Our Technology
Skyline Eco-Adventures Ltd. has contracted with a couple of engineering firms in the development of the Skyline system.
1) Magnetic Brake
The Skyline brake system was manufactured and designed by Magnetar Technologies Corp. with a patented rotating electromagnetic device developed for zero gravity
simulators. The engineer, Ed Probonic, was the inventor of Linear Magnetic Systems and carries the patents for rollercoaster technology worldwide. These magnetic brakes provide a new technology of 100% fail-safe, maintenance free, ride brake systems. The reason they are so effective is that it relies on speed and is not weight sensitive. This ensures the rider experiences the same stopping resistance each time at any weight. The other major benefit is that the brake is not sensitive to weather changes. Skyline Eco-Adventures has entered into an agreement where Magnetar will provide these patented braking systems exclusively for our systems.
2) Mechanical Brake
The spring-back mechanical braking system that is utilized on lines with lower riding speeds is a series of springs with different compression (PSI). These springs are held together with 'spacer' blocks and headed with a 'Skyline Catch-block' (PP).This system allows for the flyers impact speed to be absorbed and the rider slowed smoothly to a stop.
3) Catch-block (PP)
The catch-block is made of 'high molecular veleer plate' and is CNC machined. The teeth are similar to a 'Fastek' buckle, but rather than closing in and then popping out - the teeth pop open and close around the flat lip of the trolley. This system locks the rider to the brake.
4) Take up system
Take up system is a 3:1 pull or an 8mm dynamic climbing rope by bungee. When the flyer impacts the braking system, the springs compress and the rider is held in position.
5) The Skyline Trolley ©
This unique, light, high speed Skyline Trolley is state-of-the-art and first introduced at Cougar Mountain Skylines.
It features large, highspeed roller-bearing wheels made from durable urethane on a keyed aluminum alloy hub. These have
a very long life expectancy and are friendly to the steel Skyline cable.
The trolley carriage, (everything suspended below),
is designed to be comfortable and stable for the rider.
The carriage features four stainless steel cables with vinyl coating fitted with swagged stainless cable fittings. Below this are nylon grommet straps which attach to the special seat styled after the modern para-glider harness.
The carriage is suspended to prevent the rider from rotating in the air - this allows good forward visibility. The equalizers at the side of the split spreader, maintain equal tension in the straps, thus uniform pressure on the wheels, ensuring good cable contact at high speeds. Also, this feature accomidates high angle launching such as at Cougar Mountain and reduces the swing-up effect on braking.
The ride is stable, quiet, provides good visibility and above all, either reclined, upright or even upside down is comfortable.
6) Harness
 The harness system being used was specifically designed for Skyline ziplines.
The design is based off of traditional para-gliding harnesses, which are made to be sat in comfortably for hours at a time.
Other zipline applications use 'off the shelf' climbing harnesses which are designed for safety, not zipline riding. This new system allows guests to stay in a comfortable seated position throughout their flight.
7) Cable
Skyline is the only zipline company that utilizes 7/8" galvanized wire rope (largest in the industry). This size of cable will allow for higher loads and tensions. Skyline systems also run parallel cables giving the guests the unique experience of flying side by side with a flying parter. Operationally, it increases efficiencies and volume throughput.
|
