John,

If you are using a free-running swivel with stranded cable I believe that
the problem is that as the cable is put under tension the six outer strands
will try to unwind from around the inner strand. Unfortunately in their
unwound state they are now longer than the inner strand so they shed their
load onto the inner strand which will probably break - trashing the cable.
A better option is to use a lock-up swivel that will not rotate when under
launch tension but will rotate after release to allow the cable parachute to
spin (as they do) without winding up the cable.

Hope this helps,
John Wilton


"John G. Harte" wrote in message
link.net...
Our club is fortunate enough to have a winch, and a large number of ground
launch endorsed pilots.

We use a steel cable and encounter some kinking and twisting at the glider
end of the setup. Last weekend we installed a swivel in line before the
cg hook and were initially pleased with the first several launches;
however, after several more, we encountered even more twisting and
kinking, but, alas, the kinking and twisting occurred in that portion of
the cable that was descending after release.

Has anyone had experience with swivel installations?

Input would be greatly appreciated.

jgh