Clear Yaw string tape?

On Wednesday, April 12, 2006 11:49:30 PM UTC-7, bumper wrote:
Though I haven't really advertised it, a number of years back I invented the
MKII "high tech" yaw string. The high tech part being somewhat
tongue-in-cheek, though generally unreliable and refutable sources indicate
the MKII will add at least 2 points to your L/D - - and even if not, it
still looks a whole lot better than tape! I've sold 70 - 100 MKII's, mostly
to other Stemme owners and a few on the ramp at Minden . . . so perhaps
someone will post their opinion.

The MKII consists of a clear turbulator base w/ clear adhesive. Yarn is
natural wool, as that's reputed to be kinder to the Plexi than synthetic
yarn that scratches. The yarn exits through a small hole in the plastic
base. Included is an index dot for the inside of the canopy, instructions
and a money back guarantee if you're not happy.

Several MKII's were placed on a test strip of Plexiglas and continuously
exposed for over two years in the California sun. After the exposure test,
the base and adhesive could still be easily removed with no damage or
residue. To order, send $9 USD and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

John Morgan
194 Taylor Creek Rd.
Minden, NV 89460

I also should have a "quiet vent" kit (QV) available soon. Added to the
standard swing out vent in the canopy sliding window, testing shows a noise
reduction of 10 db - - it quiets the vent to a pleasant, low level. I'm
still working to resolve some issues with a few QV failures while wave
flying, if the QV is mechanically stressed while exposed to sub-zero
temperatures. If you don't "pluck" at the QV while it's super cold, it works
fine as is. When ready for "market", it will be $5 US.

all the best,

bumper



"Bruno" wrote in message
ups.com...
I have seen a few gliders that had yaw strings attached with something
other than the white tape most of us use. It was either a clear tape
or clear sticker. If any of you use something other than the white
tape to attach your yaw string please share what you use. Thanks!

On Wednesday, April 12, 2006 9:57:34 AM UTC-7, Bruno wrote:
I have seen a few gliders that had yaw strings attached with something
other than the white tape most of us use. It was either a clear tape
or clear sticker. If any of you use something other than the white
tape to attach your yaw string please share what you use. Thanks!

I love that this re-surfaces from time-to time. It always takes me back my first walk down the fie-down area at Jean. Marveling at the highly polished, beautiful and sleek white curvaceous German girls.
.....and having the ride 'spoiled' by seeing a big ugly splotch of old tape residue on each and every one. ugh. Some time (months? ) David, Paul, and Krys partnered up and bought a Discus, and it came with a Mark (whatever) yaw string (and probably also the QV) and I knew that I would NEVER use anything else.
RAS - my 'solution' to the chemo insomnia on top of my 'normal' insomnia.

On Friday, August 30, 2013 12:22:05 AM UTC-7, Uncle Fuzzy wrote:

I love that this re-surfaces from time-to time. It always takes me back my first walk down the fie-down area at Jean. Marveling at the highly polished, beautiful and sleek white curvaceous German girls.

....and having the ride 'spoiled' by seeing a big ugly splotch of old tape residue on each and every one. ugh. Some time (months? ) David, Paul, and Krys partnered up and bought a Discus, and it came with a Mark (whatever) yaw string (and probably also the QV) and I knew that I would NEVER use anything else.

RAS - my 'solution' to the chemo insomnia on top of my 'normal' insomnia.

U. Fuz',

That was a chuckle! My thoughts exactly.

First MK(?) (and there were several prototypes of varying complexity) was a direct result of my thinking how out of place it looked to have a taped on yaw string on my Stemme. The MK series has evolved with lots of improvements to the point I'm happy with the "IV", and I'm the type who suffers the frustrating affliction of not being content if there's a way I can improve something.

Of all the tape residue I've had to remove, the very worst has been from clear tape, "Scotch", packing tape, whatever. UV degrades the clear plastic so it has no mechanical strength that would allow it to be pulled off. Rather it fractures like the clay on a dry lake bed, each little bit clinging tenaciously to the rock hard, dried out adhesive beneath . . . and little bit "protecting" the underlying adhesive from being softened by whatever solvent* one is brave enough to use on Plexi. *Denatured alcohol is a strong as I've used, and even that should be used with caution.

MKIV's and Quiet Vents both use 3M VHB (very high bond) clear acrylic tape. Even after extended exposure it remains easy to remove.

bumper