mdrejhon

The reviews were referring to the older 7100t's -- the 7100i reportedly has a brighter screen. So you need to really give that a trial. A lot of color cellphones have problems in the sun, but this is not applicable to all BlackBerry models nor all cellphone models. Was it a 7100i review or a 7100t or 7100r review? If he wants to stay on Nextel, try the model 7520. It's got a really clear sunlight readable screen that's much better than other cellphones and a much bigger keyboard. It's not as sexy looking as the 7100i but it is certainly an option. All the BlackBerry keyboards are still bigger than TREO keyboards -- so if he has big fingers, there goes that option. The keys on the 7100 is still the same size as the keys on a regular cellphone, so if he can dial on a small cellphone, he won't have problems with the 7100 which is slightly larger anyway to accomodate the few extra keys. It is important to go to the phone store and test all the smartphones out -- Treo, BlackBerry, etc. If this is purely for business, and he does not mind a bulky cellphone, the 7520 might be a preferable option -- it's a more industrial looking unit that will look good being carried by any construction manager anyway. It also has Direct Connect as well.

As a newbie here, let me remind you with my fresh memories as a student: The ground looks like it's approaching you, even while you're still 50 feet up! As a deaf guy with NO radio as a student, I had to HAMMER it into my mind (about 100 times) about my flare timing. I had two tandems where I witnessed the start of a flare, and helped with the flare. When I did my first solo... I went mentally like. "dont flare...dont flare....dont flare....FLARE!!!!" (Stood up my first landing. yay!)

I did my 4 tandems (on different days) that was necessary before I could do the freefall progression at my dropzone (a Canadian AFF variant). If you never jumped, 4 jumps in one day is probably a little too much. But if you've already done a tandem, then it's not that much of a problem I feel. (Others may disagree -- with good reasons.) I had a weather hold the first weekend. 0 AFF-type jumps. Next weekend was great weather. 8 AFF-type jumps in one weekend, at 4 jumps per day! I did not feel it was too much, it depends on the quality of instruction. You should not feel rushed. However, some of the people here (including the greenies) have more experience with Eloy than I do. 4 jumps at one dropzone can be easy-and-pleasant, and 2 jumps at a different dropzone (or even the same dropzone and instructor on a different weekend) can be a hard-and-frustrating experience. In large part because of the quality and time of instruction, and how busy the instructors are. It was apparently a very good weekend. Cold Canadian spring weekend, but excellent weather otherwise. I was the only freefall student all weekend long at my dropzone. So it wasn't a hurried experience for me and I actually had time to do a 5th but they said 4 was enough for one day. For me, I found 4 jumps per day is feasible because I have already trialed a tandem -- and already started "pulling" for myself. Being past the initial sensory overload and doing the tandem pull 'waveoff' already with previous tandems (I wasn't allowed to directly pull but I signalled the waveoff exactly on cue which means I was altitude aware). And having already read a book "The Skydiving Handbook". (Note: Still useful background information, but remember instructor instruction always OVERRIDE the material in these books. Never forget that! Listen to the instructor and never argue...). P.S. If you are not fit, 4 is definitely too much at first.

skymama -- Just asking. Need any help?

Seeing your jump numbers.... When training under AFF, sometimes one gets so wound up at looking at the instructor that they don't look down. That's OK -- for now, on early jumps you are typically under instructor responsibility. So don't worry, it's normal not to look down if the instructor is trying to teach you other important things before that rule, to avoid sensory overload (hopefully he did not forget to teach you about looking, at least at some later point during AFF) But it is always a rule to at least quickly spot before leaping out -- ensure adequate separation and clear airspace -- and if possible, proper spot too. Your instructor should be teaching you to that... You notice that other experienced jumpers at least briefly glance down to clear their airspace, especially if they are leaping out with a shorter separation. Some of us can track approximately two miles horizontally before pull time (or more -- if tracking downwind). My personal best tracking is only something well over a mile of horizontal movement after exit, but this needs to be kept in mind. Several months ago, I was told by an instructor I pulled too close (probably 100 feet horizontally) once and got a scolding about that. Tracking can cause you to do that. So look before you leap. And before you pull too. Now, I am not an instructor. I am saying what I have been taught as a newbie. Go talk to your instructor.

According to www.skyventure.com .... I don't see a status on www.bodyflight.net ... Verdict... Not open yet. To The Greenies -- I think this thread belongs in the Wind Tunnel forum; you may wish to move this thread.

I heard it's the power supplies (again). One of the solutions to stop the Xbox 360 stablity is to hang the power supplies in mid air, or put a fan blowing at the power supply. Or prop it on the edges of an open box so that the bottom can cool itself. I don't think Microsoft did real-life testing of Xbox power supplies in the overheated crevice behind a very warm TV set...

I put about 25% of my spring and summer income towards skydiving. That should give you a perspective as to how some of us spend our money. Living downtown and spending only 10% of my gross paycheque on shelter (rent for a 2 bedroom), and not owning a car (I use a car sharing service instead), affords the extra disposable income that I use on adventures. I plan to splurge on 1 full hour at Skyventure New Hampshire when it opens, hopefully before the Canadian 80-way. I want in on that so I need to get my experience levels up by middle of next year. I can't believe how some people spend 30% of their income on mortgages.

Like you, my reserve is(was) smaller on the first rig. My main is a 170 but my reserve is a 150. Normally, reserve should be bigger -- and it will be as I downsize the main, since I don't think I ever want to ever downsize the reserve below a PD143R or so. When I eventually downsize my main, it will be based on being able to meet a wide variety of recommended skills (Billyvon, Scott Miller, Brian Germain, and my dropzone people). I'll likely eventually replace the Raven Micro reserve (ugh) with a nice PD or similiar good model -- I'll feel safer under a PD143R than a Raven Micro 150 for sure. Same advice applies -- talk to instructors.

Mine's "DON'T LAND ON THE TARMAC!" - Jump 89

Ara! It must really and truly feel very painfully unfair and that you truly wish you did things differently. Please don't go through burden of pain of carrying this regret as for the rest of your life!! Without a crystal ball, truly the possibility is there that it may not have made a difference, please don't feel the need to have the burden of feeling responsible for this loss; Ara....I am realllllly sorry.....that you have to go through this. I send you big hugs back your way... It's sad. Spain is one of the countries with legallized gay marriage but that can be a deceiving impression.... It has a segment of population that is so clearly strongly opposed.... unlike Canada where the opposed are either pretty tame or scattered and is so much easier to be gay nowadays....

What size were you trained on? I was on 288-> 230 -> 190 -> 170 by jump 57. I was loaded at 0.65 on the 288 though. Have been jumping the 170 for about 80 jumps now and can do most of billyvon's stuff now and feel like going to 150/135 but I think I'm going to stay on the 170 and spend my money towards more important stuff for now... Best thing to do is talk to your instructors. Either way I agree you must jump intermediate sizes... Or even stay on the 190. I do hear many 140 pound people purchasing a 170 as their first canopy though but it depends on flying skills... A 150lbs exit weight on a 150 is still more dangerous than a 170lbs exit weight on a 170 (same wingloading).

I checked the 2005 Edition of Guiness Book of World Records. Your record wasn't there. Did you mean the 2004 or 2006 Edition? Just kidding. Congratulations on your C. I hope to get mine early next year! Although I may be sidetracked by a few fun events...

True, try to get the charges reversed first. But if that fails, don't give up. There are cases where bank might try to refuse. In this case, do the bank first - sue them first in small claims for not reimbursing a theft. It is easier to collect from the bank. If a bank illegally refuse to reimburse (minus a deductible) since most theft are covered, as per the bank agreement. There are sometimes banks that are a hassle, but they rarely renege on a court judgement - be persistent. Credit-card style debit cards are a very sore point these days - very easily abused. This will force the bank to go after Skydride for you (they are still liable to chargebacks - even if the card number is a debit card). The bank may just have to be 'convinced' by court if you must, get past the bank brick wall. Skyride's credit card number processor will start to complain about fraud if chargebacks become too excessive. That may eventually put Skyride's on credit card processor blacklists. And, even if skyride refuses to work with the bank, that tarnishes Skyride's reputation even further in the processing backend. If Skyride refuses to co-operate or go bankrupt, then most likely, a middleman will swallow the loss somewhere -- usually a insurerer or reinsurer for institutional credit card losses. This is a legitimate complaint, especially under the premises of theft. For the original poster. If lucky, you are with a good bank that is willing to work with you -- you'll get your money back with no problem even if a little more slowly than a credit card. Unfortunately, not all banks are that friendly... Note: I had to threaten a bank once after too much phone tag, hold times, fax feeding, time-buying, and endless different answers from different people. Eventually got my money back. It was an amount of several hundred dollars. (Not skyride related). Do not give up.

The great news is that Skydive Burnaby is indeed planning a camp before the bigway there! When? I am not 100% sure but somebody mentioned it during the same week, not too sure yet. I'll definitely try to be a part of that camp at least. So that's why I think it's worth it for me to pay the $100 registration fee when the time comes -- just to be a part of the experience even if I ultimately get cut from the actual bigway jumps 22-25th, then I can continue jumping smaller bigways (20-ways) with other jumpers and support team after I'm cut from the main 80-way. However, I am indeed looking for other camps before this camp. The perfect camp for me would be mainly 20-ways, gradually migrating to multiple-airplane bigways. Although I'll also try to take advantage of smaller 4-way events to make sure I'm not doing TOO many solos . Thanks for the recommendation! I wish I could go in May! But now that I know about the Perris camp, it's something on my todo list in the future.

It gets a lot easier with newer BlackBerry models such as the 8700 -- that BlackBerry directly supports MP3 ringers. Unfortunately it's harder to do MP3 ringers for the current 7100. You need to convert the MP3 into ADP file format before installing it on your BlackBerry. However, you can use a service such as BlackBerryTunes.com or the following alternative: Easy Instructions for MP3-style Ringtones on BlackBerry 7100 If you just want to test out pre-existing MP3-style ringtones for a BlackBerry 7100, try this: 1. Open BlackBerry Browser on the 7100 2. Type http://www.adamdaley.com/wap/ into your BlackBerry Browser 3. Download the music ringtone wirelessly. 4. Play the music back. Full MP3 style polyphonic, baby! That's the easiest way to do MP3-style ringtones on a BlackBerry at the moment (download existing ringtones, MP3 files already converted to ADP format.) The above steps works ONLY on the 7100 series. If you need to use your existing MP3 files without needing to deal with converting files, it's easiest to wait for the BlackBerry 8700. Most of you business user types won't care about MP3, but I know some of you multimedia user types are waiting for more multimedia-friendly BlackBerry models.

Good question... Try emailing the host to ask about eligibility rules: www.skydiveburnaby.com ... Historically, from my research, I heard other bigways let outsiders in under certain cases (i.e. born in which country, or state, or which country passport you hold, or member of parachuting association, etc). I have no idea about the 80-way. Maybe all you need is to be CSPA. Go for it if they let you!

Congratulations for your first skydive. In theory, a honest skydive travel reservation agency (exact charges with a documented 'travel agent fee') would do a lot of good to skydiving. Unfortunately, Skyride isn't the name we want exactly because of what they have done to you and others. I will tell you that I have succeeded in disputing illegal charges that were poorly documented. Although not skydiving related, this is related to your dilemma and frustration. The fraudulent company won't be able to provide documentation that you really did not jump at all (unless the documentation was forged). Small Claims court may be required. I realize that you did not use a credit card, but this is still equivalent to a theft and the bank is legally entitled minus a small fee (usually $50). In many cases, you can indeed SUE the bank if they say no. People have succeeded, it's just harder with a debit card - but they are abuseable like a credit card and the courts will often side with you on this, if you do your homework correctly. A lawyer may not even be needed - this is only $595 and most small claims are done without a lawyer but you may need to go to the library to research. If you have lawyer friends; definitely pick their brains! If you get lucky, you don't need to involve the courts, but don't be afraid to use them if you must (even without a lawyer since $595 is too small to warrant one unless you get one that is willing to do it for cheap, like $150 fixed quote or less). There are big forums (the lawyer equivalent of dropzone.com) on the Internet and books at the library that can help you get the $595 back without needing to pay a dime to a lawyer. Documentation is King - even a printout of recollected memories of telephone conversations are better than nothing (If you don't have much on paper beyond bank statements); They would still need to defend against this sort of stuff and many companies would rather refund $595 than pay lawyer $1000 to prove that your paper is forged hearsay or some silly stuff. It's totally possible to win $595 just by walking into small claims court for free, representing yourself. Just do your homework. (I know a lawyer is highly recommended for bigger settlements -- but a small-claims $595 ain't one of them, your bank statement is already gold evidence.) I feel for you and I hate when things like these happen. You CAN do it - just put your mind to it, be persistent, don't take "NO" for an answer. Not the bank. Not Skyride. Keep doing it. Based on my actual personal experience, assuming your laws are similiar, you have almost a 100% guarantee of getting the money back if you do the right things and push the right buttons. At least the bank swallowing it, if Skyride doesn't pay you back.

Okay. Thanks to flyangel2's suggestion and a little bit of Remster lovin', I've now contacted Tom (DZO of Skydive Gananoque) about maybe bringing a LO for the May Twin Otter visit. It would likely be limited to 22-ways but this definitely will be good practice and good advertising for the 80-way. He's away to CSS Thanksgiving Boogie, so won't hear back till then. Who knows, I might even take upon the challenge of helping the LO recruit jumpers for 22-way practice. Call me stubborn. I'll probably be cut, but what I learned so far, I still have a fighting chance to get experienced enough between now and then... No email rejections when I contacted Skydive Burnaby, that's a good sign...

Excellent question. A lot of people are understandably worried. There are lots of things going for RIM in this case: 1. As you mentioned, RIM has developed a workaround already. They can keep running. NTP is out of luck, they can only sue for retroactive damages -- and the network keeps running. 2. This patent tussle is stuff that has been going on since 2003 and they haven't been shut down. RIM has had plenty of time with lots of backup plans that the media hasn't been publicizing. Some of us know more a lot more about these plans than the media does. 3. RIM already set aside nearly half a billion dollars to pay NTP. Although they are fighting over details, the money is already set aside. RIM will do a last minute settlement if they have to. The money is already there, but will only be used during an emergency elevent-hour settlement. 4. Even if worse comes to worse, the U.S. government - by way of DOJ - is on RIM's side. Even if they don't deploy the workaround, the USA government has asked for an exemption because the U.S. government is remarkably dependant on this Canadian technology (surprise, surprise!). This gives RIM plenty of time to deploy a workaround at their own leisure. No shutdown necessary. 5. You would have several million angry customers, since BlackBerry is also the most popular PDA (more popular than Palm now -- and many more units than TREO). You can bet RIM is going to play hardball to the eleventh hour, before they give a red dime to NTP. 6. The patent may be invalid. NTP may be suing over nothing. RIM wants to keep its half billion dollars. Therefore, RIM is never going to be shut down in USA. RIM is wearing six reserve parachutes -- you are skydiving with only one. Don't believe the media hype one little bit. The media thinks you always die if your parachute does not open. It's a total non-issue now. It shouldn't be affecting BlackBerry purchases anymore since the network isn't going to be shut down with all these good news.

Hi, I am the moderator of a forum called www.BlackBerryForums.com and maintain a BlackBerry FAQ at www.BerryFAQ.com -- You might want to check out those. You notice I would probably be the resident BlackBerry expert here on dropzone.com 1. The 7100i is a very nice BlackBerry if you are using Nextel. However, it is different from other BlackBerry models in that it is not a full QWERTY keyboard -- however, it is much easier to type on than 10-digit or T9 keypads used on other cellphones like Nokia or Motorola. Still makes texting and emails much more user friendly. Basically the 7100's keyboard has a learning curve that's slightly bigger than a regular BlackBerry, but a lot less than 10-digit or T9 keypads. The 7100 series has the big advantage of not looking nerdy -- They look more like ordinary cellphones than other models of BlackBerry. So it will still look good to a non-nerd. 2. I am very happy with BlackBerry (but then again, I'm biased!) I am looking forward to the BlackBerry model 8700 which is coming at the end of this month. It's like the 7100 but has a full QWERTY keyboard. Unfortunately, the 8700 won't be available on Nextel until maybe 6 months later, if it happens. 3. Cons. -- BlackBerry can be relatively expensive compared to an ordinary cellphone, but there can be a lot of advantages. (See "Why BlackBerry?" and other BerryFAQ.com articles). -- Less features than TREO. Although BlackBerry can nowadays do many of the things TREO's can do, such as MP3 ringtones now available in the newer BlackBerry 8700r model with a bright hi-res screen, BlackBerry cannot yet do everything that TREO can do. It is slowly getting there though. However, BlackBerry can outweigh that in reliability and ruggedness (See "BlackBerry Survival Feats - Survives 9 Feet Drops" and "BlackBerry Myths Busted: The Modern 2005-Era BlackBerry") 4. Yes, it synchronizes with Outlook - Outlook synchronization over the cable is included with all BlackBerries. If your business has the money, it will even do the Outlook synchronization wirelessly (using a paid BlackBerry Enterprise Server) so you never have to connect the BlackBerry to a computer. I would be happy to answer any BlackBerry questions that you may have.

Meeeowww Great idea though. I am implementing this as you read my post.

My home DZ Skydive Gananoque (Already mentioned in this thread and in my profile. I guess you only skimmed this thread, eh? Shame on you greenie! But don't worry, I know you moderators can't possibly keep up with every single thread. I am a moderator on another forum called BlackBerryForums.com). Skydive Gananoque is a multi-Cessna dropzone that brings in a Twin Otter three times a year (usually from CSS), and I'm going to make the suggestion of a LO to DZO Tom (already mentioned) for the May Twin Otter event, once I hear back from some others. ***And dont discount the number of big way jumpers from Canada... there's a few... I'm not -- But how about the number of interested and able to attend? That's gonna be tough. It would seem we'd still need to spread the word if the Canadian 100-way ended up only being a 54-way!

Who said anything about tracking? I've never said anything about praticing my tracking in a windtunnel. I need to fly my slot better with finer fallrate and attitude control. That's why I need the windtunnel bad, half of my failures to dock in a 20-way was because I didn't have good enough fine-tuned control, occasionally rocking in my slot and having to back away to avoid wrecking the formation. I can't sideslide very quickly yet for example, and I need to dock quickly, relaxed and accurately. The windtunnel shall help me with this, I would think... Things like touch front wall, touch side wall, to pratice pretend docking, and doing all of this accurately and quickly without rocking my body, exercising my fallrate, sideslides, back/forward movements, knee turns, centre turns, chest turns, while falling down the tube. I can already do all of this at least to the basics, but I can be either slow or inaccurate, I need to be better than I am right now to have much better than 50% success in docking in a 20-way of experienced jumpers. I'm already making most of my solos tracking solos or tracking formations (25% of my jumps have been tracking jumps for the last 50 jumps). My jumping for the last 50 jumps (jump #89-#138) according to my logbook: About 50% are RW, of which half are 4-ways and bigger. Several were 20-way attempts for DWR2005 in October. About 25% are tracking pratice (either solo or track formations) About 25% are other fun jumps (some of the silly kind, plus some no-contact CRW, a night jump, and other miscellaneous) I know I'm a bit of a low jumper and inexperienced but I'd like to see if I can make it into the experience levels needed for an 80-way in the next 7 months.

Funny, I feel responsible. (I brought up the subject originally in a wind tunnel thread, which flyangel2 replied to, then ) I am already praticing my tracking on my freefall solos and did my first 4-way tracking jump. (I wasn't intending to pratice tracking in a windtunnel... but about flying my slot more accurately after I finished tracking, and fallrate controlling myself more accurately.) But this is all interesting reading nontheless.