Power Kite Forum

anemometer vane

RedSky - 3-2-2015 at 04:22 PM



What the hell is a anemometer vane I hear you ask.

I created the vane from stuff laying around a few weeks ago but until today I hadn't had the time to test it.

I thought I was onto something but when I returned home from filming I googled anemometer + weather vane out of curiosity in the hope that I had invented something new, being the genius I am of course. Apparently it already exists.

An anemometer vane is used to monitor wind speeds handsfree for a more accurate reading. The vane continuously points the anemometer directly into the wind.
The camera I've mounted to it can be used to record wind speeds for use in videos such as low wind challenges, nuking wind sessions or whatever.

It can also reveal changing wind directions and it's variance estimated in degrees. Todays trial was set in low winds, proving its sensitivity to the slightest of breezes.

The real reason for building this however, is to film myself “hot” launching my kite in high -ish winds.
I have heard that the Genetrix Hydra can be safely launched “hot” in the power zone. It's not recommended to try this with any other LEI, bewarned. I want to test this out for myself in strong winds with the 9m and the vane will help me record it.

Here's a video link to a Genetrix Hydra “hot” launch test which I'd like to recreate. Please skip to 2:05 and mute the sound, you'll thank me.




Obviously this is just the prototype but I'm planning to start producing these in my garage perhaps this weekend to meet the expected high demand. It will come in kit form comprising of a paint roller, a small sheet of perspex (roughly cut), a long white stick and some sticky tape.
Retail price is $250 but I will do a discount for a bulk buy purchase.

Sorry, GoPro, anemometer and mount not included.

John Holgate - 4-2-2015 at 02:06 AM

I hope you're going to print a small medieval helmet and sword on the perspex....just so we know who made it.

Also, I'd be keen to see some wind tunnel testing with that airborne colored die stuff they use just to check the turbulence coming off the gopro housing and interfering with the anmenomnteieter thingo.

PHREERIDER - 4-2-2015 at 07:52 AM

cool stuff, the hot thing interesting , SS rpm will do same ...in general not the shock i would put any kite thru unless situational, side launch is easy on the unit. inversion would be a back breaker. why interested in hot launch tube(in hi wind)? reverse launch like with fuel may be better option it would seem

the "all by air" vid is supreme man ! love it!

RedSky - 4-2-2015 at 06:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Holgate  
I hope you're going to print a small medieval helmet and sword on the perspex....just so we know who made it.

Also, I'd be keen to see some wind tunnel testing with that airborne colored die stuff they use just to check the turbulence coming off the gopro housing and interfering with the anmenomnteieter thingo.


Mmmmmmm, interesting idea with medieval stickers. ;)

I got back from work this afternoon and read your post. Normally I'd grab a power-nap before starting work again, instead I got straight back into the car and drove to the field at the end of my road to do a retest.

Your suspicions were correct. The housing either created turbulence and/or partially blocked the anemometers propeller to interfere with its reading.
I then set about destroying it. So for now it's back to the drawing board.






RedSky - 4-2-2015 at 07:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PHREERIDER  
cool stuff, the hot thing interesting , SS rpm will do same ...in general not the shock i would put any kite thru unless situational, side launch is easy on the unit. inversion would be a back breaker. why interested in hot launch tube(in hi wind)? reverse launch like with fuel may be better option it would seem

the "all by air" vid is supreme man ! love it!


Wow! Thanks PHREE, glad you liked that video. :)

Regarding the launch. Yeah I agree, unless it was situational then why bother. This particular trait of the Genetrix Hydra is mentioned in its brief, I'm guessing to promote its depower range. The only time I've ever seen this very unusual launch is in the video I posted. So I'd like to try my hand at demonstrating it too and the wind meter will make it more believable...if that makes any sense.

John Holgate - 4-2-2015 at 08:52 PM

You could start a rival youtube channel to 'will it blend?' and call it something like 'shalt thou be slayed?' and wield the sword at all sorts of stuff. Perhaps you could substitute the (now slain) gopro with a little key chain camera or FPV type camera...

PS: If I did that (wielding the sword, not pestering the horse) down at the local park, I'm pretty sure I'd be arrested!

RedSky - 4-2-2015 at 09:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Holgate  
You could start a rival youtube channel to 'will it blend?' and call it something like 'shalt thou be slayed?' and wield the sword at all sorts of stuff. Perhaps you could substitute the (now slain) gopro with a little key chain camera or FPV type camera...

PS: If I did that (wielding the sword, not pestering the horse) down at the local park, I'm pretty sure I'd be arrested!


Shalt thou be slayed ? !! Now you're talking. That sounds great. Something to think about for sure. :lol:

Yeah, I'm going to be substituting myself for one of those bullet cameras that lay flat. Looking forward to making this work.

The sword isn't a problem in the countryside, just don't carry one on the London underground.
If the police turned up to find me with a sword they'd just laugh. People normally just give me a wide friendly berth when I'm out and about with it. The UK is a nation of animal lovers ( and its official ) I would defo advise against horse pestering or sheep worrying.... trust me on this one. (I'm joking) :lol:

Cheers John :thumbup:




:cool: