40 years ago we had no choice, hi start or winches. Hi start was the norm for weekend flying. I had a much more powerful hi start. At full stretch I could hardly hang on. In fact, sometimes an assistant was necessary. The wings would bend so much it was worrisome. It was awesome.
I fly both types of gliders - motor-powered and bungee "powered". Indeed, flying with a motor is less hassle and you can get the glider really high at no time, but there is some special thrill (magic if you want) in launching a glider with a bungee - -it rises up fast but gently at the same time - a rare form of balance, which exists only in nature (birds). I even enjoy the bungee set-up process more than playing with the batteries. The modern world, however, is all about convenience.
Used to fly at the Delyn model flying club in early 90s here in Wales. The singing kettle field (named after a nearby pub) had a noise restriction after 1pm. So before 1pm it was powered flight. After 1pm. The gliders would come out and the bungee. I used to take my os max.25 powered 3 channel Yamamoto trainer up at 12:50. Fly power till the my digital watch would beep. Then cut the throttle and glide. In summer with decent thermal I managed a 45 minute flight. Began to worry the reciever battery pack on the old futaba set was going to give out and so brought her down. We laid back in the tall grass. Me and instructor just single stick flying. Was a hell of a flight. The gliders came out to join me but for some reason I found lift they didn't. And most were on their second or third launch by the time my I structor Paul. Said.. better bring her in.. good times. High starts are still a handy tool in the right spot. A parachute is very good to help you find the line between launches. Safer too as slows the lines decent if you do happen to have walkers around. And if you accidentally let the line go whilst hooking up the parachute will open and slow the recoil across the ground.
Eres un dios amigo! explicas todo tan bien,detallado y al grano! y tu ingles es muy fluido, de hecho me gusta mas este estilo gringo, te hace ver mas profesional! saludos!
I've been doing it for 45 years. Good exercise! The new F3-RES /F3L contest class uses only hi-starts: 15 metres rubber, 100 metres line, < 4 kg pull when rubber extended to 45 m. That's quite a pull for 2 metre wooden gliders weighing typically 400 g, but hi-starts are much gentler and safer than winches. Note that the rubber is either latex or silicon tubing, typically available from medical or fitness equipment suppliers. For sport flying, the rubber can be extended to ~ 3 - 4 times its relaxed length (e.g. walk 50 paces from relaxed for rubber 15 paces long when relaxed). A hi-start is decidedly better in some wind (less extension then needed). A larger spool makes it easier to lay out and roll up the line and rubber together, rubber over line. Kept in a bag in a dark place, a hi-start can last many years. Beware of kids trying to steal one at the flying field ... I lost one that way at the Pasadena Rose Bowl many years ago.
I used to 'bungee' lightweight gliders as my main hobby. I gave up because I lost the use of the field and flying in a public place caused problems. People tripping on the line, general safety. Now I have motor gliders, it's not the same.
Very good video! Your content is always very informative! I just bought an old style towline glider with the thoughts of adding a folding prop and battery, but not 100% sure where to start. It’s heavy with loads of old lead weights, so taking a big battery and motor should not be an issue, I think, but converting it… Well that’s the next project. If you have any pointers, I’d appreciate it! Keep up the good work!
I thought the glider club I joined was using bungee but they use the pulley cable system used on real gliders. Most of the guys use electric assist propeller gliders. The Exion glider is no longer available, thats too bad. I really liked the quality. Most gliders now are foam. Custom built gliders can cost a fortune.
I like it, but I do believe the concept of a glider should be as light as possible. Not adding weight but another design could give you much more time to fly.
Exactly. A true glider was never designed for an electric motor and does affect lift and balance if you add a motor. You can still fly, you will notice a big difference in how long it stays up un- powered and how the balance needs to be changed because of weight. This in turn affects loft.
A few weeks ago, I was hit by the propeller on a flying wing I was hand launching. Now I use a peddle operated bungee and launch ramp. It works perfectly every time. So I would say that bungee launch systems are still relevant. Here is a link to a short video if you would like to see it. th-cam.com/video/q_pTwPabEKE/w-d-xo.html
That's the trouble with flying wing pushers, which otherwise are ideal for FPV. Flight control software (eg. INAV) now has a launch setting which turns on the motor after you have thrown the model. The other common solution is a discus launch, but that can be a bit hairy.
I have jury rigged a hi-start system to a non-RC foam glider, the wings fold up worryingly. I am wondering if the parachute is used to slow down the launch speeds so the glider is less in danger of snapping a wing on launch.
The parachute does not open until after release from the glider. It slows the decent of the line and makes it easier to find the end of the line for the next flight.
Hi you are using the wrong size jelly rubber, too small, the one we use is 5/8 hollow with dowels inside to take the line and attach rings thats 20 metres and 120 meters of fishing line , a mig welder empty reel with handles to wide the fishing line on, the jelly rubber was put in a large container and lid with powder. (baby powder is no good) (use chalk line powder) GILDER BUILDER AND FLYER FROM THE 1980S to 2023
Unlike a glow-engine it worked first pull every time. There is lost technique to wind up line and tubing that does not tangle ! Back in those days one was out of the car into the air in under ten minutes; the end close to the airplane has a large steamer or parachute so it drifts down to the starting point. Seems a lot “tech” has been lost - I like glow engines and Electric but elastic work first pull every time. No fuss or muss !!!! LOL!!!!
Now days they have real gliders with popup motor assist. Its good for staying up longer so nothing wrong with powered. Generally, once you find thermals, you don't use the motor on RC planes. I can stay up for a lot longer now being able to relocate to better thermals. Its not a crutch, it's a tool.
You're right, but there are places where it's the only way to get into good lift. I fly gliders with the smallest possible motors that will get them out into the big air. I'm on a mountain with awesome lift but terrible launches that require busting through rotors and sink, with no room for a high start. I've tried high starts around here before but there's nowhere to set up. I'm looking for some kind of bungee solution that's shorter than a high start but would provide enough kick to clear the bad air. For now though i can motor through the dirty air for about 30 seconds and stay up pretty much all day, i've done over 4 hour flights before with about 30-60 seconds of powered flight.
Two minutes in and I won't finish. search was for a GUIDE to bungee launching, Not a naysayer who plainly knows less on the subject than I. You may call it inconvenient, I just call it process.
You describe 'Hi-Starts' as a nuisance/inconvenient & time consuming. I beg to differ. That 'set-up' time of 20mins is no more than what many people use up after first getting to the field and bantering/joking with their companions...let alone doing a FOD-walk around & examination of your flying space, no matter HOW small it is. The whole world over, hobbyists are losing 'free space' to manicured 'sports' parks, industry and housing developments; shorter & more powerfully 'sprung' 'Hi-Starts' CAN be used in smaller spaces, often with smaller, lighter gliders than many 2 - 3M ones. I encourage young, beginner flyers in Western Horn of Africa nations, where cost & 'easy' access of RC components still reaches many months wages & more. I will be sharing your vid with them and hope they are not discouraged, as 'space' is one thing they still have access to!
40 years ago I would launch simply by a towline !
Much simpler than a bungee, and damn good for fitness...
Greetings from Calcutta, India
Takes two to tango...
I learned to fly RC from high starts 35 years ago. Thanks for the fond memories!
40 years ago we had no choice, hi start or winches. Hi start was the norm for weekend flying. I had a much more powerful hi start. At full stretch I could hardly hang on. In fact, sometimes an assistant was necessary. The wings would bend so much it was worrisome. It was awesome.
We did that too here in Finland...40 years ago!
In the early 'sixties' my brother would use his fishing rod (spinning) with fixed spool reel ! I would launch he would run !! Great fun.
Still launch this exact same way. Works just fine, less BS with stuff going wrong, usually "old school" is best.
Using a powerplant is cheating. It's no longer a legitimate glider. Call it for what it is, a powered plane.
I've had a lot of fun with hi-starts. Specked out a 2.5m glider from a high-start launch - very satisfying.
I’ve done this recently - got the kids really engaged chasing after the end of the line and bringing it back to me!
I fly both types of gliders - motor-powered and bungee "powered". Indeed, flying with a motor is less hassle and you can get the glider really high at no time, but there is some special thrill (magic if you want) in launching a glider with a bungee - -it rises up fast but gently at the same time - a rare form of balance, which exists only in nature (birds). I even enjoy the bungee set-up process more than playing with the batteries. The modern world, however, is all about convenience.
Used to fly at the Delyn model flying club in early 90s here in Wales. The singing kettle field (named after a nearby pub) had a noise restriction after 1pm. So before 1pm it was powered flight. After 1pm. The gliders would come out and the bungee. I used to take my os max.25 powered 3 channel Yamamoto trainer up at 12:50. Fly power till the my digital watch would beep. Then cut the throttle and glide. In summer with decent thermal I managed a 45 minute flight. Began to worry the reciever battery pack on the old futaba set was going to give out and so brought her down. We laid back in the tall grass. Me and instructor just single stick flying. Was a hell of a flight. The gliders came out to join me but for some reason I found lift they didn't. And most were on their second or third launch by the time my I structor Paul. Said.. better bring her in.. good times. High starts are still a handy tool in the right spot.
A parachute is very good to help you find the line between launches. Safer too as slows the lines decent if you do happen to have walkers around. And if you accidentally let the line go whilst hooking up the parachute will open and slow the recoil across the ground.
You'll get it. It takes practice. Thicker rubber, a reel for the line and get a parachute. We get 8,000 - 15,000 steps when we fly.
I love my high start! Use it for my f3j Maxa 4m and my Zenith 3.6m. When I don't feel like setting up my winch, the bungee works great
Eres un dios amigo! explicas todo tan bien,detallado y al grano! y tu ingles es muy fluido, de hecho me gusta mas este estilo gringo, te hace ver mas profesional! saludos!
I've been doing it for 45 years. Good exercise! The new F3-RES /F3L contest class uses only hi-starts: 15 metres rubber, 100 metres line, < 4 kg pull when rubber extended to 45 m. That's quite a pull for 2 metre wooden gliders weighing typically 400 g, but hi-starts are much gentler and safer than winches. Note that the rubber is either latex or silicon tubing, typically available from medical or fitness equipment suppliers. For sport flying, the rubber can be extended to ~ 3 - 4 times its relaxed length (e.g. walk 50 paces from relaxed for rubber 15 paces long when relaxed). A hi-start is decidedly better in some wind (less extension then needed). A larger spool makes it easier to lay out and roll up the line and rubber together, rubber over line. Kept in a bag in a dark place, a hi-start can last many years. Beware of kids trying to steal one at the flying field ... I lost one that way at the Pasadena Rose Bowl many years ago.
All that inconvenience and work, and walking as well! That must have been tough.
Very fond memoriesof how I used to fly my very similar glider just like this ..... 🙂
I prefer this to powered gliders. It’s a learning curve.
Luckily, my flying club has a dedicated strip for bungee launches
That's nice!
Try Furry Glen at the Chapelizod end of the park; the treeline area is good for thermals in the evening after a sunny day.
I used to 'bungee' lightweight gliders as my main hobby. I gave up because I lost the use of the field and flying in a public place caused problems. People tripping on the line, general safety. Now I have motor gliders, it's not the same.
Very good video! Your content is always very informative! I just bought an old style towline glider with the thoughts of adding a folding prop and battery, but not 100% sure where to start. It’s heavy with loads of old lead weights, so taking a big battery and motor should not be an issue, I think, but converting it… Well that’s the next project. If you have any pointers, I’d appreciate it! Keep up the good work!
Motors, batteries and propellers are heavy. Hi start/bungee is great when you get used to it. Keep your gliders light friends 😃
discus launching a dlg and it would go higher and stay up longer because there glide ratio is insane !!! (if you are any good at it :D )
Didn't know you were allowed to histart in Phoenix park!
excellent video!
I thought the glider club I joined was using bungee but they use the pulley cable system used on real gliders. Most of the guys use electric assist propeller gliders. The Exion glider is no longer available, thats too bad. I really liked the quality. Most gliders now are foam. Custom built gliders can cost a fortune.
I love the Phoenix Park
Trading the battery, engine, and whatnot for leaving that weight on the ground can't be a bad thing!
I like it, but I do believe the concept of a glider should be as light as possible. Not adding weight but another design could give you much more time to fly.
Exactly. A true glider was never designed for an electric motor and does affect lift and balance if you add a motor. You can still fly, you will notice a big difference in how long it stays up un- powered and how the balance needs to be changed because of weight. This in turn affects loft.
Use those wet floor sighs, place an a4 paper RC plane in this area, to cover yourself,
people do see the sign and don't care.
A few weeks ago, I was hit by the propeller on a flying wing I was hand launching. Now I use a peddle operated bungee and launch ramp. It works perfectly every time. So I would say that bungee launch systems are still relevant. Here is a link to a short video if you would like to see it. th-cam.com/video/q_pTwPabEKE/w-d-xo.html
That's the trouble with flying wing pushers, which otherwise are ideal for FPV. Flight control software (eg. INAV) now has a launch setting which turns on the motor after you have thrown the model. The other common solution is a discus launch, but that can be a bit hairy.
I have jury rigged a hi-start system to a non-RC foam glider, the wings fold up worryingly. I am wondering if the parachute is used to slow down the launch speeds so the glider is less in danger of snapping a wing on launch.
The parachute does not open until after release from the glider. It slows the decent of the line and makes it easier to find the end of the line for the next flight.
stiffen wings or get thinner rubber
@@jazldazl9193 I appreciate the response. I posed this a while back and have since put carbon fiber into the wings, it flies great now.
Hi you are using the wrong size jelly rubber, too small, the one we use is 5/8 hollow with dowels inside to take the line and attach rings thats 20 metres and 120 meters of fishing line , a mig welder empty reel with handles to wide the fishing line on, the jelly rubber was put in a large container and lid with powder.
(baby powder is no good) (use chalk line powder)
GILDER BUILDER AND FLYER FROM THE 1980S to 2023
Unlike a glow-engine it worked first pull every time. There is lost technique to wind up line and tubing that does not tangle !
Back in those days one was out of the car into the air in under ten minutes; the end close to the airplane has a large steamer or parachute so it drifts down to the starting point. Seems a lot “tech” has been lost - I like glow engines and Electric but elastic work first pull every time. No fuss or muss !!!! LOL!!!!
Great
Gliders with motors are not gliders .might as well fly power !
Motorgliders then
Now days they have real gliders with popup motor assist. Its good for staying up longer so nothing wrong with powered. Generally, once you find thermals, you don't use the motor on RC planes. I can stay up for a lot longer now being able to relocate to better thermals. Its not a crutch, it's a tool.
You're right, but there are places where it's the only way to get into good lift. I fly gliders with the smallest possible motors that will get them out into the big air. I'm on a mountain with awesome lift but terrible launches that require busting through rotors and sink, with no room for a high start. I've tried high starts around here before but there's nowhere to set up.
I'm looking for some kind of bungee solution that's shorter than a high start but would provide enough kick to clear the bad air. For now though i can motor through the dirty air for about 30 seconds and stay up pretty much all day, i've done over 4 hour flights before with about 30-60 seconds of powered flight.
Is that the sig riser 100?
Yes. if you want to see the build video you'll find it in this channel.
Sooo yesterday use a nose hook aeron glider and launch at 120 mph
cool music
Cool
First LOVE YPUR CONTENT
love it
Two minutes in and I won't finish. search was for a GUIDE to bungee launching, Not a naysayer who plainly knows less on the subject than I. You may call it inconvenient, I just call it process.
Your*
You describe 'Hi-Starts' as a nuisance/inconvenient & time consuming. I beg to differ.
That 'set-up' time of 20mins is no more than what many people use up after first getting to the field and bantering/joking with their companions...let alone doing a FOD-walk around & examination of your flying space, no matter HOW small it is.
The whole world over, hobbyists are losing 'free space' to manicured 'sports' parks, industry and housing developments; shorter & more powerfully 'sprung' 'Hi-Starts' CAN be used in smaller spaces, often with smaller, lighter gliders than many 2 - 3M ones.
I encourage young, beginner flyers in Western Horn of Africa nations, where cost & 'easy' access of RC components still reaches many months wages & more. I will be sharing your vid with them and hope they are not discouraged, as 'space' is one thing they still have access to!
It’s not old school it’s always been the easiest and cheapest way.
Red badge looks awfull!