Date:	Tue, 12 Jul 1994 16:30:28 -1000
From:	Ken Pennell <krpennell@bnr.ca>
Message-Id: <1994Jul13.023028.2138@bnr.ca>
Organization: BNR
Subject: OK, so here is my kite question

OK, before I start, many thanks to the silly bunts who replied to my 
question, which was really a technique to determine the regular 
smart arse vocals in the news group (ha ha)  -:). Anyone buying this... 
?

I have a few kites and a few kite questions. This is the first set for 
one style of kite.

I bought this kite from a hobby store, it was on display for about a 
year. Of course there were no instructions, how complicated can 
flying a kite be (Ha!)? One side of the  label on the kite says that ist 
is a "3/4 spin off - Top of the Line Flight Squadron" and the other 
side says "Hawaiian spin off - Ask the person who flies one - Top of 
the Line Kites - 3015 St. Charles Pl., San Diego, CA. 92110".  I guess 
that I would call it a delta wing shape with about 6 ft. from end of 
"wing" tip to tip. 

It requires two control lines, each control line connects to one side of 
the "wing" by two pieces of line, one longer piece, connected from the 
middle bottom center of the kite to about 12 inches from the top, the 
other shorter from about 16 inches from the bottom tip of the "wing" 
to a strategic point near the center of the longer line. These two 
pieces of line form an inverted pyramid with the control line 
connected at the apex. I believe that the dimensions of the inverted 
pyramid control the angle of attack of the "delta wing" shape to the 
wind. 
1- How should I form this inverted pyramid. Note that there are 
strange green markings on the lines, that could be of significance, but 
visually, without cutting the lines, they do not seem to be able to be 
tied in a configuration that matches the markings in any way. The 
kite, when launched in 10-15 mph winds, climbs at a tremendous 
rate to about 60-80 degress, stalls and dives, usually directly 
towards me. This provides great entertainment for my kids (who I 
bought the kite for) as I run away. In summary how do I determine 
and set the angle of attack?
2- Since the kite was on display, hung overhead in a sports store, 
they appear to have initially installed the control lines on the wrong 
side of the kite, so that the pretty side looked down at the people 
looking up and the ugly lines and spreader sticks were on the ceiling 
side. So which bloody side of the kite do the spreader sticks belong, 
windward or lee?

I have tried to use terms that made sense to me, I am sure that the 
hardened kite flyers will enlighten me on the correct ones. 

regards,
Ken Pennell
krpennell@bnr.ca


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