demoss99 0 #1 August 7, 2006 Just wanted to show everyone a new belly mount that my dad and I fabricated recently. I have to say that my involvement in this project was limited mainly to saying..."Hey dad....how do you think this would work?" He took the ball and ran with it from there. My only real contribution to the project was the fabrication of the base plate (courtesy of my office's manufacturing personnel). In addition to be being one hell of an informal engineer, dad is a former jumper too so he understands the usage, the snag risks, (hence the cutaway system) and what I was going for etc... Thanks again to him for his help on all my hairbrain projects!!! "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSE 5 #2 August 7, 2006 Very, very cool! The only thing that would be missing for shooting other skydivers (if you wanted to do so) is an articulated arm such as an Israeli arm. This would allow you to point the camera parallel to your body, but if you're not looking for that, then you've got exactly what you need. Great design, and the cutaway is brilliant. Sounds like you've got a great dad, too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
demoss99 0 #3 August 7, 2006 The current mounting arm allows the plate to be articulated up and down on the bottom axis, to spin 360 in the middle and back and forth on the top axis. So it can catch just about any angle you need (at least for my purposes.) "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #4 August 7, 2006 I'd consider moving the cables to the back of the base plate or at least put channels on the plate to put the excess cable in. In freefall loose bits of cable hurt like hell when they whip back and forth and hit you. Been there, learned that lesson the hard way.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
demoss99 0 #5 August 7, 2006 Thanks Phree...That's a really good suggestion. Anything that improves the functionality and reduces the pain associated with "shake-down" jumps at the beginning is greatly appreciated. "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cj1150gs 0 #6 August 7, 2006 It looks really professional! Congratulations. From what I've seen discussed here regarding helmets, your cutaway system may fail to operate when submited to a considerable tension. Have you tested it under load? Carlos Martins Portugal www.cj.smugmug.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flefly 0 #7 August 7, 2006 Looks OK, but what do the cut away cables pass thru ?? they look metallic ?? i'd be slightly worried that the cables do not line up with the direction of pull, which would be half way up the chest looking at the length of the bottom cables, also the holes in the belt end plates look too big and possibly would lock the cable under tension because there is a slight step on both sides which could dig into the outer sheath on the cutaway cables under load, making pulling all the more difficult ?? ( this possibly just needs an additional washer with a small hole for the tension loop ) you should maybe test it, by getting some one to hold the camera or more realistically support your whole weight off of it !! and spin you round real quick like a bitch of a mal. just remember that when (if ) you cut away you will continue in the direction of spin in accordance with the laws of washing machines, and spun buckets full of water a proper product tester would film it and post the results on a friday afternoon. "Message from the dark side, there is" Yoda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
demoss99 0 #8 August 7, 2006 I have recieved some great input. Thanks to everyone for their observations. I welcome this and ask that you keep it coming. To respond to the last post.... The cutaway system is actually comprised of military belly mount reserve cone and pin assemblies. It is a hardened metal cone with a hole drilled through the tip. The round clip sits at the base of the cone held in place by the cutaway cable. It is the same mechanism used to release the "belly wart" The only difference is I used flexible coated cable instead of metal swagged pins. I too was initially worried about the travel on the cones and considered using the teflon washers paragear sells for use with these assemblies. However, we loaded it up and time after time, even with a slight difference in the direction of pull and travel of the cable, it released with very little effort. If anything it was a little too easy. So we changed the velcro on the cutaway pillow and inset it in the foam on the back of the pad so it would be flush and not be excessively pressed into the base plate by contact with my stomach. It seems to work just fine. I am planning on doing some shake-down jumps this weekend and will update on how it goes. "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cj1150gs 0 #9 August 7, 2006 QuoteThe cutaway system is actually comprised of military belly mount reserve cone and pin assemblies Sorry, I figured it would be just drilled cylindrical pins . The cone solution is nice! I have an old belly mount reserve at the basement, I've played with that pin through cone release system and it's nice... I think I'm gona dig it out and see if it fits for helmet cutaway purposes. Again, congratulations! You've got a very nice set up there! Carlos Martins Portugal www.cj.smugmug.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueSBDeath 2 #10 August 8, 2006 "I'd consider moving the cables to the back of the base plate" That is the first thing I was thinking too!!! Looks like it would work fine, do some test jumps, post some shots, or tell us how the cut-away was Stay safe, pull stable!!!! ArvelBSBD...........Its all about Respect, USPA#-7062, FB-2197, Outlaw 499 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
icevideot 0 #11 August 31, 2006 I have limited experience with the cone and pin setup but I do know the cutaway cables are quite flexible. Do you think they might kink under pressure? If they try to pull partially through the rather large hole in the strap it seems like it would make for a very hard pull. Looks very nice but I am no pro-fabricater."... this ain't a Nerf world." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #12 August 31, 2006 Pack a PC on the back of it for a soft landing.... like out of the Wally Gubbins flicks... Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
