Kite altitude measuring apparatus

An apparatus for measuring the altitude of a kite attached to one end of a line, said apparatus comprising means for deriving a first line length signal corresponding to the length of line unwound as the kite rises, means for deriving a second line angle signal corresponding to the relative angular orientation of the line, said line angle signal deriving means comprising a pivotable member including a first contact and a fixed member including a plurality of angularly spaced second contacts affixed thereto and positioned relative to said pivotable member for establishing electrical contact between said first contact and one of said second contacts depending on the relative angular orientation of said pivotable member, and means coupled to said first and second signal deriving means for computing from said first and second signals a third signal representative of the altitude of the kite.