Purpose of Campaign: The purpose of this campaign is to promote boating adventure with the RX Controller. Many thanks to backers for supporting our earlier projects. Hundreds of people are now enjoying Pacific Sky Power systems around the world. We are focused on wind power innovation and helping the world transition to clean energy. With today’s advancements in material science and research and development, kite power is now taking hold with state of the art technologies.
Recommended Kites and Wind Conditions
For best performance, the RX Controller should be used with 2 to 4 meter foil kites in 10 to 20 knot winds. For launch, hold the kite so it fills with wind, then start reeling out. Once the kite is fully deployed, steer by pivoting the control bar. When you need a break, reel-in and stow the kite.
RX Controller Specifications
Control lines: Two 500 lb, 15 meter long control lines
System width: 30”
Materials used: Aluminum, UV resistant plastics, Structural laminates, Stainless-steel hardware
Recommended Wind: 10 to 20 knots
Recommended Kites: 3 to 4 square meter two line foil kites. HQ Hydra 3.0, HQ Hydra 3.5, HQ Hydra 4.0
Kiteboating
A wide variety of small sailing systems are now available for boaters. The advantage with kites is they harness more power and can be quickly deployed from any type of boat. Kayaks and canoes can be equipped with a rudder and centerboard for amazing performance on all normal sailing courses. Even a passenger with a paddle in the water as a rudder can be used for sailing across the wind and downwind. Compared to windsurfing and kitesurfing, kiteboating is safer, easier to learn, and can work from any type of boat. The biggest challenge is maintaining line tension, but this can be quickly mastered with training on land and a few boating adventures. Unlike large kitesurfing kites that can pull riders 40 feet in the air, foil kites up to 4 square meters flying on 2 lines won’t lift you up and have stable power. Small vessels can travel at impressive speeds and give paddlers a break.
Upwind Sailing
Upwind sailing was the main purpose for development of the RX Controller. Now you can enjoy upwind kite sailing and make it back to the boat launch without a long paddle into the wind.
Jibing
Jibing is the best way to turn or switch tacks. The snap jibe can be loads of fun. Pick up boat speed with a few kite swoops and on a down-swoop start the jibe. Pivot the control bar and send the kite through the power zone for acceleration through the turn.
Power Transfer
The power is transferred to you with the waist harness or through direct boat attachment. The waist harness works well for training on land and kiteboating in light winds. Direct attachment is recommended for kiteboating in wind stronger than 12 knots.
History of R&D
About 10 years ago, Dan Tracy started working with large kites for fuel reduction on ships. This application didn’t work out but the experience led him to working on smaller systems. After testing many different prototypes, the 1st RX Controller was developed in 2013. Early in 2015, an improved controller was discovered and successfully launched on Kickstarter. In April of 2015, the RX was upgraded with the improved design and extensive trials began.
Safety Kite Power
In addition to recreational kiteboating, the RX Controller can be used for marine safety and self-rescue. Safety kites are now required for some ocean racing. The safety kite gives boaters backup propulsion if sail or engine power is lost. The RX Controller can be easily stowed on any boat and provide peace of mind that you are prepared in the unlikely event of an offshore emergency.