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In the summer of 2011, I began exploring using a kite as a platform for my DIY remote sensing of beach plants. Kites, like balloons, have been successfully used to image and map sites, particularly in archaeology, but have a wide range of applications. I've learned many lessons, which I will catalog here. My approach has been to try to find a balance between low cost and effectiveness, which has been a challenge.
9' Levitation Delta
Delta kites require spars to hold them in shape, but it all folds down into a very compact (but long) carrying case. This kite does great in low to moderate wind conditions. It tends to fly at a really high angle (almost 90 degrees) so don't be surprised if you end up on the edge of your shots. It's not a lightweight lifter either. It has easily carried 2 GoPros in the 3D tandem housing, plus my hefty metal picavet with no trouble. I wouldn't ask it to lift an SLR, but it would definitely lift a heavier point-and-shoot.
Having spars make set-up time a little longer, but it's not too bad with only 4 to install. Definitely weight it while you put it together because it will launch itself with just a breeze.
- New Tech Kites' Skyhook 30 - I test flew this kite the day it came from Into The Wind and it works amazingly well (here's some video of the test: test video). This is a 2-person kite - it needs 2 people to launch and land it, plus a very sturdy reel.Pros: It's a great lifter. In strong winds, it can lift a DSLR camera easily.
- It's tough. Mine has ended up in a duck pond and stuck in a tree, and it routinely gets stood or sat on to keep it from re-launching when I'm trying to put it away, and it's just fine.
- No spars means it stuffs into a small bag and is ready to go immediately with no assembly.
Cons:
- It doesn't fly in low winds. 6 mph is about the minimum.
- I wobbles in the sky quite a bit and no tail I've tried helps. I've had a 9" Drogue tail and a 15" drogue tail (on a 15' line from the pointy tail of the kite) and a 15' fuzzy tail (both from the pointy end and strung like a horse shoe attached at the far corners).
- Occasionally in strong winds, it will turn loop-de-loops in the sky or flip over and dive-bomb the ground (or unfortunate bystander as has been the case on a couple of occasions).
HQ Symphony 2.1 - a beautiful fun kite, but not great for KAP. This two-line stunt kite needs to be in constant motion (i.e. swooping through the sky) to keep flying. The result: a picavet wrapped around the flying lines, which spells trouble.
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