VTmotoMike08

I'm using energizer. I'm not jumping it with a blank screen. I switched out the control unit with a spare the my rigger fortunately had. Just heard back from paraconcepts and they said they will retest it. Apparently there is an option to send it somewhere in europe that can replace the circuit board but if that is too expensive it would make more sense to buy a different brand AAD that is still supported. Will update.

Well, that would be completely unexpected. Not that I would turn it down but I don't see how I could reasonably ask for that. What is the relationship between para-concepts and Argus? To my knowledge, para-concepts just does the 4-year checks and has no relationship with Argus because Aviacom is completely out of business.

Note: please spare me the lecture about why you think the Argus is a bad gear choice. I aware of the complete history of the unit and I'm a big boy and I choose to jump it and neither my DZO or my rigger have an issue with it. Thanks. Has anyone else experienced this and have you found a solution? I dropped my rig off for a repack and my rigger installed new batteries and turned it on. By the time it gets back to me, it is off. I then go to jump it a few days later and it won't turn on. My rigger was there (and had another Argus with him) so we opened it and installed new batteries that were confirmed working in the other unit. It still would not turn on, but I borrowed the control unit from the 2nd Argus and installed it (with my cutter and display units) to jump for the day. My Argus was scheduled to go in for its 4-year check at the next repack, so I took the cutter and display parts from the second unit and sent it along with my control unit/ battery pack to paraconcepts to get the service done. They installed batteries and turned it on and it passed the 4 year check with no issues and powers on just fine. Prior to shipping it to me (the following day) they went to turn it on again and it would not turn on at all. So they say this indicates some type of battery drain issue. Any ideas what it could be or how I could resolve this? I'm still waiting on a supervisor at paraconcepts to email me back, he is just returning from somewhere. I don't blame paraconcepts for anything, they have provided great customer service. I'm hoping it is not a paperweight.

I've landed a VR-360 twice and a strong master 425 twice and I would greatly prefer the VR-360. In my opinion, the 425 flies like a school bus, taking forever to turn. The VR-360 flew as similar to my sport rig reserve as I could want. I did have more toggle pressure than the strong 425 but it also flared much better. Nothing to complain about in the VR-360.

I had a Javelin J3 C-18 as my first rig and I'm 6'2", 210 lbs. It was snug but acceptable. At a couple inches shorter and lighter, that rig is probably a good fit for you. ...said some guy on the internet. Call the manufacturer like another poster suggested.

From the service bulletin: What does "a higher level of integration" mean?

I heard they are only selling it to cute girls. Gotta send in a pic with the order form.

Dayblazing grandstander Fair enough.

Again? What did he do to make you hate him before?

I've heard its no better than just wearing gym shorts or under armor cool gear under your jump suit. And you could keep that on all day.

I don't actually put it on the student, that was sarcasm. But if I did, yes I would charge them for it. The camera isn't free and the editor needs to get paid too. If they want to bring their own $1000 worth of go pros and gloves, then sure I would let them shoot their own video for free.

Simple. Put the handycam on the student.. Tell them to hold it steady and look into it as much as they want and you are good to go!

DAMN! Well, I remember a couple months ago USPA released an advisory about an elderly female passenger who almost fell out of the harness... I guess you just found it

In what way? The 3-ring patent expired approximately 13 years ago (20 years after its invention). I believe, Bill Booth had been charging other manufacturers 6 dollars for every rig using the 3-ring release system (1 dollar for every ring). I am talking about solo rigs, not sure about the tandem drouge release 3-rings. Its more modern in that it has been on the market for less time and is a newer product. Sorry if it was unclear. So is that how patents work? 20 years and anyone can use it without royalties? I don't know when the Sigma came out, but so is it then possible that other companies could use the drogue chimney design after the patent expires?

This is kind of off topic but I have a question about the patent on the Sigma drogue release. Is the use of a drogue chimney and main closing loop integral to the drogue release completely patented to UPT and the sigma rigs? It is obviously the best system on the market for tandem main closing and no one else uses it. For example, the new strong tandem rig is more modern than the Sigma but it still uses a 3-ring release on the drogue. This differs from the 3-ring release on main risers. Although it was invented by Bill Booth, all containers now use it, but I bet there is an agreement in place and some royalties paid. So is UPT not licensing the drogue chimney design to anyone else but is okay with the 3-ring patent being used by all?

I got mine at around 250 jumps, loading at 1.3 and I would not have wanted to be under it any sooner or I would have likely injured myself. Your results may vary. If you do it, get video of your landings. But other than that, I've owned 4 cobalts in everything from a 170 to a 135 and I like them a lot. Openings were soft but not long and the recovery arc is the perfect length for my taste. Flares nice too. Really wish my 135 hadn't found a watery grave at the bottom of the ocean

I'm about three years out of engineering school at a large public university. I seems like you couldn't even turn around there without hearing someone from the administration talking about how they needed to take some new fancy named program or support group to include more females in the department. I also new a couple interior designer majors. That department is about 95% female, or even more gender unbalanced than the engineering department. Yet there was not a peep about how unfair this was and not even a thought about special support groups for men. Any ideas why?

Ya, its a bad thing to do and all... but I know I have seen this exact same act happen on the drop zone too. As a group, we are no better. I'm sure there are plenty of college students who find this abhorrent as well.

#1: Drogue in tow. Thread with pics is around here somewhere. #2: Minding my own business, throw the drogue, look over my shoulder and see a bunch of riser and a few feet of line trailing behind me but not entangled on anything. Pulled high since I knew it was gonna be messy. Got line twists all the way up to the top on the SET-400 and couldn't get out by decision time, so I chopped it for an otherwise uneventful reserve ride. Never did find out how the riser got out, but strong daul hawks are not know for riser security even when well maintained. Only 200 tandems

Hey everyone, I am participating in the polar plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics. If you would like to donate to this cause, please check out my page. Thanks! http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/michaelroman/VirginiaBeach

I like my women like I like my milk- rich, white, and 2% fat

This thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmZ7VmhZk1Q

200 Tandems, 1 Puker. I found out after landing that the whole group had just gone to McDonalds while waiting for their turn to jump

I recommend avoiding the Brand X bag from square 1 (the second link). It just falls apart. Mine lasted less than 6 months before I had a major repair done. First repair also failed about a year later so I had a whole second piece of fabric sewn across the entire top for reinforcing and thats been holding well for about 1.5 years now. Only plus is the outer pocket for a jumpsuit and the log book pocket. The square 1 helmet bag works great for my factory diver and I throw my audible and alti in there too.

I'm glad you're not taking yourself too seriously. I don't think anyone else here taking you seriously either.