To offer advice on what you 'heard' or what you 'think' may have happened is not constructive. There has certainly been misfires/malfunctions in EVERY AAD on the market, including the CYPRES! Here are the PROPERLY RESEARCHED reasons why I recommend an ASTRA... and please visit the manufacturers website (see the gear review section of dropzones.com)instead of listining to ill informed hearsay. REASONS TO BUY ASTRA Astra is designed, so that it is well suited to external mounting for high visibility, allows for easy "Gear check" on the Astra and is therefore a significant improvement to safety. (The CYPRES is mostly hidden after initial gear check) The Astra is easily field tested, using the Cutter Test probe, for firing accuracy and function by any approved rigger using any test chamber that shows altitude and rate of descent. (SO IT CAN BE TESTED ON EVERY RESERVE REPACK) Because the Astra can be functionally tested in the field there is no requirement for mandatory factory overhaul. (ASK ANY RIGGER HOW MUCH A CYPRES OVERHAUL COSTS - AND HOW LONG IT TAKES BEFORE YOU GET YOUR AAD BACK!) Easy to install in most rigs using the approved "Cypres" type installation method. Simple and quick to operate, accessible butwell protected. Astra On/Off-switch operation is an advantage e.g. in a descending aircraft or under canopy, compared to a time consuming "multiple response" system, while at the same time preventing accidental operation. The flashing indicator light, that shows correct program function, is a positive indication that the Astra Central Processing Unit is actually checking altitude and rate of decent. Sensors are in the Altitude Control Unit, so the Astra is not attitude sensitive. If the sensor unit were in the battery pack inside the container, an "adjustment factor" would need to be added, leading to erroneous readings if unusual attitudes occur. The Astra has a capacitor in the battery box to ensure that, as long as the indicator light is flashing, there is always sufficient charge to fire the cutter. Without a capacitor, it would be possible for a unit to indicate a satisfactory battery condition but, there may not be sufficient charge to fire the cutter. Robust machined aluminum Astra Control Unit case prevents breakage. A similarly machined aluminum battery case prevents the hazard of leaking acid into the reserve container. The smooth rounded corners on the space saving low-volume battery-pack prevent wear spots in the reserve container. Robust heavy-duty cable connections prevent accidental disconnect or breakage. High level of EMF protection. US manufactured and locally serviced, with a low recommended retail price and low replacement battery price. The program design allows recovery of firing altitude data for later analysis
