kite alti
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 Kite Alti. 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 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—particularly something that could potentially fall and injure people or damage property if not affixed properly. 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 legally held 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 Kite Alti Description
2.1 Preflight Considerations
2.2 Affixing the Altimeter to a Kite
2.3 Basic Use
2.4 Battery Life and Recharging
3.1 Logging Data
3.2 Downloading Data to Eronotix Logbook
3.3 Viewing and Manipulating Data in Eronotix Logbook
3.4 Erasing Flash Memory
4.1 Games
5.1 Cleaning and Caring for Kite Alti
5.2 Spare Parts
6.1 Firmware Updates
7.1 Troubleshooting
8.1 Technical Specifications

1.1 Kite Alti Description

Kite Alti is a unique and star-shaped LED kite altimeter that can be used to ascertain the altitude at which a kite is flying. Its case is transparent, making it visible from any angle. It has 10 individually addressable LEDs, with 5 on the front and 5 on the back. For the purposes of LED visibility and aesthetic effect, Kite Alti 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. Its standard firmware has 11 different modes, described in detail on a dedicated page; modes are selectable by button press, and are designed for flying at different altitudes with an assortment of different LED displays. The altimeter contains a rechargeable lithium polymer battery with a minimum battery life of approximately 45 minutes. As a data logger, its battery life is longer, and it 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 Kite Alti can be downloaded and viewed using Eronotix Logbook. The device is not waterproof and 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 Preflight 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 the altimeter. Kite Alti is durable but certainly not indestructible if it comes into contact with an object at high speed; suitable conditions appropriate for the type of kite you are flying should be sought. Potential water landings should be avoided at all costs, particularly because Kite Alti is not water-proof.

2.2 Affixing the Altimeter to a Kite

There are many methods that can be used to affix the altimeter to a kite. We prefer to use the supplied hook for its convenience, such as is shown in the video below.


It is also possible to affix one or more Kite Altis to the kite line as line laundry, as shown in the video below.

2.3 Basic Use

It is best to fully recharge the altimeter before use. Fully recharging the altimeter takes approximately 45 minutes when the battery is empty. For full accuracy, always switch Kite Alti on at ground level. When you turn the altimeter on, you will first see a number of LEDs indicating the current battery percentage; each white LED represents 10% battery (e.g. 10 LEDs representing 100%, and 5 representing 50%). Next, 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 Kite Alti.

2.4 Battery Life and Recharging

The battery life of Kite Alti depends on what mode it is on and how it is used. Mode 11, which only logs data, can last for hours (however, keep in mind the maximum length of a logged flight is 85 minutes 20 seconds). Other modes can generally get about 45 minutes of flight before a low-battery flashing pattern is seen (white flashes, actually "MA" in Morse code), which indicates to the user that only a few minutes of light are left. You might notice the LEDs taking on a slightly more red color as the battery drains beyond this point; this is normal. Recharging the altimeter takes about 45 minutes when the battery is empty.

3.1 Logging Data

Kite Alti can log 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. Kite Alti will only log flights 30 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.

3.2 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 Kite Alti 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; 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.

3.3 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.

3.4 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.

4.1 Games

There are many fun competitive games that can be played when using more than one Kite Alti. 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.

5.1 Cleaning and Caring for Kite Alti

You can use a soft cloth with a commercial plastic cleaner or a mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris from Kite Alti. Acetone, benzene, ethanol and other alcohols, Windex®, organic materials or thinners should not be used to clean the altimeter's case, as they will damage the acrylic.

5.2 Spare Parts

Visit the Eronotix Store to purchase original replacement parts and accessories for Kite Alti.

6.1 Firmware Updates

The procedure for updating firmware, similar to uploading a file onto a USB drive, is shown in the video below. Go to the firmware page to download the latest firmware. Be sure you are using a data USB cable, such as the cable that came with the altimeter, in order to update the firmware.

7.1 Troubleshooting

If your Kite 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.

8.1 Technical Specifications