The Origins of X-16
The articles and plan published below were sent to INAV by Wally Miller. The majority it of the content is of a historical nature, but there is also a discussion of possible changes to current AMA and FAI events. The suggestions presented below reflect the author’s opinions and not those of INAV. As a general policy, INAV is a neutral party, and does not have opinions about proposals to change rules.
Click here to download a PDF of the plan.
Continuing quest for straightened music wire
With the demise of A2Z, I began searching for a source of straight music wire in the sizes we need.
Coiled music wire typically has a single set, a curve. It isn’t easy to straighten completely, but you can do a reasonable job of it with pliers.For the amount of effort required, the wire sold by A2Z was a great deal.
One product that came up was made by Dubro for the fishing market – A small wire straightener that could fit into a tackle box made to straighten wire leaders.
http://dubrofishing.com/collections/fishing-accessories/products/small-wire-straightener
The reviews seemed positive. I reached out to several other fliers but no one had ever heard of it or tried it. So I bit the bullet and bought one to try it out.
Unfortunately it doesn’t work. I tried using light pressure, medium pressure, high pressure. I tried using tension on the wire and varied the amount of pressure.
No matter. What you end up with is wire bent into a helix-shape. Absolutely none of it was usable, afterwards it all got binned.
This unit has been tossed into my tackle box for now. Hopefully it will work for straightening out any kinked Little Joe Heart-Of-Steel leaders next time I go Pike fishing.
Another way suggested online is to stretch the wire until breaking point. I calculated this and tried suspending the weight from a ceiling beam in my basement. What I ended up with was a mangled ball of wire when it broke. Another bit binned.
I’m still searching for a way to easily straighten music wire. Until then, pliers seem to be the only alternative.
Mike Kirda 12.28.15
Rantoul Indoor FF Record Trial (and Fun Fly)
October 17th, 2015 at Hangar 3 in Rantoul, IL
Record-capable Cat2 site.
Approx. 200 x 240’ floor space, either 44 or 45’ high depending on the source.
Time: 8am – 8pm. Last launch at 7:30PM for official record attempts.
We can get in 30 mins earlier and have a hard exit time of 8:30PM.
NO HELIUM will be available on-site. There will be at least one carbon pole capable of reaching the ceiling.
Cost: Contingent on number of flyers – Rental cost is $300, plus AMA costs.
Very limited number of tables/chairs available. Please plan to bring your own.
I have put all AMA events minus electric on the record trial form.
We have enough room for gliders/F1D and heavier stuff as long as people use common sense.
Contact: Mike Kirda (773-202-7955 or 312-907-3831) mkirda@sbcglobal.net
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