SmokinJoeKS

Jack “Flash” Washburn, a Kansas skydiver very active in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, passed away at his home in Wichita, KS November 3rd, 2018 from Parkinson’s disease. He was 67. Generous, talented and congenial, Jack was mentor to many skydivers and a leader in much of the hijinks and good times (some of it even related to skydiving) shared by Wichita-area jumpers during that era. Truly a larger-than-life figure to many of us, he will live in our hearts always.
Blue Skies, Brother.

(a photo of Jack is attached to this post)

mark

I don't think so. I think it's more a case of not wanting folks to unseal the Vigil-2 processor/battery box. If you've ever done that, you'll know there is a very long, skinny gasket that has to fit exactly right, especially around the connectors. Changing the connectors to the 2+ configuration and not allowing battery replacement is a way to avoid the water infiltration and corrosion problems they've had with a few units.

Good point. In that case, it would make sense for them to control that risk.

chutingstar

Jenny at Vigil America informed me via e-mail that the battery price for the 2+ will be more than the Vigil 2, but that they are not charging for the battery change...just the price of the battery.

But my take is if they aren't "selling" Vigil 2+ batteries separately...than the price is whatever they want to charge for the battery/install. Not sure how you separate the 2 if they are doing all the work and have the battery. The price of both has to be factored into whatever price they set (which is currently unknown).

She did also say that Vigil doesn't have plans to certify/approve riggers or lofts or service centers to do the battery replacements.

Mike

Thanks, Mike, for the info. Since the Vigil 2+ manual indicates that its battery is the same part number as the Vigil 2 battery, it looks like they are just attempting to find an additional revenue stream. I guess we will find out how much more $$$ they want in about 10 years.

likestojump

I'd love for you to elaborate on what you mean.

Simple. If Vigil is going to charge the same price for having them change the battery as we can have it done now in the field, plus a few dollars for shipping, then there is no significant increase in the cost of ownership over the life of the AAD. On the other hand, if this battery change turns into a de facto inspection and recertification like that required by Cypres, and is priced accordingly, then the long-term cost of ownership (up to now a big selling point for Vigil) will increase more significantly.

Also unknown is the cost at the loft. If this turns into an inspection requiring the entire AAD to be removed and sent in, the rigger will have to charge more than if he can simply disconnect the main box (which contains the battery pack) and send only that in to Vigil.

pchapman

A negative: Battery change can't be done by a rigger any more. They say not to open the case, don't give instructions, and say it voids the warranty. Have to send the unit in to Vigil service centre. That's a big change from the "don't need to send it in" philosophy. Same battery pack number and expected lifetime and mandatory 10 yr replacement.

They still say "No scheduled maintenance required", but that might be considered debatable since it is now "send it in at 10 years for the battery" (unless the battery already was changed).

Hmm, presumably they won't put in a new battery at the 20 year point. Wonder what happens if someone sends it in for a battery at 19.75 years? Will batteries be sold anymore once the last Vigil II times out at 20 years?

Voiding the warranty would seem to be a meaningless consequence for opening the case at 10 years to change the battery pack, because the warranty is only for 2 years. Unless Vigil has some other consequence in mind...?

What will Vigil charge for battery replacement? Will the entire AAD have to be removed from your rig and sent in? Or just the main box?

Raises some questions. Hopefully someone in the know will provide some answers.

I have researched the forums here and notice that some jumpers who have relined their canopies with Dacron say that the Dacron lines are bulkier than Spectra but not by very much, and don't make a huge difference in pack volume.

I haven't had a Dacron-lined canopy since my old Pegasus DOM 1982. Are these current Dacron lines a new design or size that is less bulky than the old Dacron?

Thanks to everyone for reporting your experiences. Am now looking strongly at going Dacron, will probably demo Pilot, Spectre and Storm.

I never had hard openings under my Pegasus or my PD-210, but then I have always tried to be a careful packer and will continue to do so. The Sabre2 that I jumped last week was not uncomfortable either. Going for the softest opening canopy I can find is just a precaution to ensure that I can jump for as many more years as possible.

Joe
C-16318

Just made some jumps after a 14-year vacation, and decided to get back in the sport. Problem is, I'm now 54 years old and have the usual disc degeneration in my neck and lower back, nothing ruptured but some nerves are getting irritated pretty easily.

What canopies are the softest opening? I have heard PD Pulse, PD Spectre, and Aerodyne Pilot. Any recommendations/testimonials are appreciated.

I weigh 185 and was planning on a 190 square foot canopy. Live in Colorado, so landings will be in thinner air.

Joe
C-16318