Power Kite Forum

Big Kid AQR

bigkid - 28-12-2016 at 07:18 AM

Time for an update,

The AQR, I designed is an automatic release system. It will deploy without any human input, or if you choose to, you can deploy it by pulling on the release strap.
The AQR works in conjunction with the buggy. The buggy is the only part of the system that does not leave the ground during an OBE unless you purposely connect yourself to the buggy as per buggy jumping.
The AQR is NOT designed for the soft, slow motion OBE. It is designed for the split second, too late to react OBE. It will work on the slow motion OBE if adjusted correctly.

The AQR design is not aloud in regards to FILSY rules and racing, so I have been told. I designed the AQR release strap to break away in the event the pilot leaves the buggy by accident or on purpose. (One of those grey areas.)

The AQR system is designed to work with kites flown with handles and a strop and or with the chicken loop of a depower 5th line system (or equivalent) while in the buggy. It will not work on a board of any type. (This is an area that will be dealt with in the future).

I have a prototype automatic activation system that does not require being connected to the buggy that's being worked on at the moment that will not be affected by any FILSY rules. With any luck it will be ready for the public by the fall WBB 2017. Might be sooner :D

eric67m - 28-12-2016 at 11:27 AM

Thank you bigkid for making our sport safer and continuing to make improvements.

Hoping to make this addition within the next year or so. It's taking longer to heal with each year older.

slapbasswoody - 28-12-2016 at 01:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bigkid  
Time for an update,

The AQR, I designed is an automatic release system. It will deploy without any human input, or if you choose to, you can deploy it by pulling on the release strap.
The AQR works in conjunction with the buggy. The buggy is the only part of the system that does not leave the ground during an OBE unless you purposely connect yourself to the buggy as per buggy jumping.
The AQR is NOT designed for the soft, slow motion OBE. It is designed for the split second, too late to react OBE. It will work on the slow motion OBE if adjusted correctly.

The AQR design is not aloud in regards to FILSY rules and racing, so I have been told. I designed the AQR release strap to break away in the event the pilot leaves the buggy by accident or on purpose. (One of those grey areas.)

The AQR system is designed to work with kites flown with handles and a strop and or with the chicken loop of a depower 5th line system (or equivalent) while in the buggy. It will not work on a board of any type. (This is an area that will be dealt with in the future).

I have a prototype automatic activation system that does not require being connected to the buggy that's being worked on at the moment that will not be affected by any FILSY rules. With any luck it will be ready for the public by the fall WBB 2017. Might be sooner :D




Hmmm Very interesting (in my very best German accent)

Windstruck - 28-12-2016 at 01:56 PM

Jeff - I love your AQR and have it installed on my buggy. One of the things I like best about it is that having it installed has made my wife comfortable with me still buggying after my kite skating accident this past summer (those morbidly interested can look up the kite skating thread entitled "Windstruck, literally"). One of the hardest things I ever did in the buggy was test the system on purpose. :o Worked as advertised. :D

I don't kid myself in the least. There is no possible way I will hit the chickenloop in time if I loose control of a small kite like my 4 and 6m DPs and they dive up and behind me. One of my big problems is that I inadvertently try to save the situation to avoid the hassle and mess of a deployed safety. Dumb I know, but it is how I react.

Continued thanks Jeff for your innovative spirit and open willingness to share your successes with the rest of us.

3shot - 28-12-2016 at 03:45 PM

Thanks for the update Jeff! I will not hook in without my AQR

Randy - 28-12-2016 at 05:50 PM

I've just started buggying in the past 2 months. So far I've been using no strop and letting go, or having the handles get jerked out of my hand(s). Safety wise would I be better off using strop the AQR or continuing on with what I'm doing now. I figure strop by itself is probably a quick way to get launched from the buggy and not a good idea, but tell me if I'm wrong.

bigkid - 28-12-2016 at 06:14 PM

Some have asked if they can buy the parts off the shelf and make it themselves. The answer is NO.
I have made modifications to most of the parts and a couple of them are made by me. Not that anyone with a bit of know how cant do what I did. You just go to the Quick Release store and ask for a Big kid AQR, well its kind of like that. You call me and place an order.:D

The old style spreader bar is from HQ, the new style is made down the street at Andersons Welding Shop.
The Snap Shackle is from West Marine and I alter the pin, spring and pin ring with a bit of help from Andersons Welding. The new style snap shackle is custom made for me by LEWMAR.
The Snatch Block comes from the UK and gets a "fully let go" alteration to allow the Snap Shackle to work correctly by me.
The anchor strap is custom made by me.
The angle iron bar and hose clamps are bought at the local hardware store by the consumer.

At this time the cost is 100% the price to buy and produce the product. I dont make a dime, its not about making money its about the safety issue. Its hard to explain the customization of the parts because its about the parts working together and the little stuff that has come about from years of R & D.

Im glad that some are happy with the AQR and I know from personal experience The better half is able to sleep at night and let me live because of the AQR. Its not for everyone, just for those of us that are able to admit were not superman anymore. :evil:

Wind_dog - 29-12-2016 at 12:15 AM

Jeff,

Thanks for all the work in developing and testing of your AQR design
AND importantly,
for sharing the details of the parts and operation.

Armed with that knowledge I did go to the store (on-line)
bought the parts, modified my flexifoil and have a
working BKAQR. Easy squeezie.

Now I won't hook in without it. DPs and FBs.

Thanks again.

Baluk - 5-9-2019 at 06:43 PM

Do you have any photos of this?:)

hiaguy - 6-9-2019 at 05:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Baluk  
Do you have any photos of this?:)

U2U sent.