Here's another approach toward the same goal that I've put together:
http://livinginparadise.info/Zezo-VRTools.htmlThis will read your current position from the same import files that VRTools uses. It uses that data along with the other options settings on the page to request a customized map from Zezo. You can set all the options available in Zezo (Winds forecast, Zoom Scale, # of Days, Pro Sails, Avoid Tacks & even the desired destination) in the spreadsheet before you request the map. Once the data is extracted and the map is displayed (or not if you don't want it displayed), the Windows Clipboard will be pre-loaded with the necessary info for VRTools to create the new track. Just switch to the VRTools window, click Paste New... on the Tracks tab and you will have the Zezo track in VRTools. The spreadsheet also lists in tabular form the individual data points with all the detail (Time, Heading, Boat Speed, Wind Speed & Direction, TWA & Distances from the beginning of the track and to the destination). The Red(ish) areas are where data can be entered or changed, the other areas are locked. If you need to unprotect it for come reason, there is no password (it's empty).
Quick Instructions:
- Assuming:
- You have the FireFox import process configured and working.
- Initial Setup:
- Copy and Paste the Cache Path from the FireFox Import window into the Cache Path area on the spreadsheet.
- Click in the Race: box and open the dropdown to select the race you are running.
- Check (or un-check) the Pro Sails.
- Select the button next to Current Destination and enter in the Latitude (top box [- for S]) & Longitude (bottom box [- for W]) in degress and decimal minutes (it will be converted to decimals degrees for Zezo).
- Usage:
- Select the desired Scale from the dropdown.
- Select the desired # of Days from the dropdown.
- Select the desired Wind Forecast from the dropdown.
- Set the Avoid Tacks and Show Chart boxes as desired.
- Click the Zezo Extract button.
- Paste the data into VRTools (it's already on the Clipboard)
Extra Credit:
The Proposed Position and Proposed Destination entries can be used to get a customized map from a postion OTHER than your current postion (maybe for the next leg after a significant heading change?). Just click the button next to Proposed Destination (the grey area will move up to the Current Postion entry area allowing you to enter the Proposed Postion and Destination. From there it works the same as before, check the other settings, click Zezo Extract and Paste into VRTools.
I put this together to save myself some time and because I enjoy a challenge. I hope you use and enjoy it...
*** NOTE: This spreadsheet was created with Microsoft Office 2010 and then saved in the Excel 97-2003 format since more people are likely to have that version. If something doesn't work, let me know & I'll see if I can change it to work correctly in this version.
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:11 pm
