From: reich@nosc.mil (Ronald S. Reich) Subject: Re: a couple of questions Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 14:22:24 GMT >From: KALLIS@eleceng.pentech.ac.za (Deon Kallis) >Through the magazines, I see some flyers in the innovative >sections flying with their line through spikes, allowing >physical interaction with the kite. Before I try this out; The concept was introduced in 1986 by Lee Sedgewick from Erie PA. He called it "Solo Flying." >- how many spikes are used, For a Dual line kites, 1 Cork Screw Dog Stake is used (if it can be securely anchored to the ground. For Quad line kites, Some flyers use 2 dog stakes, one for each set of lines (right and left) other quadlines use 1 dog stake but have a 4 ring assemble attached to the stake to keep the lines separated. I just use 1 dog stake for all applications. >- are there any problems with line breakages - should I change >my line? Lines less than 200 lb test could break very easily. I have broaken 80lb test but never 200 or 300. Techniques is the answer to preseving your lines. I usually stand near the right edge of the wind window. That way I can hover the kite over my head and land it in by hands and not have to wory about how fast it is moving which might cause me to have to get out of the way. Also, the load on the dog stake is less when the kite is on the edge of the wind window. Realize that the edge is an arch from extreme right, up over the top, and down to the extreme left. The speed control of the kite is accomplished by the flyer moving back and forth toward the dog stake. The flyer should not move back, away from the dog stake while the kite is in the power zone of the wind window. That is the time when the most wear takes place on the lines at the dog stake. It is ok to move toward the dog stake while the kite is in the power zone. This will slow the kite down as it is comming toward you. The other consideration is whether or not to switch the handles in your hands. When you fly on the dog stake, you will be looking at the kite in reverse. Some flyers find it easier to switch the handles so that when the pull right the kite goes to the right as they are looking at it. Myself personally I don't switch the handles because I like to move back and forth whereby some times I am actually standing between the kite and the dog stake. At that point, I raise my hands over my head and turn my to face the kite. In this position the steering become a matter of pushing a hand toward the kite to get it to turn. A beginners hint: If you are standing on the right edge of the wind window, facing the dog stake and the kite is comming toward you from your right, then remind your self that you will need to pull on your left hand in order to cause the kite to turn up and away. (As apposed to down and into the ground.) Pushing on the right hand will create the same action. I hope that this helps. Just don't get discouraged. Stick with it and you will get it. It is one of my favorite ways to fly my kites. Still Learning and Sharing, Ron Reich