Hi-start Help

[cwayland]

I'm trying to get a hi-start together and found two that look good.
I want to be able to launch an open class ship with it so it needs to be hefty.
The two I have in mind are:

One from hobby lobby, http://www.hobby-lobby.com/histart.htm , they have one to launch up to 4m ships with. But you have to buy the chute separately and I would need to conjure up a real. And its a little over a hundred bucks said and done.

Second is from tower, http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXE636

It is smaller tubing but it is much more complete and cheaper. But will it really launch a 3-3.5 m bird?

Anybody have experience with either of these? I would really appreciate some feedback.

Clint

[ShaverR6]

I have just recently tried out the Dynaflite heavy duty up-start (same thickness tubing, just shorter) to launch my Bird of Time (118" span) and I was not really impressed. I would have liked to see a bit more "oomph".
In order to increase launch height I found a great deal on surgical tubing on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.ca/50-Rubber-Tubing-Non-Metallic-1-4-hole-1-16-wall_W0QQitemZ140115600058QQihZ004QQcategoryZ26419 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) that I will combine with more line and add to my current set up. You might be able to save a few bucks making your own hi-start using this rubber, some strong kite string or fishing line, a bucket to store the rubber, and a small reel to hold the line. And of course you need to find a chute, but im sure there are some on ebay as well.

[Jim_Marconnet]

I have just recently tried out the Dynaflite heavy duty up-start (same thickness tubing, just shorter) to launch my Bird of Time (118" span) and I was not really impressed. I would have liked to see a bit more "oomph".
In order to increase launch height I found a great deal on surgical tubing on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.ca/50-Rubber-Tubing-Non-Metallic-1-4-hole-1-16-wall_W0QQitemZ140115600058QQihZ004QQcategoryZ26419 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) that I will combine with more line and add to my current set up. You might be able to save a few bucks making your own hi-start using this rubber, some strong kite string or fishing line, a bucket to store the rubber, and a small reel to hold the line. And of course you need to find a chute, but im sure there are some on ebay as well. try looking for nylon model rocket chutes http://cgi.ebay.ca/12-Standard-NYLON-PARACHUTE-for-Model-Rocket-Rockets_W0QQitemZ260105934837QQihZ016QQcategoryZ25 67QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

I appreciate the suggested parachute on EBAY. But I am a little confused. The chutes I've seen used on winches had their lines all running around the parachute and then joined together at a ring. This lets that ring be connected to the plane being launched and that keeps the parachute from opening till the hook is released from the plane. Do these model rocket parachutes have similar design details?

[Wazmo]

http://www.aerofoam.com/hosemonster.html
I have a hi-start made with a Hosemonster bungee and Spectra kite string. The Spectra may not have been the best choice, as it has almost no stretch. I thought that might have been good, but there's no energy stored in the string for a zoom.

[ShaverR6]

I appreciate the suggested parachute on EBAY. But I am a little confused. The chutes I've seen used on winches had their lines all running around the parachute and then joined together at a ring. This lets that ring be connected to the plane being launched and that keeps the parachute from opening till the hook is released from the plane. Do these model rocket parachutes have similar design details?

Yup, you are correct, these chutes dont have that feature. I wasn't thinking correctly. :rolleyes:
Thanks for pointing that out.

[cwayland]

The hosemonster looks good however expensive. They have a jumbo hi-start, complete, for $165. If its complete with chute and reel it might be the way to go.

Clint

[FlaFlyer]

Clint, I bought a "large" hi-start from NE Sailplanes a couple of years ago and when putting it together used 50# hi-vis yellow monofilament fishing line instead of the supplied braided line. It will launch a standard sailplane w/o difficulty and will launch a larger glider (Marauder) OK. Not great, but, OK. The mono fishing line (I think it was ANDE Monster Yellow 50# test) stretches quite a bit and IMHO, seems to give better launches than braided line.

http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=874

[jofo1]

hosemonster, zooms my Supra to 350' with a little wind (50' rubber and 250' of braided nylon, which is just half the rig that he sells for approx $165). it comes complete with chute, reel and stake. i sold the other half for a steep discount, i'll never need more than the 50' + 250' setup.

[cwayland]

Thanks for the input. I think I will go for the Hosemonster. Looks like it will do whatever I want it to and then some.

Clint

[ejett]

Thanks for the input. I think I will go for the Hosemonster. Looks like it will do whatever I want it to and then some.

Clint

You won't be sorry for that decision. It is the best there is currently available.

EJ
Athens, LA