Standard Disclaimer: This plan describes the construction of my Eddy Variant Kite exactly as I built it. It is very likely that you will disagree with some of the design choices - I don't claim to be a master kite builder so feel free to adapt it.
If you build this kite I would very much appreciate hearing from you.
| Sail | Any type of quality ripstop nylon or polyester. |
| Spars |
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| Connectors |
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| Miscellaneous |
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The sail measurements are specified in Fig.1. Measurements do not include any seam allowance.
Cut the sail; hem using either a standard double-fold hem or
edge-binding, inserting the reinforcing dacron patches as
indicated in Fig.2.
Add pockets for all of the spreaders and the top of the spine. Attach
the bungee cord at the bottom.
Finally attach tabs where necessary for the tensioning line (these are
only required for some of the corners: Fig.1).
The construction should be pretty obvious from Fig.1.
Since commercial Eddy connectors generally have the same diameter horizontally and vertically, you will have to bridge the gap between 6mm and 4mm/2mm. 4mm: slide a short length of 6mm spar over the end to be inserted in the connector and glue it in place (this also acts as a reinforcement). 2mm: You can use the same procedure as previously: first add a 4mm, then a 6mm piece. I opted for a different approach: I simply drilled a 2mm hole in a piece of dowel and glued this into the connector.
You may wish to split the spine for easier transportation. If so, place the ferrule as far down the spine as possible, to lower the center of gravity.
Run the tensioning line around the outside of the sail: through the
split caps at the top and bottom of the spine (note that we have
a split cap at the top of the spine, even though it's in a pocket);
through the tabs at the corners; between horizontal spreader and sail,
where there are no tabs.
The tension should not be so high as to deform the frame, just enough
to stabilize it. BTW, the main purpose of this line is to keep the
lower triangle of the sail in alignment - without this, it invariably
twists and sends the kite spinning to the ground.
The bridle is a simple 2-leg bridle. (see Fig.1). Adjust the tow point, to maintain a good wind pressure on the sail - this kite is not suitable for a soaring, delta-style flight. The kite is quite sensitive to the tow point setting, so you will have to experiment a bit.
The kite flies well in medium to strong winds.
Happy flying - and please email any questions, comments or suggestions.
