttle rate. The feel will be an overall softer pull behind the boat. If your goal is to minimize line tension, taking a more conservative cut into the wakes, you will benefit from this setting s response. 2: The 2 setting is the midpoint setting. It requires a comparatively moderate amount of pull to initiate a change in the rate throttle is applied. The feel will be slightly stronger behind the boat than with setting 1. Like setting B, this is a good starting point for most skiers looking to familiarize themselves with the system. 3: The 3 setting requires the greatest amount of pull to initiate a change in the rate throttle is applied. The feel will be a stronger pull. If you are a big cutter, taking a good amount of load into the wakes, you will appreciate the stiffer pull. + The + setting requires even more skier load than the normal setting 1 / 2 / 3, to initiate any change in the rate throttle is applied. Only the stronger skiers will exert sufficient force to fell and reduction in the rate throttle is applied.
Summary - Letters / Numbers / +
ZO PULL - A / B / C NORMAL
With Version R, there are only 3 timing segments 52m, 82m, 41m JUMP
JUMP POINTS Power Factor 41 Meter Segment Adder Jump letter Select Cheating - Mapping wrong intentionally, but it doesn t work like they think. Cheating - Using unbalanced segments to enhance swing JUDGE does the system beep when the Tow PYLON is in line with the timing course entrance?
POWER FACTOR The Power Factor raises or lowers the Baseline speed. The lower the number the slower the boat enters the course. The Power Factor adjustment ranges from 0 to 15 At PF 9 the boat will enter the course at speed. PF > 9 boat will enter the course faster that set speed. PF < 9 boat will enter the course slower than set speed. For 5.7 Liter Boats start with PF of 6 or 7 For 6.0 Liter Boats start with PF of 4 or 5
POWER FACTOR HOWEVER!!!! PF is also influenced by the letter setting. With Letter "A" there is NO baseline speed depression. The boat will always enter the course at set speed - regardless of PF number AS the letter increases, the set baseline speed will be decreased (depressed) The HIGHER the Letter the more baseline speed is depressed for any given power factor Max baseline depression occurs with letter "T" at Power Factor 4 With Power Factor at 3 and below, baseline speed will NOT be further depressed - rather adjustment is made to the ramp rate for the letter
Power Factor Examples
41 Meter Segment ADDER Raises the speed in the 41 meter segment AS NEEDED - ONLY to compensate for lower powered boats Range is from 0 to 9 Start at 0 and raise as necessary to achieve actual times Will not lower the speed in the 41 meter segment. IF speed is too fast in 41 meter segment, adjustments need to be made to lower the letter or adjust the power factor
SHORTCUT - to get to JUMP LETTER screen PUSH & Hold SELECT button on the LETTER until the Letter Weight and Distance tool appears.
Jump Letter Charts are available for Officials
TRICKS
Background MENU What s all this STUFF in the BACKGROUND??? There are 4 Background Menus SCREEN SET MAP WHO
To get to BACKGROUND MENUs Press and HOLD
SCRN SET MAP WHO
SCREENS
TWO SCREENS RECREATIONAL mode TOURNAMENT mode Make certain the driver is using the TOURNAMENT screen. Pulling an event in RECREATIONAL mode for ANY reason is NOT permitted!
Examples of Tournament & Recreational Screens
Tournament > Slalom Example
Recreational > Slalom Example
Tournament > Jump Example
Recreational > Jump Example
Tournament > Trick Example
Recreational > Trick Example
Other SCREENS
SCREEN > Diagnostics ZO Software Version 102 R ZO Software Version 100 R GOOD no faults BAD 3 faults
SCREEN >Timing RECAP
SCREEN >Timing Recap > Slalom LATEST are the current times / LAST was the pass before LATEST (HINT always read LEFT to RIGHT)
SHORTCUT - TIMING RECAP Use SELECT button to highlight Diamond then use UP or DOWN button to toggle between Tournament, Timing, & Recreational screens
SET 2 screens - scroll down
SET > Jump Letter
SET > Jump Letter
SHORTCUT - JUMP LETTER PUSH & Hold SELECT button on the LETTER until the Letter Weight and Distance tool appears.
SET > Slalom Wait Timer
SET > Backlight / Contrast Screen Darker or Lighter?
SET > Volume Adjust
SET > METRIC or ENGLISH KPH or MPH?
SET > Time Zone
SET > River Mode Normally OFF With RIVER: ON DNRiver / UPRiver appears in TRICK provides speed adjustment compensation for water current.
SET > Additional Options KEY ENTRY not used other than to enter a # key to switch system over to a 3 Event system from Wakeboard and vice versa CAN Term: Normally OFF. In the ON position allows for the termination of an open CANBUS connection. PROP: 4 Blade or 3 Blade provides different settings when changing a propeller. ENGINE: Allows for initial setup choice of 5.7 Liter or 6 Liter (2 tries ONLY)
SET > TORM TORM = Throttle Over Ride Mode (Ability to apply additional throttle) 3 options: ALWAYS Driver can over ride system at any time OUTSIDE COURSE Driver can over ride system ONLY outside the course DISABLED Driver can NEVER over ride the system (limited to set speed)
SET > MAP With initialization all positions are Open and can me mapped as either slalom or jump. Select Live Course Mapping SELECT: SLALOM - 4 buoy, 6 buoy, or overlapping 8 buoy course. JUMP
MAP > Slalom Map slalom entrance and exit gate when the GPS pucks are in line with the gate buoys.
MAP > Jump Begin map when PYLON is at the entrance line to timing course 52 Meter (1 st segment) End map when PYLON is at the start of 41 Meter segment (3 rd segment)
MAP - Jump Map Map MAP @ PYLON
WHO Provides a way to preset a person s settings for reuse
Judge s Display A second display is only required for IWWF slalom and jump for Titled and Elite events. (IWWF rule 10.07)
World Titled Events
System shown as Off
Thank You Will Bush willbush@att.net Elk Grove, California USA +1 (916) 837-7464
Perfect Pass
Perfect Pass New Zbox -- A,B,C,1,2,3 with PerfectPass StarGazer system. Magnets are optional
Perfect Pass Can map up to 3 slalom courses
Perfect Pass MAP slalom course is mapped by idling thru (into) the entrance gate on each end