Shroud line question?

[AfterBurners]

I remember the last time I launched what a hassle it was untangling shroud lines on my chutes. It's annoying to say the least. I was wondering if you were to route the shroud lines through lets say a one inch launch lug if this would help prevent the lines from getting tangled. I know it also serves other purposes like allowing the chute to open slowing depending how far up you place the lug, but if you increase the length on the launch lug say to two inches it might keep the lines from tangling at the swivel, which is where I always seem to get my lines tangled.

Just thinking out loud here. I know Fruity chutes has bridles on their chutes which makes it nice and easier to pack them up after each flight.

Anyone else have any ideas on this??

 

[CarVac]

The bridles scare me because you are out of luck if they do tangle. I like being able to untie the knot at the bottom and just pull the shroud lines apart.

Proper chute folding will basically eliminate tangles, though, in my experience.

 

[Gary Byrum]

I'm the guy that can actually unravel those but it came with some practice, I've gotten good at it. Since I make my own chutes anymore, I can afford to cut the lines and make a re-do because the lines are a little longer than they need to be and still work efficiently. It's a given to have extra chutes around. I'll use the same ones over and over during a launch until I have issues with it.

 

[G_T]

It is not that bad untangling lines with a bit of practice. But the first question to ask is how are they getting tangled in the first place? If they start out without tangles, and end up with tangles upon landing, then IMHO something isn't right - possibly the packing method. Perhaps you can provide some details on the chute and how you pack it?

At the swivel might not be where the lines tangle. But it is where the tangle will move to when the chute is open.

Gerald

 

[Peter Olivola]

The chute folding technique that produces the most compact package also minimizes tangling and produces less deployment shock. Stretch the chute out from its apex to the end of the shroud lines. Pull it tight. Roll it from the shroud line attachment to the apex. This will "swallow" the shroud lines between layers of the chute leaving a minimum of shroud length to wrap around the package.

 

[G_T]

That method also can cause deployment issues. It is no more compact than some other methods, btw. I'd suggest taking a look at packing methods used by professional riggers. There one can see techniques which are used when it has to work 100% of the time or someone may die. There are some good sources of info online if one searches a bit.

There are probably better sources, but I know where to find this one as it is in a thread of mine: https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?37382-Sprite-6-quot-and-a-baby-O&p=456460#post456460 It shows some techniques that may be of some help. I'm NOT professional.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVnA8xH57Uc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-jVuK8YbCc (very old but interesting)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PXdVT2_D9w

Just some random videos. There is probably better info with a bit of searching.

Gerald

 

[AfterBurners]

Thanks guys. I will check out the sites and do some searches of mine own