Blitzhound - 3-3-2017 at 08:02 AM
So here's the deal. I want to set up a QR/pully system for my FB's. I do have a PL bullet Spreader bar and I like having to refused friction of the
pully. But I also like to fly depowers. Heck I'll switch between the two in the same session. It doesn't bother me to go from one to the other. I have
tried hooking into the bullet bar and I don't like it. So I want to set it up that I can fly both on the same hook. Which is what I've been doing. But
it's rough on the strops. Enough so that I'm replacing them more often then I feel I should have too. Which isn't too much of a pain. I make the
strops myself. But it does tend to wear the arms out much faster too. Anyway... I don't have a Westmarine within 100 miles of me to hold these things
in person. So I have to try to order them online. I've seen the postings for the Wichard/Holt setups. I think that would work for me. What I need to
know are the Sizes you guys are using. Is the holt a 40mm? What about the Wichard? and are you just connecting the two directly together like most of
the old photos I've seen, or wouldn't it be better to add a swivel in between? Are you just hooking the Wichard directly onto the spreader bar hook?
I've seen the spreader bars with a ring as apposed to a hook. But I don't want that. I want to maintain the hook for DP's. Thank you for your help.
Wind_dog - 3-3-2017 at 09:41 AM
Hey Blitzhound.
Been awhile, looking forward to catching you on the beach.
I messed around with several combinations of shackles
with my bullet bar and a 40mm Allen block.
along the lines of Bigkid and PTW shared photos.
As Jeff stresses, use a short release line straight down.
It does work with the block for FB and without for DP.
For FBs, splice some dyneema strop lines and they will never wear out.
So smooth running through the block, I felt I instantly gained
another level of fine control. 
I settled on the Wichard 2 3/4" and a non swivel shackle for connection.
For most dependable release on a Wichard, (or any release shackle)
the release pull should (must) be in correct direction.
I've seen a few ways to do that:
1) Limit rotation of Wichard so it always stays right side up
It's been done with zip ties but could be a TIG tack weld or . .
2) Use a tapered fid on the release pull that works in any direction
3) add a small guide ring below the shackle so pull is always from correct direction.
Maybe we should meetup in Newport for a session and you can try it out.
Wind_dog
eric67m - 3-3-2017 at 09:50 AM
Contact Jeff earl, big kid. He is the expert on all things AQR. I talked to Jeff and windog to try to absorb their knowledge when I was designing
mine and set it up.
I ended up modifying a peter Lynn bullet spreader bar, removing the stock bracket and pulley and making a bracket to adapt to a snap shackle (which
doesn't move up and down but does pivot left and right) and holt allen block. Mine is 5" from my belly to the center of the pulley.
My only concern is when static flying a depower and you release the kites top hat safety, the chicken loop might not slip through the small snap
shackle loop as it releases. I may add a ring between the two when flying depowers.
I still have not had time to test it out.
Blitzhound - 19-4-2017 at 09:05 AM
I was out yesterday in the bug and twice while launching I somehow managed to get the strop wedged between the cheek and the shiv of my PL Bullet
spreader bar. I really need to come up with something better.
bigkid - 19-4-2017 at 09:31 AM
It was the PL Bullet spreader bar that I used prior to my AQR.
Glad you lived to tell about your experience. You will need to use at least 1/2 inch strop thickness for that spreader bar. Be sure to keep it clean
or the bearings will wear out and then you buy another spreader bar. No parts available. It usually breaks down at the beach, carry an extra to be
safe.
Blitzhound - 19-4-2017 at 11:17 AM
Thanks for the tip Jeff. But to be honest I probably won't be using that bar again. It was a bit unnerving having that thing bind up on me. Nothing I
could do but grab the brake lines. But I still need to come up with a better setup. Maybe we should talk about setting up the Croozer with an AQR. On
the up side. I had a blast with the 4.5m Century you sent me. Still learning...but oh what fun! I love these kites.
bigkid - 19-4-2017 at 12:12 PM
More kites and an AQR,
I have both and a bunch of other stuff, money can buy you lots of happiness.:evil: