Weather Routing fix (version 1.81 beta)

[omar]

This release is to fix software instability and
possible failure when using the Weather Routing Plug-In.
I should have listened to my 5th grade teacher when she said:
"recursion is bad. recursion is evil. Stay away from it "

Previous vrtool Weather Routing calculation
used recursive algorithm to create the route tree.
This worked here in my 128 core superduper computer,
but many users reported problems with the thing.
The new version uses a non-recursive WR algorithm,
so it is hopefully better.

Version 1.81 (trial) is available in zip format:
http://www.tecepe.com.br/nav/vrtool/vrtool.zip
Download and unzip in \{program files}\vrtool directory.

Please report test results to me (via forum Private Message
or post to this forum - if you feel like sharing).

[Neptune]

I was hoping this would fix the problem I have running the weather routing with Windows Vista Home Premium, Service Pack 2 ( Upgrade Windows Vista )
It did not. The screen freezes as soon as I hit the "Build track tree " other wise the other features are OK.
The PC uses Genuine Intel CPU 2140 @ 1.6oGHz, 1.00 GB of Ram.
I don't have any problem running V 1.80 or the new V 1.81 with Windows XP
Hope you can find a solution
Regards

[omar]

The screen freezes as soon as I hit the "Build track tree "

Note that sometimes Vista reports an application to be freezed while it is not.
This is probably my fault, for the long WR calculation is running on the main
program thread. It should be on a separated thread, to let the application be
responsive while calculating. This must be improved.

You could try to turn off OS application "monitoring" (such as UAC).
Running as administrator could also help. Not sure.

You can try these WR configs:
- [x] Auto prune is mandatory !
- Bring the destination closer to start
- Use 1 hour isochrones instead of 3
- Uncheck "[] Add branches at isochrone points"
- Lower the "Up to isochone" number (to 24 or 36 hs)
- Lower the "number of branches" at each node to 11.
- If you decide to click [Cancel] do it only once (it takes a while)

I'm testing on a netbook similar to your computer (1 GB Atom)
This is a heavy calculation for these machines, but works (running XP).

Tricky thing, i know... This module has a lot of settings
and gives the user great many ways to screw up...
Just like in a real world regatta..

[newsailor]

the first time that i used the wether routin with ver 1.8
worked good .... than not more

now i tested the 1,81 ver ... dont work ..
the messae is :
Building track tree..
----
isochrone=8
Access violation at address 00401F3F in module 'VRTool.exe'. Write of address 03525335
----
calculation finished
calc time= 0.00 sec
max recursion=0
LGC dist= 94.2 NM
shortest= 0.0 NM
longest= 0.0 NM
points=7
successfull tracks=1
best time= 0d 07.22.22

[newsailor]

another problem is:
oft came this message
"regatta host empty"
is the same problem ?

[Neptune]

The screen freezes as soon as I hit the "Build track tree "

Note that sometimes Vista reports an application to be freezed while it is not.
This is probably my fault, for the long WR calculation is running on the main

I tried the setting suggested I get a message " Access violation at address 00402298 in module "VRTool.exe". Write of address 00ec010F"

[HoopdeDoo]

Similar to others the weather routing tool initially worked but then began to freeze my computer. I also noticed that my draw tools (track and route) do not work in winds below 5.9kts (they do above 7kts and right now I can't check between 6-7kts). At those wind speeds VRtool reflects a boat speed of 0kts. Since I am sailing through low velocity winds at present, I suspect the two issues are related. I am operating on Windows XP Pro Service Pack 3. HP Pentium 4 CPU 3.2GHz Laptop. Interesting and entertaining software though.

[HoopdeDoo]

FYI Update: I am now in 20knt winds and weather routing is laying out a route, although one of them directed me through a land mass. It may be possible wind speeds are a factor in the calculation.

[omar]

..directed me through a land mass

There is NO land collision detection in vrtool weather routing.
Ignore those car tracks...

[Neptune]

Started to have problems with this version in the last 2 days on Windows XP. Never worked on Vista for me.
Went back to V 180.00 and they went away.