ParaShoot

For "distance" the height is 5 ft. For speed and LZA it's 10 ft. I think the IPC will reconsider the speed part so we'll see what height it'll be. If you go under the beam you tough the ground so you've a "0" anyway. So far with all the "inexperienced" swooopers we've had no problem with the tripods. They're 12 - 15 mtr apart so enough width to cross safely.

I was really pissed off about the result of (well willing) people judging the entry gates. So I was looking for an automatic system to avoid relying on a persons eye. In a previous post I've asked about systems on the market for this. I found a few (like TAG Heuer) but very expensive. Therefore I've made one myself which we now use for local competitions. The Gate Beam System is actually an accurate light sensor with a mirror on the other side. On one side the device is setup on a tripod and on the other side the mirror is placed (distance 40 - 50 feet). If you pass between the sensor and the mirror a loud horn goes off for about 3 sec. Minimum to pass is appr. 1" with 60 mph. Another sensor can make this ½" at 80 mph. As back-up a video camera is placed above the mirror and looks to the white reflection plate under the sensor. On the white surface it's very clear visible if something passes the sensor or not. This is just to prove the people that when they didn't hear an alarm that they really didn't pass the sensor. I'm glad this works very well. Now we simply put those two tripods up and we don't need a judge.

We, the Dutch CF team, are using radios (Maxon 49SX & FX like the Swiss team used to have) for about 7 years now and we're pretty satisfied with them. You've to get used to them regarding who can speak. Only one can speak at a time. They're voice activated and we've build them into Z1 fullface helmets (without visor). We primarily use for for giving the keys not only in rotation (instead of a whistle) but also for sequential. The range is limited (150 ft effective) but if the separation is more than that it's bad anyway. They're also great for jumping with students.

ThanX everybody. Canopy is traced and still with Tony who will get it further to the right address.

Almost 2 months ago a friend of mine (Edu) gave a demo Troll 265 MDV canopy to a guy named Tony in Interlaken. Tony and his friend Daren (from Down Under ?) were at the Air Glacier station. This demo canopy supposed to be picked up by someone from Morpheus Technologies (the owner) and they need this canopy for the upcoming bridge day. We can't find this Tony. If Tony reads this or if you know him or know where that canopy is please contact me on my e-mail Henny@parashoot.nl or phone +31 653 218 952. You could also give it to Stephan Heuser at Skydive Interlaken.

I jumped some demo Demons and was impressed about the performance for such a constructed canopy. I usually jump everything including a velocity 90 and 103. I started with a Demon 90 followed by an 80. Both canopies have the performance between a Stilletto and a Cross braced canopy like my Velocities. Just for fun I jumped the Demon 60 and could easily get a nice swoop on rear risers finishing in a toggle flair. Not bad for this wingloading, about 3,2.

That's the kind of system I'm looking for. Unfortunately this system for skiing has no sensor for entry gate. It's a switch. Anyone has experience with the accuracy of the sensors? Are they suitable to have a pretty flat top if set on 5 ft.?

I just got all components together to make a sophisticated system. Laser eyes are not the best option due to the difficult adjustment of the small beam and the wire to the other side. Therefore I got a light sensor with a mirror with a range of 20 mtr (60 ft). The mirror is about 4 inches and has to catch a part of the beam of almost 1 foot, so accurate enough as entry gate. A horn and a light will go for an adjustable time (± 3 sec.). With a push button it can be resetted manually. I'll try to test it tomorrow because Sunday I leave for the worldmeet in Gap France. If the entry gate will work I'll make a second and connect them to get the speed. But I'm sure there's a similar system somewhere for other sports. Skiing, skating, running, etc. Henny

Actually I meant a kind of sensor between the gates to confirm you passed trough and to measure the speed over the 185 ft.

I'm setting up a system myself but I was wondering if there is a "standard" device or system with sensors on the market. Both for gate confirmation and for speed measuring? ** Know what you say but don't say all you know. **

The weekends of September 27-28 and November 01-02 I’ll be organizing two wingsuit camps in cooperation with National Skydiving Center Teuge, The Netherlands (www.para-teuge.nl). The first weekend is meant to make the beginners enthusiastic for this discipline and to let them make their first jumps after instruction and under supervision. We’ll transform you from fallers into flyers. With the more experienced flyers we start flying formations, as preparation for the upcoming National record attempts. The second weekend the focus will be on bigger formations. Of course less experienced flyers are welcome as well. As BMI I’ll be accompanied by a few experienced flyers to give all participants the attention they need. Registration fee is € 20 and I’ve 8 wingsuits (incl. 1 Matter) available which are for rent at € 12 / jump incl. instruction (after 8 jumps € 8). Birdman will also send some demo suits in NOT standard sizes. The instruction jumps are partly sponsored by the the DZ Paracentrum Teuge. The other part (€ 10) is on account of the student. So for ONE extra jumpticket you jump with a wingsuit and an instructor. So far 15 beginners and 15 flyers with experience (all Dutch) have registered and I expect a lot more will follow. It’ll be a great gathering. Hope to C ya @ Teuge, Henny Wiggers

Why don't the professional swoopers use triple risers?

As Canopy Piloting is official IPC now we'll get a test event on our Dutch Nationals (mid August) for the part "Distance". A lot of guys are training for this event but the progress is not fast enough. Therefore we would like to have a professional coach to help us to get the best out of it before the competition. We're thinking about a (long) weekend end of July or begin August. Does this fit you please contact Henny at the Dutch National Skydiving Centre Teuge in The Netherlands at Henny@parashoot.nl ** Know what you say but don't say all you know. **