Garth; There's no sense trying to optimize your hi-start launches until the hi-start configuration has been finalized. The Torrey Pines Gulls (TPG) have decided on 100 feet of the red "Hobby Lobby or Gyro Hobby" rubber, but the type and amount of line is still in question. 200 feet of 80 pound mono has been discussed but still not decided upon. That configuration will allow a stretched hi-start length of 500 feet which is in the ballpark for use at Poway. Those decisions will be made next Saturday when further testing will be conducted weather permitting. In fact, even once the final configuration is known, there's still an important variable to be decided and that's how much tension to allow. Until the amount of tension is known and how sustained it will be because of the hi-start configuration, there's no way of effectively practicing your hi-start launches.
BTW, for those in SOCAL interested in a new format, the TPG Toys for Tots contest on 12-8-02 will be very challenging. We'll not only be using six absolutely identical hi-starts but simultaneous launches for many rounds of man on man competition. Notice I said the launches will be simultaneous. Three hi-starts will be staged to the South of the road at Poway and three to the North. Each hi-start will have it's own corresponding landing spot. This allows enough separation that everyone can launch at once instead of with the typical 10-15 second stagger of winch launched MOM competition. Obviously you don't have to launch when the heat starts, but if you don't you'll be eating into your window time (just like F3J). This makes a huge difference in the tactics involved. Not only will the hi-starts be matched, but the amount of tension allowed will be identical. We'll draw a perpendicular line across the launch corridor and you can only stretch to the line. Of course you can use less tension if that's a benefit for you. This format will tend to level the playing field as strong and sustained zooms seen in winch launches won't be possible. With eveyone starting from a lower launch height and with longish flight times required, good decision making and strong soaring skills will be rewarded. If you're looking for something other than a landing contest, this format has considerable potential. Plan on coming down and joining us as I expect this format to be repeated several times next year in place of a traditional winch launched TD contest. The cost of entry is one unwrapped Christmas toy worth $10 to be given to the Marines for distribution to needy children. Fred ----- Original Message ----- From: "WARNER GARTH" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, November 25, 2002 3:57 PM Subject: [RCSE] Highstart Max Launch > Ok here's the deal. Our club is getting ready to hold a TD contest with > highstarts next month. Some of use got out and practiced this last > weekend. Try as I might I couldn't get a decent ping off the top. If I > pushed over early, (3/4's up), the plane accelerated faster than the > line and released. If I stayed on too long it would self release or stay > hooked until I flew over the stake. I suspect that I need to push over > earlier, say 1/3 to 1/2 the way up the line, to get enough speed to > convert into a zoom. Any ideas ? > > Thanks > Garth > 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.
