58 replies to this topic

[Simon]

Hi Everyone,

There was a request on here a few days a go for a Video tutorial on how to equalise lines. That is how to get all 4 lines the same length. This is important as the lines will vary in length over time and the top lines tend to get long more often as they take more of the kite pressure.

The tutorial is taken in one shot, to show how quickly and easy it can be. The actual equalising takes 5 minutes to get 4 line right.

I use all sleeving that is all the same length, which is the key to making this easier.

[airin]

Hi Everyone,

There was a request on here a few days a go for a Video tutorial on how to equalise lines. That is how to get all 4 lines the same length. This is important as the lines will vary in length over time and the top lines tend to get long more often as they take more of the kite pressure.

The tutorial is taken in one shot, to show how quickly and easy it can be. The actual equalising takes 5 minutes to get 4 line right.

I use all sleeving that is all the same length, which is the key to making this easier.

That was helpful Simon, thanks for filming and posting that.

BTW, what is the green device that you were using there to check the lines against each other?

[poolking]

Simon,

I agree with airin, very helpful video. I also would like some info on the green thing. I was going to buy a fish scale and try it, your green thing looks like it works better.

poolking

[quaa714]

Simon,

I agree with airin, very helpful video. I also would like some info on the green thing. I was going to buy a fish scale and try it, your green thing looks like it works better.

poolking

Quick search netted this result.........

http://www.bfk.com/kite/ki25002.htm

[airin]

Quick search netted this result.........

http://www.bfk.com/kite/ki25002.htm

Ahhh, Line Equalizer! Who knew they had such a thing for fliers. Sheesh. Ok, add it to the list, maybe pick one up at the WSIK...my kite bag is rather quickly filling up.

[Jeepster]

Please note that Simon used a piece of line through the "finger" hole in his line equalizer. For good accuracy, that's an important variable. Using your finger can create a slightly offset force in the line equalizer. The line through the finger hole makes the unit a little harder to use, but it's well worth it.

Good video Simon ... thanks!

Last I checked, the line equalizers were hard to acquire .. I ended up making mine. So, it'd be a neat addition if someone would show a quick video of the "line droop" method of identifying differences in line lengths.

Cheers,
Tom

[LS Kite Stakes]

I think I will make one for myself! Should only take about 30 minutes or so.....

Thanks for posting Simon!

[Simon]

I think I will make one for myself! Should only take about 30 minutes or so.....

Thanks for posting Simon!

Oh Pro Equalizers Bling !!


But for anyone to young to remember Moran Equalizers, if you do a search for line winders & equaliser there are now line winders that do both.

[LS Kite Stakes]

Oh Pro Equalizers Bling !!

I don't know about pro...........


Here is what I whipped up in thirty minutes out in the shop. The Mini Kite Stake (about 7 inches or 18 cm long) is for size reference.



When the two holes line up, the lines are equal.

[Jeepster]

I think I will make one for myself! Should only take about 30 minutes or so.....

Thanks for posting Simon!

Walt,

Okay, but I would expect more than the simple plastic model out of your shop. Since you're going to put a line through the finger hole, maybe that part of the design can be changed. Aluminum ... yep. Polished ... yep. Bearing at the pivit ... yep ... I used a small nylon bearing from Ace Hardware ... a ball bearing would be cool.

Maybe that'll be your next product offering!

Cheers,
Tom

Opps ... missed your post ... looks like you're already on the road!

Edited by Jeepster, 16 August 2009 - 12:00 PM.

[Jeepster]

... When the two holes line up, the lines are equal.

Walt,

How about going back to a pointed tip. Then add scribe lines on the bottom piece to denote how much difference there is between the two lines being measured. That would yield a dimension of how much to shorten the long line.

Cheers,
Tom

[LS Kite Stakes]

Walt,

How about going back to a pointed tip. Then add scribe lines on the bottom piece to denote how much difference there is between the two lines being measured. That would yield a dimension of how much to shorten the long line.

Cheers,
Tom

I wanted to stay away from a scribed line due to the small problem of needing reading glasses now. I would end up needing them to see the scribe line clearly, a hole is easier to see with slightly blurry vision.....

[airin]

I don't know about pro...........


Here is what I whipped up in thirty minutes out in the shop. The Mini Kite Stake (about 7 inches or 18 cm long) is for size reference.



When the two holes line up, the lines are equal.

Nice work RS676Man! Sign me up for one of those!

[mdilucca]

Nice work RS676Man! Sign me up for one of those!

Me too Walt, PM sent!

Cheers and see you soon
Mario

[Harrier]

I think most of us might have a line winder made with a line equaliser built in, I have no problem using one with a finger hole, plenty accurate enough when loading up a pair of lines.

http://canadiankitec...ts/multi-winder

[play365]

Ok I have one that i could sell or swap for a new Zen

Edited by play365, 17 August 2009 - 03:32 AM.

[dave b]

I think most of us might have a line winder made with a line equaliser built in, I have no problem using one with a finger hole, plenty accurate enough when loading up a pair of lines.

http://canadiankitec...ts/multi-winder

Yep thats what i use. Works fine for me.

[Kitelife]

Just updated with two new tutorials...




All are indexed at http://www.learnkites.com

[--Pete]

I think we all like your tutorials (I certainly do), but something I have not seen mentioned is important:

Unlike almost every other video on the internet, your tutorials have a good audio track and it is recorded at (or adjusted to) a useful volume level. I almost never have to adjust the volume on my computer when watching these tutorials.