I am SOOO ashamed!

really? I figured you, markie, to be utterly lacking in affect.

Is it that obvious that my background in electronics and
programming has not prepared me for these difficult mechanical topics?

if we are to judge your background by what you posted, then Yes your background
has not prepared you in the slightest.

I am need of you expert guidance; please enlighten me in
the ways of flying rope.

you have been already. But, it seems, you lack the capability to comprehend.

You noted that google is not really showing that you know things yourself,

I noted what?