Optima Question

[Bill_K 0]

Hello All, does the Optima record your free fall time so that you can look at it after the jump, or does it just give warnings and all that goes with that?

Thanks,
Bill K.

[mattjw916 2]

warnings only...

It does the standard 3 warnings plus 3 canopy "setup" beeps and also swoop guide-mode beeps.

It can also store several sets of freefall warnings that you can switch between without having to reprogram it between jumps.

There is no logging feature.

NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

[Bill_K 0]

Thanks.

What is the best logger out there?

[IanHarrop 42]

I really like my Neptune together with Paralog software.

"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy

[skybytch 273]

Quote

What is the best logger out there?

I've got a ProTrack and a Neptune (I use the Neptune as a visual alti). Both work well, and from my experience (8 years selling skydiving equipment) both manufacturers do an excellent job of taking care of their customers. I don't think you'd be unhappy with either of them.

[packing_jarrett 0]

what is the purpose of having warnings for swooping?

just curious cause I've always felt canopy piloting being a personal judgement call.

Na' Cho' Cheese

[bob.dino 1]

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what is the purpose of having warnings for swooping?

just curious cause I've always felt canopy piloting being a personal judgement call.

Unless you're consistent in your pattern & setup point it's pretty much impossible to be consistent in your swoops.

If you don't appreciate the importance of flying a good pattern, might I suggest picking up a copy of Brian Germain's The Parachute And It's Pilot? He explains it far better than I can.

[mattjw916 2]

Like was said, consistency. I also like them since I can spend more time watching canopy traffic and flying to my setup point and less time checking my visual alti.

_Personally_, I do not use a visual altimeter much at all. I always jump with one but rely on my eyes and my dytter more than my Suunto or Alti3.

NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

[ccowden 0]

When setting up for a high performance landing, your pattern is everything. It is extrememly important to be at the correct altitudes in your pattern at the correct times. For instance: I know where in the pattern and my set up that I want to be at 1200 feet, 900 feet and start my turn around 600-700 feet. Yes, this is mostly done with visual judgment, but of course I also use my digital altimeter as well. Having pre-set audible warnings to use as well is just another very helpful tool to have during that set up.

[sid 1]

Quote

what is the purpose of having warnings for swooping?

just curious cause I've always felt canopy piloting being a personal judgement call.

actually I set the Low-Speed warnings (canopy warnings) for my tandem altitudes. Sometimes when you're talking to a student under canopy, or dealing with an "I feel queasy" issue, it's nice to be beeped at and told to concentrate on your set up...

Pete Draper,

Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

[packing_jarrett 0]

I understand the patter is everything idea, and I agree. but lets say if your over a different part of the landing area in 3 different areas and the beep is uuh at 350 feet if you listen to the beep you could set yourself up bad there.

edit: oh wait nvm. I get the beep thing now. yeah that would be useful. Thanks for your answers

Na' Cho' Cheese