Chess Scotland Noticeboard

admin · Site Admin Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 1386

Where to start...

The system I am looking at is here http://digitalgametechnology.com/site/index.php/Tournament-Boards/caissa-system.html

The reason for this is simple (as anyone who has either seen us or used the boards), you have to run a network and understand network topology. It can be quite frustrating when things go wrong and you have to diagnose through a maze of cables. By using the Caissa system the idea is essentially drop and go (there is an element of setting up the software). Yes I know it is more expensive, however is it better to have 1 or 2 people knowing what to do or a system that can be taught to people to use that is relatively simple to set up?

The problem with the Bluetooth and USB boards is getting the power to them to power the board. With the serial set up, one of the lines on the network connects to an ac adaptor and it powers all the boards. With Caissa it is done with rechargable batteries. We have managed to use 5 usb boards in the past in the network by using a usb to rj45 convertor and powered hub but it is not easy.

The software now has a free licence for 50 boards which is a bonus as before you had to increase your board count.

So if someone was to have a board for us to use, it would need to be a serial board. The obvious problem with serial is most PC's nowerdays don't have a serial port...

If someone has a serial board, we would need to go out and get a system board module for it to let us use it on the network.

I have a discussion on Sensory boards pencilled into AOCB for tomorrow.

AMcHarg · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:28 am Post subject:

Some very interesting ideas. Smile

The vision Andy has for the sensory boards is excellent.

Perhaps a link on the home page of the website to Donate via Paypal is in order? Let me know and I'll stick it up tonight Andy.

George Murphy · Knight Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 19 Location: Cardross

Vlountary ‘top-slicing’ may be another way to go? Prize-winners agree to donate some of their winnings to an appropriate fund. Also, some customers of Chess Suppliers might be willing to waive their 5% discount for Chess Scotland membership. (Obviously, we’d need to clear that with Chess Suppliers first. We don’t want to damage their business.)

The administration could be effected on Chess Scotland's behalf by (1) the event organisers (use a co-optee if necessary) and (2) Chess Suppliers? Entry forms could be printed with a special invitation addressed to prize-winners?

Is all this pie-in-the sky and just unrealistic or worth thinking about ?

HughBrechin · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 10:10 am Post subject:

One-off levy on players rated below 1900.

AMcHarg · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 10:39 am Post subject:

HughBrechin · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 10:41 am Post subject:

I thought we were suggesting fundraising ideas Smile

Angus McDonald · King Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 162

I noticed the addition on Chess Scotland home page of a googles map of Chess Clubs in Scotland.

http://www.chessscotland.com/news/?p=197

Great information.

I think this highlights the incredible value for money government are getting out of their small grant to Chess Scotland.

With the assistance of the Central body (namely, Chess Scotland) all these chess clubs which represent hundreds of thousands of voluntary hours service each year to the community are encouraged and sustained.

If this kind of support i.e. website, grading system, Congress support and facilities provision was ever withdrawn those hundreds of thousands of hours of effort by volunteers to offer a pastime to adults and juniors alike would gradually disappear. imho

Take away worthwhile things to do and the result is people using what could be creative powers often in a destructive way.

i.e. Vandalism which costs the country scores of millions of pounds every year.

It's time to increase spending to support wholesome activities before soceity simply has no clubs to support pastimes left.

AMcHarg · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:37 am Post subject:

HughBrechin · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:46 am Post subject:

Typical Scottish cringe, penalising success...

AMcHarg · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:55 am Post subject:

Alex McFarlane · King Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 413

Not typical at all.

With a penny per point a true Scot would be pushing to introduce the ECF grading system here!!

There we are a link to the south.

HughBrechin · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 12:02 pm Post subject:

The problem with you, Andrew, is that you just don't get aspiration.

Careful Alex, you're threatening to divert this thread back on topic.

AMcHarg · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 12:02 pm Post subject:

We could just hire some pick-pockets to stand at the entry doors of the next Edinburgh Congress and pay them 5 Jelly Babies per hour, plus a bonus if they get Hugh's wallet. That would generate some money.

HughBrechin · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 12:04 pm Post subject:

If this sort of policy keeps being discussed then I'm going to defect to Switzerland or somewhere.

AMcHarg · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 12:04 pm Post subject:

I do Hugh, I just don't get why you would have your levy for people under 1900 only? Surely unfair? My response was not a serious suggestion. Very Happy