Oz Report's Useful Goodies
Pro tow Mini Barrel Release and Bridle, $40.
If you want two mini barrel releases (one on each side), order two of these (you'll
have an extra bridle).
Bridle is 750 pound Vectran.
This release won't accidently open by hitting your base tube, if you connect it
to your chest tabs. It is small and easily stored. If you can't store it during
flight, it is
the most aerodynamic one available. The bridle is thin and gets out of your way
right away. Easily stored. Also creates less drag if you don't put it away. Much
stronger than your weaklink. I change bridles about once a year after about
fifty tows. I've never had one break.
Click on above to view a higher resolution image.
In stock.
Vectran Bridle for Pro tow, $15.
Click on above to view a higher resolution image. The top one is the Spectra, the bottom, the Vectran (I'm just carrying Vectran ones now). The bridle is thin and gets out of your way right away. Easily stored. Also creates less drag if you don't put it away. Much stronger than your weaklink. I change my bridle once a year after about fifty tows. In stock.
V-Bridle line, extra long Vectran line, $20.
This is used connect to the keel (works with the Pro tow setup). You can connect to the keel through a weak link to a line attached to the keel, or through a bicycle/cable/spinnaker release, which is attached to a line on the keel. Vectran is used because it doesn't melt when Vectran or Spectra runs through the loop at the end of the line (if you release using a barrel release).
Click on above to view a higher resolution image. In stock.
2 meter (ham frequency) Antenna, $20.
It has molded BNC connectors (the only kind worth anything in hang gliding harnesses). Five foot long total. The radiating (antenna) part is the unshielded center cable (for 144-148 mHz) which you attach to your harness mains (using tape), and the braided ground, that you attach to your back plate or back of your harness. This gets your signal out unlike that little rubber ducky that came with your radio and is easy to install.
Click on above to view a higher resolution image.
I've been able to broadcast over seventy miles with this type of antenna, but forty miles is more the norm.
I warrant these antennas for a year. If you have any problems, send me a note and I'll send you a new one, no charge.
Specifications here. In stock.
SMA to BNC adapters
http://www.wa3hrl.com/smabnc/. You'll need these to convert your radio to use the BNC antenna above if the radio has the little screw type SMA connectors for their rubber ducky antenna
The rubber foot on the adapter (see bottom left in the picture above) is to reduce the forces on the SMA connection. Purchase from the WA3HRL web site. If you can't get this device get this: http://www.hamradio.com/cgi-bin/uncgi/ase?ITEM=CN+-3
2" tie down straps (single and double/rigid lengths).
Don't crush your glider. Use these straps to tie down your glider. "Seat belt" type webbing. Slide buckles that make it much easier and faster to tie down your glider.
In stock. The straps have been very popular.
http://ozreport.com/12.108#0
$15/each. Order three.
For 81" long straps that work easily for single flex wing gliders click below:
$20/each. Order three. In stock.For 105" long straps that work easily for two flex wing gliders, or one rigid wing glider click below:
Bag for storing three straps, $10.
A perfectly sized nylon bag with a draw string for holding three straps. The straps are easily and quickly rolled up on their big buckles, either individually or all together and then stuffed inside this stuff sack. This keeps them from tangling with all your other gear and makes them easy to find and retrieve.
In stock.
Bob's flags/wind indicators, $200.
These flags were developed specifically to tell hang glider pilots the wind direction under all wind speeds. These flags, developed by hang glider pilot Bob "Diver Bob" Maloney, have been tested in real world (hang glider flight park) conditions and found to be the most reliable indictors of wind speed and direction available, even in the lightest conditions.
The color scheme used allows pilots to determine the wind direction and speed unambiguously, with bright colors against a dark background. The flags rotate with the slightest breeze unlike wind socks, that do not perform at low wind speeds.
The materials are long lasting, allowing flags to be left out for two years without replacement of the flag material. But the construction also allow the flags (connected to the flag poles) to be easily put up and brought down with very minimal effort.
These flags can withstand 50+ mph winds with no ill effects.
Click on above to view a higher resolution image.
Instructions on how to use the flags here.
$200 + shipping.
Indicate colors in the note field with the order. (Top panel - yellow, white or orange, bottom panel - yellow, white or orange, middle panel - green red, black, or blue.
