Applause to your effort on this project. I also have constructed my own winch, but only pay-out, so it requires someone to drive the car during tow. I would love to have the option to launch solo. What is your expected use case? IMO, if you are standing 1 km behind the car, and you initiate a pay-in launch, then your AGL at release will be 300m at BEST CASE. That is quite low to be hunting for thermals. However, if you park the car at the base of a mountain, then 300m will give you excellent opportunity to find ridge lift.
Thanks for your comment! My winch, with 1000 to 2000 ft rope length, is mainly for training and fun. Solo operation was a key focus for me, so I don’t need a driver during tow. I agree, hitting 300m AGL from 1 km isn’t ideal for thermals, but it works for practicing launches. Parking at the base of a mountain could definitely boost opportunities for ridge lift and better flights.
Wear a helmet, especially when you are testing stuff.
Applause to your effort on this project. I also have constructed my own winch, but only pay-out, so it requires someone to drive the car during tow. I would love to have the option to launch solo. What is your expected use case? IMO, if you are standing 1 km behind the car, and you initiate a pay-in launch, then your AGL at release will be 300m at BEST CASE. That is quite low to be hunting for thermals. However, if you park the car at the base of a mountain, then 300m will give you excellent opportunity to find ridge lift.
Thanks for your comment! My winch, with 1000 to 2000 ft rope length, is mainly for training and fun. Solo operation was a key focus for me, so I don’t need a driver during tow. I agree, hitting 300m AGL from 1 km isn’t ideal for thermals, but it works for practicing launches. Parking at the base of a mountain could definitely boost opportunities for ridge lift and better flights.
You can turn away from the winch fly 600m than turn back you repeat 2 time you have 500 on a thermic day more than enough...
Thank you
You are very welcome!
What kind of drive motor setup are you using.
You can get all details on my patreon page: www.patreon.com/collection/764073?view=expanded