New Tech Kites

Scooter · Wind Seeker Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Texas

Good Day:

I am new to this forum but I have a Dynamite that I have broken what I think is called the top leading edge. I know from searching that the spars are .230 carbon rod but not sure what to do next and where best to purchase what I need? Item numbers? Is there a diagram on how to take apart this kite to replace and what sizes I need? Do I need any other parts while I am purchasing to replace? Sorry for my lack of knowledge. I have really been enjoying this kite for some time and stupidly broke it with some clumsy flying the other day.

Any and all advice is welcomed and appreciate your time.
_________________
Good Flying ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >>>

Scooter

rboerth · Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 12:07 pm Post subject:

Since you know what type of stick you need for your replacement, you can use the kiteshop finder or on-line kite shops that New Tech has listed at this link:
https://newtechkites.com/NTK_LINKS.php

It's not a bad time to get one or two extras just in case you break another one down the road .

You can either cut the stick yourself to the appropriate length, or tell the kiteshop what you need and they will often cut it for you. There are tricks to cutting sticks yourself--if you are going that route and need advice, just ask.

In most cases, a shop carrying New Tech should be able to get you what you need if you just tell them you need a replacement for the upper leading edge of the Dynamite. You shouldn't have to replace any of the fittings. Just slide them off the kite, and slide them over the replacement stick.

I'd imagine that if you have a local kiteshop, you could take your kite with you and they could show you how to do the replacement (or if you have any local fliers they could help). But it's really not a complex operation.

Oh and don't worry about the clumsy flying. Kites like the Dynamite are made to take abuse and keep coming back for more--and the replacement sticks don't cost much. The object is to have fun out there. Crashes and relaunches are part of the game.

Scooter · Wind Seeker Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Texas

rboerth.

I very much appreciate the quick response. I overlooked the link that you listed on the New Tech site. THANKS. Very Happy

Will be picking up some extras just to be safe as I really enjoy this kite. So much potential that I have yet to take advantage of.

I really do not see how this thing comes out to replace but will figure something I am sure. The closest Kite shop is some distance away but I may just make an effort to trot on over and see if they can help me. Who knows, may end up picking something new for 2007.

Thanks again,
_________________
Good Flying ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >>>

Scooter

Chris · Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 2:36 pm Post subject:

Hey Scooter,

Over the production lifespan of the Dynamite, New Tech used two different spar length configurations in the leading edge. The Leading Edge was always the same overall length, but the sections were different. You need to measure the piece you are missing before calling and ordering.

Smooth winds to you.

Chris
_________________
"Fly a kite for a child and you entertain them for the day. Teach a child to fly a kite and you entertain them for life."

Scooter · Wind Seeker Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Texas

Thanks Chris. Very Happy

If I can figure out how to get the spar out I will do as you mentioned, but I really think the best option right now is to drive over to my local kite shop and let them have a go. This is something that I just obviously have no clue what I am doing with just yet.
_________________
Good Flying ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >>>

Scooter

rboerth · Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 6:16 pm Post subject:

TGunn · Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:45 pm Post subject:

Scooter · Wind Seeker Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Texas

Thank you all for your advice and recommendations. Very Happy

I now need to confess that I was able to take apart the spars last night after the post and advice by TGunn and found that what actually happened was the (joiner) ferrule connector (I think that is what it was) actually came unglued and both the upper and lower leading edge spars had come out looking like it had broken within. One of the ends of the spar actually was a little split but I was able to remedy easily. I had no idea that there was a joiner within the kite sleeve and so what I thought was a broken spar was not. SORRY GUYS

However, good news is that I now have a full grasp on how this kite is put together with respect to the spars and joiners and will be able to repair if and when I need to. I was able to superglue the joiner to the spar and then place the other spar within and no problems at all. No flying today to test my handywork however as the wind is howling 35 plus outside.

I live in Houston and was going to drive over to Ricks Darts and Games but now I will wait until such time as I travel that side of town with no traffic. I also have a good resource club (SHARK) available to me but have not flown with them in over 2 years. 8-( Other hobbies (RC Sailing) I am afraid.

Current inventory of kites I have... Dodd’s Dynamite, Prism Micron, Dodd’s Next Step and Prism 3d for those ultra light days. Obviously I will look into other kites in the future if my time allows.

Thanks to all of you for your advice and welcome. It is reassuring that there are people out here who care to help us novices.

P.S. Been viewing Dodd's excellent videos and will have to pick up a copy of the training DVD sometime soon.
Dodd, you make it look so, so easy. Lol...
_________________
Good Flying ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >>>

Scooter

TGunn · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 1:11 pm Post subject:

Scooter,
I'm glad that it was only the ferrule that came unglued. I forgot to mention earlier in the disassembly instructions, that when you glue a ferrule to a spar, try your best to glue it on, only half the length of the ferrule. Best way to do that is to measure the ferrule length (usually 3") mark the end of the spar at a point 1/2 the length of the ferrule, and when you glue the ferrule back on, apply the glue in between the mark and the end of the ferrule, then slide the ferrule to the place where you made the mark. For example, if the ferrule is 3" long, then make a pencil mark on the spar, 1.5 inches from the end of the spar, then apply glue, then slide ferrule on the spar to the mark, but be careful that you position the ferrule very quickly at the correct position before the glue drys it in place. Some super glues dry within a few second, and some take longer.
If you have time to wait for the glue to dry, epoxy glue works better and it allows you time to correctly position the ferrule before it drys completely. Plus, epoxy (like model glue) is more flexible, and will resist breaking loose because of vibration or sudden jolts, like kiters experience when landing hard or crashing.

Also, you can use some electrical tape to hold the ferrule in place until it drys completely.

Most kite stores sell a brand of glue called "Zap a Gap", which is a great gap filling glue. It great because sometimes kite ferrules may be a bit too loose and regular super glue doesn't always work very well. If you're into RC hobby building, then you probably already have a good gap filling glue.

There's a kite event in Galveston, starting this weekend and runs through Nov 26th. This weekend people will be at San Luis Pass on the far west end of the island, and starting next monday, people will be at East Beach. The event name is Dead Bird Buggy Bash. http://www.deadbirdbuggybash.com

Kiters of all types will be there.
_________________
Troy Gunn - TKO Sport Kite Team - USA
http://tko.sportkite.team.tripod.com/home.htm

New Tech Kites
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