KAP - Getting Started, Suggestions?

[Mux11]

So, before i plunk down some $ on a brooxs rig
does anyone have any suggestions for getting started?
should I make an Erector set one first? or popcicle sticks?

would also like to see what others have done here.

thanks
jim

[TeamTrejo]

Just get the Broox's Basic KAP kit. It wasn't too difficult. The perfect winter project.

Here are some of the step by step pics I took a few years ago during the KAP rig build.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/553576462oNZFor

I guess the hardest part was working on the pan servo. You have to disassemble the servo and remove the stops so it will spin 360 degrees. I had never worked on servos before and I managed to get it working. Just follow the instructions.

[glk47]

The current issue of Kiting (from the AKA) has a nice article on getting started.

Larry

[awindofchange]

In case you need it, here is the addy for brooxes KAP kits and info.

Brooxes KAP page

Hope that helps.

[Mike]

I guess everyone here went the Brooxes route.
I'd like to see how the budget method works though.
If you try the popsicle stick method, it'd be cool to see photos of your build and the photos you got.

[Love2fly]

Hi Mike-
How have you been?
I would love to see the popsicle stick version, too. But, be careful or not quite as determined as I was. I got a Brooxe's rig at Nationals... it's great. I do recommend the servo that lets you change the intervals between exposures.
Back to the issue.... I was determined to get some shots of the Jersey Crew flying team with Lady Liberty as a back drop. Yeah, I tested my Power Sled 14 and watched as the very gusty and strong winds blew the kite back and forth about 120 degrees. I should have stopped, but.... I even put a tube tail on the line to try to stabilize it. I put the rig up and held on for dear life. All of sudden the sled just imploded (as if the wind came from the opposite direction) and it dropped like a rock. Thank god it had rained the night before so the ground was mushy. It racked the entire rig and bent one leg. Not bad; all things considered. That was the end of the KAP for that day. If it would have been made out of popsicle sticks, I think it would have become kindling!
Live and learn.... Shhhhhh; don't tell anyone about this little "ooooops" lol

[Mike]

Hi Laura,
Good story.

I'm actually in North Carolina this week, then its back home before driving to Iowa and then to Ohio!
I finally will be flying a kite when I get to Ohio. Jump on a plane and join 180GO! at the festival:
http://www.ikeclub.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=1422

[Mux11]

Thanks everyone!! Well I got me a broox's. waiting on the radio. steeling some servos from an old RC car that bit the dust but i havent brought myself to chuck.

hopefully i can show you around town as I get some pics taken

[Jeff]

Just bumping this thread...I've been itching to give KAP a try too. These rigs seem like the way to go, since I just don't have the time or energy to do a total DIY.

I think I just want the basic one, but of course, eventually I'll want to put my SLR on there so I'd need a deluxe rig... Oy.

[TeamTrejo]

I'll bring my rig to the next club fly. You can try it out.

[Jeff]

Ooh, good idea.

Now the pressure's on to schedule one.

[TeamTrejo]

Oh yeah. KAPing on Northerly Island taking pictures of the Chicago skyline. We gotta do this.

I'll check out that location on Saturday and see if you can still drive and park out there.

[Mike]

C'mon guys, set a date!
How about the 18th or 19th?
That way those who can't get enough, can go to both the Kankakee and Chicago flies.
(I'd probably do both)

[TeamTrejo]

OK let do the 19th. Location TBA after the Northerly Island is checked out.

[Jeff]

Isaac, which transmitter was it that you have?

Did you have to pick an actual frequency when ordering?

[TeamTrejo]

Hey Jeff

Futaba Skysport T4YF. Freq is 75.550MHZ

IIRC the kit came with 4 servos. I did not pick a frequency.

http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/futaba/futj40.html

[Jeff]

Hey Jeff

Futaba Skysport T4YF. Freq is 75.550MHZ

IIRC the kit came with 4 servos. I did not pick a frequency.

http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/futaba/futj40.html

Funny, I didn't recall what model you had, but I was looking at the same one...I guess since it's simple, less expensive, and comes with 4 servos.

[Jeff]

Hey Jeff

Futaba Skysport T4YF. Freq is 75.550MHZ

IIRC the kit came with 4 servos. I did not pick a frequency.

http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/futaba/futj40.html

I don't even see that frequency in the list of available http://www.easyrc.com/radiosystems/radiosystems5.html , but it appears to be in the range used by "surface" vehicles. I don't suppose it matters, since these things are not used in such groups where interference is an issue. It would be really unfortunate to get assigned the exact same channel as another KAPper though.

Edit: That site has a typo. I've verified through another source that channel 68 is your frequency.

[Mux11]

anyone using the gentled-chdk for taking the pic?
i cant seem to get my sd850is to do it
thanks jp

[Jeff]

anyone using the gentled-chdk for taking the pic?
i cant seem to get my sd850is to do it
thanks jp

I've got 2 cameras that I can use on my rig. One only has a button, so I have a servo to press it. I can also put my SLR on there, and that has an infrared receiver, so I got a GentLED IR trigger for the camera. It works fine.