MotherGoose

When a little plane DZ gets a big plane, a conflict arises. Normally, each operation has its own structure and rules but the big planes bring big demands. DZO’s are often left with difficult decisions to fill demands for increased business needs. There is no cut and dry answer here, the vidiots just need to talk. There should be some rules but in the end, a DZO needs to get shit going and he can’t worry about hurting everyone’s feelings. Regarding the minimum requirements, I think it’s a moot point. I think most everyone did not follow the recommendations for video flying, including the OP (correct me if I’m wrong Jeff). During peak season, you need the extra bodies to keep the flow going, and then as soon as it slows down a bit and all the vidiots show up, it seems that’s when the territorial pissings begin. First we’re the ones on the outside looking in, wondering when our chance will come. Then we get our shot and we immediately become the guy shunning the others and hoarding all the work. There is no in-between, I find it so funny. I’m friends with a few of the posters here including the OP and I feel that this must be said, if only to contribute to the dialogue about the causes of these video conflicts. In my very humble and inexperienced opinion as a long-time observer of the political and social relationships at dropzones, I think that when skydivers go “full-time”, that changes the entire dynamic at the dropzone and directly affects the discipline that the “full-timer” partakes in (cam,tandem,packing,etc.). A similar conflict exists with the folks who dedicate every weekend as opposed to those who chose to come once or twice a month. People gain a sense of ownership based on their perception of time devoted and they expect the DZO to defend this dedication. Some DZO’s choose to get involved in this and others prefer to remain oblivious. In the end, you need to realize that this sport/industry, especially in Canada, is not sustainable. Many people have commented on this. If you choose to make a living in the sport (and I’m not saying you shouldn’t), then be prepared for all of the bullshit involved. You will need to put up with a lot of conflict with others that want their piece of the pie. It’s a small community, just talk. Talk with the DZO, talk with the other vidiots and come to an understanding. Shit, maybe even have a meeting (note I said “a” meeting, let’s not overdo it). One last thing, cameras are cheap and people are getting them sooner and sooner. If you think you have problems now at your local DZ’s, wait another year or two when the next wave of up-and-comers ALL have cameras on their heads at 100 jumps or less .. . . IT WILL HAPPEN. Better have your rules figured out by then. You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Post pictures of your setup !! You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Interesting . . . often enough or hard enough to warn against such a purchase ? You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

So bear with me, its late and Im tired . . . you mounted both on TOP ? Was a plate used? Please explain. Any photos ? You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Well I hope you know that I appreciate everyones perspective. If I had more money and that pesky CDN dollar was not going for a shit, I would definitely be singing a different tune. Being in Canada too . . . we're exposed exlusively to the setups of those around us and we have to rely on pictures to make expensive decisions. I look forward to a Florida road trip this winter to get to finally try out some of these other options. Thanks to all for your feedback, don't stop.

Please excuse my lack of experience. You point out the fact that professional vid-dudes use XYZ so ABC must be useless and I think this is unfair and highly irrelevant to lowly souls such as myself. I am looking at flying vid at a small dz operation in canada, not a jump factory in the US. I need a decent closeup 30-60sec capture of some thrill seekers first skydive so they can show their friends that they are hardcore. Im looking to do this with an HC5 and an inexpensive and relatively safe helmet. At this point, the setup the pros use is no more relevant to me than learning about filming freefall in IMAX. Its simply not important. For the bunch of us on here with 500+ skydives that have been afforded the opportunity to make some extra jump money through vid, we're just looking for some entry-level guidance so that when we spend up to $2000 on a setup, we don't regret it. I thought that was what these forums were about ? ** yes, $2000 is a lot of money for some of us. You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

I too am intently reading and following this great debate about the HC5 sidemount. I must say that The111's comments are not very convincing. Simply stating your preference is not much of a help (with all due respect). I'd ask for your reasons, but I've read the same rhetoric in other threads about riser strikes. I am leaning back towards the FF3 sidemounted HC5 setup. Thanks to all for the valuable feedback ! You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Same experience here with the "screenshot" quality stills during video record. Not sure there is anything that can be done. I think it only shoots true 4mp in still mode. You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Nice setup, thanks. You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Hate to be a bother but do you have any pictures of this setup ? You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Get a haircut and get a REAL JOB !! You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Quick couple of questions though, as this setup seems to be getting more common. How are the openings ? Seems like the Center of gravity is way forward. Also, does the video catch the still camera in the frame ? You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Nice setup, is that a one piece mount ? Is it custom ? You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Is there a name for this type of dive yet? ...may I suggest : "TRY YOUR HARDEST NOT TO DIE AS EVERYONE AROUND YOU TRIES TO KILL YOU." seriously . . . awesome You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

I have the card at home, I'll send the info tonight. You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Poor Shrop . . . I believe the term is FRUGAL. I agree that packers should not necessarily get tipped. That doesn't mean you shouldn't, but to answer the O.P.'s question, there is no finite answer. Do what you want, pay what you want at your DZ and observe the normal practices of places you visit. Packers are an interesting animal, they sit there all day doing the one task that everyone else on the dropzone completely loathes !! And they do it with endless determination. Don't feel sorry for a packer though, they make good coin. No one is forcing anyone to pack, its a volunteer program that pays very well. When I was a packer, I don't recall tips ever being brought up. We just packed and took our money. Not a lot of experienced people paying for packjobs at that DZ though. I welcome a tip from a student when I am doing a job that the DZ is paying me for, but when you are paying me to pack your own rig cash money, I dictate the price that I want, you agree and we're both happy. (my price includes tip ) You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

I've been reading EXTENSIVELY on these forums for any info on an ideal setup (with stills) for the HC5. I've also messaged back and forth with Bowen. I would be very interested in seeing your FF3 setup when you get it, and hearing your feedback. The price that Bowen is offering is really nice but if that Canadian Loonie keeps dropping I think Im going to duct tape the camera to a Protec !! You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

**BUMP** Sonic helmet - has anyone tried topmount HC5 with front mount stills ?? You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Yah I believe thats the same Sam. The HC5 is NTSC . . . they're leftovers from SonyStyle stores. Some of them are open box but they are still brand new. Its very worth the drive for that price, not to mention that you can barely find any of these new cams out there any more. To answer your other question, this is a SONY outlet, they don't carry other brands. You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

A friend passed on some info that payed off (thanks Sam G.) and I thought some of you may want to know. This doesn't apply to everyone, for that I apologize, but if you live in Ontario Canada, Northern NY or have access to people in those areas, there is a Sony Outlet Store in Niagara Falls (Canada) that has HC5's and A200's (DSLR) for dirt cheap. I picked up my brand new HC5 for $465 CDN out the door. And they have A200's for $470 as well. The sales guy told me to let others know that he still has a bunch left, so im just passing it on. If you'd like the name and number of the sales guy, let me know. .... now back to helmet hunting for my new cam .... You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

I was thinking HC5 on top and XTI on the forehead. Do you think this will work? You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

**double bump** Whats the word on topmounting vid and front mounting stills on the Diablo ? You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

** BUMP ** any more feedback on the HC5 + FF3 combination? You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE POOR BATS. What's next? Exploding skydivers? Wind turbines make bat lungs explode * 17:00 25 August 2008 * NewScientist.com news service * Catherine Brahic "Beware: exploding lungs" is not a sign one would expect to see at a wind farm. But a new study suggests this is the main reason bats die in large numbers around wind turbines. The risk that wind turbines pose to birds is well known and has dogged debates over wind energy. In fact, several studies have suggested the risk to bats is greater. In May 2007, the US National Research Council published the results of a survey of US wind farms showing that two bat species accounted for 60% of winged animals killed. Migrating birds, meanwhile, appear to steer clear of the turbines. Why bats - who echolocate moving objects - are killed by turbines has remained a mystery until now. The research council thought the high-frequency noise from the turbines' gears and blades could be disrupting the bats' echolocation systems. In fact, a new study shows that the moving blades cause a drop in pressure that makes the delicate lungs of bats suddenly expand, bursting the tissue's blood vessels. This is known as a barotrauma, and is well-known to scuba divers. "While searching for bat carcasses under wind turbines, we noticed that many of the carcasses had no external injuries or no visible cause of death," says Erin Baerwald of the University of Calgary in Canada. Internal injuries Baerwald and colleagues collected 188 dead bats from wind farms across southern Alberta, and determined their cause of death. They found that 90% of the bats had signs of internal haemorrhaging, but only half showed any signs of direct contact with the windmill blades. Only 8% had signs of external injuries but no internal injuries. The movement of wind-turbine blades creates a vortex of lower air pressure around the blade tips similar to the vortex at the tip of aeroplane wings. Others have suggested that this could be lethal to bats, but until now no-one had carried out necropsies to verify the theory. Baerwald and her colleagues believe that birds do not suffer the same fate as bats - the majority of birds are killed by direct contact with the blades - because their lungs are more rigid than those of bats and therefore more resistant to sudden changes in pressure. Bats eat nocturnal insects including agricultural pests, so if wind turbines affected their population levels, this could affect the rest of the local ecosystems. And the effects could even be international. "The species being killed are migrants," says Baerwald. "If bats are killed in Canada that could have consequences for ecosystems as far away as Mexico." Windy day One solution could be to increase the minimum wind speed needed to set the blades in motion. Most bats are more active in low wind. The study was funded by a number of bat conservation groups together with energy companies with a financial interest in wind energy, such as Shell Canada and Alberta Wind Energy. Journal reference: Current Biology (vol 18 p R696) You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.

Another question to which there is no one answer to. A lot of these guys are right . . . it is "relatively" easy to get women interested in you because you are a skydiver. As a first impression, there are hardly any other hobbies/professions that can compare in attractiveness. BUT . . . if you are after a more long-term meaningful relationship (yes I said it), then that is where you may run into some problems. As time goes by, you're stories are not so exciting, her friends are not as impressed as they first were that her "boyfriend is a skydiver". and she is not as patient as she used to be for sitting around the dz all day (if you work there). To reference Terminator again, Judgement Day cometh when the girlfriend comes to the realization that it actually takes time and effort to be a skydiver, and that time and effort is taken from them. Then, 90% of the time . . . they ditch you. Cheer up . . . skydivers are like a giant support group. We have nightly meetings at the bonfire over a case of beer. "Hello, my name is Goose, and I am a skydiver . . . it has been 3 weeks since my girl left me . . . please help . . ." "Don't worry Goose, you are not alone. We are all in this together . . . group hug and chug You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed.