**RCSD index ** <= free download, for DOS/WINDOWS
** Visit R/C Soaring Digest Home Page**
There are two basic parts, QPOLARS and PCSOAR. QPOLARS allows
you to examine the information in the airfoil Lift to Drag files,
plot this data to the screen, or direct it to your printer. An
on-line help is part of QPOLARS and describes the functioning of
the program and the how to get around in PC-Soar.
PCSOAR evaluates and compares different models or variations of
the same model. Five models can be loaded at one time. The
performance of up to four models can be compared at one time on
the screen. This speed and ease allows one to compare models
quickly and to educate oneself as to what factors are going to
improve a model's performance most. The Modify feature on the
main menu allows one to change the dimensions, weight or airfoil
of a model and examine the changes. This process would take hours
using a calculator and those who have done it "the old
fashion way" will certainly love the speed with which these
changes are evaluated. It's not magic; it's the scientific way to
make comparisons.
Options are selected from menu screens and windows using the
cursor keys or typing the number of the selection. The software
was written by Lee Murray and enhanced by professional programmer
Dan Rynearson with guidance from Alan Halleck, a well known West
Coast modeler. LJM Associates performance analysis software has
previously been judged the most sophisticated by RC Modeler
magazine. Modelers report excellent correlation to their
experiences in thermaling and slope soaring. Satisfaction is
guaranteed.
Flight Performance Analysis Features include sinking rate and
lift to drag (L/D) which are plotted vs flying speed for up to
four models at one time with color coding for identity. The data
is available in tabular form for each model being compared.
Tables of best L/D rate and best flying speed for each model
being compared are also displayed to the screen and easily
printed with the key. Models in the library and those modified or
created by the modeler are easily compared making it a snap to
improve the performance your next creation or to choose your next
kit with intelligent comparisons.
Inputs are those easily measured on your model and include
dimensions of the wing, stabilizers and fuselage, the airfoil
selection, and weight as well as empirical additions to drag.
Airfoil data is provided with 16 airfoils in the basic package
and over 200 in the airfoil library option. These polars are from
Princeton and UIUC wind tunnel test by Dr. Selig and associates
as well as Althaus. Theoretical polars are also included from
Selig, Eppler, Quabeck, and others. Six models are provided in
the basic program while the optional sailplane library includes
over 50. Model sizes vary from hand launch models to X-Country
models. Performance levels vary from a modified Gentle Lady to
F3B designs.
Stability indices predict how stable a particular design will be
in yaw, pitch and roll. Factors known as HVTC, LSF, VTVC, LDSF
(SIF), CG location and Neutral Point are computed and discussed
in the supporting information. Guidelines are provided to help
interpret the program output. Suggested limits are provided for
center of gravity and a suggested dihedral angle for rudder
steered sailplanes. The dihedral equivalent of a polyhedral wing
platform is also computed. Multiple taper wings are indirectly
supported by directions on how to adjust the correction factors
for area which are part of every models description.
PC-Soar is a DOS based program. Version 3.5 and above are
compatible with versions up to 6.22, and can be run in Windows
3.1, 95, 98 and NT. (There is no report on Windows 2000 or ME)
When run from windows, you may use print screen key and
clipboard to place into PC-Paintbrush or similar graphics
program. Accessory programs are listed which will produce graphic
screens on a wide range of printers. Text printing is easily
performed using the "Print Screen" key. PC-Soar
including libraries is freware and can be downloaded from this
site.
PC-Soar has been used to create Dave Beck's Solar Solitude which has set world records for altitude (pending record) and distance in a straight line. Many other users have created winning models.
**PCS-freeware.ZIP ** <= free download, for DOS/WINDOWS
LJM Associates
1300 N Bay Ridge Rd.
Appleton WI 54915
Site by Jim Murray web design:
**Webmaster ^**