Bird launchers

Jesus Alvarado · Post by **Jesus Alvarado** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:32 pm

This question has already been probably asked and I couldnt find anything on this topic so I need help. I am planning to buy two remote bird launchers in the next month. I am wondering what every one has tried out. What should I go with? Should I buy two separate or one and add a additional launcher? I know you shouldnt lag price on equipment but I only have $500.00 to spend. What should I do?Any info will be greatly apreciated.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:39 pm

I know launchers are good but if your on a limited income why not get 1 remote launcher and some bird harnesses?

Jesus Alvarado · Post by **Jesus Alvarado** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:54 pm

Never thought of that but since I am going to stick as much as possible to the perfection kennels video training I thought it would work out just a bit better than harnesses or manual launchers. I already have two manual launchers and really desliked their performance.Thanks for the suggestion though.I know that dogtra is one of the better makers of launchers and are a bit pricey. But I was thinking more of suggestions on the other brands.

Post by **ezzy333** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:07 pm

Wish I could help but have never used one. I know a lot of people have used Innotek in the past.

Ezzy

AHGSP · Post by **AHGSP** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:10 pm

This may sound cheap, but I saw a really good idea that a new training buddy used that is quite effective and would leave you with additional money for other training items.

Since you already have 2 manual launchers: What he has done, was to take the servo out of a old remote control car (RC) and attach it to the launcher and then use the the RC remote to unload the mechanical release on the mechanical launcher. It works really slick and you could probably pick up 2 RC cars at Wally world for less than $50.00 With his setup, you can use 1 RC controller for both launchers I believe. If your interested, PM me or post and I will get the exact info on how he has it set up.

Bruce

Post by **Ayres** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:22 pm

If you want to go the manual-into-remote conversion route, check out my article, complete with pictures.

CLICK HERE, or you can find the plans from the Gun Dog Forum Links page.

TAK · Post by **TAK** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 1:43 am

Jesus Alvarado wrote:This question has already been probably asked and I couldnt find anything on this topic so I need help. I am planning to buy two remote bird launchers in the next month. I am wondering what every one has tried out. What should I go with? Should I buy two separate or one and add a additional launcher? I know you shouldnt lag price on equipment but I only have $500.00 to spend. What should I do?Any info will be greatly apreciated.

EBAY!

TAK · Post by **TAK** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 1:45 am

There is also ways around not using launchers.
Carded birds work well......

Toyman · Post by **Toyman** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 4:50 am

Dogta launchers is the way to go. The best price I can find is at http://www.coveyrun.net/ You have to go all the way through to get a look at their real price. Just go until just before you hit the purchase button and it will show you their real selling price.

Toyman

Jesus Alvarado · Post by **Jesus Alvarado** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 8:01 am

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think for now I am going to convert the manuals into remote as some of you have suggested. This forum is great. Hey tak when using carded birds how do you card so they do not get tangled in the weeds? Is there any particular method that will not tangle birds out in the field because I have that problem when I card the birds.

goddog · Post by **goddog** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 2:15 pm

Jesus,

Since you already have the launcher, you can buy just the R/C unit from Innotek to convert them, for the pair it will run you about $400 with the control unit.
If you take training seriously and sounds like you are, then don't "Mickey Mouse" anything, when training with r/c launchers, timing is everthing, use faulty or sub standard equipment will do you more harm than good.
Buy the best that you can afford, you will always be happy with it.

Steve

Jesus Alvarado · Post by **Jesus Alvarado** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 4:59 pm

You know I had never thought of timing. It is very true. I have decided on buying the innotek launchers and a extra it will run me to about the price I can afford. I will also try to convert one but just to use it as a extra launcher for simulating a covey. I will use the remote ones all the time and only use the converted one when I have a my brother helping me just incase it doesnt work.Thanks for the insight.Hey ezzy333 did your friends have any problems with those type of launchers? Any malfunctions?Are they reliable?

Post by **ezzy333** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 9:58 pm

The launchers are OK as far as I know. People are not as impressed with their collars though.

Ezzy

TAK · Post by **TAK** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 11:29 pm

ezzy333 wrote:The launchers are OK as far as I know. People are not as impressed with their collars though.

Ezzy

I have the launchers and they will get you by in a pinch....
If I had it over to do again....
DOGTRA!

Post by **Ayres** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 11:32 pm

Different folks have different experiences though. The trainer I go to had Innotek launchers but they malfunctioned. Now she uses the Dogtra remote release launchers and swears by them.

They trip smoothely (no pop!) and with just enough force to get the bird in the air without slapping open in a pup's face.

If I didn't make my own (and they do work just as well as the commercial made releases, I don't use substandard parts, and the timing is right on - no mickey mouse about it) then I'd go with the Dogtra releases.

Jesus Alvarado · Post by **Jesus Alvarado** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 12:19 pm

Well it seems everyone is leaning towards dogtra. I might just have to wait a bit longer and just save more money to get both of the units. The thing is they are so pricey. I was kind of hoping of hearing good things about the innotek launchers. What do you guys think of the DT launchers anybody use them or train with them?Any negative things about those?Hey ayres thats some nice thinking you have there on the conversion of manual to remote. I really liked every ones input and will take all into consideration. Thanks again!

goddog · Post by **goddog** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 1:36 pm

They trip smoothely (no pop!) and with just enough force to get the bird in the air without slapping open in a pup's face.

Any one slaps a pup with a launcher in training, he either does not know what he’s doing or needs to have his reaction time checked by a physician.
I‘m actually very proud of Steven's invention, almost as much as he does, but ask any one that knows about dog training they will tell you his rig does not set or meet the standard of the industry, this is no knock, just a fact.

Post by **Ayres** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 2:04 pm

Industry standard? How doesn't it meet the standard, and why don't you post the white pages if that's such a fact?

The simple fact is, the invention (not mine, I just compiled the article) of the DIY remote release works 100% just as good or better than the higher priced "industry" models. I've done a side-by-side comparison... have you?

The best part about it is that when you make it yourself, you know exactly what parts are going into it and how to service it yourself. An added feature is that you can run as many of those remote release traps as are channel/lockout code combos on the FRS radios, and they generally have better range than the "industry" remote releases.

And, for the record, I never said a dog got slapped in the face with a launcher via any training method; what I said was that the Dogtra launchers do not have overly excessive force to pop right in front of a dog. And, if a dog did accidentally get too close to the trap before the trainer tripped it, the Dogtra has that less force to not cause any lasting problems. Don't tell me you're perfect and aren't susceptible to an accident like everyone else, I don't buy it.

Sheesh, the way you post you make it sound like anyone who doesn't use the Innotek launchers are cut-rate amateurs who will "for a fact" get burned by not using Innotek stuff. :roll:

*sorry if this post seems somewhat unnerving, I just don't appreciate it when someone cuts down another's training method or equipment as inferior "for a fact," when it's all opinion of use anyway.

goddog · Post by **goddog** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 3:58 pm

Didn't mean to hit your sore spot...hope you'll get over it

Post by **ezzy333** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 6:02 pm

Goddog,

If you don't want to hit a sore spot, don't aim at it. We discuss ideas and methods on here without taking shots at people. That way discussions stay civil and we all learn from them.

Ezzy

Post by **kninebirddog** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 7:40 pm

DT Systems is really quiet and smooth also no jumping when launched.... They are also easy to set then load with the bird with a side door which has a latch not a magnet...also the antenna is real short so the dog can't find it like some of the other models we have used

I have to say we have been real happy with them

and they also have a beeper for when every bush or grass spot looks the same ...and you missed placed it

Bird launchers

Bird launchers

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