Another Thread on a Rule Change Proposal (NOT BOM)

LAST EDITED ON Jan-30-03 AT 07:25 PM (CDT)

LAST EDITED ON Jan-30-03 AT 12:16 PM (CDT)

Yes this thread is not about the BOM rule change proposals, but about another, which is likely to be just as contentious.

That rule change is to make all control go down the control lines themselves. I suppose this has to do mainly with remote control of throttles, probably coming from Windy's use of the Z-tron controller.

I support this rule change, because to me CL means Control Lines! I have nothing against throttles, as long as they control lines are used as a means to get the information to the throttle--either by a third line, or by electrically passing the signal through the line. I think allowing a remote device simply opens the door to more types of remote control, like tweaking the flap trim, the elevator/flap ratios. If you think that is a pretty far fetched, I think exactly these things were proposed by Pampa VP on a Stunt News item within the last two years as being good for stunt. I apologize in advance if I my memory is slightly off in those details (at least that's how I remember it!).

Since I already fly RC, I feel that if I want to fly RC, I'll fly RC. CL is a whole different regime (to me at least).

Need to figure out who my rep is on the PA CL board. Abestos underware is on! A little itchy tho'.

Alan

ps, of course this pertains to competition---in sport flying, anything goes.

>Since I already fly RC, I
>feel that if I want
>to fly RC, I'll fly
>RC. CL is a whole
>different regime (to me at
>least).
>Alan

Do you feel that if someone else wants to wear a lazer beam on their head to control the throttle (or anything else for that matter) that it will some how force you to give up what you feel is "real" CL? I'm not trying to pick a fight here I just don't see how allowing remote control devices to control parts of the model take away from anything CL offers those that choose not to use these devices.

regards,
catdaddy

I don't think it would be bad to allow a throttle in order to land the thing or cut the engine for landing. It would be pretty neat if a real landing was part of the pattern.

But I agree, if you want RC, fly RC. Do you remember the guy about ten years back who had a giant CL plane, either an albatross or widgeon, in Flying Models? He had about a 6-channel transmitter strapped to his belt. I could not see why anybody would bother and it has stuck in my mind because it seemed so pointless.

FLOYD C

I think allowing the Ztron system or even Radio to be used isn't going to effect the hobby/sport one way or the other. Windy himself has even said it is a real PTA to try and concentrate on the pattern while diddling with the Ztron. I vote to not outlaw it... As Catdaddy said you don't have to use it....

>LAST EDITED ON Jan-30-03
>AT 12:16 PM (CDT)
>
>Yes this thread is not about
>the BOM rule change proposals,
>but about another, which is
>likely to be just as
>contentious.
>
>That rule change is to make
>all control go down the
>control lines themselves. I suppose
>this has to do mainly
>with remote control of throttles,
>probably coming from Windy's use
>of the Z-tron controller.
>
>Alan
>
>ps, of course this pertains to
>competition---in sport flying, anything goes.
>

I agree with Alan on this. And this is not a dig in any way against Windy. What Windy is doing (or has done) with the throttle control is perfectly legal in the current rules and he has a perfect right to pursue it. But, to me, it is like the linked lines in Speed. When they first appeared, they were legal. People used them and had to use them to be competitive. They they were outlawed. People complained, but they abided by the rule.

To me CL is CL. If the controls are down a line, that is fine. If we use radio waves or lazar beams or whatever that is totally unlinked to the control system, then we have mixed metaphors. So (not as an argument, just as a vote) would go to outlawing any control that does not use the lines.

I'm in agreement with Leonard on this one, i.e. I could not state my position any better.

Alan,
I am with you I support the Rule Change.
John

I would respectfully disagree with the Tulsa contingent. If it's CL then all input should go down the lines. Maybe we could call it CL/RC stunt. Most significantly, if one guy does it and the judges think it's neat and boosts his score(consistent 35+ points landing and takeoffs for slow rolling start takeoff, then throttle back, touchdown, taxi and shutdown, etc.) pretty soon others will do the same thing and you will be left in the dust.

Also, how long will it be before someone can effectively add and reduce power through maneuvers? Would this still seem OK?

It would have some neat applications for CL scale though. Perhaps the change is proposed exempting scale. Really, mox nix around here-how long since you've seen a scale event?
I'm not foaming at the mouth about this one though one way or the other.

>I think allowing a remote device simply opens the door to more
>types of remote control...

This comes at a terrible time! I'm in the final stages
of perfecting my GPS controlled gyro guidance system
plus stationary lasers, a remote transmitter and
a 1 oz. 1 petaflop internal CPU which can control
the instantaneous position of the plane to an accuracy
of 0.00001 mm. All I have to do is hold the handle
and the plane flies a PERFECT pattern all by itself!
Now I'll lose my opportunity to get all the MONEY
and FABULOUS BABES which come with the Walker cup!