Ion01 1 #1 November 30, 2011 Here is the manual from Aerodyne on how to install the soft links: http://www.flyaerodyne.com/download/SoftLinkManual.pdf My first question is the sowing that is done to secure the ring: Does that have to be done by a master rigger or can it be done by me? It doesn't appear as though you are tying the ring to the riser but instead making a large knot in the middle of the ring to help retain its position, is this actually the case? If I can do it what size thread and needle do I need? If a rigger has to do it do they typically have what is needed for this or do I need to get some for the rigger? Normally I would just go to my DZ and ask my rigger but they are closed for december and january so I am planning to go to Skydive Dallas next week and don't know any riggers there and I don't want to be unprepared and not get to jump it due to this little issue. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #2 November 30, 2011 The penalty for doing this incorrectly is severe. If you're not sure, get a rigger to do it. Call the drop zone and ask them if a rigger will be available when you arrive, that can do it in a timely manner for you, so you can still jump. Even if you muddle through this yourself, you still need to have a rigger check your work before you jump to make sure it's correct. And if you're installing soft links, that implies that you're also installing a canopy to the risers, or installing new risers on a rig. Those things should be checked by a rigger too, if you're not absolutely certain of what you are doing. And since your profile indicates you have only 125 jumps, that seems like a good idea. In fact, it's a good idea to have a second person check such work no matter how many jumps someone has. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ion01 1 #3 November 30, 2011 Okay! Will do! I wasn't sure how big of a deal this was so I will be sure to have a rigger do it. No reason to take the risk. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ronaldo 0 #4 November 30, 2011 You'll see that it is really simple once the rigger shows you how to do it. Take the opportunity to watch and learn a bit more about rigging The work is done with waxed tack cord (I'm pretty sure you don't have it)Engineering Law #5: The most vital dimension on any plan drawing stands the most chance of being omitted Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ion01 1 #5 November 30, 2011 Yea, never even heard of that kind of cord. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,046 #6 November 30, 2011 Hi Ion, It's called Super Tack Cord, Item # T1050. http://www.paragear.com/templates/base_template.asp?group=33#T1050 JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martini 0 #7 December 1, 2011 What is the penalty you're referring to? Incidentally I never found it necessary to tack soft links from either PD or Precision, I don't know about Aerodyne's links. I did tack a set once using something lightweight from my wife's sewing room, the tacks held up fine and were easy to remove later, also it had occurred to me that lightweight thread was good so if for any reason stress was put on the tack it would easily break. Then again I'm not a rigger.Sometimes you eat the bear.............. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spootch 0 #8 December 1, 2011 it is possible to tack the slinks too far from the end of the riser, That can add some wear and tear to your risers (and slink) if your using supertack. The breaking strenght can be upwards of 160 lbs depending on how you tack. So it is possible you could be hanging from a chunk of supertack and a partial piece of slink inside the riser if you screw it up real badI think JR may have been refering to a total slink install Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
likestojump 3 #9 December 1, 2011 QuoteWhat is the penalty you're referring to? Incidentally I never found it necessary to tack soft links from either PD or Precision, I don't know about Aerodyne's links. I did tack a set once using something lightweight from my wife's sewing room, the tacks held up fine and were easy to remove later, also it had occurred to me that lightweight thread was good so if for any reason stress was put on the tack it would easily break. Then again I'm not a rigger. I would guess he was referring to the installation part being done incorrectly, not the tacking part. I have had a number of self-assembled links come back with the end loops passed over the locking tab (PD) or over the ring (Aerodyne). The proper way is to pass the end through the small loop under the tab/ring adn then over the tab/ring thus locking it in place. One set came from someone with just over 100 skydives who wanted to be self sufficient, the other came from someone with over 5000 skydives ?!? The point is that one should be following the manual very closely and not improvise; and if in doubt - get yourself double checked. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #10 December 1, 2011 QuoteQuoteWhat is the penalty you're referring to? I would guess he was referring to the installation part being done incorrectly, not the tacking part. Correct. But even the tacking, or rather the lack thereof, can cause a problem. I believe we've had one fatality caused by a slink ring that wasn't secured inside the riser, and a steering line half-hitched around the protruding ring, causing steering problems. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martini 0 #11 December 2, 2011 Thanks John, that's a mal I hadn't heard of. Excellent example of how the little things can be significant.Sometimes you eat the bear.............. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
