SolarSet wrote: ↑Fri Feb 26, 2021 9:17 am
mashimisha wrote: ↑Fri Feb 26, 2021 1:17 am
You must be getting something wrong Z line should be getting shorter than A,B & C line.
It is unusual that "Z -lines are 10-12cm too long"
Sorry guys: I misspoke. The steering lines are 12cm too SHORT.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to explain this too me.
I did the long mixer test as advised. I extended the steering lines on the bar (although not quite enough to entirely compensate for shrinkage), and even did the ultra-long mixer test (excellent suggestion).
The kite flies fairly well; however, the wingtips persistently keep folding in in lighter wind.
The kite also appears to move a bit quicker and have less boost than before.
Perhaps I need to try one of the mixer hacks mentioned in other threads.
Thanks again everybody. I really appreciate your help.
I would recommend you to not adjust anything, send your kite to dealer or someone who knows it really well how to carry out long mixer test. It took me few attempt to figure it out myself how to do it.
Typically if you carry out long mixter test adjustment after first 20-30hr of flying you should be okay for long time as lines change length most in first few dozen or air time.
12cm difference between A & Z sounds a lot I would expect 2-3cm max.
I am living in the Philippines, so sending the kite anywhere is simply not possible.
I have thoroughly considered everything said in this thread from a theoretical as well as practical perspective, and come to the following conclusions.
1) The long and short mixer tests are both suitable only for relatively new kites. Once the bridle has begun to deform under the effects of water and wind, discrepancies of more than 5 cm between the A- and Z-lines make this approach impractical.
2) Discrepancies between the A- and Z-lines cannot be resolved at the kite end without replacing lines.
3) Discrepancies between the A- and Z-lines can be resolved at the bar end quickly and easily.
Thus...
4) Mixer adjustments should start at the kite and work back to the bar.
This is done as follows:
1) Align the long-mixer markers (close to the kite canopy) for the A-line and Z-line on both sides. Pull all four of the lines tight and take note of any differences in the length of the front and back lines at the connector point and any differences between the length of corresponding lines on the left and right sides.
2) Stake all four lines down at the point where the connector is when the lines are tensioned. You could do it with the steering lines 1.5 meter apart and the center lines 10 cm apart.
2) Adjust the C-line to align with the long mixer markers.
3) Adjust the B-line to align with the long mixer markers.
4) Adjust the length of the center and steering lines at the bar, based on differences in length observed before staking out the lines. This should be obvious by the relative position of the four stakes. The bar should be pulled most of the way back with no depower.
5) Go back to the kite to ensure that the markers are still aligned with the lines while under tension.
6) Voila . . . perfectly tuned, despite differences in the lengths of various lines.
I did it this way this afternoon and it was quick and easy. The kite performs perfectly now.
I will try shortening the C- and B- lines (as recommended) just for fun.
I will also try out the PMA hack to see how it affects things.