Base anchored, remote control winch

[surveyor]

I am wondering why there is no system like this for arborists? If the controller was on the line just above the harness, and the winch had a clutch that would only allow it to pull a certain amount of weight, it seems it would be safe and effective.

 

[Jehinten]

For a free ascent? We will sometimes do this if switching out climbers or going back up after a break. But we use the mini skid and comm systems pulling on a rigging line. Climber tends slack in his climbing system simultaneously to prevent any accidents.

 

[surveyor]

I was thinking for ascent, descent, and work positioning. There would be no tail to deal with, and any excess would be on the winch reel.

 

[evo]

I was thinking for ascent, descent, and work positioning. There would be no tail to deal with, and any excess would be on the winch reel.

Same as @Jehinten but with a grcs. Never to replace a climbing line though just a hoist aid. I’d guess your idea would be great with a friction saver but only really good for ascent. Too many micro adjustments needed and it would be too much to set a proportional control.

 

[surveyor]

Yes, I think it would have to have an excellent proportional control, sort of like a rheostat, both for up or down, maybe with a stepper motor on the winch.

 

[Jehinten]

If you were to get this figured out, I'd probably lean towards setting it up as a false crotch with a separate rope down to a basal anchor. This would put your winch above the climber to prevent the need for a cambium saver

I could see a market for something like this for people with disabilities who want to get off the ground, not just for people performing work.

Just curious, why not use a Ronin? I believe it does what you want except it's attached to the climber and is not remote controlled.

 

[surveyor]

It would seem to be beneficial not to have the bulk and weight at the climber. Rather just the rope terminated at the harness with a carabiner (and the wireless controller where the hitch would normally reside).

 

[Bart_]

Wee tad of product liability remote controlling a human load. ?

edit - I think there's one you can just buy, but $$$