Power Kite Forum

My Phantom Auto Zenith Issue

Nfish - 6-3-2013 at 11:19 AM

Not big issues here, but a little annoying.

First of all, my Phantom does not auto zenith at 12 o'clock but instead of between 1 and 2; although very stable, does not wonder much at all. Is it because maybe the lines were not perfectly equal length?

Then, last time when I used it (in offshore gusty wind), it keeps falling down to the right when resting so I have to hold the bar on the left to keep it on the Zenith. I could not figure out the reason...

I use a Zero 4 bar if that helps.

doneski - 6-3-2013 at 12:31 PM

Make sure that all lines are equal length. Or at a minimum 1) both break lines should be the same length and 2) both power lines should be equal and within an inch or two of the break lines.

A little wandering will happen if the winds are not steady.

Wandering will also happen if you let the bar ride up all the way by letting go. That puts the kite in a full-depower mode with slack break lines. I have a stopper which I set so when I let go the bar stays in the power zone. Much less wandering.

Smeagol - 6-3-2013 at 12:33 PM

Yeah I'd definitely check the lines first. Sounds like the right line might be slightly shorter or left slightly longer (same thing essentially).

I recently picked up a couple Zero7 bars w/lines, found that on each bar the right steering line was 2-3" longer.. all the other lines were equal. It was definitely strange.

-Mike

zero gee - 6-3-2013 at 01:08 PM

Check that the pigtail knots are equal too. If lines and pigtails look good, check for sand in the kite, spars and spar pockets.

carltb - 6-3-2013 at 02:52 PM

also try setting the kite up with the lines oppersite and see if it pulls in the other direction. this will tell you if itd the lines or the kite.

Nfish - 6-3-2013 at 06:14 PM

Thanks for all the input. Just checked the pigtails, lines, and kites. Didn't really find anything wrong. Lines are all equal (not the most accurate way to compare them, but they are within 1/2" difference), and pigtail lengths are very same as well. No sand in kites or spar pockets, and spars are capped both ends. So, not sure what was the problem...

I only took this kite out twice, and the first time was fine, except it rests off the 12 o'clock a bit. The second time some how it kept going to the right all the way to the edge if I don't pull it back. I sheeted out the power strap to keep the tension on the brakes lines, but it didn't help. Also there is only one knot for each pigtail, so no way of using the wrong knot either. Maybe it was just a bad day :lol: I'll try to the switch the lines next time see if goes to the left instead...

bourgeois.jason - 6-3-2013 at 06:15 PM

See if your spars are bent.

Nfish - 6-3-2013 at 06:22 PM

The spars in my Phantom are carbon spars so they don't bend much either.

Bladerunner - 6-3-2013 at 06:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bourgeois.jason
See if your spars are bent.


That is what I was thinking.

Dirt / water on one side will do this also.

krumly - 6-3-2013 at 08:15 PM

Could well be the kite. From something I read by the man himself, you can try tying a line from the leading edge over the top of the kite to the trailing edge a few cells up from each tip to adjust the amount of reflex in the foil. If that looks too fugly, might have to live with the off center zenith.

Still beats having to keep your eye on the kite and hand on the bar all the time...

krumly

Snake - 6-3-2013 at 10:08 PM

Thats what my venom does, but to the left. When moving It I take my hands off the bar it will keep going in a straight line and slowly float to zenith. It kindof sucks now that I got spoiled on the guerillas extreme stability, but I don't mind it much. The kite still auto-zeniths for a bit if it is turned slightly up so it's not much to worry about. Gusty conditions make it worse so it might just be the gusts.