[BJH424]

Can anyone provide me with info on the Bungee Lauch idea. Does anyone supply them?

[Dutkoski]

Tried to send you a BMP pic of the Bungee system I have for the Banshee but the site won't allow it. Send me you e-mail address and I'll forward it to you. My e-mail is john@modelsbyjohn.com

[Guest]

Basically, it's DIY (Do-it-yourself)

Several thread over on RCgroups that describe how to do one, ragning from a sheet of plywood on a ramp to a set of side-braces with a foot-tread so that you don't have to hang unto the model and the radio and launch it.

Basically, you need about 25 feet (8 meters for those of us who have to use metric) of latex 1/4-inch tubing or similar size, folded over with ring attachments at either end. A stout cord (ten feet or three meters) is attached to one ring. It too has a ring at the other end, as well as another short string and ring to hook unto the hook on the plane. The rings from one end to the other go as follows:
tubing and ring -- stake into the ground
other end of tubing and ring -- hanging out there in the breeze. Used as attachment point for long cord and ring.
long cord and ring go over the locking post on the launcher
last section of cord and ring attach to plane (not under tension from the tubing)

The stretch depends upon the model but should be more than enough to get the plane up to airspeed and flying before you hit the throttle.

Launch sequence is: (assuming that you're using the foot-treadle catapult)
Stretch tubing and put ring over lock-down post and pust threadle into the "ready position". Ensure that the safety locking pin is in place to prevent someone from stepping on things before you're ready.
Hook plane unto last ring and place on launcher with cord having no slack.
Check plane (servoes going in the right direction, motor set to run on throttle up.)
Check launch to be sure free of obstructions and remove safety pin if ready.
Deep breath
Push down on treadle to launch plane.
Level wings
Throttle UP!

Downside to the whole process is sucking something into the fan unit. or getting the bungee wrapped around the plane. heck the F104 thread on RCGroups to see what I mean...

[Sabrejock]

I have switched from the surgical tubing type material to a product called "Thera Band". It comes as a flat strip or as tubing, in about six different strengths all colour coded. I use black tubing, (strongest) as my models are larger type (8-10 lb). This stuff has a higher rate of rebound than surgical tube, and it works in cold weather, which surgical tubing does not.

Buy it at a sports injury shop. About a buck a foot.

[BJH424]

Thanks Byrocat and sabrejock for your help. Brian H.