Hi all - just realising what a monster the X8 is to launch - I've seen a number of diy approaches on YouTube but wondered if there was a thread here on techniques or launcher projects for the oversized wings like the x8?
Ed
I am sure 'electricmick' on here has an X8 - you could try dropping him a pm.
also 'flyn' is a dab hand at launching Z2 wings.
Chris
Coyote has a cracking launcher thread on here somewhere if you search for it. Sends his X8 up a treat.
This is how I do it!
X8 Maiden Flight - Alba Aviation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTf_qWHf-jc#)
If you search on here for X8 launcher you will find the construction details.
We have never had any problem hand launching, just a steady toss into the wind with power on, about 50%.
Testflight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSLzpOWEf3M#ws)
My X8 launches easy every time, just like the video Xup has posted. The technique I use is to grip the X8 firmly by the finger slots, with two fingers in the rear slot to push it. Be careful in a wind as it can be taken from your grasp. Then heading directly into wind, apply 2/3 to 3/4 power, stand still and throw it firmly, with a good follow-through to keep your hands away from the prop, straight and level. Let the speed build up then apply full power and climb.
I have never found the need for launchers, ramps, bungee etc. with the X8, now the ZII is different beast altogether, much harder to launch.
Mick
Quote from: Xup on June 29, 2013, 01:40:26 PM
just a steady toss into the wind
Not sure what clubs you attend....
I did a thread here : http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php/topic,8483.0.html (http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php/topic,8483.0.html)
Not much has changed apart from moving the hook further forward and loosing the chute, now it launches like this :
New bungee launch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGc4-sS-Nt0#)
Great - thanks guys - amazing array of approaches, have to say this forum is amazing for its knowledge and friendliness - thanks again!
I hand launch mine from the edge, takes a bit of practice but you soon get it down to a fine art!
The best way is to launch from the motor mount but you need some seriously big balls to do that :laugh:
I always found the best way to launch any wing us to swing it from one wing tip or close to the tip but each to their own i always use full throttle right finger on the elevator and left hand sling. Seems to work well. I have in the past had a throttle kill on the "trainer" switch just incase to save props
Hi Randall - thanks for your post - I've seen the wing tip wrist fling (!) a number of times - have you tried it/seen it on an X8 ?? - I'd assumed the x8 was too big, but maybe I need to grow a pair as Im still handling everything a bit too gingerly.
this is the best example I have seen, best seen with the volume up loud.
:laugh: G
X8 Maiden flight with split aileron rudder/airbrakes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx7KWibSWoo#ws)
I would not recommend the wrist fling with the X8 as the outer wing fixing to the centre body is not that great. There is a risk of pulling the wing off on launch.
The wrist fling works well on one piece flying wings like a ZII.
Successful solo launch of a Ritewing Zephyr II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wj8Z6KJFa0#)
Mick
;) G
ZII Hand launch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bk3bCMcheI#ws)
Quote from: g.collins on July 02, 2013, 07:54:51 PM
;) G
ZII Hand launch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bk3bCMcheI#ws)
^^^ These are the big balls I was referring to in my earlier post :laugh:
:laugh: I wouldn't recommend it with the throttle going, these birds glide pretty well, I don't give it no throttle until its 10ft in front of me.
;) G
Just seen this on Hobby King site
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__39178__Pedal_Operated_Bungee_Launch_System_Ramp_for_FPV_Gliders_Light_EDF_Models_Self_Assembly_.html (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__39178__Pedal_Operated_Bungee_Launch_System_Ramp_for_FPV_Gliders_Light_EDF_Models_Self_Assembly_.html)
seems a decent price however for Z2's don't be a wuss, launch it like a man the Ritewing way, full throttle and from holding the front hehe
launches a treat for me that way.
PK