How does a "Bicycle wheel" retriever work?

[tempest411]

One of the guys at the field mentioned that these work better than what we have. Other than a passing reference, does anyone have any pictures or diagrams explaining their operation, and possibly their construction?

Thank you,

Rick

[BrianSmith]

Here in Tullahoma we use bicycle wheel retrievers with auto pick up arm..Nothing better...(My 2 cents)...Send me your e-mail address and I'll scan you a couple pics..This unit makes it possible to easily launch and retrieve your own line if you have to fly by your self...There is also some folks here making and selling them...BrianSmith1@charter.net

[Doc Data]

Here's the best shot I could find in my collection (need to take some better ones I think). ANyway, the setup you see has the line set to retrieve. In launch, the line from the bicycle wheel is removed from that bicycle hub and left free to be pulled off during the launch. To retrieve, the line is grabbed by a gloved hand, place on that hub and the motor started. Line is pulled straight in and put on the wheel through a 90 degree turn around bythe hub.

There are those with where the placing of the line around the hub (or something like it) happens automatically.

http://www.mustangone.com/images/Winch.jpg

Hope this helps.

dd.

[AcintSpec]

Rick:

Photo of dd's retriever is very good. TMSS has modified that design somewhat, by adding a spindle, thick curved rod and electrical solenoids, etc. so when the retrieve foot pedal is used, it causes the bicycle wheel to start to turn, the rod is dropped down past the wheel rim and the retrieve line is thrown to the outside of the curved rod and slides down to the spindle. This eliminates the need for a gloved hand altogether and is much cooler and safer. Don't have any pics for now but if you are interested, I can take some photos at our next club sail. It will probably be after next weekend as I have some traveling to take care of first and that will be the next one I can attend. This has retriever has been successful since before I joined TMSS. Club President is our designer and builder on this retriever. It works pretty much like a spinning reel with no hassle etc. I can forward his email address if you prefer to talk 'straight to the horses mouth' on this.

Regards,

Gene

[Fast-Forward]

We use the Bicycle wheel retriver. It works great. Here are some photos.

[Fast-Forward]

Here is another picture.

[MDM]

Hey Fast-Forward, do you have any more pictures of that CRRC event to share or send via email ?

MDM

[BrianSmith]

Originally posted by Fast-Forward
Here is another picture.

### This one of the Tullahoma trailers.### Brian

[Fast-Forward]

Here is Mark Drela and his Bubble Dancer (RES)

[Fast-Forward]

Fritz Bien launching his Toucan.... You can Toucan

[Fast-Forward]

Here is Ken and Chris

[Fast-Forward]

Here is Anker launching his Mantis

[Fast-Forward]

Mark Drela launching his Bubble Dancer

[Fast-Forward]

Gaggle of Sailplanes

[Fast-Forward]

Mark Drela with his DLG

[Fast-Forward]

Mantis and Majestic

[Fast-Forward]

John launching his Mantis

[Fast-Forward]

Launching!!

[Fast-Forward]

That's Allison (my daughter and timer) and me Launching my Manta.

[Doc Data]

Got a little off topic here.

Here are some photos I took this weekend. Click on each to see a large version...

http://www.mustangone.com/thermalriders/Winch1tn.jpg (http://www.mustangone.com/thermalriders/Winch1.jpg) http://www.mustangone.com/thermalriders/Winch2tn.jpg (http://www.mustangone.com/thermalriders/Winch2.jpg) http://www.mustangone.com/thermalriders/Winch3tn.jpg (http://www.mustangone.com/thermalriders/Winch3.jpg) http://www.mustangone.com/thermalriders/Winch4tn.jpg (http://www.mustangone.com/thermalriders/Winch4.jpg)

dd.

[George at CASA]

CASA Retrievers - same technique but on legs.

[tempest411]

I wonder how often those types of retrievers create 'pop-offs' compared to the VMC retriever(the one with the swing out arm) my club currently uses? Doesn't the fact that a rather sharp angle between the exiting line and the bottom of the wheel create the tendency for it to hang up? The guys in my club have expressed a good deal of concern about the importance of getting the retriever going immediately after your plane gets off the line. With the VMC, there are two pedals; one to swing out the arm to the 'retrieve' position, and the other to actually get the reel motor going to bring in the line. It takes some practice, but you can do it all by your lonesome. With that bicycle retiever, this looks like an impossibility. Are there some mechanisms that will allow this to be done on this type of retriever? BUT, in spite of my reservations, the large diameter that the line spools on and off looks very encouraging...

Rick

[George at CASA]

What cannot be seen in the picture is that the retriever is pointing a bit to the right of the launch direction and directly at a hoop in the ground about 20 feet out. This means that the exiting line is always leaving the wheel at the same angle during the entire launch.

Another feature of this setup is the bridle attached to the model with a parachute and the retrieve line about 10 feet in front of the model. The parachute is a heavy duty copy of the one we use on a high start and works the same. It is common to hear the parachute pop open right after the model leaves the bridle as many of the high tech models are launched with enormous strain on the launching line (which stretches a bit) and the stored energy pops the parachute. The parachute holds the bridle up for enough time for a relaxed placement of the retrieve line and retrieve motor start (a hand held switch.) I have never seen any retrieve operator wear any glove - there is no need. The parachute also prevents the launch line from shooting (from the stored energy) at the turn-around and possibly getting tangled.

Our last contest over two days supported about 800 launches with only a few 'pop-offs' and those due to over flying the line or model/transmitter/flyer glitch. We allowed the contestants one 'pop-offs' per day and they lost no flights.

[BrianSmith]

We have "no" pop off problems with this system...Brian

[Bert]

Originally posted by George at CASA
I have never seen any retrieve operator wear any glove - there is no need.

If you can't chew gum and walk at the same time then a glove is a good safety item. Just hit that "hand held switch" prior to letting go of the retrieve line and you'll know why.

Bert - who sometimes has trouble walking

[MikeBanyai]

Could someone post a closeup of the falling arm part of these retrievers. I am interested in being able to fly by myself and I can see that this would be helpful. I have seen and understand the "regular" ones that one uses a gloved hand to put the line around the post, but I can not get a grip on the "no hand" models. I have done a Google on VMC retriever without much help. Any web pointers to this manufactur would be helpful. Thanks, Mike Banyai, Petoskey, Michigan