Retriever question

[Stan_in_AR]

We have an old retriever that we are trying to put back into service. The problem we have is after the plane is free from the winch line by the time we get the retriever line back around the bicycle hub and start bringing it in the chute is already on the ground and we have to drag the chute all the way back to the launch point, beating up the chute and slowing down the retriever motor(which is a motorcycle starter motor).

Is there some elegant(read that simple and quick) way to handle this issue. As we are new to the use of a retriever we will be "all ears" for suggestions.

By-the-way, what weight line do you use and can is be mono?

TIA

Stan

[rduder]

Look at the arm on this design:
http://www.handsfreeretriever.com/

[ka7cse]

I would suggest using a streamer instead of a chute and being a little quicker at getting the line around the hub and hitting the switch to retrieve. The machine you have is the same we used a few years back and it worked well....

[prodjx]

Stan, first off does AR stand for Arizona, I just wondered. You might want to get your retriever off the ground, battery also. As soon as that chute come's off the glider grab that line and put it around the hub and hit the switch, this does take some practice to get it right but when you do it"ll be worth it. I think you might want to stay with whatever line your using. I don't ever remember using mono for the retrieve line, I've only used it for launching.

[prodjx]

Stan, first off does AR stand for Arizona, I just wondered. You might want to get your retriever off the ground, battery also. As soon as that chute come's off the glider grab that line and put it around the hub and hit the switch, this does take some practice to get it right but when you do it"ll be worth it. I think you might want to stay with whatever line your using. I don't ever remember using mono for the retrieve line, I've only used it for launching.

[rbothell]

First off AR can't be Arizona. You are looking at grass on the field. We don't have grass fields in AZ. Try #9 BRAIDED nylon twine from Memphis Line and Twine. One reel will get you about 2 1/2 retrievers worth. Off the ground is good. On a trailer is better. Timing is everything on a big wheel retriever. As the line is playing out, put your retrieving hand near the big wheel so you can catch the line just after the zoom but before you lose all tension. When the timing is correct, the line will try to pull your hand towards the turn-a-round ever so slightly. Immediately wrap the line around the bike hub and hit the switch. Don't let go until the retriever line has some tension on it. If you retriever without tension, you will cause loose wraps on the big wheel resulting in a pop off on the next winch launch. Best of luck to you. Rick

[Stan_in_AR]

For those of you that are geographically challenged and not hip with the two(2) letter abbreviations; AR is for Arkansas, you know where Bill and Hillary are from, but couldn't get far enough away from after leaving office. I guess our loss is NY [that's New York for those having trouble with two(2) letter abbreviations] gain. Sorry for the political statement, couldn't resist.

Many thanks for input, especially you Rick for very informative input. Spent a week in Tucson 6 years ago, just loved your desert. But would have to give up r/c soaring there. Those guys are out at the field at 6AM and done flying by 11AM in the early summer( was there in May). A VERY friendly group of flyers, even offered to allow me fly one of their planes. If we didn't have a granddaughter here in AR I'd be retired in your great state.

Stan




QUOTE=rbothell]First off AR can't be Arizona. You are looking at grass on the field. We don't have grass fields in AZ. Try #9 BRAIDED nylon twine from Memphis Line and Twine. One reel will get you about 2 1/2 retrievers worth. Off the ground is good. On a trailer is better. Timing is everything on a big wheel retriever. As the line is playing out, put your retrieving hand near the big wheel so you can catch the line just after the zoom but before you lose all tension. When the timing is correct, the line will try to pull your hand towards the turn-a-round ever so slightly. Immediately wrap the line around the bike hub and hit the switch. Don't let go until the retriever line has some tension on it. If you retriever without tension, you will cause loose wraps on the big wheel resulting in a pop off on the next winch launch. Best of luck to you. Rick[/QUOTE]

[prodjx]

Stan in AR, must have fried my brain earlier in the day sloping on "A" Mountain, I think it was 100 something. The only grass we have here seems to be at school fields and dog runs. I do hope we gave you some good info. One of our flyer's at Maxwell Sch. has a winch and automatic retriever on the back of a trailer, an arm automaticly grab's the retrieve line and starts bringing back the winch line, what a great device and a whole lot safer. It is pricey though about 600.00$, I even offered to make a donation to the owners retirement fund but he wouldn't take it, what a friend.

[rc4fun]

Mono is the last type you should use! For retriever line you should use non stretch braided Dacron line 80-100# test works well.
http://stores.ebay.com/BIG-FISH-SPORTS_BRAIDED-LINES_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ7QQftidZ2QQtZkm

[Freakflyin]

I believe Mr. Bothell's advice is right on the mark. The quality of Rick's retrievers are second only to his flying abilities....

Mike in ME.... cause you know, it's all about ME. %^)