Java
140
Owner`s Manual
profile away.)
The printed profile should be rolled out flat and a book placed at either end to hold it
down.
The battens can then be compared to the profile:
Place green (right) number 1 batten against number 1 profile. Place the front end of
the batten against the profile and check that it matches the profile along its whole
length.
If it does not match the profile see where it deviates and adjust the batten accordingly
in that area. (See below.) Continue this process until the batten matches the profile.
Then do the same for red number 1 batten. Check that both number 1 battens are
exactly the same shape. It is more important that the battens are symmetrical than
that they are a perfect copy of the profile. Asymmetrical battens could cause a turn in
your glider.
Then move onto batten number 2 and so on until you have checked all the battens.
Do not forget to check number 9 batten, the compression strut.
Nose batten
The nose batten profile should not be under-cambered but can be a little over-
cambered. This is because the cut of the sail will tend to flatten the batten if it is
over-cambered. The objective with the nose batten is to get the sail to fit tightly
around the nose area.
How to alter the shape of the batten
The objective is to get a smoothly curved batten but it is not quite as easy as it looks.
It is very difficult to bend the batten very close to its front end. Do not attempt to
alter the profile over the first 3-5cm of the batten. If your battens need profiling do
the 6082 (see below) battens first as they are much softer.
To increase the curve in the batten hold the batten either side of where you want to
increase the curve and run the batten over your knee or leg exerting a gentle pressure.
(It helps if you are wearing something slippery.) Compare with the profile and repeat
if necessary. Try to avoid point bends and make sure that the bends are all in the
same plane. (7075 is a hard aluminium alloy and extra care must be taken while
profiling to avoid broken battens.) To reduce the curve, do the opposite of the above
either over your knee or preferably by pressing on a flat surface. If you have a point
bend try and remove it.
Batten Material
The nose batten and compression struts are made from 1/2" OD 6082 tube.
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