Cajones

Please, consider a First BASE Course. There are some very good ones readily available. What you are considering looks, to me, much like having a "friend" with a few skydives teach you how to skydive. Here is the description from the Consolidated Rigging website of their FBC... It's just a cut-and-paste from one of their pages. You can check it out at http://www.crmojo.com/frame_main.htm and click on "Services" in the left-hand window. Knowing what you know about skydiving... would you have wanted to start out being instructed by someone with very few jumps, a limited scope of exposure, and any kind of emotional distractions? BASE is an even less forgiving environment than skydiving. The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

Most excellent of you to inquire... The bulk of the video has been chopped up and best shots have been selected. The time, right now, is over six hours, so I'll have to chop off some of the pre-exit antics and post-landing face-plants to get it under a manageable size. The landings have been shifted to prevent overlap with exits, and we have started the test encodings. I am waiting on some additional footage - if anyone out there has any good footage we could add, I'm sure everyone would appreciate extra views - send me an e-mail - I'd really like to get a copy. Release/shipping is getting pretty close - within weeks, I'm sure. The plan prior to Bridge Day was for the DVD to be a "special order" or even more limited "VIP" option released months after the VHS version. As the DVD has been asked for by 100% of you and others I have polled by e-mail, the VHS version will be more of a "special order" option. It will be available in NTSC and in a PAL conversion. The DVD set will only be $60! This, I think, is a great bargain. The DVD's themselves will be DVD+R, as this seems to have excellent compatibility. There will be no guarantee of compatibility with all DVD players. This excellent price is only possible because of the generous support of our sponsors. Thanks, especially (and you should thank them, also), to Consolidated Rigging - makers of very smart BASE gear. They, and Jason Bell, enabled us to get several cameras shooting the action, and me to spend hundreds of hours sitting in front of my computer chopping out the stuff you don't want to see. http://www.vertical-visions.com should be taking orders, soon. Lewmonst (the lovely and talented Mz. Lewis) reads these forums often, so you can post questions here, or you can e-mail either of us. The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

I hope the "local guy" was a skydiver. I'd hate to see you saving $10 to use some local whuffo... Just my $.02 - Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

What a super friendly DZ. In what seems like the middle of nowhere is a very large airport - over 800 acres according to rumors. This is the home of the famous Richmond "The Boogie" - mother of all boogies. The dream started by legends like the Stewart family and Roger Nelson is alive and well under the eye of a much younger, but still skydiver-oriented family owner Jaime. I don't know how she does it, sometimes. The weather sucks for months out of the year, but somehow she has managed to keep a turbine flying the rest of the year. If you are in the Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Dayton or Columbus areas, call first for detailed directions. The shortcuts by back-roads can cut off a good bit of drive-time from some of these places. There are couches to crash on, and ample camping space, but it's very close to Richmond, with decent restaurants and lodging. Tell Jaime Cajones sent you!

Looks like Quade spoiled your fun... It was most excellent to hear from those of you who took the time out from families, drinking, and car crashes (glad you're okay Chile). I don't have much time to post on dz.com nowadays, so I'll just pop in to give a great big "THANK YOU" to everyone who called. I do bring a trimmer to initiations, when requested, to put a quick shave on the furry types... Much love, Cajones, RBMC The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

Located between Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina. Not far from I-95 and I-26. Flying some type of turbine, year-round. The main landing area, close to the packing hangar can get congested with traffic - landing patterns are strictly enforced, but if you feel cramped use the much larger open areas around the runway. There are limited outs when the winds are blowing perpendicular to the runway, or on spaceball jumps over "the swamp" - don't be afraid to pull higher to get back to high ground. This is a great example of what a dz should be. All the foundations of a dz I hope to see grow into something big! The staff and locals are full of a great mix of southern grace, drop-zone humor, strong skills in multiple disciplines, a sharing additude, and a party waiting to happen... Turning into the driveway of this dropzone feels like that last turn you make on the way home...

Here's the update, and a few FAQ's to catch up those I didn't speak with at Bridge Day... We have some really great footage. The crew warmed up very fast, getting into the groove after only a few exits. The camera angle I have been wanting for years (from the ground looking up at the exit point) is well lit and shows opening/staging in spectacular fashion. The landing area footage sucks, as our crew wasn't allowed into the landing area to shoot the perspective I'd have liked. This was partly due to a lack of understanding for the landing area staff. Their job was to keep the landing areas safe - they did a great job, and did what they thought was best in that role. The landing area is probably the least desired view, anyhow - more of a "look it's me!" face shot than looking at skill or technique. Thanks again, to Consolidated Rigging, as their sponsorship was what made such a large crew doable. CR shares our vision of a technical video, and their generosity has made it possible. I would prefer to offer this production on DVD for a few reasons. The first is quality, of course. Keeping in mind, the longer the final production, the lower the resolution/quality will have to be, to fit on a single DVD, I'd also like some feedback on the possibility of splitting the video into two DVD's. This will allow a higher quality picture. It may also cost a bit more. The DVD would also allow better fast-forward and skip-ahead than a VHS tape. This is not as important to most who've given me feedback, but some expressed this as the sole reason they'd invest more for the DVD. The plan I explained to many of you at the event was pretty simple... If there is enough interest in a DVD, we will send out an e-mail to everyone who indicated interest on the order form. If enough people commit to the additional cost, we would send the masters off for encoding and testing. This plan also keeps the VHS option on schedule, with the DVD delivered as soon as the additional work is complete. I have been receiving advice from several channels on other DVD options. Off-the-shelf DVD encoding is very inexpensive, compared to the commercial process. Incompatibility with some players and reduced final quality are the issues that are common among these solutions. If this becomes the only cost-effective DVD option, there would be no guarantees of compatibility with your particular DVD player, and I'd most almost certainly insist the final production be split into two or three DVD's to keep the quality high. Any feedback can be sent to me by e-mail (cajones@freefall.com), here on the forums (Lew checks these frequently), or by PM. - Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

If it was me you were talking to, I wasn't kidding. Ever since the day I started building my first really big spud gun, I pictured it with human cannon-ball type application throwing living flesh from the top of a cliff. I hadn't jumped from a fixed object way back then, so the vision of a contraption to launch a body to 1500 feet or so was rather daunting. Now, with a wider view of what can be done and what is really fun - I know it can be done. Especially from something like our favorite once-a-year span. Could be a great winter project at the DZ somewhere... The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

http://www.endlessfall.net/ Made by a skydiver for skydiving. Very suprisingly good quality. More expensive than a $60 camera from e-bay, but everything you need is included and all of the homework/footwork is already done. The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

I would recommend the CoolPix 5000, actually. The camera body, itself costs a bit more than the 4300, but you'll be better in the long run. The 5000 has a native 28mm lens. With the 4300, you'd need an adapter and lens to go wider than the native 38mm lens it has. The 5000 has higher resolution, and can be used with the DigiSnap 5000. The 4300 would require the 2200 or the 2500 models. While I have enjoyed the feedback of the 2500, the ability to use my 5000 as a time lapse, and the programmability functions of the 2500 - this may not be as cost effective as the DigiSnap 5000. I just received the 5000 from Harbortronics, and preliminary testing is very pleasing. I will give a more in-depth review when I have time to jump it, and get a better feel for its use long-term. The CoolPix 5000 also has a $200 rebate if you can find someone who has one in stock. Best Buy had them on clearance some time ago. Try every one of them in your area. If you find a return, you'll be looking at a great deal on a camera that produces excellent images, can be used with an inexpensive shutter release, does not require any further lenses, and has been proven in-use by other camera flyers. - Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

You people kick ass! We've gotten so much good vibes, phone calls and visits from every kewl and groovy that we can think of! Lew is recovering very nicely, and should be standing upright, tomorrow. She has used almost no morphine, today. The swelling is going down, and she's never been more beautiful! She's still a little bitter she didn't get to say her proper goodbye sendoffs to all the great people we had the privilege to share the Rantoul skies with. The doctors are expecting to release her as early as Wednesday! Kelly... You're still our packer. When we get back to Richmond, you're gonna' owe me a few pack jobs, since I didn't get to jump enough in Rantoul. Much love and groovy vibes right back at all of you!... Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

Huge thanks to all of you for the energy flowing our way. Keep them coming - she's probably through the worst of it, but she's still in plenty of pain. There is a thread in Incidents for those of you looking for an explanation. I look forward to showing her this thread. Much love and many thanks, Cajones P.S. Lew and I want to ask all of you to NOT place ANY blame on anyone for her injuries. We are both skydivers. We both love this sport and the people we share our love with. We both know what can happen every time we get onto an airplane. Malfunctions happen. Let's keep an eye on each other. Cielos Azules - Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

Hello from the deep dark cavern of video editing!... Lew has said most everything I'd wanted to say. The computer sleuths among you can check and see that I haven't been on dz.com in some time. I think July 1st was the last time I've posted or looked at my PM's. I must apologize to everyone who sent me PM's, especially. Those of you who PM'd me with computer and editing problems, please send new PM's if you still need help. A separate apology to Corn and Michelle, who sent me PM's trying to help put up a high quality version of the Holly Memorial (it should be in the video in its final form). I wasn't attempting to ignore anyone - and it certainly wasn't my intention to annoy anyone. I simply have a huge amount of work to get done, most especially finishing the Eloy video, in a short amount of time. dz.com, as most of you know, can consume hours of otherwise productive time. All other video projects are finished, and I will be taking what I have to the duplicator on Friday. The video will not be the polished product I have in my mind, but with the Convention coming, I don't want to delay it any longer. Many thanks to those of you who have been more than patient and understanding, Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

I'm not sure what Ted Strong believes. I agree that the vast majority of first time tandems are also "one time" tandems. My goal is to give each one the thrill of skydiving, without all of the "what-ifs." I show them the gear during the briefing, including where the main, reserve, drogue, AAD, hooks/buckles and drogue release handles are located (along with some very basic specs). I make it a point to tell them that whatever happens to them - happens to me - and I've got plenty more skydives ahead of me, so nothing "bad" is going to happen to them. I also point out there is no "performance pressure" in this skydive; if they forget something, or don't do exactly what is asked of them - it's okay - their job is to have fun (if they don't do that, I kick 'em to the curb). I always locate the student ripcord in its proper location. Routines save lives. I have a rather specific set of routines when it comes to tandem skydiving. I do not want to have to think about where a handle is located. With my routines, I always know where they are, and reinforce this wth handles checks on every tandem skydive. I make it a point to take the students in a group who seem to be the most scared. I don't mind the extra effort it takes to put students at ease. I don't mind that they might go fetal on exit. Any student carries that potential. This is a completely new experience for them and no one (including them and myself) knows exactly how they will react. I am 6'3" and 220lbs, and I can outfly most anything a student throws at me. My physical size and strength are certainly an advantage in dealing with students who perform poorly. I have had students deploy very high. Three out of four were students trained to deploy at 6,000 ft. They were disoriented on exit, or confused a signal such as an altimeter tap or PRCP assist with a deployment request. I discourage student pulls (as I agree with Rob that it creates performance anxiety and reduces enjoyment), except when the student is certain they are going to pursue skydiving further. I see many TI's who spend lots of time reinforcing body position, rehearsing exits, etc. I tend to reinforce relaxation, and the very basics of body position, with the reassurance of a hip-tap if they forget to arch. Students who are especially nervous and "special" students such as blind, deaf, and para/quads get a good dose of "yoga" for skydivers. Relaxation mainly through breathing excercises, and awareness relaxation through periphery exercises. It makes a huge difference in many cases - sometimes it doesn't seem to help at all (although they tell me it did). The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

Yes, your camera would become your edit deck. You'll know you have the right setting when you can see the preview on the LCD of your camera. I doubt you can use the S-Video output of your video card with Premiere, unless there is a setting on your Video Properties that allows you to configure the S-Video out as a second computer monitor. THe resolution, in this case would be very limited, at best. For what you want, I'd just go through the camera to the monitor, with an S-Video cable, and the audio connectors of your 3-into-1 cable. - Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

The "Preview Monitor" setting is somewhere in your basic Premiere settings pages. Pull up the help menu if you have trouble locating it. The preview window will still be active on your computer monitor, but it will be full-screen on your preview monitor. It also displays whatever the edit deck is feeding to the computer. A good thing during batch captures, as you can note scenes that are very dark or have poor color. The S-Video actually comes from my edit deck, which is connected to the 'puter by firewire. The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

It depends on the resolution you use and the size of your memory card. If I were starting fresh, I'd spend a few extra $$$ for the 1GB CF card. It'll let you shoot all day at fine/compressed. - Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

I think Pinnacle 7 didn't do music directly from a CD. I seem to recall some telling me they had to use a program that converted their CD's to .wav files in order to work with Ver.7... - Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

If you are just wanting a preview on an output display, like the one in your link, you don't need dual-monitor. We use multiple monitors to increase the working space. Preview is done through the edit deck to a 20inch Sony monitor. Most editors divide the monitors into one side with the edit/trim/scrub windows on the top and the timeline across the bottom, and all your bins and tools in the other. I use the Samsung SyncMaster 172N LCD's. They are the minimum bezel version, so the displays are very close together. The video card/monitor combination has a published color correction, but I can say it's definitely not as crisp and true as some other monitors I've used. After corrections, I watch the output on the Sony monitor connected to the edit deck. The footprint of the LCD's is amazing. Taking two CRT's off my desk and replacing them with the LCD's gave me room to gather so much crap on my desk, I lose stuff on it. The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

I prefer the DigiSnap over the more basic shutter-release only Digi5000. The DigiSnap solders to a 2.5mm plug (so you can use off-the-shelf tongue/bite switches), and an LED for feedback when it is ready/shooting. As far as mounts, the strobos that most everyone uses for 35mm film cameras work just fine. They make it a bit easier to change batteries. If you're not working it real hard, a single battery will last all day, and the film can be changed with the camera still bolted down. The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

I have used the Matrox G550 with good results on dual-monitor setups. The G550 is also compatible with Avid, and supports different types of configurations. I use the single virtual monitor configuration with two identical flat panels. When I was using CRT's, I used independant settings on each. The G550 is no good for gaming, but if you have a dedicated NLE machine... The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

It's looking like the new owner is going to be Jack Walter. Great guy from NY. Had a small Cessna DZ up north, and was a great asset, in the past, at BSA whenever he'd visit. He and his missus are even Family members. He's Homophobia Rodriguez, and she's better known as Machete Rodriguez. Great people, who know and love the vibe that thrived in St. George. Best wishes for many, safe, skydives to Homophobia and Machete in their new home. - Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

Don't you mean if he can hold his licker? - Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

Taking a poll can also get you extra altitude. Just depends on who you're taking the poll from... ...I'll be quiet now... - Cajones (happily taken, but adding fuel to the fire) The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

Good work. Did manifest charge the student for two freefalls? Anything revealed by the main? Any cause for the slider hang-up, specifically? The slider tension was probably the cause of the partial inflation, but I'd be looking for grommet nicks, or packing errors... - Cajones The laws of physics are strictly enforced.