skola28 Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 I'm not sure if I have malformed hands, or if its simply a case of ineptitude, but I am having trouble holding the throttle and the brake toggle. The main issue is that if I hold the brake with just my index finger, it gets really tired after about 10 min. Not only that, but it starts to get painful! The tiredness/pain is resolved if I use two fingers, however, this results in the brake toggle getting in the way of the throttle lever (which obviously is a big problem). My question is, do other pilots encounter this problem? Do you have solutions? I found the Cameleon Throttle http://www.mycameleon.fr/ which looks like it could solve my problem but it is pricey. It is a throttle that is actuated by your index finger instead of your 'little fingers'. As reference, I have a Kangook Paramotor with the standard Kangook throttle, and a Nemo2 Glider with the TCH (triple comfort handles) which obviously aren't tripley comfortable Perhaps I should remove the rigid tube inside the handle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bingreed Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 I've had similar problems with a conflict, but generally have them sorted now. Glad to report no pain though! I strap the throttle on first (obviously) and tight enough so I can completely relax my hand without my subconcious worrying about it "falling off". It has taken some getting used to, but now is second nature. The throttle I operate with just my two small fingers. The brake I initially locate across all four fingers, not by the handle (the bottom of the triangle) but by one of the sides, with the brake line facing upwards towards the wing. I carefully "tuck it" behind the throttle so that it doesn't easily move in the excitement of a launch. However, I'm careful to position the brake so that I can always contact the kill-switch with my thumb in the event of an abort. So both throttle and brake are quite snuggly fitted to my hand so that I can't easily drop either. Of course, once airborne I can free the brake handle and operate with just a finger or two, or park the brake safely on the riser. To add the final confusion, of course in a forward launch I need to hook the A's with my thumb too. These are very carefully positioned so as to be completely free, but also tucked out of the way enough should I need to kill the motor and abort before even getting the wing up overhead... With practice it is becoming second nature - I've found what works for my sized hands and winter gloves - but I agree it is not natural at first, and there's very little guidence (except my long suffering instructor...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s1buell_wl Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 The Cameleon Throttle is great and solves the throttle/brake issue. I bought one here and now everyone at the club has one or wants one. worth the cash. T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christian Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 It might also depend on heavy the brakes are on your wing. I have quite an old Ozone Roadster. I do exactly the same as Bingreed, except I tuck the side of the brake handle over my two smallest fingers. Less chance of anything interfering with the kill switch. It has always worked a treat. Christian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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