uniknot

[Bootlegger]

 Any body got suggestions as to where to get info on tying this knot, as well as getting the lines within 1/4" of each other?
  I saw a set at our Oct contest in Baton Rouge, La. and was impressed with them.
 I am wanting to try them on a 25 powered model first, Or a 1/2A model instead, also where can I get the best lines in the correct test and color?
 Also need suggestions on good ways to pull test them.
  T I A

[Jim Roselle]

[Phil Krankowski]

Tie up one end of each line.
Stretch both lines out together. 
MARK with a sharpie or similar the correct length.


Now for the tricky part:  Include the mark IN the knot.

I buy Power Pro in high vis yellow off ebay.  There are a couple outfits that have it all the time.

Phil

[FLOYD CARTER]

I bought a spool of Spectra "Power Pro" 0.16mm. for 1/2A lines.  I'm hoping to find someone locally to tie the ends.  Since I failed the Boy Scout entry exam, I can't tie any kind of knot!

Floyd

[Robert Zambelli]

I bought a spool of Spectra "Power Pro" 0.16mm. for 1/2A lines.  I'm hoping to find someone locally to tie the ends.  Since I failed the Boy Scout entry exam, I can't tie any kind of knot!

Floyd

  Why KNOT?

[Joseph Patterson]

  THAT'S WHY KNOT!!!
 DP

[mike londke]

Click the link and scroll down and you will see a pic of a modified surgeons knot. Its what you want to use for Spectra. Don't forget to wet the knot before pulling it tight. Use PowerPro brand. It comes in Hi-Viz Yellow, which is nice. Beware of the fake Chinese stuff on Ebay. I buy mine from BassPro. There are many threads on Spectra line on this forum. I've been using Spectra line and this knot for 4 years on all types of combat planes and have never broken a line or had a knot come undone. As a matter of fact I've only had steel lines break during a match. http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php/topic,28401.0.html

[Perry Rose]

Here is the easiest knot to tie.
http://www.fishingkites.co.nz/fishingknots/spectra_fishing_line.html

[Brent Williams]

I have made up many sets of 1/2a lines with the 30lb (.011) Sufix Performance Braid by Rapala.  It is a Dyneema/Spectra fishing line and it works very nicely.  We have put up hundreds of flights with no line problems.  Kids have tripped over the lines, ridden bikes over the lines, tangled the lines...no kinks.  For 1/2a, I love the stuff.

I have been using the figure-8 style knot that Phil Cartier has suggested.  
This knot makes the process of getting both lines exactly the same length very easy, (which is very difficult with most other knots.)

http://www.rapala.com/sufix/braid/performance-braid/performance-braid/Performance+Braid.html 

[Jim Svitko]

The AMA book shows the only approved knot to be the uniknot.  There are others that are just as good or better but until they are approved I will use the uniknot.  Some local contests allow the use of the Spectra fiber lines but only if a uniknot is used.  So, that is what I am stuck with.

Yes, it is difficult to get the lines very close to equal length with some knots.  I came up with my system of using the uniknot and I can get the lines to within a half inch of each other, maybe even closer.  Since I use a cable handle this is good enough.

Regarding the line color:  I heard of one flier who tried the hi-viz yellow.  He said it was too distracting for him.  All he could focus on was those bright yellow lines.  You might have the same problem.  The yellow sure does show up nicely in the grass to minimize getting tangled in them as long as the grass is green.  The aqua green show up in the grass but not as well and are not distracting in flight.  The moss green is camouflaged and impossible to see in the grass, unless you happen to be in a drought and the grass is no longer green.

I have also seen lines that are red.  They show up fairly well on the ground and not distracting in flight.

[Phil Krankowski]

...
I have also seen lines that are red.  They show up fairly well on the ground and not distracting in flight.

I might have to try that red when I run out of yellow.  I find the yellow gets dirty and the color muted after a few uses so there is less distraction in the air.  The green and camo colors are available at most places that sell fishing stuff. 

Phil

[Steve Helmick]

As a devoted fisherman, I want to restate what Mike Londke wrote about buying fishing line on E-Bay. It's a good way to get some counterfeit line that doesn't even contain Spectra fiber, according to what I've read on the fishing forums. Best idea is to buy from a major online retailer, such as BPS, Cabela's or Tackle Warehouse. 

Steve

[Jim Svitko]

As a devoted fisherman, I want to restate what Mike Londke wrote about buying fishing line on E-Bay. It's a good way to get some counterfeit line that doesn't even contain Spectra fiber, according to what I've read on the fishing forums. Best idea is to buy from a major online retailer, such as BPS, Cabela's or Tackle Warehouse. 

Steve

This is why a proof test of the lines is essential.  No matter what the source of any line (steel cable, Spectra fiber, or any other material) a proof test should be done.  Anything can go wrong:  poor knot, poor line wrapping, faulty material, etc. It takes me the better part of a year, or longer, to build one of these planes.  I am not going to put a flight on it without a proof test of the lines.

[Dan McEntee]

  Well, what kind of sizes or weight of line are being used for which size engines? Go by model weight? I have been wanting to try fishing line at least on 1/2A models but haven't purchased any yet.
  Thanks a lot,
  Dan McEntee

[Steve Helmick]

My point is that if they skimp on the Spectra fiber content, the line may be unsafe, but could also just be unsuitable, because it's larger diameter or simply more stretchy than the real deal. It's just a good idea to make sure you get what you wanted and paid for.   Steve

[Jim Svitko]

  Well, what kind of sizes or weight of line are being used for which size engines? Go by model weight? I have been wanting to try fishing line at least on 1/2A models but haven't purchased any yet.
  Thanks a lot,
  Dan McEntee

Since the pull test is dependent on model weight, go by that.  Most of my fleet is between 48-55 ounces.  I use the 65 pound test line for planes of this weight.  Some have used 50 pound test line but I feel better with 65 after doing some tests on breaking load.  I have no 1/2A models so I have no experience with lines for planes of that size and weight.

[mike londke]

  Well, what kind of sizes or weight of line are being used for which size engines? Go by model weight? I have been wanting to try fishing line at least on 1/2A models but haven't purchased any yet.
  Thanks a lot,
  Dan McEntee

Dan we are using 100lb test on Speed Limit and Fast Combat planes.  With the correct knot you get 60 to 65% of the rated strength. So by Phil Cartier's testing the break strength is 60 to 65lbs. Rather than 50 to 55lbs. with .018 braided steel. As for 1/2A I am using 40lb test.  Although AMA allows using 20lb test on models under 24oz and displacement up to .09 I've settled on 40lb for 1/2A combat. The diameter and weight difference is negligible versus the benefit of a stronger set up. I'm sure 20lb would be more than adequate for 1/2A sport flying. The line sizes for Spectra are on the AMA site in the CL General Rules Section. If you try them on 1/2A models you will never use steel again. Tell me how long you want them and I will send you a set. Mike