Hand Launch Versa blunt nose in PA mode?

helimadness · March 20, 2015, 10:27:30 AM

Hi All
Learnt to fly a wing with a Teksumo 900mm. Had a lot of fun great plane for dog fights :-)

So built a versa blunt nose to turn into a FPV plane. First day out I did a few launches and really struggled. Didn't crash but about as close as you can come without. Just the extra size and weight and need for higher flying speed really got me.

Have mounted all FPV gear now so going to be even heavier. Really dont want to smash my FPV gear. I have a Storm OSD with Autopilot. Was thinking how would you go launching in PA mode. Could launch say 30 deg up so it gains a bit of height while it levels with plenty of throttle and it should just take care of itself yeah. Well in theory "Should" Work.

Guessing it should self level and maintain height. Should make any corrections it needs to keep from hitting the ground.

I am fairly sure there must be plenty of reasons not to but hey had to ask.

Cheeers

Billy_boy_2010 · March 20, 2015, 10:34:53 AM

My MFD has an auto launch mode but I haven't used it yet. This is in a 60" EPP wing with 8000mah of 4s so it's pretty heavy.

I have found the best method is to javelin throw it with no throttle- holding the wing at the back by the motor for a good grip. Preferably down a slight hill. Then absolutely nail the throttle the moment it leaves your hand.

It worked a few times if I threw it alone but was a bit hit and miss. And it worked every time with someone else throwing it with a run up. Obviously you have to be damn careful not to touch the throttle before it leaves your hand.

However, more recently I have been doing the above with the autopilot in stabilisation mode. This keeps it dead level so all you have to do is wack the throttle the moment it leaves your hand. Throwing with your right hand leaves your left on the throttle ready to push.

Until the auto is perfectly set up I'm not sure if I would trust the auto launch. It may get a bit confused with a wing tip launch and over correct.

iwan_canobi · March 20, 2015, 02:28:00 PM

Have you tried a vertical or overhead launch? Thats what I find easiest as it gives you much more time to get on to the controls, and the prop doesn't really get anywhere near you. I would be wary of launching in PA mode with the Storm, its caught me out a few times as it doesn't like the plane being at too much of an angle. Certainly doesn't work properly in a vertical launch.

BlueFlyer · March 20, 2015, 02:53:49 PM

please please dont try to launch the wing with Storm OSD in PA mode.

no matter what angle you attempt to thrown your wing at, it will immediately attempt to straighten it out... you will not have enough airspeed to keep it from hitting the deck.

CurryKitten · March 20, 2015, 05:30:18 PM

I launched my Falcon wing in PA several times today using a wing tip throw. I hadn't done it on purpose I just forgot it was on. It actually didn't have a problem. It waggled a bit as it stabised itself but did fine.

I would have guessed it would have gone horribly wrong as the way I hold the wing before I throw means the shaky plane symbol was flashing. But clearly it sorted it self out ok.

However, this is just my experience launch in PA at your own risk.

iwan_canobi · March 20, 2015, 07:26:06 PM

First launch in this video is what happened to me a few times before I realised it was the Storm causing it...

Formation Flying - Wing & Hobbyking Walrus

CurryKitten · March 20, 2015, 10:27:12 PM

Here's one of mine from today.

PA launch

As long as you have plenty of oomph in your motor it's fine though - it's going to go generally in an up direction, so by the time you've let go of the plane and get back on the sticks you have plenty of time to level out and stuff

helimadness · March 23, 2015, 02:50:21 AM

Thanks all.
Was blowing 20 knots on the weekend so decided not to give it maiden. Well more a re-maiden as have flown it once but not for a couple of months and not with the FPV gear.

I also fly mode 2 so throttle on the right. Also right handed, Not sure I have the coordination to launch with my left :-)

My Bixler I used to Javelin launch but that had the prop on top so couldn't get fingers cut up. Some of the overhead launches I was watching on youtube were people were holding the nose or the middle of the plane looks a bit scary. Very wary or prop strikes after a mate I fly helis with ran over his fingers learning to launch a plane. Was very messy and a lot of stitches.

Was thinking either a Javelin launch with no power and let it glide till I can get to the gas. Or just have to work on perfecting the wing launch. Most of the time will be having to launch on my own so need to learn that way.

Cheers

Brucey · March 23, 2015, 06:37:29 AM

With the throttle on the right makes it easier to throw with your right with the power already applied. I had to learn how to throw with my left because my throttle is on the left.
Grab it by the nose, add power and throw. Like so...
http://youtu.be/HE8eOjPe2Lo

Ignore the home sick angel, I had way to much up trim! This wing is 2kg, so with a lighter one its even easier.

helimadness · March 23, 2015, 07:17:25 AM

That's a rocking launch. Never seen anyone get that much height before other than a DLG Glider :-)

Assume you have 50% or something power on before you throw? Just not so keen on having my hand in front of the prop. Also its a Versa blunt nose so not a lot to grab hold of. Not sure if could launch like that with zero throttle then grab the throttle in time to power up after letting go ?

Cheers

Billy_boy_2010 · March 23, 2015, 09:09:11 AM

Bungee launches seem to be very effective. A very long bit of not too strong elastic is the key.

You could still javelin launch with no throttle with mode 1. Have the tx on a chord around your neck, engage stable mode, and have your left hand on the throttle. Decent throw wwith the right, nail the throttle with your left. It's a bit awkward but with a heavy wing tthe extra half second you save by getting on the throttle earlier makes all the difference.

Or you may find launching with the left Iis sufficient with some wind to throw into?

Brucey · March 23, 2015, 05:41:27 PM

Quote from: helimadness on March 23, 2015, 07:17:25 AM
That's a rocking launch. Never seen anyone get that much height before other than a DLG Glider :-)

Assume you have 50% or something power on before you throw? Just not so keen on having my hand in front of the prop. Also its a Versa blunt nose so not a lot to grab hold of. Not sure if could launch like that with zero throttle then grab the throttle in time to power up after letting go ?

Cheers

That was about 90% throttle.
As long as you follow through with your arm, you will be fine.