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Post by Jim on Aug 21, 2013 19:09:28 GMT
If you have any problems or queries regarding kite use, types of kite and so on.... www.SNAPScheme.info |
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Post by John on Aug 22, 2013 23:01:50 GMT
Let me know if you need a replacement spar end cap for any of the kites that we have sent out, especially for the horizontal spreader spar on the deltas. Remember to push the lateral spars fully down into the lower corners of the delta kites before flight. The swivels are not intended for prolonged use over many months, especially in strong winds - they will eventually fail. Swivels are best employed to untangle kite lines in a light wind. Keep an eye on the condition of the line and kite, especially the line attachment point and the material covering the end of the spars. Ensure that those flying the kite do not drag it along the ground or anyone stand on it. This seems obvious but kids can get a bit excited ;o) Let me know, preferably on these pages, or by e-mail, if you think anything should be added to: www.SNAPScheme.info to help beginners or generally improve clarity. Do not be put off by any of the more detailed, techie entires on this forum. Kite aerial photography (KAP) can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. The Scheme is primarily intended to introduce KAP to 'younger' people, whether they are at primary school or are at college doing vocational courses or PhDs. |
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Post by rogergriffith on Aug 23, 2013 19:20:49 GMT
Just how reliable is the kite to line attachment - it looks like a weak point, but has been fine so far.
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Post by Jim on Aug 23, 2013 21:12:31 GMT
Hi Roger, which type of kite are you referring too?
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Post by John on Aug 23, 2013 21:26:41 GMT
Jim, Roger has a HQ 2m Graphic Delta with a HQ 3m Delta Graphic Rainbow in the post to him. Roger, the attachment points on the 2 and 3m HQ deltas are fine, but I usually add a second knot immediately behind the first. I normally do that before handing them over. A ribbon is used as an attachment point on the 9ft Mylar deltas and I do worry about the durability of that but, so far, Jim and I have not had problems. Unlike the string on the HQ deltas, the ribbon cannot be removed and replaced on the Mylar without stitching. In the first few years of flying Sleds, I had one spar pop. But I have had several go in the last year, none of which I have repaired as yet. The attachment point on the Sleds is very good. What you do have to watch out for are the thin vertical spars popping out of the fabric, often loosing their end cap in the process. Sleds must not be flown until the spars are reinserted with an end cap in place. So, although Sleds are easy to fly, they should be handled with care. If anyone intends to use swivels continuously it might be best to get in a stock of them and replace them at intervals - 4/0s, the strongest listed here: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300824419333?var=600069481301&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 are supplied with the 3m deltas, so are fine for the 2m deltas. There are numerous stronger swivels that you can attach to your kite and then knot on the line: www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw=swivels&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=falconry+swivels&_sacat=0www.funwithwind.com/store/ListCategoriesAndProducts2.asp?idCategory=171&idparent=168arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/discuss/index.php?p=%2Fsearch&Search=swivels |
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Post by rogergriffith on Aug 24, 2013 6:52:13 GMT
Thank-you for your detailed answer John. Very helpful.
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Post by Jim on Aug 24, 2013 6:59:40 GMT
i would add that these kites are robust and take quite a bit of rough use. Myself and John test our kites in variable conditions and in extreme cases, to destruction. i would suggest checking your kit over, especially kite seams and kite lines prior to packing for taking in the field. like most things in life, a system is only as strong as the weakest link, check the known regularly.
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Post by John on Aug 26, 2013 12:52:39 GMT
Launching the kite the least frenetic way:Give someone the reel and pull out about 20 metres, or more, of the line in the direction that the wind is blowing. If you are flying solo, it is helpful to use a ground stake: www.armadale.org.uk/snaps.htm#May or some other attachment point. Attach the kite to the line, then pull the line taut and launch the kite into the air whilst stood behind it, so as not to interrupt air flow. The rig can then be attached to the line.
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Post by John on Aug 29, 2013 14:22:16 GMT
The kite tail:
The tail is not an ornament but is there to provide stability.
Always use a tail unless the wind is exceptionally light and the kite difficult to launch with it attached.
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