ParaShoot

Will the ultrasonic sensor cleaning system on the new Nikon D300 be a problem for freefall? With the Kodak SLR Pro (14 MP fullframe) I once used many pictures where not sharp because we assumed the sensor was mounted in a flexible way (rubber). No problem on the ground but a big problem with vibrations. Can I expect the same problems with the new D300? ThanX, Henny

Today I just came across this PC type canopy. Is this a so called Crossbow? What would be the pack volume compared to a PC Mk1? Will a Mk1 fit the tight fit container of this Sierra?

Hi Martin, Zwartberg was a test for my shoulder. It was difficult and I was not really current but at least I could make some nice competition jumps. My shoulder is slowly healing but still painful at certain movements. I guess the muscles are strong enough for the WC but now I've a problem at work which I've to clear before I can buy a ticket. I'm still trying though. Probably C ya down under, Henny

Zwartberg (Luc Knuts and friends) hosted a very nice competition at their smooth pond at the DZ. Blue skies all weekend. 21 competitors from 6 countries finished the competition in just 1½ day. Argus AAD (the only AAD with a real swoop option) sponsored the event with free beer and certificates. Saturday we did 1 training round and 5 competition jumps with a moderate cross wind followed by 3 rounds on Sunday with hardly any wind. Bruno Brokken from Spain/Belgium proved not be be retired yet. Henny

OK, C ya. Henny

Hi Jannu, Yes, it'll be nice again. Besides the competition at the lake we've the tent, bbq, rockband, dutch goodiebags, etc. again. You know youy're more than welcome. Actually every experienced judge that wan't to join us. Hope you can mnake it again. C ya, Henny

Some updated info: Cash Purse: € 5000 or $ 6.750 Several other prizes: like Argus AAD Registration so far: 1 Achim Bledau 2 Erwin van de Braak 3 Pablo Hernandez 4 Peter Lankreijer 5 Heiko Böger 6 Henny Wiggers 7 Nina Engel 8 Marc Jacobs 9 Michael Vaughan 10 Luc Knuts 11 Jurgen Camps 12 Mike Vogeleer 13 Guido van den Eynde 14 Gert Michiels 15 Erwin van Lommel 16 Grim Swinnen 17 Jan Ceulemans 18 Johan Nuyts 19 Ronald Reijmen 20 Oliver Jünger 21 Rene Sta van Uijter 22 Bob de Vries 23 Maik Süptitz 24 Stu Storey 25 Smudge Smith 26 Alastair Macartney 27 Christophe Réquillart 28 Sylvain Peraudeau 29 Uwe Steinbrecher 30 Peter Vohwinkel 31 Rodrigo Ferreira 32 Carlos Faustino 33 Tobias Scherrinsky 34 Erwin Baatenburg 35 Martin Bäcklin 36 Ian Bobo 37 Tom Delibac 38 Jen Thögersen 39 Roel Roeloffzen 40 Frederique vd Hilst Karrewij 41 Pieter Wittevrongel 42 Sascha Wawro 43 Wuzi Wagner 44 Martin Eiszner 45 Göran Schwarz C ya all next week, Henny

Even better. We had 66 CF participants (11 nationalities) including coaches and camera(wo)men. Over the 5 days in total 855 CF jumps were made. Mainly 17 ways with 2 to 2½ builds. It was not only a serious CF weekend but the BBQ and Party with live band on Saturday evening was serious as well according some participants. Free drinks for the whole evening donated by Argus AAD's will have contributed to that I guess. The pictures from the party won't be published though. Henny

1 Wendy Beekman 2 Henny Wiggers 3 Christine Offen 4 Eugene Brennan 5 Chris Gay 6 Laurent Stephane Montfort 7 Tom Kan 8 Caren Alink 9 Eef Dekker 10 Eric Stolk 11 Steve Saunders 12 Markéta Cejnarová 13 Eward Slot 14 Hielke Bootsma 15 Wilko Peppelman 16 Marc Calluy 17 Gauda Balisky 18 Christophe Balisky 19 Gerben Frankvoort 20 Herman Slot 21 Richard Meijer 22 Kees Tops 23 Marc van Aperen 24 Danny Vink 25 Martin Robiette 26 Viktor Krause 27 Peter Pfalzgraf 28 Petra Gatti 29 Holger Gnoth 30 Alexander Boesel 31 Brian Pangburn 32 Pam Pangbrun 33 Sander Woldring 34 Eric Schimmel 35 Maria Russell 36 Doug Preston 37 Marijn van der Beek 38 Mitch Mcmartin 39 Tom Brand 40 Sanne Hoenig 41 Bjørn Erik Hagen 42 Danny van Oosterwijck 43 Gavin McLeod 44 Arno van Wiggen 45 Stefan Brück 46 Ray Brewer 47 Peter Hormuth 48 Björn Schubnell 49 Pasi Pirttikoski ? 50 Taya Weiss ** Know what you say but don't say all you know. **

Updated list 1 Wendy Beekman 2 Henny Wiggers 3 Christine Offen 4 Eugene Brennan 5 Chris Gay 6 Laurent Stephane Montfort 7 Tom Kan 8 Caren Alink 9 Eef Dekker 10 Eric Stolk 11 Steve Saunders 12 Markéta Cejnarová 13 Eward Slot 14 Hielke Bootsma 15 Wilko Peppelman 16 Marc Calluy 17 Gauda Balisky 18 Christophe Balisky 19 Gerben Frankvoort 20 Herman Slot 21 Richard Meijer 22 Kees Tops 23 Marc van Aperen 24 Danny Vink 25 Martin Robiette 26 Viktor Krause 27 Peter Pfalzgraf 28 Petra Gatti 29 Holger Gnoth 30 Alexander Boesel 31 Brian Pangburn 32 Pam Pangbrun 33 Sander Woldring 34 Eric Schimmel 35 Maria Russell 36 Doug Preston 37 Marijn van der Beek 38 Mitch Mcmartin 39 Tom Brand 40 Sanne Hoenig 41 Bjørn Erik Hagen 42 Danny van Oosterwijck 43 Gavin McLeod 44 Arno van Wiggen ** Know what you say but don't say all you know. **

National Skydiving Center Teuge (The Netherlands) will host the EST finals again at Lake Bussloo Beach on August 30 – September 1. Program, schedule and atmosphere at least the same like last year(s). Thursday: Training Friday + Saturday: Competition Saturday evening/night: PARTY This year we’ve to limit to max 60 competitors. More info and registration: just send an e-mail to Henny Wiggers [email protected]

National Skydiving Centre Teuge (The Netherlands) will host the Serious CF Spectacle Teuge from 15 - 19 August to accommodate the training and selection camp for the upcoming CF World Record event 100-way later this year. Training and selection led by Chris Gay. Simultaneously the Dutch CF Spectacle will gather to make serious fun CF jumps. Registered so far: 1 Wendy Beekman NL 2 Henny Wiggers NL 3 Christine Offen DE 4 Eugene Brennan UK 5 Chris Gay US 6 Laurent Stephane Montfort FR 7 Tom Kan NL 8 Caren Alink NL 9 Eef Dekker NL 10 Eric Stolk NL 11 Steve Saunders UK 12 Markéta Cejnarová CZ 13 Eward Slot NL 14 Hielke Bootsma NL 15 Wilko Peppelman NL 16 Marc Calluy BE 17 Gauda Balisky DE 18 Christophe Balisky FR 19 Gerben Frankvoort NL 20 Herman Slot NL 21 Richard Meijer NL 22 Kees Tops NL 23 Marc van Aperen NL 24 Danny Vink NL 25 Martin Robiette UK 26 Viktor Krause DE 27 Peter Pfalzgraf DE 28 Petra Gatti DE 29 Holger Gnoth DE 30 Alexander Boesel DE 31 Brian Pangburn US 32 Pam Pangbrun US 33 Saskia Zegwaard NL 34 Eric Schimmel NL For more info contact Henny Wiggers [email protected]

There are several requirements for a swoop sensor system. When I was developing and building (and improving) my system I made a list: - Fast enough to detect a toe at about 120 km/h. Easy to calculate the detection speed but it’s about one thousand of a second. - When the beam is crossed an alarm (light and/or sound) is needed for 1 to 3 sec to confirm crossing the gates. - When the sensor is triggered the signal will be very short. Not enough to switch a relais for an alarm. Therefore the signal needs a pulse lengthening system - Power preferably 12V to be mobile. - Width between sensors at least 12 mtr - Easy to setup, align and adjust - Steady so it’ll stay in operation even when there’s a lot of wind - No interference with sunlight in mirror or receiving sensor when light changes during the day - Because it’s easy to fly under the IPC height of 1½ mtr a second sensor is needed half way - To measure speed the signals of the sensors of the entry gates and exit gates need to be connected to a measuring system (f.e. Notebook). Interface by serial or USB. - Software to measure the speed and show it in a reasonable way. A sensor system is therefore not just a sensor that’s on the market. The measuring systems on the market are all for other purposes. The speed is not the biggest problem but detecting a toe at that speed. The sensor itself with the above specs is not on the market. I was lucky to find a manufacturer that was willing to build me a special sensor. With this sensor I build a complete system. This is working really well but very expensive. If I want more sensors they are still special made and as a friendly turn but only about one in a few months because they’re made in between a change-over of the production line when they’re running these specific components.

It was my system that has been used in Emupriabrava, Voss, Picton, Lillo, Bussloo (Teuge), Kolomna (2005) and several other meets. I'm on the road (actually at the Swoop Comp in Fehrbellin). When I get the time I'll post here some more info about the system. Henny ** Know what you say but don't say all you know. **

Henny! The EST SWOOP competition will og as planned in voss. Please broadcast this for me to your mail list Mvh/Best Regards Bjørn Magne Bryn Operativ leder/Operational manager ** Know what you say but don't say all you know. **

I don't have that problem because I follow the tandem under canopy as well. After opening I stay in brakes until the tandem crosses my way. I make some shots from several angles and at about 1.000 ft. I start to follow the pattern. At the last part I get close and next to the landing tandem to film the landing itself and get the reaction of the passenger. Most of the times I'm able to land in a kind of blindman just 2 meters from the passenger. Really cool shots. Examples can be seen on RealXstream at our DZ website www.paracentrumteuge.nl Not all videos are mine so you probably have to watch a few. Henny ** Know what you say but don't say all you know. **

Gustavo: I hope you don't mind using this thread. Doug: I was in Italy at the IPC meeting when I heard about Brett. Real shock. He was a great Paraskier. I just checked the specs of the HC7 and they won't bring me much improvement but as Gustavo mentioned it seems to be a more skydiving (top mount) friendly. I'll probably put that one on top and keep my A1 for ground shots. I guess I can use the audioblock on both.

Hi Doug, we haven't met yet but we'll certainly do in the near future. I was at the World Championships of Paraski in 1995 in Snowbird and the first Bladerunning comp following the paraski comp though :) Congrats on the nice event with the PDFT at the canyon. I joined the guys last spring in the Italian Dolomites. Because I don't really use the audio features on my A1 and I no longer need the 4:3 any longer, do you think it's worth to switch to the HC7? Hot Shots, Henny

Unfortunately I couldn't join you guys with this trip. I'm way to busy with other projects. F.e. next week, the World Championships of Paraski in Italy (still as competitor). I know the problems with the 900. I used to own one myself. Could sell it to a non skydiver after 2 weeks of shit footage. The specs of the HC7 sound great. You know I've the A1 mainly because of the downconverter. I understood with the HC7 that's no longer necessary. Am I correct? Have fun at the TSF and say hello to everybody. Henny ** Know what you say but don't say all you know. **

Hi Gustavo, Why did you switch from your HC1 to the HC7 anyway? Henny

Hi, We've tons of jumps on the Crew Tri's. In the team I personally jump the 99 with a wingloading of about 2.0 to 2.1. The Tri's land terrific, especially compared to the Lightnings. Before the team jumped Tri's we jumped Lightnings 113 and 126. They were very hard to land. The only way was by frontriser turn at exactly the right altitude (low). The Tri's don't fit very well with Lightnings though but for occasional crew they're great and land way better. If you like the L 126 you would better go for a Tri 120 above the 135. Henny

Updated swoop schedule for 2007: 05.05 + 06.05 DST Teuge Netherlands (at artificial/temporary pond with depth of ± 12 cm / 5") 16.05 - 20.05 Beach (Swoop) Boogie Empuriabrava Spain 25.05 - 27.05 GSO Leipzig (Roitzschjora) Germany 09-06 + 10.06 Pond Swoop Weekend (+ coaching) at Zwartberg Belgium 25.06 - 27.06 EST Voss Norway 29.06 - 01.07 GSO Fehrbellin Germany 14.07 - 21.07 Open UK Nationals at BaddLippe Springe Germany (dates for only Swoop tba) 19.07 - 22.07 EST Kolomna Russia 25.07 - 28.07 EST (= King of Swoop) Empuriabrava Spain 17.08 - 19.08 Open Austrian Championships Klatovy 24.08 - 26.08 Skyday 2007 Vienna Austria 30.08 - 01.09 EST Finals Bussloo Netherlands 06.10 + 07.10 DST Finals Zwartberg Belgium 07.00 - 11.11 IPC Worldcup Sydney Australia DST = Dutch Swooping Tour EST = European Swooping Tour GSO = German Swooping Open Looong Swooops, Henny

Hi Lucia, Pablo and Daniël, The Dutch already booked their tickets. Edu and I will be competing and Igor and Mark will join us for judging and course building. Looking forward to a great swooping event in Spain, Henny

This is a preliminary overview of all swoop events that are scheduled for 2007. 05.05 + 06.05 DST Teuge Netherlands (at artificial/temporary pond with depth of ± 12 cm / 5") 16.05 - 20.03 Beach (Swoop) Boogie Empuriabrava Spain 25.05 - 27.05 GSO Leipzig (Roitzschjora) Germany 09-06 + 10.06 Pond Swoop Weekend (+ coaching) at Zwartberg Belgium 18.06 - 20.06 EST Voss Norway (not confirmed but during Extreme week) 29.06 - 01.07 GSO Fehrbellin Germany 12.07 - 15.07 EST Kolomna Russia 14.07 - 21.07 Open UK Nationals at BaddLippe Springe Germany (dates for only Swoop tba) 25.07 - 28.07 EST (= King of Swoop) Empuriabrava Spain ??.?? - ??.?? EST Finland?? 24.08 - 26.08?? Skyday 2007 Vienna Austria 30.08 - 01.09 EST Finals Bussloo Netherlands 06.10 + 07.10 DST Finals Zwartberg Belgium 07.00 - 11.11 IPC Worldcup Sydney Australia C ya all, Henny

As Fy said: HC1E does not downconvert through i-link port, only through analog - at least the early models, silly indeed. I specifically bought an A1E because the HC1E for sale in Europe (at the end of 2005) didn't have the downconvert option on the firewire output, only at the analog port. Strangely at the World Team 400 way beginning of this year we were able to downconvert at one HC1E that was not bought in Europe and was also called HC1E model. The other HC1E's didn't downconvert at the FW port. Henny