[RCSE] Hi-starts and lessons learned
Greetings all; Well I've mentioned this story several times before and I think it is worth repeating. In my youth, 30 some odd years ago I was much more active in flying than I am today. 99% of my flying was done off of hi-starts. One of my all time favorites was a glider called a J J Industries American Eagle. It was a 100 2 channel ship. Well early on, back in those days I'd mount the RX power switch on the outside of the fuse. Not thinking I mounted the switch so it slid forward (to the nose) to turn it on. Well, not paying attention my dad is holding the plane ready to launch. He is gripping the plane with two hands, one in front (in front of the switch) and one hand behind the trailing edge. I'm standing behind the airplane; wiggle the sticks to insure everything is working properly, which it was. I tell my dad to launch, to which he gives the glider a toss and inadvertently sliding his hand along side the nose shutting off the RX. Well there was my glider, now a free-flight headed up the hi-start. The two of us watched a perfect launch. The plane left the line and worked a number of thermals. It was the best flight I'd ever seen this glider ever make! After about 30 minutes the glider started making it descent. It proceeded to fly into a housing development full of VERY LARGE PICTURE WINDOWS!!! Well luck would have it the plane came in and landed into a bunch of rose bushes up along side a fence. I had to get past a very angry dog to retrieve my plane. There was some minor damage that had to be fixed as well as turning the switch around so I wouldn't repeat that again. Lessons learned.. but ya know, that is what makes this hobby great! It is the journey through the years of good and bad times and being able to share the experiences with all. Maybe I'll share an experience I had with an Aquila Grande I built a number of years back Until then, for those guys on the East Coast, enjoy this lovely flying weather. Kurt RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. Email sent from web based email such as Hotmail and AOL are generally NOT in text format
[RCSE] Hi-starts
I have been chuckling over the high start mishaps that have been posted after this thread was started. I think that I have seen similar events to many of those reported. I remember one contest where my flying buddy's beautiful 2M Sagitta was dragged to death after a high speed stall on launch. Pieces flew all over the place. If you have seen one of Carl Mohs' planes, you know what an excellent job he does on them. Yes, high starts are unforgiving! I can remember one of the (too many) instances where I launched only to find out the receiver wasn't turned on. On one occasion, my Sagitta 900 did that partial rainbow in the sky until it inexplicably came off of the tow ring on the downward leg. It gained speed in a dive, leveled off at treetop level and headed downwind towards the tree line behind us. There was an awful racket as the balsa and Monokote creation made its way throught the upper tree branches at high speed. It then exited on the other side of the trees...into a weed patch of briars, thistles, nettles, wild raspberries, and high grass. Four of us looked for about 15 minutes before Brian Andreas climbed a tree and looking down spotted it for me. It actually was resurrected and still flies in RES for me now. The one mishap that I haven't seen in this thread was the damage that can be done by stretched monofilament line. In the early days of F3J we were experimenting with light monofilament line (replacing our original braided nylon). In one instance I stretched the line in the usual way before raising the leg to signal release. Just then the line broke and I received a high speed facefull of monofilament and had stripes all over my face for some time. I wonder if those flying F3J have any monofilament stories to contribute. Al RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. Email sent from web based email such as Hotmail and AOL are generally NOT in text format
[RCSE] Hi-starts
At a contest some 25 years ago a thunderstorm blew in which caused us suspend flying. After the storm passed and the skies cleared we decided to resume the contest. As one hi start was being stretched for a launch and a second had a bird on the way up there was a lightning strike in the woods about a 1000 feet away destroying a dead tree. The guy pulling the hi start back let go of it with a yell. He later said it was a shocking experience. The plane on the way up rolled over and crashed. When we examined the plane we found that the radio was dead. Opening the receiver case revealed a lot of fried components. Needless to say, the contest was called off. Fred RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. Email sent from web based email such as Hotmail and AOL are generally NOT in text format
Re: [RCSE] hi-starts
Mark is right. A smooth shaft, I used aluminum, holds the best. The end is the only thing to be careful about. Chaffing is the only thing to worry about. I also used wood dowels but the AL was better. Yes the Hobby Lobby connectors that I've tried are cute little things. BUT, when I tried them they would let the tubing slip off beyond 2X stretch. Completely unacceptable. Bill Swingle RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
[RCSE] hi starts and more!
I recently posted two requests for info to this list. My request for info about Hi-starts for large planes was met with lots of good suggestions and advice. Many thanks to all who responded. My request for info about a Tx that included a synthesizer, multi point programming and Hitec/Futaba shift brought froth only a couple of comments, for which I appreciate but there seems to be a hole in the equipment availability out there. I hope folks who are involved with hardware development are listening. Thanks to all who replied! :-)) Bill -- Possibility is the secret heart of time. John O'Donohue Bill Johns Cheryl Greenstreet Colton, WA RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
Re: [RCSE] hi-starts
I need landing practise. I've been to a couple of contests where some fliers bring out hi-starts to get a 3-4 m, full-house plane up high enough to shoot a landing in a reasonable manner. The hi-start is not stretched very far and doesn't have all that much line on it, but for this application a great launch is not needed. What weight tubing is used for such applications? Some people like to use the unlimited mini-start for this application, but I recommend my standard 1/2 catapult bungee. It's usable tension range is from about 15 to 40lbs. depending on stretch and it will easily launch an open class glider to 100ft. plus with no line. I always recommend at least 25ft. of line just to put you out of the danger range if something lets go! Some people like to use a tape on hook mounted a couple inches forward of the standard hook so the launch becomes a catapult rather than a kite- like histart launch. This method is great for composite planes (glass/foam or molded), I would be reluctant to try it on a built up like an Ava. If you are flying a built up, stick with the normal hook position and use 20' to 50' of line depending on the desired launch height. It will still act as a catapult and really accelerate the plane. If you are flying any plane that can't take a full pedal winch launch, stick to a ministart, the standard bungee will re-kit your plane. Shameless plug: It is all here: http://www.aerofoam.com/hosemonster.html Mark Mech www.aerofoam.com RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
[RCSE] hi-starts
Greetings! I need landing practise. I've been to a couple of contests where some fliers bring out hi-starts to get a 3-4 m, full-house plane up high enough to shoot a landing in a reasonable manner. The hi-start is not stretched very far and doesn't have all that much line on it, but for this application a great launch is not needed. What weight tubing is used for such applications? Can anyone point me at a vendor? Thanks, Bill -- Possibility is the secret heart of time. John O'Donohue Bill Johns Cheryl Greenstreet Colton, WA RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
Re: [RCSE] hi-starts
Bill: Ray Hayes (Skybench) has just what you are looking for I think. Ed Jett Marion, MS - Original Message - From: Cheryl and Bill [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, October 03, 2004 7:29 PM Subject: [RCSE] hi-starts Greetings! I need landing practise. I've been to a couple of contests where some fliers bring out hi-starts to get a 3-4 m, full-house plane up high enough to shoot a landing in a reasonable manner. The hi-start is not stretched very far and doesn't have all that much line on it, but for this application a great launch is not needed. What weight tubing is used for such applications? Can anyone point me at a vendor? Thanks, Bill -- Possibility is the secret heart of time. John O'Donohue Bill Johns Cheryl Greenstreet Colton, WA RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
Re: [RCSE] hi-starts
And don't overlook Don Richmond, He sells a nice unit too. www.hilaunch.com Ed Jett wrote: Bill: Ray Hayes (Skybench) has just what you are looking for I think. Ed Jett Marion, MS - Original Message - From: Cheryl and Bill [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, October 03, 2004 7:29 PM Subject: [RCSE] hi-starts Greetings! I need landing practise. I've been to a couple of contests where some fliers bring out hi-starts to get a 3-4 m, full-house plane up high enough to shoot a landing in a reasonable manner. The hi-start is not stretched very far and doesn't have all that much line on it, but for this application a great launch is not needed. What weight tubing is used for such applications? Can anyone point me at a vendor? Thanks, Bill -- Possibility is the secret heart of time. John O'Donohue Bill Johns Cheryl Greenstreet Colton, WA RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. -- Jeff Steifel RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
Re: [RCSE] hi-starts
See also http://aerofoam.com/. Good Lift!
Re: [RCSE] hi starts are a mistake
I suggest a heavy duty from the git-go. I have an older Waco heavy duty that launches two meters up.. It's even launched a 90 oz. Adante, not pretty or steep launch, but it did go up. Wow, I thought I was the only one with an Adante still in my hangar. It needs repairs, but thanks to DC Hobby it will fly again :) -- Andrew E. Mileski RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [RCSE] hi starts are a mistake- Which Highstart I use
In a message dated 12/24/00 2:22:06 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Which of the Hollyday tubing did you use? It sounds like exactly what I want. I use the Hollyday Designs 3M standard tubing. Its one step below their heavy duty stuff. It is by far the greatest high start tubing I have ever used or seen. When I purchased it I thought all the stuff they said on their site was simply advertising, but I am convinced. I have launched my 134" (80 oz) Lovesong, 134" (75 oz) Core One (likes lots of tension!), and my 4 meter (70oz) Algebra 4 meter. These planes are the limit of the design specs Hollyday puts forth, but I would feel comfortable with even a little bit more plane on the line. I would not use it for any light two meter. I do not have any stock or business relations with the company, other than being a very happy customer. http://www.hollyday.com/ Kristopher Harig RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [RCSE] hi starts are a mistake
I think hi starts are fine for an easy and cheap way to launch. But beware if using one (especially a gorilla hi start) and you need to abort a launch due to a problem w/plane or radio. I have lost a plane or two because of this and no longer use a hi start and never will again. -Original Message- From: Richard Hallett [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, December 24, 2000 11:02 AM Subject: [RCSE] hi starts are a mistake We all know hi starts are normally inadequate for the job. To maximize launch you need it augmented with the breeze in your face. This means you learn to wait for the breeze after the lull. This means you are literally waiting for the thermal to pass and the prevailing breeze is augmented by the trail of the thermal. So I have the boost for the launch just in time to catch the down air the sink air on the other side. Further we have the idea that a certain size glider takes a certain size hi start. It does not. It takes a size balanced according to the breeze blowing in your face. So if you have a strong glider you lower the strength of the hi start as the wind picks up so that you can lift it and stretch it vertically at the top in the air. You can stretch it till it is longer at the top than when you started . If your glider can stand it you can now go for a zoom launch. The parachute will literally open with a bang as you throw it and continue merrily on its way. Both scenarios should be considered wrong. In the first you should have been launching at the beginning or during the lull to be launching while the thermal was over you and in the second you needed a variable launch since most people will not get away with the scene that was described. I have broken more wings on hi starts than on winches this way. On winches you can back off but numerous times I should have and did not. My premise don't waste your money on a hi start instead get a winch and you will go further sooner. Rick RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [RCSE] hi starts are a mistake
Walt, the Winch Doc and others put out some good winches but you really need to see Tim's McCann's winch kit. I've built two. The drum is a jewel, the rest is just wonderful machine work. No welding required. An average man can figure out the wiring and it is not hard to have a winch ready to go in less than 2 day. For $225 it's the best deal going. Go here Carl SVSS A HREF="http://www.alltel.net/~tmccann"Tim McCann's Soaring Products/A RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
