miller

Hope this isn't a repost. I searched but didn't find anything. Anyhow, for what it's worth, Sony announced its new digital SLR: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0606/06060501sonydslra100.asp

Nice Vulcan, Dave. I like the direction you're going in. The side mount plate and no front fender is nice. With those bars you need to throw a solo seat on there (unless there's a girl involved), some forward controls, and maybe some low profile or grip-mounted mirrors. Here's my 2004 1500 Vulcan. All stock except for some bolt on stuff, and I dished the seat out. I wanted to ride it a year and get a feel for it before I started really tearing into it. Next comes mini-apes, new cables, intake and exhaust. Possibly new fenders, and I'm toying with the idea of lowering it an inch or two. I'm not real big on the twisties (it's a cruiser, afterall) so I don't mind possibly losing a little bit of clearance. If you haven't already, stop by kawasakimotorcycle.org There are some really great kawasaki forums on that site. Anyhow...it's great to see a resurgence of folks customizing metrics. Mike

Here's mine (crappy crappy lighting, though, not a great picture). It matches my black and white V-split Vector. What's really cool though, is that this isn't just a custom face. I worked with Dave at Freefall Accessories to customize the whole thing. It's hard to tell from the picture, but the numbers aren't just printed on the face decal. They are actually hand cut chrome leaf, and match the shine of the stainless steel body. Also, the needle is actually polished stainless steel, which works really well with all of the other shine and the black face. I am very pleased with how this turned out. I've seen probably a dozen other alitimeters that he's made, including Larry's diamond altimeter posted above, his Bill Booth tandem tribute altimeters, and the Freak Bros. altimeters that he made for Missy and Rook Nelson, and they're all beautiful. Even his stock, off the shelf stuff is just really clean. Great warranty, too. Mike

Different grades for different applications. For instance, for applications such as riser covers (which are going to have many cycles of peeling), a company like Jump Shack might use a "high cycle / low tenacity" velcro. This means that the hook/loop combination has less peel resistance, but can stand up to more cycles. Less peel resistance may sound like a bad thing, but in reality, you don't need a whole lot if the rig is designed correctly. The two major hook types and loop types are briefly explained below (taken from other sources). Hook #65 - Designed for maximum cycling (opening and closing); This hook utilizes a lightweight hook to maximize cycle life without minimizing performance. Hook #88 - Heavy duty hook tape - somewhat lower cycle life than Hook #65; This hook utilizes a heavier weight hook to maximize performance without minimizing cycle-life. Loop #1000 - A napped tape used in most standard closure applications with both Hook #65 and #88. Loop #2000 - An unnapped loop tape with a greater cycle life and less peel resistance than Loop #1000. Typically used where closure is to be effected around a radius (such as a strapping application). What is "napped" versus "unnapped" loop? Essentially, napped tape consists of woven nylon loops that are "randomly disoriented" in a separate operation after weaving (This is the really fuzzy stuff). An unnapped tape is a woven nylon tape that is not napped (this is the stuff that you'd find on Racer Riser covers where it looks like it's in nice orderly lines). For most skydiving applications, I personally use Hook # 65 and Loop # 2000. Hope this helps. Mike

Jumpers don't usually realize that legally (at least in the US) according to the FAR's main canopies have similar packing requirements to reserves. I'm not preaching or sharing an opinion, just throwing some facts out for discussion. Sec. 105.43 - Use of single-harness, dual-parachute systems. No person may conduct a parachute operation using a single-harness, dual-parachute system, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow any person to conduct a parachute operation from that aircraft using a single-harness, dual-parachute system, unless that system has at least one main parachute, one approved reserve parachute, and one approved single person harness and container that are packed as follows: (a) The main parachute must have been packed within 120 days before the date of its use of a certificated parachute rigger, the person making the next jump with that parachute, or a non-certificated person under the direct supervision of a certification parachute rigger.

Assume we're looking down on the battery cover. Top left screw is the easy one. Bottom right is the tricky one. Take a piece of seal thread or light weight super-tack and half-loop it around the offending screw. Route both running ends out the casing to the right (in the direction of the actual processor). Start the easy screw. Now pull on the seal thread in order to move the hard screw directly into the bottom right corner and with a little screwdriver pressure downward, it should start pretty easily. You can then simply pull lightly on one end of your little "cheater" to remove (I recommend the lightest weight super-tack, sometimes seal thread will break during removal due to the friction between the now attached cover and casing). Now tighten both screws. Mike

A jumper at our DZ recently made his 10,000th jump. He's been in the sport for 37 years and is a pretty well known, well liked figure throughout the Michigan jumping community. Anyway, to commemorate his jump, we passed the hat around our dropzone, collected some money, and came up with the idea of a special altimeter (photo attached, sorry about the image quality). Here's the specs: Freefall Accessories Evolution Altimeter Stainless Steel Body 24k Yellow Gold Lense Ring 10 diamonds, each set in white gold Hand-made hardwood case, velvet lined Cost of just the materials - $1,400+ This is an actual functioning altimeter from Freefall Accessories who went way beyond any expectations we ever had. As the owner put it, this is the faberge egg of altimeters. Obviously (hopefully) it won't be jumped. Needless to say, the recipient was shocked.

I just bought an altimeter from freefall accessories and I am very impressed. Lifetime transferable warranty. It doesn't matter who owns the altimeter, it's always warrantied. Almost everything is custom, as well. Wrist mount, hand mount, pillow mount. They'll make anything you want. If you're into the custom thing, they also make custom faceplates. I've seen some awesome altimeter faces with DZ logos, custom warning altitudes, etc. They also offer a discount to students and instructors with valid credentials (sorry, I don't know exact details). http://www.freefallaccessories.com

Wings W-19 w/ Raven 218 I've packed it about four different ways but the owner keeps reporting back that the riser covers come open on the ground, just from him wearing it. He is the original owner. It was made for him. I've packed the reserve according to the manufacturer's recommendations. I've stuffed the hell out of the ears. I've left the ears almost completely empty. I've checked that he's stowing the risers correctly. Nothing seems to work Any real world advice? No, I haven't contacted the manufacturer yet. I pack about 6 different Wings pretty regularly, and this is the only one that I've had a problem with. BTW, some of the different sizes tend to end up with a crease right through each ear. In fact, I've even seen this on a few different photos actually in Sunrise's own ads, and many non-ad related photos. Any advice with this? Thanks, Mike

Still using the trusty old TRV-8 and PC-1. I really really wish they still made them like this. Especially with EXTERNAL controls like fader, etc. I hate the idea of having to use the pop-out screen for editing while shooting. Does anyone have a new TRV-8 in a box in the closet? Anyone....

Stereo plug has 3 contacts (two little black bands) Mono plug has 2 contacts (one little black band)

With gas prices on the rise, we've decided to offer everyone some relief. So.... The Napoleon Skydiving Center (in Napoleon Michigan) is offering $16 cash jumps May 29, 30 and 31 out of their Cessna Grand Caravan. There are no special requirements to get this price (other than cash or check). $16 every jump, every day of Memorial Day weekend. The Caravan will fly with as little as eight fun jumpers, and we usually limit it to 14 or 15, so it's comfy and climbs like a beast. So come on out and join us. Low key, low price, big fun.

You can get "long" size 0 grommets. Check Paragear. Only issue is that the only type/size they offer is stainless steel spur type grommets in size 0. I'm sure that you can probably locate other options elsewhere, if needed. Mike

$45 gets you: -Inspection & Repack, cutaway cable clean & lube -New Cypres Loop EVERY repack -Main Closing Loop, if needed -I usually get the liquid Tide and scrub brush out and take care dirty cutaway handles and flaps -New rubber bands on your main bag, if needed -My business card which lists next repack date and date that cypres batteries/service are due -I never charge for cypres installation or battery change Mike

when I began getting serious about getting my rating, I went out and bought myself a new racer to learn on. In fact, I bought a tiny little bastard with the small reserve pilot chute, because I figured if I could get proficient on that, more average size one's wouldn't be that bad. Lucky thing, too, because my wife ended up buying a little tiny one for herself, so now packing the small ones is just a regular thing. The unfortunate thing(depending on how you look at it) is that I'm "the guy that will pack Racers" in this area, so I get a lot of referals from local riggers who won't pack them. Learn to pack them, then decide if you don't want to do them.

nothing in particular really. glancing through wife's law book - personal liability, forfeiture of rights, personal negligence, scary stuff really. i've been a rigger for a number of years and it just got me to wondering, food for thought really. i'm not intending to kill anybody, but what happens when some lawyer comes after everyone, including the guy with his seal and name on the card. barring gross negligence, like a molar strap, what's protecting me from losing my house. maybe just nature of the business. mike

heard something a little different this weekend which lead me to ask: are there any riggers out there who require their customers to sign waivers for rigging services? mike

pm sent regarding cf2 134 in V319

If someone has a Phantom 220 manual that could be transmitted electronically, could they please PM me. OR if anyone knows where one is posted online, please provide a link. Unless I totally missed it, National's website was no help. Thanks, Mike

I guess I got a little defensive in my reply, too. No hard feelings. I was having a bad day.

Quote Really.....and how would you know that this was the problem? Once the pin is popped, and spring is released, there is really no way of telling where the hell the fabric/mesh was. Nothing chaps my ass more than other riggers being so quick to point out that others have screwed up. ........................................ First: I stated that I opened the reserve and the spring coils were locked. I would think that from this statement it should be fairly obvious that the spring wasn't released. Second: With the coils locked it's pretty clear tell where the pilot chute mesh was packed. Third: I apologize for having "chapped your ass" but you would make it sound like I spearheaded an internet smear campaign directly against someone. I did not do this, and I'll be the first to tell you that I have made mistakes, too. I stated what I've seen so as to answer the original poster's question. From your profile it looks like you're very experienced. As a rigger, imagine pulling a reserve ripcord at repack time and nothing really happens. I had this happen once (the second time the spring partially side fired, but still locked up and didn't really launch). In the first situtation the pilot chute didn't even open enough to open the flaps. That would be a shitty way to whistle in, especially if it was the result of an aad activation. Sorry for having shared. Mike

Not all springs are the same shape. Some have larger diameter bases and the spring tapers towards the top. Some are shaped like hour glasses. Some have larger tops and taper towards the bottom. Mesh in or mesh out may/may not cause a particular spring to be more apt to have the coils lock. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations based on their spring configuration. I've personally opened up two different reserves for inspection and found the spring coils locked due to improper packing. This is only a small and incomplete part of the discussion. As always, contact the manufacturer for specific information regarding certain configurations. Mike

It might have something to do with the NHL Allstar game being held there Feb. 8. There's like 10 days of festivities leading up to Allstar Weekend. It's a pretty big deal. On a side note: for my 30th b-day, my wife booked me a trip to MN over Allstar wekend so that I can attend the festivities. Easily my best b-day present ever (btw I live in Detroit == Hockeytown) Mike

Get yourself some 6-inch diameter PVC pipe, which is available at just about any plumbing or large chain home improvements store. Cut about an 14 to 18-inch long piece (approximately shoulder/yoke width). Center and drill a hole through the middle of the pipe. Place a 1/2-inch hook bolt through the hole with a nut and washer on each side and tighten down. A hook bolt looks like an "eye" bolt with the "eye" opened up (looks like a question mark...?). You can use this to hang your rig in just about any standard closet, and the large diameter of the PVC keeps your shoulder webbing, risers and cables all nice without kinking anything. I use these to store my rigs and to hang rigs to dry after washing them, and I don't have to worry about the PVC reacting or rusting due to the moisture from the wet rig. Mike

- I think this is the only 9 cell reserve ever made (??) - The Precision Aerodynamics Falcoln Line of 9-cell canopies are also TSO'd for reserve use. Mike