[Paddlewise] Electronic paddle - was bracing and power

Peter wrote
>We talked about this kind of paddle abut five years ago and the role of
gyroscopic measurement 
>as well as three axis accelerometers. It looks as if the Talon software has
come a long way since then. 
>A paddle restricted to just accelerometers would probably require a double
integration in three axes 
>to solve the relevant equations and consequently a deal of calibration and
the data could be quite noisy. 
>Hence the potential for gyroscopic measurement. These transducers are now
small enough and with fast 
>enough response times to be used in this application and I suspect they
have been incorporated. Its a 
>topic Andrew Eddy (an erstwhile Paddlewiser) and I have been discussing at
some length as the techniques 
>involved are similar to some that we use in vibration testing of
transportation systems. 
 
>Margi at Canberra University is likely also working with the Australian
Institute of Sport who train 
>athletes for the Olympics. As its a locally built product I'll try
contacting her and see if I can get 
>some feedback for Paddlewise and my own interest in the algorithms used.



G'day Matt, Richard and Paddle wise,

Talon Technology, the manufacturers of the kayak data acquisition paddle,
are located fairly close to Stiffies, where I store a boat, so I gave them a
call. We talked briefly about the issues of measuring blade trajectory as
well as rotation and they have gone some way towards this with their kayak
paddle, using three axis accelerometers. However, they thought there would
be some difficulty in measuring kayak paddle sweep strokes with the present
system. If I've understood correctly it looks as if the paddle is good for
analysing racing paddle strokes as intended, including paddle blade angles
in the water, but not adequate yet for analysing rolls, sculling or sweep
strokes. However, Talon do have an experimental version embedded in their
rowing oars, which is not only fitted with accelerometers but also gyro's
and magnetometers. This shows promise, to me at any rate, for being adapted
to analysing kayak paddle movement during rolling, bracing, sweeping etc and
they seemed quite interested in the ideas Andrew Eddy and I were discussing.
We will visit them in the next few days to see if these ideas make sense and
how they might be developed further. Their paddles can be readily configured
to supply the raw data from the transducers so it might be a viable
proposition to get a special made with gyro and magnetometers fitted, for
kayaking applications beyond forward stroke.

As anticipated Talon's collaborators are working with the Australian
Institute of Sport. Richard Smith at Sydney University is also carrying out
research in this area, while Margi Bohm of Canberra University wrote the
review in the 'Canoe and Kayak Racing' Magazine.

I for one will look forward to Matt's formal analysis and review, and to
talking with Talon engineers about how the paddle might be developed
further. 

All the best, PeterO
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************