Unstable

I would say we replace one every ~100-150 jumps. We do not keep records of that, so without documentation, I cannot give a better number. We use the pullup tools and folks use Cypres Cord. I have heard that it required/recommended by the manufacturer, although I have yet to dig through the documentation and verify that. We only get maybe 20-30 packs not on the sigma closing loop, but on the loop on the pullup tool. I need to watch the packers and see why they take so much wear. =========Shaun ==========

Audrey Dunn. Somebody buy that girl a beer. =========Shaun ==========

That really is a shame, but unfortunately I've just heard that story more than a few times. The sad part is Astra had some potential. A good cutter design, more robust processing unit that either the Cypres I or II, a good price point, and came from a company with a rich history of leading edge AAD design (FXC was the standard for what, 10 years as the Sentinel faded out and the Cypres came to be..). Plus, the visual feedback on the control unit, mounted on a mudflap, made gear checks super easy. Also, the ability to shut off the AAD after deployment really made it the first 'Swooper-friendly' choice on the market. However, no Firmware revision since 99 (really, they have not improved their algorithms since then!??!! Are they analyzing field data and using it for continual improvement?), horrible customer service, and a less-than-commercial choice in the processing chipset. Oh, and if it would simply turn itself off after 14 or so hours, then it would have saved many a battery packs. =========Shaun ==========

Kimmy's original post calling for donations for the appeal indicated she needed $25,000 to start the process (wow, she must have raised that quickly). So, her Attorney is going to bill his/her hours regardless, so why not let her file the appeal? =========Shaun ==========

Not really behavior you would expect from an established organization specializing in the development, manufacture, and service of life-saving equipment. =========Shaun ==========

Interesting! They went with a full F-111, not hybrid? I would be interested to hear the specifics that compare this to perhaps other comparable canopies (Triathlon, PD-7 and 9 cell F-111 mains, Falcons, etc).

I would agree, especially with some of the popular trends regarding rig design and common field rigging questions. Tight rig + closed corners + poor part comparability = excessive extraction forces, which we have seen more than enough. =========Shaun ==========

I had to read that several times, and I can't tell if that is hot or not hot. Was she good looking? *Edited to add: Is AdultFriendFinder a thing, or a scam to take horny guy's money? I tend to think the latter (have not and will not be a member) =========Shaun ==========

This is a very interesting debate. I've enjoyed just reading and soaking up this thread. So let's say the cutter activates but the result is a delayed launch of the reserve PC. (For the sake of the argument, let's leave out the cutter failing). You can draw a line and look at the possible condititions that may have lead to the end result. They are (I think MMX listed these out a page back): a. Loop length (finger trapping effect between unalilgned grommets) b. Condition of the loop (Silicon or no silicon) c. Design of the reserve container (corners, fit, staging of the PC launch through freebag extractions, etc) d. Comparability of components (main size, reserve size, aad present) e. Tension on the loop itself f. Condition of the rig (grommets, especially) g. Placement of the cutter (Above or below reserve PC) So possible effects a, b, d, and e are the result of the rigger who does the most recent reserve inspection and repack. Effect c and g are governed by rig design, and condition f deals primarily with long-term maintenance (which an average field rigger may or may not address. So the rig manufacturer in question is going to have a few options: Address the rigging effects (SB, training, awareness campaign), adjust their design to be more mistake-proof. In the given case, it makes sense to move the closing loop. From SB12-04 (emphasis added) Real-world, however, must address conditions of cutter reliability. Seems to me that the correct issue to address would be poor field rigging. *edited for spelling =========Shaun ==========

It's all fun and games until you run out of other people's money. =========Shaun ==========

I think you hit the nail on the head. That sentence up there pretty much sums up the last 49+ pages of this thread. Kimmy, and other like her, endow themselves with the mantle of victimhood, real or perceived, and fight until the end. In this case, her victimhood is a manifestation of her disconnect from reality. =========Shaun ==========

It's amazing to me too. Sounds like the Judge did everything in proper decorum to tell her to move on and bring peace to both sides. But Kimmy took 'offense' (in her words, and funny how people like her take 'offense' to anything that does not go their way) to the fact the judge did not rule in her favor. At some point this is going to have to end, but that point has not yet come. =========Shaun ==========

I reported this guy and then got further requests to go ship it and he'll use Western Union. =========Shaun ==========

Hmmm? If Miss Kimmy had a hobby like that, this whole mess would never have started. You are 100%. If Miss Kimmy had a hobby like that, this whole mess would have never happened.

Last I can find is the 1999 update for the firmware revision M3 to M3B to prevent inadvertent firings. =========Shaun ==========

I would be interested to know as well (Let's see if we can keep this thread alive until some good information is released). I haven't seen them in Paragear, but you can see a link to their product page here , which appears to be updated. There are some design features of the Astra I really like - any many that I don't. =========Shaun ==========

.... Or she can just live without power? I bet it will be nice and quiet then. =========Shaun ==========

OK - I have a few customers with Stunts equipment (sport Eclipse) and overall, they seem like solid, well built rigs. We don't need the full rundown, but what happened to Stunts? Did they simply go out of business? =========Shaun ==========

Either one would have been a win/win. Please post pics once it comes in! =========Shaun ==========

Again, I'm an Argus Jumper myself, so please don't interpret this as criticism, but this is just the risk of jumping an AAD without manufacturer support. Good luck bro, keep us posted. =========Shaun ==========

+1. Been there. A couple guys with 100 jumps, no S&TA for the day, and a static line rig. Damn near hung ourselves. =========Shaun ==========

At this point, you have done your due diligence to rule out the battery effect (trying the same batteries on a different unit) as well as the display effect (switching out). First, section 2.2 of the Argus Manual recommends Sanyo, Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or Sony batteries. Dump question - are you using these high-quality batteries? Section 3.1 is very clear that you should not jump with a blank screen. I am an argus jumper myself, and I highly recommend removing the unit if you suspect the control unit is malfunctioning. =========Shaun ==========

I went through and read all the "Frequently asked questions" in about 15 minutes - really good stuff. I think this is a pretty clear message from the city of Longmont that folks need to do their research before firing off complaints. =========Shaun ==========

Heavens, you'll find that your description there can fit 80% of rigs out there. Quasar 2's have a tendency to bunch in the lower corners, Icons always have a little sumthing sumthing, Mirages will get a little fold in either the left or the right flap - just look around the DZ and see what you see. =========Shaun ==========

Back in 2006(ish) I was radioing a student down on her 4th or 5th jump. She was on minimal radio help, and I just helped her know when to turn onto final. Straight in landing, excellent flair, and absolutely soft landing she could have easily stood up, but she rolled with a very soft PLF. I turned away and started working on the next student. A few second later I turned back and saw she wasn't getting up. We went over to her and sure enough, broken ankle. To this day I can't figure out how that happened, her canopy came to a dead stop less than a foot off the ground and she had a dainty and soft PLF. =========Shaun ==========