marshrat99 - 7-1-2007 at 11:57 AM
I'm at my wits end trying to correct a nose dive problem on a 10ft delta using this Dan Leigh design:
http://members.aol.com/hprinzler/delta6m.gif
I've double & tripple checked all measurements and kite appears to be perfectly balanced. I've tried increasing the dehydral and adjusting the
bridle point but no luck.
Any suggestions?
TIA
FreeFlyFrog - 7-1-2007 at 12:28 PM
Does it always dive to the same side? what conditions did you fly it in?
marshrat99 - 7-1-2007 at 12:37 PM
The kite doesn't dive particularily to the same side. I've attempted to fly in multiple wind conditions and get the same result. Attaching a tail
helps some but not much.
coreykite - 8-1-2007 at 12:27 PM
Hey marshrat99,
One more thing to check on deltas...
The leading edge spar...
Often they are packed with the spars slid up to the nose of the sail.
They pack more easily that way.
Be sure to slide the l.e. spars away from the nose of the kite.
All the way to the trailing edge of the sail.
It could be that you have too much weight forward.
Dan Leigh's kites are reknowned for their superior flying ability.
One more thing to check... If it has wooden dowels in the frame, you might want to at least swap them side-to-side to check their balance, or simply
replace them with new wood.
If you're flying in a field surrounded by terrain or trees, try moving to the up-wind edge of the field after the kite is aloft.
That might help you avoid down-wind turbulence.
Please let us know what you find out.
Too often folks come here asking for advise, and we hear nothing more.
It would be nice to know if our insights or suggestions bear fruit.
Safen Up! Buggy On!
"Often wrong... Never in doubt"
the coreylama
marshrat99 - 8-1-2007 at 04:40 PM
Hey thanks for the things to check. I suspect I'm too much weight forward as you said. I'm on the road this week and will have a look and hopefully
test this weekend if the weather cooperates. Thanks again
marshrat99 - 12-1-2007 at 06:44 PM
Coreykite: Thanks for the tip about too much weight forward. That was EXACTLY my problem. I changed the leading edge spars and spreader bar out for
a lighter material and the thing now rides on a puff of air and is perfectly balanced. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I was
really reluctant to ask since I'm such a noob and you guys have your stuff together but how else is one to learn. Thanks again.