All images by Johan van Aarde ZS2I, thanks Johan for some great photos.
Well time has now arrived to re-start
the K.C.A.R. PROJECT. This project will be launched in several phases
and I will update these pages as the project unfolds.
K.C.A.R
- KITE CARRYING AMATEUR RADIO RESEARCH PROJECT, is a Southern Cape
based project that promotes science and education by exploring
frontiers in amateur radio with medium to high altitude kites.
Several radio amateurs and private individuals will assist me and
their names and contribution towards the project will be displayed
under this topic. We are not a club or official group, but simply a
few individuals with similar interests, a common goal and hope that
our K.C.A.R project, which anyone is welcome to participate in, will
help promote education, experimentation amongst interested people in
South Africa.
BACKGROUND:
I
always had this crazy idea of in sending “something” up in the
sky with an amateur radio payload on board. I had a look at several
helium balloon and rocket projects but due to various Governmental
and Aviation “red tape” in this country, I decided the next best
option for the time being would be to use a kite to carry the
payload. You might say what a waste of time but did you know that a
World Kite Altitude Record of 14,509Ft (4422 meters) was set by
Richard Synergy in Kincardine, Ontario, August 12, 2000 for a single
kite. Needless to say I am not currently interest to better the
record. The aim of this project is to build a kite that will carry an
amateur radio/science payload.
START OF THE
PROJECT:
A diary of events and an inventory list
of scheduled activities will also be kept at the end of this article
to ensure that every aspect receive the necessary attention. I will
not go into all the detail of the project as time and space does not
allow it.
MAIN ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE PROJECT:
1. KITE(S)
2. PAYLOAD
3. FLIGHTS
4.
RESULTS
5. FUTURE
KITE(S) FOR THE PROJECT:
Research on the Internet revealed many information on
kites. I had the option to buy a ready-made kite or to build a kite
for the project. It had to conform to certain specifications.
I
decided on the DELTA KITE and to built it from scratch. The delta is
a light wind kite, particularly suited to thermal cruising. It is
relatively easy to construct and conveniently quick to assemble.
Delta kites are single line triangle shaped kites that are sometimes
called "bat" or "wing" kites, and are named for
their resemblance of the Greek letter "Delta". A very
efficient kite, the delta kite can float in lighter winds than most
other kite shapes. The exceptional lift capabilities of the kite
allow several kilograms of payload to be attached to the kite and/or
tether. Just what we are looking for.
I am also looking at
several variants of the Delta Kite for the project. The first
experimental kite will however be a delta with the following
specifications. (Please note that this kite is small and is only for
test purposes.) If this kite "performs” satisfactory, a larger
(6 meter) version will be constructed for the project.
Well thanks to the family the K.C.A.R prototype kite was build and is now ready for it's maiden flight. The decal is still to be affixed and a trimming here and there will see it ready for final testing.
Photo of DELTA I in flight:
I envisage the first test flight to take place during this coming week, weather permitting. Some feedback later in the week about the flight. Please note no payload will be flown at this stage. My thanks and appreciation goes to the family who assisted me in building this 2.4 meter Delta Kite.
Just returned from the "kite-field" after a very successful flight. Had to make one adjustment to the kite for balance. I had a super flight after the change. The wind was moderate although I would have preferred a light wind. The kite soar to about 150 meters in less than two minutes and glided at an angle of 85%. Had to bend my stiff neck to keep track of the kite. It glided for about half an hour and as the wind increased in speed the tension on the line increased but giving some more line released the tension. The Delta Kite is really the glider they say it is. I am looking forward to the next flight. I will make some changes to the cross spar to further increase stability. Overall a very successful first test flight.
Kite Name:
I envisage the use of several kites to achieve the ultimate goal.
The project is called the K.C.A.R PROJECT.
The Delta Kite flown today will be known as:
DELTA I
Official flights will be named AQUILONE (Italian word for Eagle) but will be distinguished by the version number.
The first official flight with payload will be known as:
AQUILONE I
Had very successful flight today. (11/10/2007) Wind was very light but I was able to do a few lifting tests. The Delta I surged to a height of approx 200 meters but I had to reel it in as it was flying out of the "kite-field", a risk I did not want to take. I corrected the elevation of the delta by adding a little weight to the right hand side of the kite. This ensured no spins, rolling or leaning.
The kite was fitted with a 120-gram fishing sinker as a test payload. The kite lifted it to 20 meters, but the wind was to light causing it to stay at altitude. Although not a successful lift we must bear in mind that the wind was very light and the kite only has a wingspan of 2.4m. I lighter 50 gram sinker was then fitted which was lifted to an estimate altitude of 100 meters.
I am satisfied with the end results and cannot wait to construct Delta II with a 6 Meter wingspan. This kite will give me greater lifting capability, hopefully enough for an amateur radio payload. I will start work on Delta II this coming weekend. I cannot wait to get this kite into the air with a payload.
PROVISIONAL PAYLOAD FOR THE PROJECT:
The current suggestion is to accommodate the following amateur radio equipment as a payload:
1. UHF TRACKING BEACON (INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL)
2. APRS TRACKING UNIT
3. TEMPERATURE SENSOR UNIT
4. FIXED DIGITAL OR DISPOSABLE CAMERA
5. QRSS HF BEACON
Some more info on these units:
UHF TRACKING BEACON: I intend using an AM UHF Transmitter (10mW)with temperature sensor unit. Not only will this provide for an internal beacon but I can also connect a beeper to the unit for external audio. The transmitter will also be used to transmit temperature data to a laptop computer.
APRS TRACKING UNIT: I intend using the TinyTrak-Trimble unit. This tracker kit is based on work done by Byron N6BG, Henry ZS1AAZ, Chris ZS2AAW and was distributed as a PEARS project. This unit is a single-board tracker kit. The transmitter will be a VHF 300mW crystal controlled unit. This unit will also be linked to the ZS1I IGATE enabling radio amateurs world wide to locate the Kite Carrying Amateur Radio.
Photo's of the completed unit ready to be installed into the payload:
TEMPERATURE
SENSOR UNIT: This unit will work with the UHF TRACKING BEACON and
will transmit temperature readings via the beacon.
FIXED
DIGITAL OR DISPOSABLE CAMERA: I will most probably use a
disposable camera to start with. (Cannot afford to crash a digital
camera at this stage) It is envisage to take pictures of the
surroundings and activities on the ground. Will have to use a servo
with some kind of transmitter to activate the camera.
QRSS
HF BEACON: Just currently a thought. Maybe using PSK Mode for
this one. Will have to think about it.
Well it has been
some time since I last updated this topic. Rest assure that the
project was not neglected. Serious planning and consideration was
given to many aspects of the project.
Some general natter
or shall we call it thoughts:
I have to announce that I
will not be using the APRS package of PEARS as previously announced
and tested. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with the
tracker kit, I have decided to "invent" my own APRS
package. The main object here was to secure a small all in one
lightweight package. I tested the following three modules and will
ultimately combine them in one package:
1. 300mW 144.800
Mhz Transmitter
2. Scaled down TinyTrak Module (only PIC and
couple of resistors)
3. All in one GPS Module
(UBLOX)
Provisional results revealed outstanding
performance. Decoding of signals successful and transmitter working
at very low capacity. No heat problems. Frequency as steady as a rock
and audio clean.
Currently working on a PCB which will accommodate all three modules.
Size: 30mm x 120mm (approx)
Weight: 75 grams (approx) This will be a complete APRS Mini Tracker
Unit. Will post some photo's once completed.
I had several
test flights in the last couple of weeks with the Delta. The delta
was flown under various wind speeds. Light South Westerly winds seem
to be the most favorite conditions.
I obtained a 1.5 kg
roll of 2mm braided nylon line and will keep this line for the first
official flight. However this line needs a winch. More later about
building my own winch to fly the 6m Delta.
Another change
I envisage is the type of kite. The Delta I currently use is meant
for light winds. I plan to build three different kites, each with
it's own flight characteristics. The three kites are:
1.
DELTA (Prototype constructed: October 2007)
2.
DELTA-CONYNE (Prototype constructed: June 2008)
3.
CONYNE OR FRENCH MILITARY BOX KITE
More later about
these kite types.
My "airport" are getting
smaller by the day. Definitely not big enough for a six meter kite.
Out towards the sea are many open spaces but retrieving a kite fallen
into the ocean is a impossible mission if not assisted by small boat
owners. With two official airports in the area I am sure I will
receive the wind from the front if I dare to fly this kite in the
Mossel Bay-George area.
An opportunity arose when I visited
Riversdal recently. I visited the Riverdal airfield and this venue is
currently a definite favorite "airport" for K.C.A.R. I
will also look at some other venues after studying all the relevant
factors associated with the project.
Next
Activity: JUNE 2008: Constructing a DELTA-CONYNE PROTOTYPE.
UPDATE: 19 JUNE 2008: With the weather
being fowl this last couple of days, it was ideal to start work on
the DELTA-CONYNE KITE. I drew the plans for the kite on the 16
June 2008 where-after I cut the pieces of ripstop according to the
plan. The sewing started on the 17 June 2008. Here are the
dimensions of the kite.
The kite is 2.8 meters (9 Ft) from tip to tip. For those interested here is a short overview of the kite:
The Delta Conyne is a kite which gained popularity in the late Seventies and early Eighties. It is a hybrid kite, being a combination of a Conyne, which is a box kite, and a Delta. The kite is very stable and will fly well in a large variety of winds. The lifting power of a Delta combined with the stability of a box kite, these kites are always the fastest climbers in altitude races. This kite is capable of lifting large payloads and is truly impressive in the sky.
In a moderate to stiff wind it flies well and will lift a reasonable payload. To give you a rough idea say the payload weighs in at roughly 820 grams. I can fly the Delta Conyne in any wind from about 10 km per hour but to lift the payload its nearer to 15 km per hour to be safe. Years ago I invested in a portable anemometer which will now come in very handy. I made some final touches to the kite today. Unfortunately the rainy weather does not allow me to take the kite for it's maiden flight. I hope to do this as soon as the weather clears. Now building this kite was real fun and guess what I had to sew the kite myself. The YL point blank refused and I had to get behind the sewing machine. Learned something new and can now operate a sewing machine.........yep and this does not make me a lesser man. At least I can now mend my own clothes!!
This project has really focused my attention on flying kites as a past time. I have learned a lot about flying kites and also the many uses for kites. Now you may ask why fly a kite? Each flight is a journey of exploration. Each flight is different. And the flyer is not merely a passive observer, either. The responsible flyer is in control at all times (or should be): letting out line; not letting out line; winding line in - to catch lift, turn, take out more line, move to another spot in search of a thermal - all done deliberately by the flyer in control. Kites are controlled by pulling in or letting out the line. With the right kite for the wind, and the right line, it's very relaxing and rewarding. Flying a kite for an equal number of hours showed a cost effective means of reducing stress. It was also the best in terms of overall effectiveness, regardless of cost. A further bonus is to combine kite flying with Amateur Radio. Marconi lead the pioneering actions as far back as 1901 - Guglielmo Marconi used a kite to lift an aerial to make his historical radio link between North America and Europe.
Enough of history, I
must now sit and wait for the weather to be conducive for kite
flying. With a pro-photographer, pilot and navigator on
standby the first maiden flight of the DELTA-CONYNE 1
will be undertaken soon. The next step will be to manufacture a
Picavet. The Picavet will provide a level platform for the
amateur radio payload. An update with photo's of the first
maiden flight will be posted under this topic. In the meantime
keep your fingers crossed for good weather and a successful
first flight.
MAIDEN
FLIGHT OF THE DELTA-CONYNE 21 JUNE 2008 09H30
I
was greeted by clear skies when I woke up this morning. It
rained during the night but the clouds have disappeared. I
noticed that a light north westerly wind was blowing and decided to
measure the wind speed to determine whether the Delta Conyne will fly
for the first time. The wind speed measured between 6 - 14
km/h, however I was hoping that it would pick up speed during the
morning. The decision was made to fly the Delta-Conyne this
morning. I notified Johan ZS2I of my intentions, packed
all the gear and headed of to the "airfield". Upon
arrival at the "airfield" myself en the YL unpacked the
equipment and made final adjustments to the bridle of the kite.
Johan ZS2I arrived with his camera just before the kite was
launched. I led out 30 meters of line and launched the kite.
As this was the first flight of the Delta-Conyne I first wanted
to determine the lifting power and handling of the kite. It
went up to about 10 meters from ground and I kept it there for a
while. All seemed OK and I let out some more line. The
kite handled perfectly. No over flying and it just shot up and
hovered above. What a real beauty! The YL measured the
wind speed which stayed between 8 - 14 km/h. A perfect light
wind for the maiden flight. Johan ZS2I took some photos
of the kite in flite and we both expressed the wish to let the kite
go up and up and up. However the "airfield" is to
small and is surrounded by houses. Obviously this would not
have been a good idea to fly the kite over buildings and roads.
We had to stay in the boundaries of the little "airfield".
I flew the kite for about half and hour at a height of approx
30 meters where-after it was reeled in. It made a very soft
landing. After packing everything, we headed for home. I
arranged with Johan ZS2I that I will download the pictures form his
laptop at around 11h00. The maiden flight was a great success
and I am impressed by the handling and lifting capability of this
kite. I would love to give it some rope as soon as I can find a
suitable "airfield". My thanks go to Johan ZS2I for
the photo's and I am sure you will agree that they are of outstanding
quality. Here are some of the photos that were taken of the
Delta Conyne 1 in flight.
FIRST
TEST FLIGHT PHOTOS OF THE DELTA-CONYNE 1: 21 JUNE 2008 9H30
Above: The Delta-Conyne flying in very light wind.
Above: What a beauty? K.C.A.R. displayed
Above: Just look at it, red and white against a clear blue sky.
Above: Close up of the Delta-Conyne 1
Above: Even closer!! Measurements from tip top tip 2.8 meters
Below: Some more photos
Next Activity: Constructing the PICAVET.
UPDATE: 23 JUNE 2008: I received
several e-mails from radio amateurs wanting to know what a PICAVET
is. The Picavet is named after a French inventor in the early
20 th century. I will attach the payload to the kite
line and not the kite. The angle of the line to the kite is
constantly changing. To provide a level platform for the payload I
will use the Picavet. The payload hangs beneath the Picavet
cross from a bolt that is fastened through a hole at the center of
the cross. The Picavet has an inherent dampening effect as part
of its design. As the kite line changes angles a Picavet moves to the
new level position and stops.
The lines of the Picavet also
provide dampening of wind induced vibrations on the kite line.
The diagrams below show the major parts of the Picavet.
I constructed a 150mm x 40mm x 1.6mm Picavet Cross and used 5 eyebolts, 1.5mm line, small washer and two keyholder rings. To prevent the eyebolts from loosening in the wind I used lock nuts on both sides of the cross. I will post some pictures of the Picavet soon. I tried to fly the kite today with the Picavet but the wind was to light. So no flying today but who knows tomorrow might be a windy day?
Next Activity: Testing the PICAVET.
Today 25 June 2008 started out with a light South Westerly wind. Ideal conditions for a test flight with the Picavet attached. I contacted Johan ZS2I and we decided to go ahead with the test flight. Myself , Johan ZS2I and Sewes set out to the "airfield". We first decided to let the kite fly without the picavet. I took the kite to approx. 100 meters. It flew beautifully and just "sit" up there. Very little movement. The wind at that stage was blowing between 10 and 18 km/h. The next test was to attach the picavet. The picavet was tied to the kite line about 4 meters from the kite and two fishing sinkers were attached to the picavet. Needless to say that the distance from the kite to the picavet was to short. The "payload" swinging fiercely from side to side. We hauled the kite in and added another sinker and lengthened the distance between the kite and picavet to about 10 meters. The wind took the kite and it just went up and up. Johan ZS2I : "Die kite wil net op en op, gee hom lyn, laat hom gaan. All in the name of science! "
It went up to about 35 meters but then disaster struck, the wind was not strong enough to carry the payload (348g) and line any higher. Not deterred by the light wind, we decided to do another experiment. We removed the sinkers and attach a portable anemometer and temperature sensor to the picavet. The kite went up again to about 40 meters. The anemometer was adjusted to give us the maximum strength of the wind and temperature. After about 15 minutes the kite was lowered and the measurement showed the maximum wind speed as 31,3 km/h and temperature as 17.7 Degrees Celsius. These measurements were taken 35 meters above the ground. The kite was again send up to about 35 meters with the sinker payload. Then disaster struck a second time. With the approaching cold front the wind suddenly picked up in strength. It got so strong that it was impossible to hold onto and I decided to give it line to release the pressure. The wind increased in strength and the kite shot up to approx 300 meters. It entered the "Stratosphere". You don't believe me. Looking at the photo (taken from a light aircraft), you can just see the earth at the bottom of the photo.
Photo: Kite flying above the clouds in the "Stratosphere". Earth visible at the bottom of the picture.
Yep, we then hit the Statosphere. The wind suddenly decreased and the kite glided through the clouds back to the "airfield". (Note: Just kidding about the Stratosphere and flight above clouds but a light aircraft did explore the strange object in the sky. Luckily it is red and white obviously noticeable from quite high up. We flew for another 15 minutes and called it a day after the wind decreased even further.
What did we learn:
1. The wind speed to carry a 557g payload must be between 35 and 45 km/h.
2. The size of the kite in light wind (10- 18 km/h) should be at least 5 meters from tip to tip.
3. The 2.5 mm kite line that is currently used, is to thick and to heavy for the 2.8 meter Delta Conyne.
4. There is a need for at least three different sizes of kites to fly in different wind strengths.
5. Leave enough line length between the kite and the picavet to ensure a steady flight.
Although this flight might sound dull and useless, we learn from experience, something we definitely will need when the time comes to fly the real payload.
We once again had great fun. Many thanks once again to Johan ZS2I who took photo's during the flight. There are some very nice pictures to view under the K.C.A.R. PHOTO ALBUM pages.
Next Activity: Testing the PICAVET in stronger wind.
UPDATE: 6 July 2008 11H45
The SA Weather Service forecasted strong winds for the period 4 - 6 July 2008 but there is no sign of this. So no flying of the Picavet during this period. However I will start building the winch and the payload. Many thanks to Kobus ZS2BBB who supplied the payload outer housing and also to Francois ZS1Q and Johan ZS2I for the courier service in getting the material to me.
UPDATE: 9 July 2008 14H00
Well this time the SA Weather Service got it right. A 42.8 km North Westerly in Mossel Bay at last. Myself and Sewes just returned from the "airfield" where we tested the 2.8m Delta-Conyne. Oh.......what an experience!!! Sewes was the anchor man and I did the flying. No time for errors here and you had to hold on for dear life. The wind just took the kite and within a couple of seconds it was soaring around 50 meters. I soon realized that I needed all the experience I have to keep it from going up and up. I slowly started to haul it in. The leather gloves bear the scars of the strong wind. Just imagine if you had to fly the kite with your bear hands....totally impossible....you would have no fingers left. When we had it about 20 meters up I decided to add the Picavet with 5 sinkers and anemometer (550g). Guess what when I released the rope it just ripped the sinkers up into the air like a balloon. The kite would easily have lifted 800 grams. The wind was getting stronger and we decided play it safe and to bring the kite down. Once down I decided to take of the payload and let the kite go one more time. It shot up in the air danced once or twice and than a loud bang. The kite folded it's wings like a duck that was shot and started to come down like a wounded duck. It landed and we decided to call it a day. Once we got to the kite I noticed that the main spar had snapped in the strong wind and that's what caused the kite to fold it's wings. The anemometer measured 42.8km. We packed up and headed home.
Some thoughts:
1. Ensure that your equipment can withstand the wind you fly in.
2. If you use ordinary wooden dowels than a 30 km wind is to strong.
3. Do not fly the kite in strong winds if you are inexperienced.
4. Ensure that you can control the kite in this type of wind.
5. Use fiber glass- or carbon fiber spars.
6. Never fly a kite alone.
7. There is no time for errors.
8. Take care not being caught in the kite line.
9. Wear the proper protection gear.
10. Do not fly a kite near houses or overhead power lines.
We had a great time flying the Delta-Conyne in the strong wind. I would however suggest that you do not fly this kite in more than 45km winds. However we gained some good flying experience and will make changes to the kite spars and to the kite itself.
UPDATE: 21 August 2008 14h00
It has been a while since I updated this topic. This was not without good reason as I built a new kite. The kite is known as the Conyne- or French Military Kite. The kite is 2 meters tall and 1,9 meters wide. This kite is larger than the standard conyne kite but with good reason. I needed a kite that can lift a fairly heavy payload and it must be a stable flier. Below is the diagram with the complete measurements.
The first test flight of the kite took place on the 18 August 2008. The wind strength was between 19- 22km/h coming from the east. This wind was just enough to lift the kite about 20 meters off the ground. It was not sufficient to test the kite strength. It went up and stayed at 20 meters. Stable as a rock and when the wind increased you could feel the "big fish" on the line. The wind was ideal to take some photos and as usual Johan ZS2I obliged. Here are some of the photos that Johan took.
The next test flight will be undertaken when the wind strength is between 30 - 45 km/h. Weight carrying tests will then be undertaken. If successful we will set a date for the first official flight.
UPDATE: 28 August 2008 11h30
We experienced some structural problems with the French Military Kite in strong winds. The wooden dowels tend to bend in strong winds which effect the stability of the kite. I rolled some line along the cross-spar thereafter I coated it with glass fiber resin. This did not solve the flexibility problem of the cross-spar. I had some 10mm aluminum tubing and substituted the wooden cross-spar with an aluminum spar. With a cold front approaching and a fairly strong north westerly blowing it was time to test the kite again. We left for the "airfield" and soon afterwards the kite was in the air. Man-o-Man, what an improvement. Greater stability and much nicer to fly. Johan ZS2I later arrived while the wind was still picking up. We decided that this would be a good time to test the weight carrying capacity of the 2 meter French Military Kite. We walked the kite down and attached the Picavet with 4 sinkers. (500 g) The kite just shot up into the air if nothing happened. We again walked it down and attached all the sinkers I had on hand. Once again the kite just shot up. Unfortunately the "airfield" does not allow for flying a kite in a north westerly wind and we could not give it rope to "set it free". With the space available it was clear that this kite is a real lifter and this is what we have been looking for. The wind was blowing at 36.7 km/h and the kite lifted a total weight of 901g. The temperature was 22.2 Degrees Celsius. I am convinced that it will lift more than 1.5kg easily. However this is more than we need for the payload. It was decided to substitute all the wooden spars with aluminum to give it even more stability.
K.C.A.R.
PROJECT PHOTO ALBUM
SECOND TEST FLIGHT PHOTOS OF THE DELTA-CONYNE 1: 26 JUNE
2008 11H30
Above: Delta-Conyne Kite with Picavet and 348g sinker payload
Above: Photo of Picavet in flight
Above: Closeup of Picavet
Above: 2.8 Meter Delta-Conyne 100 meters up in the air.
Above: Kite 35 meters up in the air.
Above: Anemometer and temperature meter hanging from the Picavet.
Above: Wind very light. Kite about 10 meters up and barely flying. Distance between kite and picavet also to short.
Above: Correct distance between the kite and the picavet. Stable and steady flying. A real pleasure to fly!
FIRST
TEST FLIGHT PHOTOS OF THE FRENCH MILITARY KITE : 18 AUGUST
2008
Above:
French Military Kite in flight
Above: French Military Kite 20 meters up in a very light breeze.
Above: What more can you ask: Stable and a real lifter?
Above: View of the small "airfield" where we test the kites before the official flights.
Above: Kite reel with 100+ meters of line waiting to go up in the sky. Will have to make an auto-winch before releasing all that line.
PART 2 TO FOLLOW SOON.
