mdrejhon

The strong Canadian dollar will make it more affordable to bring a tunnel to Canada, assuming some of the parts are made in the U.S. The best info known is: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/safety/detail_page.cgi?ID=665 Also on PR Newswire http://www.pr.com/press-release/40053 The name of the investors are Alain Guerin and Pierre Beaudoin. According to the articles, it sounds like they just already purchased the SkyVenture parts but I am not 100% sure. (can anyone confirm?) If they need more investors, I'm sure I can throw a couple grand (0.03% of the cost of a $6M tunnel), in exchange for some heavily discounted tunnel time. They can raise a portion of the capital that way, if necessary. Just 300 skydivers paying $2000 and that's a downpayment (10%) on a $6 million SkyVenture. Then again, that's a bit stiff for many of us. But presales may help the cashflow problem near the end of tunnel construction before it starts revenue generating... There is a big boom of Canadian skydivers going to the U.S. taking advantage of the cheap U.S. dollar and strong Canadian dollar. The market for a tunnel is here already. Count me in as a customer of Skyventure Montreal.

I did 1.0 hours in the tunnel -- VERY VERY SORE (2 minute rotations in 15 minute periods spread over 30 minutes, then 1 hour of rest apart) Recently, I did almost 1.5 hours in the tunnel -- NO PROBLEM. (I did it much more frequently, although I started out very slowly early in the day) You have to begin exercises (bike to work) and/or stretch exercises everyday. Get yourself a little sore well in advance. Let body recover for 3 days, then resume exercises. I only needed 2 weeks of about 30-minutes-every-other-day exercises to get into "tunnel shape" for almost 1.5 hours of tunnel time in just one day. My tunnel time was last Saturday and I'm not even sore today. (I was only slightly sore the day after) PS: It was my first 4-way in the tunnel!!!

I've had the ATM eat my card a few times in the past. Fortunately, it's very easy to get a replacement card. Walk into any bank branch in the country (some are open till 9pm some are open Sundays), give them photographic identification and they give you a new card, verify your signature, the teller gives you a PINpad where you punch your existing PIN to verify it's really you. New card handed to you in 2 minutes flat, as long as you can prove you're yourself. Even while you're on vacation. Not all banks are this convenient.

I am going to SVNH for 1.5 hours on Saturday November 3rd with Vincent (tunnel practice, 30 mins) and with Chris the army guy (4-ways, 1 hour). So a lot of Canadians on the weekend of November 3rd. The longest I've been in the tunnel is 1 hour at SVNH last spring, so 1.5 hours is going to be a big challenge. This was with Vincent, mostly 2-ways. He'll get me ready for my first tunnel 4-ways! Can't wait! I know that after 1.5 hours I'll be very sore! I think I can do it, since I spent a full hour in the tunnel in one day before. I just need to work out a bit and make sure to do lots of warmup exercises everyday between now and then.. Need to make sure I'm in shape enough to endure that much tunnel in one day. First timers can only handle 30 minutes in the tunnel, tops...

This talk here reminds me of another rather impressive wingsuit event is the salomon video where the wingsuiter flies only 6 feet above a ski slope... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqW6O_dcF2M Considering that race skiiers can exceed 100kph, I've wondered if a professional skydiver/alpine racer has attempted to test-fly wingsuit with skiis on (at high altitude), to determine aerodynamic characteristics and determine the feasibility of landing on a ski slope. Probably not, but a fun thought exercise...

Here's a good one to test: BlackBerry Curve 8300 series would do great -- has a camera too. While it doesn't record video, it can playback video files (has a MicroSD memory card slot). So copy your skydiving videos to your BlackBerry! The 8310 has a built-in GPS in addition, which is useful at times too. As for Deaf World Record, I am still 50-50 on it. I may or may not be able to go. If I go, it will probably be for October 26-28 only. Keep tuned...

Any new experiences?

While we don't yet have a windtunnel in Canada, the Canadian 4-way RW champions (gold medallists at the Canadian Nationals), one of who was my tunnel instructor for 1 hour, are holding a tunnel camp again. If you're a Canadian, this is a good rare opportunity! Contact them to reserve your tunnel slot (30 minute or 1 hour).

Excellent information -- thanks. Sounds like the jury is still out whether WBT-201 is still superior. I look forward to all of your testing. To the other poster -- Interesting to know that the device is always logging when turned on. So a related question is whether it has enough logging capacity to enable fire-and-forget operation at the beginning of the day. (It has more than enough capacity to log all day long at 1 Hz or 2 Hz) Some utility for splitting the separate jumps may be required...

I'd g o3 years after release of a version before I'd adopt. Plenty of teething room in there to have the issues resolved. I don't like that the Vigil2 still does not resolve the pressurised aircraft issue like on the C-130's and the Perris Jet accourding to news out of PIA this year. The Vigil3 is to address that when ever its released. Good points And another good point too. Some are saying to go Vigil 2, and some are saying to stay with my Cypres 2, including the above reasons. Compelling arguments from both sides. Will probably come to a decision next week.

Read my post again. It's obvious I'm talking about total costs: Shipping, maintenance, customs/brokerage charges (often a problem when using Airtec's preferred courier, United Parcel Service), etc. One Canadian paid $400 total, another Canadian $310 total... A rigger quoted it'd probably cost $300 total including shipping. Those could have been Cypres1 totals with battery replacements. (+$90 USD or so). I'll find out. Though some had to pay customs brokerage fees during warranty/repair shipments (a pain when that happens when you're only sending something in for repairs or maintenance) However, I do see there's a way to sign a waiver to allow me to ship via a different cheaper method (freight, postal service, etc). Those would take longer, but I'm willing to jump without the Cypres for a while (when not doing bigways).

Very useful! Doesn't sound too good, but I might be willing to buy the unit off you for car navigation if you think it's a paperweight. In the meantime, try more jumps... Try the following: (1) Keep it in LOG mode to force the GPS to continuously operate. Since the data capacity is 100,000 datapoints, you would have more than 5 hours of logging capacity at 5 Hz, so you might as well keep it in continuous logging mode, dumping to a laptop during lunchtime and dinnertime. (2) Alternatively, try to switch it to 1 Hz mode and see if the GPS functions more smoothly. (3) Try to contact the manufacturer for upgraded firmware that can handle faster altitude changes. Ask for firmware that allows you to turn off logging but keep GPS "hot" so that GPS fix is more immediate when exiting the airplane door. (4) I think you need at least 4 GPS satellites for altitude (instead of 3). It may be that you had 4+ satellites, then it went to 3 satellites (keeping altitude flat), then back to 4+ satellites. Try relocating the GPS to the top of your helmet (do breakaway-safe attachment such as velcro or duct tape) It sounds like the Wintec WBT-201 Bluetooth GPS puck might be a better bet, but let's give this some more testing.... In the meantime, I sent an email to QStarz, and also posted a copy of the email at: http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=91444&whichpage=6. Let's make sure they stay on top of things too.

Excellent idea in a way -- I am due in the U.S. in October, and that's still within the 6 month grace period I am currently in. I may do your suggestion. On the other hand... with my Cypres2 due for maintenance soon, I'm doomed to a $300-$400 loss: Question is, which route will put me better-off long term? I know Vigil had its teething pains early on, but Vigil 2 sounds like a more mature version of Vigil, much like Cypres 2 is a more mature version of Cypres 1. Using pretty much the same time-tested software, with minor tweaks. I'm ready to trust Vigil now, but on the other hand, Cypres definitely has its backers - with 15 years of successful operation. Bottom line, I'm tempted to go Vigil 2 since I won't have to retire the AAD in 8 years and maintenance will likely be cheaper since batteries won't cost about $100 CDN.

Cypres2 4-year maintenance time. I've got two scenarios. 1. Ship out my Cypres2 (more expensive international shipping from Canada) for maintenance for its 4-year maintenance and probably new battery. About $400 including all shipping/UPS customs brokerage costs. Maybe $300 if I try to skimp a bit, or try to workaround the brokerage costs. 2. Sell Cypres2 as-is and buy Vigil2. There's still 8 years left on my Cypres2 and it's a Cypres2, so it still commands a good premium. Price difference ends up being the same as the 4-year maintenance. The difference in price is roughly equal to sending a Cypres2 from Canada (I'd only pay $400 more for a Vigil2) Apparently this will yield roughly the same cost to me. What to do. Tough choice, tough choice. Considering this year has been financially difficult earlier.

You should be on the TV show, "Guinea Pig". (Discovery Channel -- at least in Canada)

Did the C-130 have a GPS repeater?

Data from which GPS? If you mean the QSTARZ - I don't have it yet. I did look at Wintec, but not my own. (Still waiting for guinea pig data from one of you before buying the QSTARZ Q1000BT unit.) At the moment, I only have the BlackBerry 8800's internal GPS (based on the very good and popular Sirfstar III GPS chip -- same chip used in the Foretrex 301).

The smart loggers should have a separate button to keep GPS always on, but turn on/off the logging feature separately. Or have enough memory to keep logging all day long. You have to leave the GPS on, in order for it to automatically re-acquire signal quickly and resume logging with no user intervention. So in theory, properly designed logger should be something like: 1. BEGINNING OF DAY: Turn on the GPS on the ground. You must leave GPS on all day long for fast reacquire times. 2. JUMP RUN: Press a separate logging button to turn on logging 3. LANDING: Press a separate logging button to turn off logging (I think this is now doable at 5Hz with the Q1000 with its 100,000 datapoint capability, since it has a switch to turn on/off logging) -OR- 1. GEAR UP: Turn on the GPS and logging before putting on the gear. Make sure it has a few minutes of good lock for it to stabilize before entering plane. 2. EXIT: Just make sure you do a poised exit for 2 seconds 3. LANDING: Turn off the GPS and logging. (I think this is now doable at 5Hz with the Q1000 with its 100,000 datapoint capability.) -OR- (works only with loggers containing enough memory and battery power for all-day operation, and near-immediate lock capability.) 1. BEGINNING OF DAY: Turn on the GPS and logging on the ground. 2. Forget about it, leave it on all day long. (I think this is now doable at 1Hz with the Q1000 with its 100,000 datapoint capability,

Regarding the 120 vs 180 day repack cycle, one factor to account for is that in some places (like Ottawa), I have difficulty finding someone available to repack. One rigger is 1 hour drive away (and I don't have a car), while another is too busy with several rigs and long days at a main full time job. Shipping away the rig solves the problem, but this adds additional inconvenience, expense and risk (of loss). So this forces me to rent gear with more unfamiliar characteristics, which increases my risk in the sport. In this perspective, if I am eventually allowed to do so I'd rather take my chances with a 121-day old reserve if I am travelling, than jumping unfamiliar gear. It is U.S. made gear, so I can't claim the Canadian 180-day while travelling to the U.S. Mind you, one could own terrible gear and rent excellent gear, but the vice-versa often happens. However, no matter what, the 'unfamiliarity' principle still applies.

That's two budding guinea pigs now. Let's see how the QSTARZ BT-Q1000 performs in skydiving! Thanks for the background information! Someone else was able to maintain a lock inside a Twin Otter, but might have had his mounted externally on top of his helmet (camera platform), and it needs a powerup lock first before it can more easily maintain a lock in the plane. I can't remember which GPS it was, actually -- it might have been a Sirfstar III based unit such as the Foretrex 301 wrist mount (Sirfstar III seems to be more legendary at keeping lock). I guess for getting close to "power up and forget" operation, you really need to get it to obtain a lock on the ground first, and wait a few near the jump door to ensure it reacquires automatically (while waiting for the load in front to exit)... As I see the specs of the newer GPS's have re-acquire times of 1 second or so, it would appear that as long as you get an initial lock on the ground, reacquisition should be nearly immediate when stepping outside the jump door. So even if you lose lock inside the plane, some of these loggers should be "fire and forget" friendly enough. Hopefully. But in practice, is this true for the QSTARZ? Let's find out!

WBT-201 (60 x 38 x 16 mm, or about 2.3" x 1.5" x 0.6") is very small, like an audible altimeter - it fits in the audible altimeter slot of a helmet. QSTARZ (72 x 47 x 20 mm, or about 2.8" x 1.8" x 0.8") is supposed to be ever so slightly bigger, so may not fit, but should be fine in a jumpsuit pocket. Although I am sure either is OK, as many of the modern GPS units (-158dbm sensitivity and better) are much better at keeping lock -- sensitive enough to work inside a car's glove compartment, and according to what people say, manage lock everywhere inside the thin metal shell of a Twin Otter without needing to sit by the door. So it seems to almost doesn't matter where on your body you mount the GPS, even underneath your helmet (according to a user of WBT-201), it seems... This assumes modern sensitive GPS chipsets. But more sky is always better (more accuracy, down to 12 inches or 30 centimeters). However, GPSPASSION.com have observed differences in behaviours between GPS chipsets, including averaging that doesn't work very well for certain uses - a product might have an unacceptable lag during slow speed usage or high speed usage. So while I am sure the QSTARZ unit would be fine, I'm hesistant because there might be some unforseen problems with its suitability for skydiving. Or maybe not - might blow away WBT-201. So I'm letting somebody else be the guinea pig! As these GPS pucks are starting to become remarkably small, I imagine it should now be possible for audible altimeter makers to build GPS logging into audible altimeters soon -- this would be a cool development (combine air pressure logging with GPS logging, would improve accuracy).

I have a Bluetooth enabled BlackBerry, there's now GPS tracking software for BlackBerry that works with both internal (i.e. BlackBerry 8800's builtin Sirfstar III) and external (Bluetooth pucks). I wonder if there's a way to trick a WBT-201 into talking with my BlackBerry at 4Hz. Or even use the GPS-equipped BlackBerry itself as a GPS logger (keeping it in a leg jumpsuit pocket), now that there's GPS logging software available. I'll obtain it once I have the puck in my hands, for testing, regardless of which I buy... Either way, I still am on the edge of buying a Bluetooth puck, I'm torn 50-50 between the WBT-201 and the new QStarz BT-Q1000 from my other post. The advantage is that one is configurable to 5Hz internal logging nowadays, completely standalone. (But it uses a different GPS chip, so would love to know if anyone has jumped this one yet...!)

I stress - I haven't been able to find information about whether anybody has jumped this GPS puck yet. I may deem myself the guinea pig, but I'd rather wait until somebody with a high number of relevant jumps with more GPS experience, try this out, to compare to their existing GPS. As other GPS wearers attest, I like the idea to check the data post-morten: Nice to know the fallrate (more accurately than altimeter), the distance travelled, your forward speed, and be able to draw the glide slope in graph software (or even Google Earth). I believe having 5 position measurements per second works much better than 1 position measurement per second. But I don't think anybody here has ever tried the new high-frequency-measurement GPS units for skydiving. So I think we need to check if this GPS puck is skydiving-friendly like the other GPS puck favourte, the WBT-201 (not to be confused with the Foretrex 201 wrist-mounted GPS) which is small enough to be put inside a helmet's audible pocket. I think the QStarz is slightly bigger though, but I prefer the 5Hz frequency over being able to put GPS inside a helmet's audible altimeter pocket, like you can with the new WBT-201 GPS puck... I think anybody who tries 5Hz will be pleasantly surprised (once a skydiving friendly 5Hz GPS is found) -- high GPS sampling frequencies were formerly only available to things like military applications, such as missles...

I know some of you wingsuiters (I'm not yet), and trackers (which I'm trying to log now using Bluetooth GPS -- I am about to start studying my own tracks). There is now a newer Bluetooth logger GPS unit with 5 Hz logging frequency, called the QStarz BT-Q1000: http://www.qstarz.com/Products/GPS%20Products/BT-Q1000.html Quote from GPSPASSION thread showing successful 5 hertz logging capability enabled via software: http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=91444 ........ I have not yet tested this, but this looks very promising. Can one of you wingsuiters or trackers try this GPS unit out please, and see if it's "suitable" for skydiving (like the Wintec WBT-201 Bluetooth GPS logger puck works well for skydiving according to BlindBrick in this thread).

May I have a copy of that application? I'd like to test on my BlackBerry which supports Java (J2ME/MIDP 2.0/CLDC 1.1). I am also a software developer myself, by the way... I program software for BlackBerry for a living. Because I am deaf, I can't hear the noise that I make while I am tracking and adjusting - so tracking is more of a trial and error by feel alone and watching landmarks below me. So I definitely have a use for GPS logging to practice tracking and getting better at it (because I am aiming to specialize in bigways...) I'm considering a Bluetooth GPS logger, and am aware of the WBT-201 that works with skydiving, but I'm also interested in the QStarz BT-Q1000 because it has 5 Hz update capability (streaming over a Bluetooth connection). Webpage here. Does anybody have experience with 5 Hz logging during skydiving? How well does 5 Hz work?