Line equalizer (was:R U a kite geek?)

[ Article reposted from rec.kites ]
[ Author was Alfred Schwarz ]
[ Posted on Fri, 21 Mar 97 15:25:00 +0200 ]

Hi,

Fredrik Endresen asked on 18 Mar 97:

FE> What is a "line equalizer"
A tool to check the steering lines for equal lengths. Actually it doesn't
equalize anything, it only shows differences between the line lengths. The
equalization is your job then :-)

FE> Where can I get one?
You can buy it at kiteshops or you can make it on your own. I for myself
have "developed" a line winder which works as "equalizer" as well. It
looks like this:
  _______                              _______
 /       \                            /       \
 \        \                          /        /
  \        \________________________/        /
   \                                        /
   /  A       ____________________       B  \
  /__/|      (_________ C_________)      |\__\
      \                \/                /
       \________________________________/

You will easily recognize the shape of a normal "crazy-8" winder, except
the three cut-outs marked "A,B,C".
How it works: Put a stake into the ground and one end of both lines onto
it. Unwind your lines. Hook the other end of one line into the cut-out
"A", the other line's end to "B". Put a piece of thicker line (every kiter
carries one in his pocket) trough the grip-hole of the winder and place it
to the gap "C". Now pull on the thick line until your lines are straight.
The line you pull and the winder (which is now working as the equalizer)
should build a 90 degree angle. If not, you can see which line is the
longer one and shorten it.

I have made "Equawinders"(c) like this from wood for all my line sets so
that I can check them every time I unwind them. I guess, most comercial
winders can be converted similary. You only have to make sure that the
distances between the attachment points for the lines and the center point
are absolutely equal.

Fredl.
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