6 replies to this topic

[TimW]

have been wondering if weighting the outer spars on the LE of an EXP would make any difference so i tried it today (i'm a fiddler by nature)
I slid some cut to length fibreglass rods into the LE and assembled.
It took off faster than usual and stopped dead far quicker than usual.
Now I don't know if this is related, but the kite seems to hold itself steadier in any hover position. Turns seem sharper and it feels far more responsive in general.
I tried weighting the upright spars, but it became so sluggish i removed them after 10 mins

Anyone else tried anything similar??



totally unrelated...... i'm looking at building a 3piece sail, reduced size Rev-a-like based on a directly minimised scale (50%) Would i get my butt kicked if I added the Revolution logo or should i use a directly similar REVaLIKE logo?? Don't want to upset anyone.

Cheers
Tim

[Stone in Shoe Bob]

have been wondering if weighting the outer spars on the LE of an EXP would make any difference so i tried it today (i'm a fiddler by nature)
I slid some cut to length fibreglass rods into the LE and assembled.
It took off faster than usual and stopped dead far quicker than usual.

I do not doubt your observations, but it does sound very odd to me, I’m no physicist but I would have expected the extra weight and inertia to have the opposite effect. I would be interested to see what others have to say on this on though.

Now I don't know if this is related, but the kite seems to hold itself steadier in any hover position. Turns seem sharper and it feels far more responsive in general.

I can see logic in that, that is my old friend inertia again, weight (sorry mass, for physicists) in the ends of the l/e, it’s the fly wheel effect, it loves the status quo, if it’s not moving it holds it there if it is moving it helps to keep it moving. I believe that is why JB includes a weight set in the B series package.

I tried weighting the upright spars, but it became so sluggish i removed them after 10 mins

That does not surprise me at all, those two spars are in effect the kites rudders, any unnecessary weight (sorry mass) there is bound to mess with the handling, it’s like the reverse of power assisted steering on a car.

[Kitelife]

totally unrelated...... i'm looking at building a 3piece sail, reduced size Rev-a-like based on a directly minimised scale (50%) Would i get my butt kicked if I added the Revolution logo or should i use a directly similar REVaLIKE logo?? Don't want to upset anyone.

Tim, typically a Rev is a Rev, and anything else is a quad line kite... Logo use generally follows suit.

On rare occasion, someone makes a real fine masterpiece and are allowed to add the Rev logo after the kite is reviewed by Rev management.

No substitute for asking Rev about it directly, however.

[wufer]

Tim.

Regarding the logo.

Do not use Rev logo, or anything like it, its just not right



Derek.

[TimW]

Thanks for the replies people.
Bob, i will see if i can do a more detailed analysis if anyones interested.

I think the mini Rev-a-like will just be logoless, i suppose it will never be a true Rev

[kairusan]

Tim.

Regarding the logo.

Do not use Rev logo, or anything like it, its just not right



Derek.

Not to mention potentially infringing on Rev's intellectual property. Best not to open that can of worms, because even if companies are friendly, lawyers are almost always evil.

Edited by kairusan, 21 June 2009 - 10:26 AM.

[bobw]

have been wondering if weighting the outer spars on the LE of an EXP would make any difference so i tried it today (i'm a fiddler by nature)
I slid some cut to length fibreglass rods into the LE and assembled.
It took off faster than usual and stopped dead far quicker than usual.
Now I don't know if this is related, but the kite seems to hold itself steadier in any hover position. Turns seem sharper and it feels far more responsive in general.
I tried weighting the upright spars, but it became so sluggish i removed them after 10 mins

I love fiddling too, Tim. Sounds like by adding the fiberglass inserts, you made a pseudo SLE. A bit heavier, and a bit stiffer. A bit faster in flight too, but not quite as precise. As for trying it in the verticals, I bet you made it deader/stiffer. I tend to like softer flexier rods in the verticals as it gives a bit more lift.