[rich and monica]

I have made a winger and am looking for information from others that have done the same. I have heard of using a set of 2 way radios as a release system and wanted to see if anyone here has tried it and if so exactly how it worked?

Thanks, Rich

 

[Mike Bons]

I have made some remote wingers. The one I like the most, I made out of EMT. It's folds very flat, fires a 209 primer, and is reliable. Below is a picture. I also made a couple out of PVC, and I made a remote launcher out of a retrieve-r-trainer, PVC, and a servo.
I have used the 2-way radio setup so far. I really don't like it when compared to commercial remotes, or elsema products but it works for now.

 

[Mike Bons]

It is about 95% after I added the ziptie.

 

[Sabireley]

http://stores.ebay.com/MadeinCHN2005_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

Above is a link for a manufacturer of remotes that sells on ebay. I have not used them (bought tri-tronics before I knew about it), but talked to someone at a hunt test that build the wingers using the KwikLabs design and used these remotes with with a radioshack buzzer, a rechargable battery, and a door lock actuator. He says he has tested them out to 200 yards or so. I think they would be easier to set up and more reliable than using walkie-talkies.

 

[Misty Marsh]

Elsema based electronics is a cost effective alternative that offers many advantages over 2-way radios while maintaining a 300 yard distance with the proper antenna.

 

[Jason Ferris]

Elsema based electronics is a cost effective alternative that offers many advantages over 2-way radios while maintaining a 300 yard distance with the proper antenna.

I second this - my Elsema set up is 100% reliable at ranges wwayyyy longer than I would ever expect my dogs to retrieve. It is also very simple to operate - no dials or codes just a button for station 1, a button for station 2 etc.

As a bonus its an Aussie product. :wink:

Cheers, Jason.

 

[huntingrdr]

I have some brand new Elsema electronics I would be willing to sell. I have a transmitter and 2 recievers. I was going to make my own launchers but never got around to it. They ahve not even been open. PM me if intrested.

Thanks Robert

 

[goodawgz]

kwik lab winger design

has anybody made these succesfully???
-dawn

 

[mattoleriver]

I have used the 2-way radio setup so far. I really don't like it when compared to commercial remotes, or elsema products but it works for now.

Mike,
I was leaning toward the 2-way radio option because I figured that I could also use them for their intended purpose when not attached to the winger. Since you seem to be one of the few that actually has made this option work I am wondering why you prefer the other remote options. What do you find to be most annoying or limiting about using the 2-ways?
I really like the looks of your EMT winger; how does it compare in weight, cost and ease of construction to your PVC wingers? Any special talent or expensive conduit benders necessary to work with the EMT?
Thanx
George

 

[Mike Bons]

I have used the 2-way radio setup so far. I really don't like it when compared to commercial remotes, or elsema products but it works for now.

Mike,
I was leaning toward the 2-way radio option because I figured that I could also use them for their intended purpose when not attached to the winger. Since you seem to be one of the few that actually has made this option work I am wondering why you prefer the other remote options. What do you find to be most annoying or limiting about using the 2-ways?
I really like the looks of your EMT winger; how does it compare in weight, cost and ease of construction to your PVC wingers? Any special talent or expensive conduit benders necessary to work with the EMT?
Thanx
George

Here are a few things I dislike about the FRS setup:

1. When using multiple wingers you need to leave 5-6 channels in between the two "recievers". Meaning that if winger 1 is set on channel 1, winger 2 needs to be on channel 7 and winger 3 needs to be on channel 14. It's not as bad with just 2 wingers because you can use channels 1 and 14. But the scambling between channels and the timing of it all is a bit of a pain. That is what I like about the elsema setup as you just press channels 1-4 for each to fire - no dials or flipping channels.
2. You are at risk for the winger going off when they are not suppose to because they are widely used frequencies.
3. There is no attention getting sound feature.
4. My setup is not waterproof (or even that resistant).
5. Just not all that durable

One thing that I have noticed is that when used with the servo's the batteries last a long time - months.

The EMT winger I do like better than my PVC winger as it is lighter, folds up flatter, and it was cheaper to make then the PVC one, and it just looks and functions a little better. You need a pipe bender which is not that expensive and is relatively easy to use.

FWIW, I won a gift certificate for Zinger Winger at a hunt test in the fall and I broke down and bought an "uplander". I find myself using that most often as it is light, and easily hidden, and does a great job of throwing a bumper or Dokken. I use my FRS electronics with it and it works OK.

I am holding out on buying some commercial electronics right now, to see if sportDOG is going to be bring some out in the new year. I can't get Kevin Lee (sportDOG rep./ RTF member) to say either way.
Any other question let me know,
Mike