Power Kite Forum

Getting new arc inlets to open?

Bladerunner - 23-12-2010 at 11:53 AM

I am Sooooo frustrated with my 15m ( and previously 19m ) Charger not properly filling in 5 - 7 mph winds ! In both cases the valves just aren't losing their static cling.

I have managed to force enough air into my 15m charger to get it to fly proper a couple ( and Rip' one other ? ) of times but it has never seen + 15mph winds.

I end up stuck in this mode where the arc wil hang back low in the window and I can gently pump it up , relax , REPEAT !!!! Trying to create slow motion ends up in tip clap and trouble. My Syns vents are well punched so this is much less a problem .

I have tried to reach in from the deflate zip? Have thought I managed to pull them pen only to find they are clinched again when I go out?

Any tips?

Todd - 23-12-2010 at 12:06 PM

If I remember correctly, rub it with a dryer sheet.


BTW I had the same exact thing happen last Sunday with the new 12m. I forced air in with the leaf blower and that seemed to do the trick.

Edit for the quote:

Quote:
Originally posted by csa_deadon
With my 16m Scorp I'm running a 50% first launch rate. 90% second attempt.
With mine being practically brand new, I have found that the static build up on the material actually is what is the culprit. Gonna try rubbing a fabric dryer sheet on the mesh covering over the inlets to see if not only if it will help with the inlets sticking to the mesh but also bringing a fresh mountain scent to the kite! :crazy:

dylanj423 - 23-12-2010 at 12:26 PM

dryer sheet outta work... get rid of that static cling

carltb - 23-12-2010 at 01:57 PM

all i did was get a metal coat hanger and poke it through the mesh and wiggle it abit.

bigkid - 23-12-2010 at 02:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bladerunner
I am Sooooo frustrated with my 15m ( and previously 19m ) Charger not properly filling in 5 - 7 mph winds ! Any tips?

So many thoughts and way to may responses.....
Let us know about the dryer sheets? If that doesn't work, then we can respond:smilegrin:

csa_deadon - 23-12-2010 at 02:14 PM

Blade: The dryer sheets work like a dream. Just reach in through the deflate zipper and rub each inlet with a sheet.
I also rubbed one over the mesh screen.

Had that same trouble with the 16m Scorp I had. After two go arounds with the dryer sheets no probs.

csa_deadon - 23-12-2010 at 02:19 PM

flyjump - 23-12-2010 at 02:31 PM

I definatly had that happen with my 15 right out of the bag. Pinch it open and use dryer sheets

geokite - 23-12-2010 at 03:51 PM

If you can't easily get to the inlet material through the mesh, try a small amount of foot powder or climbers chalk through the mesh.

Kamikuza - 23-12-2010 at 06:26 PM

... do they really NEED the mesh? My FS kites have some intakes with and some without - easy to poke your arm down and open them up.

flyjump - 23-12-2010 at 11:57 PM

Kevin that is an interesting idea, why the mesh?
It's not like the mesh keeps water out
Hmmm.................

carltb - 24-12-2010 at 02:00 AM

i think its there to stop small birds from flying in!!!!

BeamerBob - 24-12-2010 at 10:01 AM

I imagine it offers some structure to the hole in the leading edge. The mesh eliminates the spot that the leading edge could flex and change shape.

Bladerunner - 24-12-2010 at 10:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BeamerBob
I imagine it offers some structure to the hole in the leading edge. The mesh eliminates the spot that the leading edge could flex and change shape.


This would be my thinking ?
I hated the mesh on my Bullets. It was a more open mesh and would scoop snow inside then ball it up in there. ( it was my 1st season on snow and I crashed a lot ) I heard that people cutout the mesh with no change to flying character ?
Has anybody ever tried removing the mesh on an arc ? Cutting off the mesh is too drastic for an issue I am sure will resolve itself.

I think the biggest thing I can do to get these inlets to stay open is to get the crazy kite out in some decent winds ? I know it gets past that clap stage and flies well when properly filled. The fact there is so much static electricity around here I am sparkin' every time I find ground has to have added to the issue?

Thanks for the tips! I will try the dryer sheets + powder! :thumbup:

Kamikuza - 24-12-2010 at 05:19 PM

But not all the vents on the FSers have them - and personally I don't think it matters for structure. Small birds yes I can imagine so :lol:
Take it out in overpowered conditions :D you'll have no problem with the launch and it'll be full before it gets to zenith :)

Jaymz - 24-12-2010 at 11:52 PM

Thanks for posting BR. Same problem here with a 15m Charger. Kite is inflated pre-launch except for the folded upwind tip. EVERY time I try to launch in winds <12 , I have to work the center lines to get her up, then she clams and comes crashing down.
I have noticed one of the inlets is stuck closed. Tried reaching in the deflate zipper and couldn't get to it. Tried pinching both sides from the outside and couldn't get a good grip.
I'll blow the flaps open with compressed air tomorrow and pour in some powder.

ripsessionkites - 25-12-2010 at 12:37 PM

i sprayed static guard in mine

i have a can waiting for you BR

Bladerunner - 25-12-2010 at 09:27 PM

:bigok: