Stooge With a Footpedal ?

[Frank Imbriaco]

I've seen on this forum  many varied ways of making a  stooge to hold Ukie  models. I think a foot actuated system is worth considering, but before I try to reinvent the wheel, has anyone seen one or better yet, is anyone using one now ?
I have the Brodak unit which is acceptable, but  it would be far better (IMO) with a simple mechanical foot pedal device and 60' of mason's flourescent cord  for   retracting  the pin  rather than a handle to yank.I've checked McMasterCarr, Harbor Freight, and  some others(but not Toyota)-even considered  a drummer's pedal.



Frank

[Paul Smith]

One downside is that if you trip over the line on the way out, the model will release.  And the release line would have to be in tension to begin with to make the foot pedal work, so the chance of malfunction is further increased.
  
I just use a home made "Brodak-type" unit with a strong spring.  I guess I could still trip on it and release the plane, but with the end hanging loose, there's less chance of it.  The spool of nylon cord from Home Depot at $5 gets the job done, with a few feet to spare for safety thongs.

In any case, looping the safety thong over a peg in the center is a good fail safe.

[Russell Shaffer]

You also want the stooge line flat on the ground while flying.  Otherwise it makes a good arresting gear.

[Wynn Robins]

you would also need to have the foot pedal out a ways from the centre of the circle - so you would need to release the model and step back into the circle - otherwise the pedal is a trip hazard. 

[Richard Grogan]

Use a garrage door opener! 12V alarm or deerfeeder battery(to run the receiver and coil of a 12V solenoid/relay for the release mechanism.Piece of cake, just put your opener in your pocket, pick up the handle with thong on, and press the button. It's really not that difficult.You can get the opener at Home Depot (Genie Controls), the battery at a sporting good chain that sells deer feeders. The solenoid/relay for a feeder might work,or from a car stereo place that sells and installs alarms..The battery will give your stooge extra weight too.Use your imagination! Now that would be a HOT setup! LOL 

[Paul Smith]

Sounds like a good theory.  But the Sears garage doors systems I use in my house aren't all they cheap and I'm not so sure the reveiver doesn't use 110 VAC.

Maybe I you're intent on going electronic, a cheap RC ARF would be a better starting point.  As a bonus, you could attempt to fly it until the airframe is used up.

[Frank Imbriaco]

My current setup is similar to Paul's. I think a pedal actuated release of the cord might work out using  a drummer's pedal. A friend might have  a used  one for me to try out.

I'm lucky to have one friend who flies Ukie to help launch. Since I'm retired, I'm ready to go whenever the weather cooperates. During the 60s and early 70s, there was always someone at the Ukie field. Now a days, I  primarily fly R/C Pattern - but having a good time again with ukie.
Thanks for your suggestions,
Frank

[W.D. Roland]

I like the foot pedal idea!
So far no problem using hand release and then throwing it 10 or so ft away.

Radio operated is asking for interference to interfere!
If you do this use current R/C equiptement( narrow band,2.4, all that stuff....)


David

[john e. holliday]

With the cord I use on my stooge, there is no throwing as it is kind of elastic.  When I reset for next flight I have to get it back from about 15 feet where I stand for launch.  By the way the cord is Ace Hardware day glo pink or was at one time.

[Russell Shaffer]

I quit throwing my stooge reel after I tossed it over the lines once.  I drop it gently and step back a little from the orange soccer cone that marks the handle and stooge reel. 

[W.D. Roland]

I tend to wander around the pilot circle a bit so throwing the release handle 10ft away or so is good idea and currently the center of my circle is a 16in square concrete block so I wander even more than normal. The now missing airplane eating trees are evidence of how far one can wanderrrrr.

David