Friday, 18 September 2015
Thursday, 17 September 2015
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
What to do when there's no wind
Get your biggest kite and strap an engine to your back...
Disclaimer - don't try this at home without proper training and equipment, if you do you are stupid and may end up dead. gum-nuts doesn't take any responsibility if you are stupid!
Disclaimer - don't try this at home without proper training and equipment, if you do you are stupid and may end up dead. gum-nuts doesn't take any responsibility if you are stupid!
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
Video - Ozone tips and tricks...
I've watched this a few times recently, ready for the arrival of the R1 -
Monday, 14 September 2015
Sunday, 13 September 2015
Review - Soloshot 2...
POV cameras are great, I love my GoPro's and have tried various different mounts - from kite line, chase cam, the GoPro 3 way and of course the good old helmet mount.
But in an attempt to get a different perspective in my videos I was always looking at alternatives, the ideal situation would be to have somebody film me using a camcorder and tripod - but attempts with this with my wife and daughter were never that successful, then somebody introduced me to Soloshot...
The robot cameraman -
But in an attempt to get a different perspective in my videos I was always looking at alternatives, the ideal situation would be to have somebody film me using a camcorder and tripod - but attempts with this with my wife and daughter were never that successful, then somebody introduced me to Soloshot...
The robot cameraman -
Ergh! Maybe not -
Soloshot 2 is a unit that attaches to a tripod and a camera (Camcorder, GoPro or DSLR) and will track a tag that is worn by the the rider and can follow them through 360 degree rotation (at 80 degress a second) and 150 degrees vertical tracking (at 35 degrees a second).
The tag is also waterproof to 30m.
With a range of 600m (2000 feet) and if you go out of range then it will pick you up when you come back into range - smart!
The unit is supplied with the base, a tag and arm band, charging cable, tripod tool and instructions.
The tag attaches onto the base for charging and transporting and both have extensive battery life the base for up to 8 hours and the tag 4 hours (the battery in the base can also be used to charge you camera - if you have a compatible camera, unfortunately I don't!).
The other issue I had was the thread size on my tripod was different from that of the base of the Soloshot, I had to buy an adapter for about $2.
Every time you use the Soloshot 2 or move it from one location to another (even after initial pairing) the base and tag have to be recalibrated and paired.
The initial calibration takes 8-10 minutes and involves the tag warm up, attaching the tripod, base and camera, framing and centering the shot. Then there is the walkabout pairing, in which you have to walk at least 50 paces around in a random way ending up back at the base to pair the item. You then walk back to your centering object to calibrate the base and tag (I missed this part when I first tried the Ozone R1 and therefore it didn't track properly!).
This sounds like a lot of trouble but is fairly simple once you get used to it and once the tag has warmed up (8 mins approx) is quick to do and I think the results are worth it...
There are various different settings on the Soloshot 2 depending on what sport you are involved in, wether you are on a level playing field, or will have altitude changes (getting some air) all designed to get the best out of the unit and these can easily be changed on the go.
If you have a compatible camera then there is also an auto-zoom function and DSLR can also be set to take pictures at preset intervals.
You can also pair one tag with multiple bases for lots of different perspectives or multiple tags to one base and switch between them by pressing a button on the tags while on the move.
The base is quite heavy, but this isn't an issue once mounted on a tripod. It does feel solid and well made and does contain the battery, servos and electronics. The tag and arm band are also tough (I know I landed on them during an OBE!
The downside - initially the pairing and calibration can feel a bit daunting, and the auto-zoom and charging only work with compatible cameras.
Positives - no wingy wife or kids filming you, steady smooth tracking, long battery life, multiple functions.
Thursday, 10 September 2015
Boxes...
Both kites reduced to $500 plus postage, or get both for $1000!
I've even got some boxes ready to send them...
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
Chickens..?
Well, I counted my chickens too soon...
I wish the wind would make its mind up..
One minute it's blowing, get to Lake Walyungup and it goes.
Head to work to pick something up, wind blows.
Get home wind goes, unload buggy and kite, hose buggy off, you guessed it wind blows.
Think about putting buggy back in car, wind goes.
Sat here watching the trees sway nicely in the wind, too bloody late as I have stuff to do and kids to pick up!
I wish the wind would make its mind up..
One minute it's blowing, get to Lake Walyungup and it goes.
Head to work to pick something up, wind blows.
Get home wind goes, unload buggy and kite, hose buggy off, you guessed it wind blows.
Think about putting buggy back in car, wind goes.
Sat here watching the trees sway nicely in the wind, too bloody late as I have stuff to do and kids to pick up!
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
Monday, 7 September 2015
Saturday, 5 September 2015
Making things...
Well I've had a day of making things, a couple are kite related - sandbags ready for when I get the R1...
And this morning I made a wall mounted fishing rod rack, nothing to do with kiting but wanted to show it off!
Friday, 4 September 2015
Thursday, 3 September 2015
Wednesday, 2 September 2015
For Sale - Ozone Access 6m...
2013 Ozone Access 6m, in great condition only a few minor scrapes on the bar. Comes with bag, bar and lines. Great stable high wind depower.
$600 plus postage.
Don't forget I am also selling my Ozone Manta 10m http://www.extremekites.com.au/topic/15572-ozone-manta-ii-10m/, get both kites to cover an awesome wind range and save me from my wife killing me for buying an new kite.
Special offer - Ozone Access $600, Ozone Manta $600 or get both for $1200 (and combine postage!)
Ozone Access review -http://www.extremekites.com.au/reviews/kites/ozone-access-6m-2013-r17/
Tuesday, 1 September 2015
Lean, green, buggy machine...
In my pursuit of increasing speed in the buggy I thought I would try some streamlining...
Or could it be a 7m Ozone R1 is on its way to WA.
Or could it be a 7m Ozone R1 is on its way to WA.
Just need to sell the Manta and Access to fund it! I hope it arrives in time for the Lake Lefroy land-sailing regatta.
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