PICTURES PAGE No 2
DECORATION ..the arty bit
The yellow material of the kite brightens up the sky
and when the sun shines on it there is an iridescence.
Personalisation of the kite is easy here are a few examples
of what can be done.
Applique is an art form in itself and there are some masterful
works of art now in the sky. If you come up with a good idea
just Email me.
KITE NOTES
The idea of using kites for radio transmission and reception
is as old as Radio itself. Marconi and Baden-Powell both used
kites for their experiments. My idea is to make kiting as close
to fly and forget as possible so that Radio Enthusiasts and
Photographers could get on with their operations without having
to worry about the kite.
The notes included in this page are designed to pass on the
knowledge gained by the Sky High Kite using fraternity so that
we can all share in the latest ideas.
Feedback and comments are always welcome. The useful ones
will be included in the next update.
DELIVERY
Each kite takes about two days to make and the volume of
production is therefore limited. When you order a kite you
join the queue and are advised of a delivery date. If you are
happy to accept the delivery date send your cheque and written
confirmation of order. Customers are supplied in strict rotation.
This is a quality item and it is worth waiting for. However if the
delivery date is likely to exceed 28 days you will be advised in
writing before your cheque is lodged. The simplest way is to
Telephone first and confirm the situation.
ANCHOR POINT
This kite can pull with a lot of force about 50Lbs in wind
speeds of 25Kmph. It needs to be anchored well to a good firm
anchor post. The tow-bar of the car or a large peg driven well
into the ground should be sufficient.
I have on occasions tied them to park benches and fencing posts
thoughtfully provided by farmers.
See the notes elsewhere.
SAFETY
Check the Air Regulations in your country for the maximum
height you are permitted to fly. The problem of crowded air
space causes some nations take a very dim view of kites being
flown at excessive heights. Do not break these rules.
They are there for the safety of aircraft and passengers.
With the growing popularity of Micro-light and Para-wing
aircraft and the low altitudes at which they fly, there is an
increased possibility of contact. See sample flag below.
Some of the characters who fly these "junk box" aircraft have
no grey-matter between the ears and can be a menace to everyone.
If we keep to the rules then if something happens they take the
wrap. Study the Safety Precautions they are packed full of good
wholesom advice and are the practical experience of many hundreds
of hours flying.
STATIC ELECTRICITY
ALWAYS be aware of the danger of static build-up especially in
dry weather on your equipment. Some method of flashover
protection should be fitted to protect your equipment.
This is a problem common to all antennas and not just to kites.
The static discharger should be fitted above the antenna
connection. Static electricity is a never ending problem, it is
not unique to kites. Perhaps we notice it less within our
dwelling houses because the feed lines must enter through
materials which drain off the excess charge. Through brick
walls, window frames or near to drain pipes. The charge must be
there but it is being reduced somehow. If anyone has a solution
please let us know the answer. The best method yet is similar
to the antenna connection device. The only difference being
is that it is mounted above the antenna connector with the
flying line and insulated antenna wire wound round it but
not connected to it.
This is connected to a good earth spike and should drain off the
excess charge. This can be connected through a resistor of
approximately 50 to 150k. There is another idea floating about
and that is to send up along with the antenna a separate wire to
drain off the static at all heights and conduct it straight to
earth.
I have not tried the separate wire perhaps someone out there
will try it and give us a report.
WARNING!! This arrangement is not proof against lightening
strikes NOTHING IS do not fly if there is any chance of
lightening.
No arrangement I know of is proof against a lightening strike
the best we can achieve is simply drains off the charge caused
by the dry winds.
INSURANCE
Some of you will be sending aloft expensive equipment and it
is wise to insure against loss or damage. I would have the
insurance extended to cover damage to property.
E.G.:- If the kite becomes entangled in someon'e Television
Aerial then it is your responsibility to recover it.
It will cost you a few bucks to hire someone to do this for you
and you may have to replace the TV aerial. Be wise, you know
it makes sense.
See the notes elsewhere
