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PVC Pedal Launcher Question

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propbuster2 - 20 Oct 2003 16:38 GMT
I'm in the process of building a PVC pedal launcher
(http://www.yourzagi.com/launcher/index.htm and several other sites)
for my Trick R/C Razor.  None of the articles I've read mention where
to attach the hook on the airplane --  Nose, GG, etc?  Any
recommendations from anyone that has built and used one of these
launchers would be appreciated.
The Natural Philosopher - 20 Oct 2003 17:13 GMT
> I'm in the process of building a PVC pedal launcher
> (http://www.yourzagi.com/launcher/index.htm and several other sites)
> for my Trick R/C Razor.  None of the articles I've read mention where
> to attach the hook on the airplane --  Nose, GG, etc?  Any
> recommendations from anyone that has built and used one of these
> launchers would be appreciated.

If its to bungee launch for speed (jets etc), then well forward is the rule.
Gliders on bungee need a softer launch, and a more rearward - maybe
towards CG.
Normen Strobel - 20 Oct 2003 19:17 GMT
For my ducted fan T-33, I had it about 2" in front of the CG.  If you move
it further back, you will gain more altitude.  Since really all I wanted it
to do was get it up to speed, I didn't need the altitude.  You can see my
version of the pedal launcher here:
http://vcrcredirect.no-ip.com:8082/videos/T33-Pedal-Launch.wmv

Signature

Normen Strobel
nstrobel@zoominternet.nospam.net

> I'm in the process of building a PVC pedal launcher
> (http://www.yourzagi.com/launcher/index.htm and several other sites)
> for my Trick R/C Razor.  None of the articles I've read mention where
> to attach the hook on the airplane --  Nose, GG, etc?  Any
> recommendations from anyone that has built and used one of these
> launchers would be appreciated.
astroflyer - 22 Oct 2003 18:21 GMT
>For my ducted fan T-33, I had it about 2" in front of the CG.  If you move
>it further back, you will gain more altitude.  Since really all I wanted it
>to do was get it up to speed, I didn't need the altitude.  You can see my
>version of the pedal launcher here:
>http://vcrcredirect.no-ip.com:8082/videos/T33-Pedal-Launch.wmv

Nice loking model Norm.  What motor/fan/battery combo are you using
here? getting kinda interested in doing a ducted fan electric.

cheers
astroflyer

park flyer plans
www.eastwindmodels.com
Normen Strobel - 22 Oct 2003 19:20 GMT
This is the Kyosho T-33, with the stock motor and fan.  Not bad for $109.  I
was using an 8cell 2400mah battery pack.  In hind sight I would recommend
going to a lighter pack, maybe a 1700mah pack.  I later upgraded the speed
600 motor with an Astroflight brushless using the same pack.  It got a lot
longer flying time and could fly in stronger winds.  Unfortunatley I don't
think they make the model anymore, you might be able to find one on ebay.

Signature

Normen Strobel
nstrobel@zoominternet.nospam.net

> >For my ducted fan T-33, I had it about 2" in front of the CG.  If you move
> >it further back, you will gain more altitude.  Since really all I wanted it
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> park flyer plans
> www.eastwindmodels.com
Pé Reivers - 21 Oct 2003 19:07 GMT
Did anyone use this launcher for glow engines? I am trying to build
something to launch my RC combat planes.

Signature

Rgds,

From Arcen, South-East in the Netherlands
preivers
@
mvvs-nl.com
http://mvvs-nl.com/
www.prme.nl

> I'm in the process of building a PVC pedal launcher
> (http://www.yourzagi.com/launcher/index.htm and several other sites)
> for my Trick R/C Razor.  None of the articles I've read mention where
> to attach the hook on the airplane --  Nose, GG, etc?  Any
> recommendations from anyone that has built and used one of these
> launchers would be appreciated.
A.T. - 21 Oct 2003 20:08 GMT
Catapults are regularly used in launching combat models.

refer to   http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong/
scroll to
Catapults, Bungees & Winches =

Bungee Launcher & catapult Illustrations - email Alan for Jpegs.
Bungymania *****
Catapult - several shown under "Tips,Tricks, Reviews"
Dynaflite Hi-Starts
Electric winch (12V) - email Alan for Jpeg of winch & turnaround plans.
High Starts and Parachutes
Histart products and supplies, Dream Catcher Hobby Inc.
LiteFlite Engineering
Northeast Sailplane Products -- Winch Stuff
The Easimore Launching System
Winch NZ

or email me direct for a 1.12mb file showing launch systems collated over
past few years.
Diagrams for drop off u/c also available if you prefer to use a drop off
dolly.
regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC  Web Links
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong/
..............................................................

> Did anyone use this launcher for glow engines? I am trying to build
> something to launch my RC combat planes.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> > recommendations from anyone that has built and used one of these
> > launchers would be appreciated.
Normen Strobel - 21 Oct 2003 20:42 GMT
As long as the propellor is in the back, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Signature

Normen Strobel
nstrobel@zoominternet.nospam.net

> Did anyone use this launcher for glow engines? I am trying to build
> something to launch my RC combat planes.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> > recommendations from anyone that has built and used one of these
> > launchers would be appreciated.
Mathew Kirsch - 22 Oct 2003 15:47 GMT
> Did anyone use this launcher for glow engines? I am trying to build
> something to launch my RC combat planes.

The main problem with pedal launchers is that the bungee extendes
straight out in front of the plane. This is fine for pushers where the
prop won't interfere, fine for electrics because you can launch then
start the motor after it's clear, and fine for ducted fan planes
because they don't have a propeller. Glow engines need to be running
before launch, and the prop's gonna chop the bungee in half.

I was going to build a true catapult, but discovered that our 1/12
scale and Open B combat planes over here in the US are so overpowered
that they don't need the extra boost from a catapult. All that's
necessary is a gentle underhand toss.

Pe, don't you sell MVVS engines? Those are some pretty screamin'
engines. They ought to be able to yank the planes straight up and
away.
Pé Reivers - 04 Nov 2003 22:20 GMT
Yes, they do, once running. In fact, I have a problem keeping the Ki 61
plane speed down to suit my reaction times.

Yet the start procedure is quite hectic, and though the MVVS as I use it
starts immediately, it takes some sweet time to gather steam. (no nitro) I
may try to tune the engine with 15% nitro to get it going faster.
Within our rules with a le-mans start, (run, start engine, get it to rev up,
toss), those are valuable seconds taken off the flight duration.
With a bungee launch My reconing is as follows.
- warm up engine with plane on the dolly. (batteries + switch on dolly)
- at readiness call, lock dolly in place, turn on transmitter, put throttle
at 1/2, walk out the bungee.
- wait for start whistle behind readiness line
- at start, helper runs to plane, throws the glow switch and starts, I grab
transmitter and stomp on the bungee pedal as soon as the assistant is clear
of dolly.
- the plane launches, and has glow assist whilst on the dolly. Glow
disconnects when the plane pulls the plug by itself at the end of the
stroke.
- If my launch is quick, I zoom around back along the starting grid, and
steal a streamer or two from those wretched pilots that are too slow. (in
theory) I may mid-air, and loose the fight though, if my plane picks up too
much speed and makes precice maneuvering difficult

Signature

Rgds,

From Arcen, South-East in the Netherlands
preivers
@
mvvs-nl.com
http://mvvs-nl.com/
www.prme.nl

> > Did anyone use this launcher for glow engines? I am trying to build
> > something to launch my RC combat planes.
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> engines. They ought to be able to yank the planes straight up and
> away.
 
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