delta altimeter kite
Manual and Instructional Video

⚡ WARNING ⚡

A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed to the flashing lights and patterns that are produced by LED String Alti, a component of Delta Altimeter Kite. This includes persons with no history of seizures or epilepsy who may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause photosensitive epileptic seizures. Children and teenagers have a higher likelihood than adults of experiencing such seizures. If you or anyone involved in the use of this device has a history of epileptic seizures, consult a doctor before using it. Immediately discontinue use if you experience any symptoms and see a doctor. Some of the small parts or batteries included with this device could potentially pose a choking or other health hazard to children. Adult supervision is recommended for children using this product who are younger than 10 years of age. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with local, state, and federal aviation laws in the area you are operating in before using this product. See, for example, the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Chapter I, Subchapter F, Part 101. Care should always be taken whenever dealing with anything that flies—in particular something that carries a payload such as LED String Alti that could fall from the sky, potentially presenting a danger. We recommend wearing gloves whenever handling kite line, as it can prevent injury due to line burn. Do not fly near overhead power lines or during thunder storms and do not attempt recovery from dangerous places. Use this product at your own risk.

LIMITS OF LIABILITY

By using this product, you accept full responsibility for its use and agree that Eronotix LLC will not be held legally responsible for any injury or damage incurred due to the use of this product or any malfunction whatsoever that this product may have, whether good or defective.


1.1 Delta Altimeter Kite Description
2.1 Kite Assembly
2.2 Connecting Kite Line to the Kite
3.1 Prelaunch Considerations
3.2 Basic Use of LED String Alti
3.3 Launching the Kite
4.1 Logging Data
4.2 Downloading Data to Eronotix Logbook
4.3 Viewing and Manipulating Data in Eronotix Logbook
4.4 Erasing Flash Memory
5.1 Games
6.1 Cleaning and Caring for the Kite
6.2 Spare Parts
7.1 Firmware Updates
8.1 Troubleshooting
9.1 Technical Specifications

1.1 Delta Altimeter Kite Description

Delta Altimeter Kite is a delta kite with an onboard altimeter and data-logging device called LED String Alti, also available separately from Eronotix in different configurations. Attached to the LED String Alti is a 40-LED string that loops around the perimeter of the kite that can, according to how the device is set, change color and emit different light patterns according to the kite's altitude. The device is powered by a 4 x AAA battery pack, and both the altimeter and the battery pack are stored in a velcro pouch located on the kite's bridle. The kite has a ripstop nylon construction and is white in color for increased reflectivity and neutral color-projection of the LEDs. It has resin rods and twin tails, 2.5 meters in length and 3 centimeters in width. It flies best in steady wind conditions ranging from around 8 to 18 miles per hour. For the purposes of LED visibility and aesthetic effect, the kite is primarily intended for use in low-light conditions from sunset to sunrise, although it can be used any time of day as a logging device that can record up to 256 flights of up to 85 minutes 20 seconds in length at altitudes ranging from 0 to 30,000 AGL. The data gathered with LED String Alti can be downloaded and viewed using Eronotix Logbook. The kite comes standard with a 100 meter (328 feet) kite line handle. LED String Alti's standard firmware has 11 different modes, described in detail on a dedicated page; these modes are selectable by a button on LED String Alti and are designed for flying at different altitudes with an assortment of different methods of altitude display. LED String Alti is not waterproof, and Delta Altimeter Kite is not designed to be used in—nor exposed to—rain or significant moisture, so care should be taken particularly when flying near water.

2.1 Kite Assembly

Proper assembly of the kite is critical to ensuring good flight characteristics and that the onboard electronic components are properly secured. Failure to properly secure the payload could potentially injure people or damage property below the kite. Normally the kite can be assembled in less than 15 minutes. Follow these steps, shown in the instructional video below: 1) unpack the kite and lay it out flat with the bridle (print side) face down; 2) insert the spreader rod into the two leading edge fittings; 3) turn the kite over with the bridle facing up and loop the LED string through the 10 loops around the perimeter of the kite, beginning and ending at the bridle pouch; 4) insert the altimeter into the pouch and connect the LED string; 5) make certain that only wires are going through the velcro on the pouch and that it is completely closed before flight.

2.2 Connecting Kite Line to the Kite

Properly affixing a line to a kite is critical to ensuring that the kite does not become lost, potentially injuring others or damaging property. There are multiple methods of affixing line to a kite, but we recommend using the included swivel hook, as it makes attaching the kite very simple, can reduce wear on the end of the line, and also reduces the potential effect of the kite line getting twisted when reeling in. Additional swivel hooks can be purchased in the Eronotix Store. We show both a swivel hook method as well as another common method of attaching the line to the kite using a pigtail in the instructional video below.

3.1 Prelaunch Considerations

A weather assessment should be made prior to flying the kite. Tools such as windy.com or ventusky.com can be very useful for checking winds on the ground and aloft. Favorable conditions are essential to a successful launch. Too litte, too gusty, or too much wind can lead to a launch failure and potential damage to the kite. Ideal wind conditions are steady from 8 to 18 miles per hour. You should be in an open area with no obstacles, powerlines, or trees that could potentially pose issues. Upwind obstacles can cause turbulence and should be avoided as well. Potential water landings should be avoided at all costs, particularly because the onboard electronics are not water-proof.

3.2 Basic Use of LED String Alti

LED String Alti requires 4 AAA batteries. They can be rechargeable, but the LEDs will be slightly dimmer due to the lower voltage as a result. The on-off switch is located on the battery pack, which needs to be plugged into the jack on the control unit. For full accuracy, always switch on the altimeter at ground level. When you turn the altimeter on, you will see the firmware number indicated by a series of short blue flashes (one flash indicates Firmware Version 1, two flashes Firmware Version 2, etc.). After this, you will see one red LED indicating Mode 1. Use the button on the device to select the desired mode; holding down the button you can cycle through all modes until you arrive at the desired setting. A full description of the modes is available on a dedicated page. The video below sums up the various modes available on Delta Altimeter Kite.

3.3 Launching the Kite

Make sure you are standing with your back to the wind when launching the kite. To launch the kite, hold it up and let the wind begin to catch it. As the kite catches wind, let the line out smoothly and the kite will begin to fly. Keep tension on the line, walking or jogging if necessary, in order to keep the kite climbing and flying. Losing tension when the kite is low can cause the kite to stall or dive, potentially damaging the kite. With strong enough wind, the kite will fly on its own. Wind speed is nearly always higher at higher altitudes.

4.1 Logging Data

LED String Alti logs up to 256 flights of up to 85 minutes and 20 seconds. All modes automatically log data. Mode 11 (with no lights) can be used if the only goal is data logging. LED String Alti will only log flights 25 feet or higher in altitude. When finished with a flight, turn off the altimeter to terminate logging. To log another flight, simply turn the altimeter back on.

4.2 Downloading Data to Eronotix Logbook

You must first set up an account with Eronotix Logbook before uploading data. Follow the steps in the instructional video to download data from your altimeter to Eronotix Logbook: 1) switch the device off; 2) open Chrome or Edge browser (do not enter an address); 3) plug the altimeter into the computer with a data cable (must be a data cable, many cables are charging-only); 4) click on the link that pops up; 5) go the Upload section and press the Download from Device button and wait several seconds (press again if it did not work, and it may be necessary to first press the Connect button); 6) after the list appears, delete any flights you do not want entered into the log; 7) press the Upload to Database button.


4.3 Viewing and Manipulating Data in Eronotix Logbook

Eronotix Logbook is a sophisticated logging solution with many features. For this reason, a separate manual has been created for Eronotix Logbook. The video below outlines its features.

4.4 Erasing Flash Memory

When the flash memory of the device is full, it will continue to function as an altimeter but will cease logging data. To erase the memory, hold down the button on the altimeter while switching the altimeter on, and continue holding the button until you see the altimeter flash all yellow, then green LEDs.

5.1 Games

There are many fun competitive games that can be played when using more than one Delta Altimeter Kite. Although you can surely come up with your own, we have put together a page dedicated to games for Eronotix kite altimeters, which can be found here.

6.1 Cleaning and Caring for the Kite

The white color of Delta Altimeter Kite makes dirt and grime more visible than on other kites. Only clean the kite when necessary. Low pressure water and a soft sponge or cloth can be used. Compressed air can be used as well, particularly if sand gets into the fittings, which can accelerate wear on the kite. Dawn dishwashing soap or Woolite can be used with heavier soiling but only when necessary, and heavy scrubby is always to be avoided. Dry the kite out in the shade and allow it to fully dry before flying.

6.2 Spare Parts

Visit the Eronotix Store to purchase original replacement parts for your Delta Altimeter Kite.

7.1 Firmware Updates

The procedure for updating firmware, similar to uploading a file onto a USB drive, is shown in the video below: 1) go to the firmware page to download the latest firmware; 2) making sure the altimeter is off first, plug the altimeter into a computer using a data cable (important) while depressing the firmware update button opposite the settings button; you can use something like a paper clip 3) release the button after you have plugged the altimeter in, and you should see the altimeter as a USB drive; 4) drag the firmware file onto the USB drive; 5) unplug the altimeter from the computer.


8.1 Troubleshooting

If your LED String Alti fails to function, try replacing the batteries. A single white LED that does not go off indicates a failed pressure sensor in the altimeter. If you are unable to get your altimeter to connect to the computer, try a different cable; some cables are for charging only. Also, make sure you are using the Chrome or Edge browser and that the altimeter is switched off when plugging it in. Contact Eronotix at support@eronotix.com for additional support.

9.1 Technical Specifications