That article on the trim timer was completely unintelligible. I am an engineer and could not understand anything about how it worked. How bout editing authors submittals with someone actually trying to follow the mechanics of how it works?

Seen both sides of that issue, as an author I've been irked with an editor for changing the meaning of what I wrote, e.g., such things as having used term '<u>plane</u> wave' in describing transport of sound thru the air and then having it appear in the journal as '<u>plain </u>wave.' From the other side another e.g., a submitted article was forwarded to me for review and comment (I had been covering the topic regularly), and Iadvised editor that was reasonably accurate, but might be an affront to the readers as it seemed to 'talk down' to them; they didn't need 3+ pages to understand a fairly simple concept that could be easily covered in 2 paragraphs, 3 at the most. Editor agreed, returned it to author for 'Reader's Digest' rework, and the next time it appeared was in print of a competing journal.
You know what I 'm sayin'.......TMIalready.

CJ

Not sure why I am complaining, as I don't fly free flight, though I suppose you could borrow a few tricks.  But, I never could even figure out what it was controling.  Something on the tail I suppose.  Probably had a name in there some where that would have told a free flight expert what he was talking about, but shouldn't he try to interest the non free flighter? 

Decalage is the diference between the angle of incidence of the wing and angle of incidence of the stab. You want very little or no decalage during the high speed launch, then a transition to more decalsge for proper glide trim. My spell checker has never heard of decalage, so I suppose it is not common in general conversation.[]

Part of the problem is that all the gizmos for the dethermalizer where in the pictures and making them confusing. If I had written the article, I would have made a simple show and tell model to show the basic idea, and then the photos of an actual set up.

I don't either but did, back in the day. Other things on the bucket list, hasn't made top in priority for things to do with my discretionary time, yet. Iguess logistics is the thing - it's 50-60 miles up I-215 to a site Sal Taibi told me about.........that was at the AMAannual confab when it was held in Pasadena.........has been a while. Anyway, I like a nostalgic look back of what was for me and what's happening now as well. I'm an engineer, too.........no problem learning enough about the design to appreciate it's elegance. It may be the particular interest that made me overlook edititorial issues that caught your focus. I think the answer to your Q is no. MAhas readers with far reaching special interests, and no expectation that all readers are interested in all topics.
This was FF enthusiasts' turn... 'bout time, I'd say.

CJ

Decalage can also be the difference between the upper and lower wing of a biplane, but since this article said it improved stability, and the horizontal and verticle stabilizer was so small I assumed it did something to the horizontal stabilizer. I could not figure out how it worked from the article or pictures as I could see several things that could move, probably did confuse the dethermalizer as well. IMO the article should have promoted that aspect of our hobby as well.

Well, fellows, I am very glad that someone somewhere has brought forth some free-flight to the entire core of AMA members. It has been some years since I launched a FF, like about 40 years +/- a couple. I still have a love of that discipline. While I agree that this article is confusing, it at least opens a door to a technical information that the current electric foam fliers have never dreamed of. IMO that is a good thing.

Now I would like much if the FF folks would explain the Discus Launch for Hand Launch Gliders. I have requested both FF folks of AMA and FM to do so. No Results, other than not interested.

Back in the late '60s until about 1975, I could strong arm a Sweepette (Lee Hines Indoor and outdoor basic design) up to a good 150 ft (estimated by a number of folks). I placed a number of trophies on the shelves. (BFD!) I had several original designs but they never bested the sweepette for competition. FF has also become extremely technical in its operation. Today's AMA 1/2 A FF is well beyond the technical FAI machines of 20 years ago.

Thanks AMA/MA for bringing some of this back to light.

If it prints, this is the second Fly-off Flight that won the USAF World Wide class C FF in 1967, and same went on to win "C" FF, the Chicago Aeronuts AAA FF contest, Bong Field WI, 1968.
You guys just need to build some HLG and 1/2 A stuff and discover a whole 'nother world of model aviation.

[quote]ORIGINAL: Hossfly

Now I would like much if the FF folks would explain the Discus Launch for Hand Launch Gliders. I have requested both FF folks of AMA and FM to do so. No Results, other than not interested.

NEVER GIVE UP A CHANCE TO TAKE A JAB AT THE AMA, but if you really need to know, there is always Google.



Discus Launch Glider
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Discus Launch Glider (DLG) is a radio controlled model sailplane launched using a 'discus launch' in which the glider is held by a wingtip and rotated around the flyer by hand before release. Using this method of launching the average flier can achieve launch heights of greater than 140 feet (43 m), with the better throwers exceeding 200-foot (61 m) high launches.

The discus method of hand launching has now in effect replaced the older 'javelin style' launch, where a hand launched model glider would be launched over-arm, like a javelin would be thrown. The discus launch is far easier, more efficient and less physically demanding than the javelin launch.

Although some DLG designs utilise a traditional built-up construction using balsa wood and covering film, most DLG models are generally now constructed from composite materials, in the form of Kevlar, carbon fibre and glass fibre. Fuselages are moulded in Kevlar/carbon and epoxy, with wings either moulded as a hollow composite shell, or vacuum bagged over a wire-cut foam core.

Most DLG models use aileron, rudder and elevator control, with the ailerons also being used as camber changing flaps for different modes of flight and also as airbrakes for landing. A modern DLG model weighs approximately 9 or 10 ounces (255-283 grams) and has sophisticated aerodynamics. Many pilots use computer radio transmitters with full mixing and flight mode capabilities in order to optimise performance and set up the models for flight as near perfectly as possible.

DLG models are used for both general fun/sport flying and also for contest flying.

That's the radio control version? I think there are some differances in how it is launched in that the trim is changed after launch. That may be what Hossfly was refering to.

I've seen a discus launch RC glider and thought it impressive. I suppose the decalage thing is to do what the radio, or gyroscope. or whatever on the RC glider does. I've flown both indoor and outdoor hand launch gliders, javelin throw, in years gone by. A couple of months back there was an article on discus launch indoor gliders in either MA or Flying Models. That was pretty amazing to me. When I was living in Illinois, we lost, or quit, or something, our indoor site. I had three beat up and overweight indoor gliders left. We had an outdoor contest, and I purposely lost all three in thermals.

On simplicity in show and tell. I once gave a talk to my CL club about uniflow and chickenhopper tanks, illustrated with tanks make out of open top cardboard boxes, so one could see in, and soda straws. Years later guys have mentioned that demonstration and told me that it had resulted in them making many successful tanks.

No, Red. Sorry to spoil your fun but I was speaking of the Outdoor Free Flight Hand Launch Glider, which used to be hand thrown, but following the success of the RC Gliders and the FF Towline gliders that followed suit, Discus Launch has taken over the old Hand Launch Glider. Subscribe to NATs News and during the FF time period you might learn something that you could tell me about. During the NATs time I will be at my summer place in the UP of Michigan. Family thing as I really wanted to be at the NATs this year. [:@] Shot happens!

Several years ago I dropped by the big FF event held at an old AF base just south of Sequin, TX, which is a bit east of San Antonio. There I met and had several hours with an old friend, Reid Simpson, and so glad I did, as he soon left us far too early in life. While it was not OHLG day we discussed the subject and Reid provided me some basic information on that topic as Discus Launch had taken over the FREE FLIGHT OHLG event. I really would love to see one and how it is done.

Now Red, I was not digging AMA as I also mentioned that I had contacted FM for the same info., but no help from there either. I doubt that such models have much to offer the magazines as there is no advertisement bounties for the event. Now, RED, you stay with that Google as it is frequently full of the same thing that your lower torso contains.

Sport, what I write is usually very specific. Years ago I was taught methods of writing for specific understanding. Maybe I better refresh myself with those methods.

I also suppose that I should try to get to a FF contest this year and maybe even I could learn something. Hey, maybe I will see you there!

hoss:
technique demo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p58_J...eature=related ,in ff they usually call it tip launch glider.
demo of rc version http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=BAQcOKe1XWQ , called discus launch. as you can imagine, the tip used for throwing needs to be somewhat reenforced, and on the rc versions, they even mount a peg through the tip to hook with the 1st and 2nd fingers of the throwing hand. last time i checked, the ff guys were just gripping with thumb and forefinger. some sandpaper like material added to prevent slipping.

Thanks Mongo. Lots of stuff there but I want to see a more direct explanation of just how, when, what, where, and why! [:-]

IMO tip launch is a better description than discus launch. Styles vary but if you threw exactly lke a discus is thrown then the model would be spinning!

I found myself skipping right past those articles,,,

Anyone else think these one aspect focused issues are too much of one thing in one issue? The first I noticed it was the float plane issue,, of course that issue was good for me because I like and build float planes,, but I can see how someone else would find that issue useless to them.

Nope