DSE

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Everything posted by DSE

  1. DSE
    I'll bet with you (you're right). But for now, it is what it is. Signatures are required, and without them, a 'newbie's' logbook doesn't mean much. Not everyone has a smartphone or tablet, either. We're already seeing systems like Paralog that allow online logbooks to be kept with signatures, and when signatures become part of those online logs from all the different systems, I'll be accepting them at our school. The school already accepts signed e-logs on phones/tablets, or webpages that show a sig. See attached.
  2. DSE
    Paper logbooks can be your friend.
  3. DSE
    I'm pleased with BASEline (android). Paralog tracks well as an app, too, but you'll need the GPS to work with.
  4. DSE
    If I correctly understand some of what I've recently read, signatures on a conductive pad are actually more viable than a fingerprint (in terms of legality), because the velocity, speed, and pressure points are recorded, not just the signature. http://www.crypto-sign.com/technology_overview.php (one of the systems I've looked at) Signatures can be played back as if they were being re-signed, cannot be forged due to the various capture datapoints, and deemed legal. My bank is using these now, too. Interestingly enough, it's not how "neat" the signature is; it may appear messy on a screen, but the pressure points, velocity, and speed are all evaluated to assure that the signature is real. Maybe Matt can explain my rudimentary understanding or correct me?
  5. DSE
    Here is a scenario: Tandem videographer has a normal deployment (he's done this around 1000 times). Unclips wings. Releases toggles, apparently one was not stowed correctly. Canopy goes into a highspeed spin (highly loaded canopy). Camera wings cover handles. AAD was out for service (likely wouldn't have fired anyway) No RSL. Fatality. This leads to the conclusion that you want to have a there, square, steerable canopy prior to unclipping wings. No, I don't suggest you cutaway the helmet "no matter what." If the main or reserve entangle with it, there may be force upon it, so you might want to jettison the helmet. Some feel a Fastex can be released under pressure. Having tried it in a few circumstances, I can tell you they don't release easily. I've had two chops while wearing a full camera setup. Neither time have I needed to chop. I had an RSL on one of those chops.
  6. DSE
    If you didn't do your training there, one of the two DZs requires a B license for visiting jumpers. How's your accuracy? It's not the best place for a short "get one or two jumps" kind of place. What's your wingloading? If it's very light, you might struggle with the winds. I did my first jumps there, and it was a great experience. Returning 30+/- jumps later, it felt quite different, and a little scary. There are few outs; winds can be funky. That said, it's also one of the most beautiful DZs in the world. I just finished a coach course there, and it's perhaps the hardest DZ in the world for me to see in my rearview mirror. Contact Sean at Skydive Hawaii or Range at Pacific, they'll tell you what you need to know.
  7. DSE
    The wings aren't going to change what you do in terms of EP's, assuming you don't disconnect them before you release your toggles. It's important to be sure you have a properly flying canopy before releasing wing clips and having flapping fabric. Adding helmet cutaway touches to your EP checks is a good idea. Touch your main, then your cutaway, then your helmet cutaway, then your reserve handle. Opinions vary on this, but I'm a fan of using the RSL, for _most_ camera setups. Yes, you could have a helmet entanglement, and an RSL might make that situation worse. Either way, have a cutaway on your camera helmet. Practice reaching for it. Make it part of your routine maintenance (check lolon for lubrication, check pins if any, for rust, make sure it works cleanly/properly every few months).
  8. DSE
    What does this mean? How does a "dynamic" flock influence the way a canopy opens? Ask a wingsuit instructor.
  9. DSE
    Reporting an incident that may have legal repercussions for one or more parties is potentially causing someone to suffer unduly because of misinformation. That's not how you give back to the sport. A canopy collision occurred; only the two people directly involved can accurately comment on what happened. From the ground it was hard to watch, but turned out (thankfully) better than everyone observing had anticipated. Lessons from the ground are similar to other collisions. ~clear your airspace before initiating any turn ~low man has the right of way ~Communicate if you are wrapped up/entangled with someone else before cutting away.
  10. DSE
    Andy, you're a C/E, right? Have you noticed that the people struggling with the coach dock at the top of all eval jumps, are people that are very capable FF? There are some terrific freeflyers out there that struggle with taking a belly dock and maintaining a stable position. Belly skills are much more important than some seem to think. "Learn to love your belly before you begin exploring your butt."
  11. DSE
    It's frequently not about the guy who can fly the canopy, it's about the increased risk to others around them. Flying in a dynamic flock means that openings will not always be on-heading, not perfect, because sometimes it's not possible to have everything perfect after breakoff.
  12. DSE
    This is likely the best route at this point. Sony is slowly killing off the hand-cams in favor of NEX and ActionCamera-type planforms.
  13. DSE
    As do both of mine. Only because I learned through mistakes early on. However, the point holds true; if the jacket creeps, it can cause handles to be covered, and can change the dynamic of the wing (loose/cupping vs tight, angular).
  14. DSE
    Camera jackets are generally tight at the waist. It reduces the chance of the jacket creeping up, which is important not only for keeping handles clear, but also to help keep the wing taut, which is where you'll get your fall rate control. Some camera jackets are designed to attach to freefall pants, to prevent them from riding up.
  15. DSE
    John, Are you running any sort of anti-virus that might be preventing access? I'm a Win7/Chrome user on several systems, and have no issues with the Adobe purchase/order site. That said, I'd urge you to try the trial version of Vegas Movie Studio. Simple learning curve, very fast, works natively with GoPro files.
  16. DSE
    Because a great number of incidents are not/no longer reported. Between liability, bad pub, inaccurate news stories and interpretations, and flaming, what is the upside to reporting it? http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20130119_2_injured_in_separate_skydiving_mishaps_on_North_Shore.html
  17. DSE
    points of clarification: -it's actually four 2-outs at various DZs in the past 2 weeks. -it's not due to "incorrectly rigged suits." These are due to suits being used in an environment for which they were not intended. With this suit pulling handles and causing 2-outs, it's not unlikely someone will need to cut away, only to find their cutaway handle is not accessible or jammed in place.
  18. DSE
    zero experience with the Samsung, but based on the Sony NX5, I'd suggest the 16mm pancake is the closest. Someone else may have a better informed opinion.
  19. DSE
    Search for NLE. (non linear editor) Sony Vegas Movie Studio, Premiere Elements are the two most popular for a reason: they work.
  20. DSE
    I do the same. Zero excess. Works great with the WS and non-WS jumps.
  21. DSE
    Wingsuiters have been using this "new" method for years as well; some call it the "French Tickler" as PdF has been recommending it for years. Perhaps this grew from the way Racers were/are closed? It does make for a smoother opening at low speed, and reduces the potential for PCIT
  22. DSE
    Back to reality... In at least two incidents, the highlyexperienced skydiver was not able to rip the adhesive mount from the helmet. Did you test your theory in a hanging harness with the entire weight of your body on the helmet, twisting and/or spinning? There are currently 3 videos out there showing that the adhesive mounts and plastics under load will not "break easily." I too, wish Google Glass was an answer. However...if a Teradek box and connected cam over SDI or HDMI won't work from altitude, never/neither shall Google Glass. Golden-i has a similar access, and it won't work even with a Teradek Bond.
  23. DSE
    I disagree. If you're in the middle of a group, realize you're not going to make it back and turn or deploy to "save yourself," it might cause a new problem for you or someone else. Plan, discuss a backup plan, and be sure everyone is on the same page.
  24. DSE
    The Pivothead glasses are not usable for skydiving. At all. I've got around 20 jumps with them in various conditions. I can link the Vimeo streams if you really want me to dig them out....this is why Pivothead isn't pushing in our market.
  25. DSE
    The iPhone at 120fps is 640x480. Shutterspeed not withstanding, the codec is terrible. Codec not withstanding, it looks significantly worse than any number of 149.00 cameras. But hey...if someone wants to stick a 500.00 phone on their head, chest, whatever...in a 150.00 box, plus a 50.00 lens kit that isn't nearly the quality of a cheap 150.00 camera...be my guest. on a side note, the 120fps wouldn't remotely match up to the color, gamma, or LUT of the EX...so can't even really be inserted. I think he just wanted the "cool factor." Wasn't my phone, but I didn't want to be the moron that dropped it, either.