Aerial Photography: The Dual Line Camera Rig

I always fancied the idea of sending a camera up with a dual line stunt kite to create some interesting (probably only to me!) footage. The problem was where on the kite you could attach it without the camera shaking constantly and without ruining the balance of the kite.

Then I had the idea of attaching a stick between the two steering bridles as would be a minor interference with the kites maneuverability and lift.

The following rig is made out of a length of PVC tubing, a cheap camera adapter for bicycles and some ball bearing swivels....

 

I really like the cheap parafoil kites from "SportZone". You get a lot of kite for 20 Euros (eBay, Wish, Alibaba etc) and with a size of 2,5 m x 0,8m more than enough for most enthusiasts. 

The camera rig.

Ball bearing swivel hooks, you don't need those but I had them lying around for some time and was keen to finally use them....I use them to attach the kite to the rig.

I chose to put the extension between the steering line and the kites bridle THROUGH the pipe so that the tension in the line will keep the camera even.

And here the first shot with said camera & rig, not bad for all in all 60 Euro (with Kite).

I will probably send a better camera up now as I am more confident in the rig :-)

Survival: Capillary Water Filtration

"Capillary" water filtration is the simplest/cheapest way of filtrating the worst particles out of the water before further treatment in form of boiling, UV treatment or further filtration: A cotton cloth soaks up the dirty water and then drips cleaner water in to a receptible. The microorganisms living in the water of course travel with the water, so as noted above: You need to treat your water further before it is potable.

(You can add YEARS to the lifespan of your ceramic filter (like my KATADYN POCKET) if you pre-filter your water.)

I played a bit with the time lapse function of my camera, so instead of some badly made pictures:

Here is a even worse video!

Knots: The Transom Knot

The Transom Knot is a modified version of the Constrictor Knot and very useful if you have to tie two spars together. It is not a lashing per se but will work fine 80% you think you need a lashing but actually all you need is this knot :-)

I mostly use the Transom Knot for my kites...

Okay, here we go: Take two spars and some rope...

Just follow the rope...

The knot will hold most low/medium loads.

As I said: A nice knot for kites!

Knots: The Constrictor Knot

This is the knot I use/like most: It is easy to make and will not loosen once tightened.

 

 Ever...!

!!! WARNING - SALTY SEA DOG TALE AHEAD !!!

 When I was on Bali on a shorter assignment I was told that unfriendly individuals in Djarkarta slip that knot (wet and out of natural fibre) over a persons head, tighten it and just wait until the victim passes out due to pressure on the carotid arteries. (While desperately trying to get the noose off.)

 

!!! END OF SALTY SEA DOG TALE !!!

 

I have not witnessed this myself...or I have and I just can`t remember it (that would explain a lot....).

There are two ways to make the Constrictor Knot: Laid in the hand and around an item.

CONSTRICTOR KNOT LAID IN HAND.

Create a loop like this, notice how the left end lies over the right end.

Now fold the right half of the loop downward.

Like this. Now you have two halves.

Fold the two halves together like a clam.

Voila: Constrictor Knot!

CONSTRICTOR KNOT AROUND ITEM.