The scope of this project is to research and develop technology for deploying kite-lifted radio systems used for long-range voice and data communication.
Kite line winder prototype using 24V 250W electric motor (12V supplied during test) - full success :). About 3-4A of current drawn when pulling kite at moderate wind. Next priority is PWM speed controller and a fancy switch and cable box. Winder weights about 7 kg and was designed to fit into standard car trunk, although next version will be much smaller - as you can see there is a lot of free space on the frame.
I got inspiration from http://beachwinches.com page - a lot of great DIY winch designs.
Purpose of the first experiment was to test my new kite - HQ PowerSled 36 and its lifting capabilities. Smaller kites (like PowerSled 14) give too small pull to lift even 500g payload at moderate winds.
Final goal is to have platform that allows lifting a 1000g payload in winds at 10 km/h or greater.
Payload: custom made APRS tracker (based on Arduino Nano) with 5W Wouxun KG-UVD1P transmitter and GPS receiver. Antena was simple 144 MHz quarter-wave, unfortunately - bent 90 degree during experiment. Payload weight: about 600g.
Custom-made APRS tracker
Wind speed: 25 km/h - according to the Warsaw-Okęcie (EPWA) airport weather service.
Max altitude: 160 m above ground level (measurement based on GPS record). About 250m of kite line was used.
2013-07-13 17:17:26 CEST: SQ5OMQ-1>BEACON,WIDE1-1,qAR,SR5DRK:!5211.11N/02122.09E-TRACKER NA LATAWCU 2013-07-13 17:17:58 CEST: SQ5OMQ-1>BEACON,WIDE1-1,qAR,SR5DRK:$GPGGA,151724.000,5211.1068,N,02122.0938,E,1,07,1.1,227.4,M,38.8,M,,0000*56
SR5DRK station received over 14 consecutive APRS frames, so the RF path can be considered stable.
Experiment notes: At 25 km/h wind, PowerSled 36 gives so strong pull that it's very difficult for 2 persons to get it back on ground. Heavy, electric engine powered line winder is needed for further experiments. Construction of such winder is under way.
Goal for the next experiment: Tests of the winder, reaching altitude of 300m above ground level. Different mount of the radio antenna to get better efficiency.
