blair700

I believe I am, my stuff's at the DZ right now, but I'm almost positive that's what I use. Blair

Thanks for the info, I am using the Cannon kit lens with it though, and its more like something inside is 'broken'. When you press the button it only clicks a little, and doesn't record an image, then the error code. Shut down and remove battery, lens, etc. Fire it up again and same thing.....we'll see, maybe they'll offer me a credit on the 20D Blair

So after about 40 shots, I got an error code 99, sent it in, they replaced the 'shutter release mech', still under warrenty, got it back, balloon jump, got 2 shots on exit, then the same problem, they have it again now, anyone else have this issue?? Do I have a lemon?? The problem has occured both times in freefall, could it be biteswitch related??? Thanks Blair

I'm REALLY looking forward to the Pheonix Fly booth! Robi's new gear is sure to be a BIG hit! Later Blair

Thanks for the info Tom. I also would like to hear your comparison with the Blackjack, if possible. Also, what do you attribute the seemingly 'superior' heading performance too? I figured most all BASE canopies have the same chance to open on heading, but the major differences is in the packing and deployment method, as well as weather....? Are you coming back home this winter? If so bring your small PC's and sliders Later Blair

Skydive Carolina in Chester SC, twin otter, Strong rigs, plenty of video/still talent, great safety record. Check it out www.skydivecarolina.com Later Blair

Anyone got a line on where I can purchase some smoke brackets, specifically ones that I could use while wearing my wingsuit? Thanks Blair

I tried my APS camera once on an A about 1900' up near the stinger, Cannon IX lite, the readout on the screen was some voodoo encrypted shite, and it wouldn't respond to any control inputs, shutter release, mode change...etc. I'm SURE it was the 'buzz' from the tower.....try going a little lower Later Blair

Yuri, Congrats from all your friends in the Carolinas, looking forward to seeing you again soon! Later Blair

Nope, it was at night as well, C-ya soon! Blair

FWIW, 1st WS BASE jump: Exited from ~1700'AGL, nailed the exit, right into full flight mode, REALIZED MY DREAM, deployed on heading, high, ~500'. 2nd WS BASE jump: Exit was just below 1800' AGL, 10 second flight, out over the trees, deployed around 700' and a nice long canopy ride back. I flubbed the exit, waffled a bit, then kicked it for a second or 2....felt really relxed but not satisfied with the flight Prior to both flights I was able to make a 'simulation' jump without the suit, practicing the exit, flight modes, and deployments...all while scouting LZ's. So, I'm unable to get to a terminal wall right now, but I DO believe that terminal towers can be IDEAL sites for first WS flights. I believe currency is the key, both on BASE jumps and WS skydives. A nice tailwind is comforting, and prior scouting of alternate outs a must. My setup is a Gargoyle/ACE, with a 38" ZP internal handle, one with an AV and one without. Thanks y'all Blair

Yo! I have a PC 330 and yes, Quade knows all. The camera takes great video, but I preferred the controls and setup of the 110. Anyways, I attached a pic of a frame grab from a PC110...and I can't believe they actually pay me to do this stuff... Later Blair

Yo! I'll be there with the SC crew and my GTI, let's flock it up...you FREAK! Blair

Cool man, I got my first wingsuit balloon jump last Saturday evening. Got out at 2800' and was open at 1200, protrack said 19 seconds of ff but video shows more like 16. Was cool but my exit was not as clean as I'd have liked, funny how I was much better the first time off the tower. Great stuff!!! Later Blair

Nice video dude, CONGRATS! Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing the vid! Later Blair

Thanks everyone. The strap is the only thing holding the camera in, although it fits snug enough in the foam of the box that it stays when inverted and shaken without the strap...but I do worry about it and MAY do something with the tripod screw hole. As far as the remote location, yes it does protrude out, however the helmet itself and its broadness protect it somewhat from a riser strike, I have about 200 jumps on it with the still in the same place, I just recently had the box moved up to accomodate the digiRebel. I've not had any issues YET with the remote plug/strike scenario, but I bet on a nasty spinner I'd likely tear some stuff up. And yes, I'm SURE if I put a wide angle on you would pick up the helmet in the field of view. Fortunately, I'm able to get away with the std lens as I primarily shoot tandems. On occasion I shoot small freefly formations, and as long as I'm flying decent, I can capture 4, sometimes 6 ways if they are tight. I do have a hawkeye that I fly for fun and wingsuits, and jump the vid on the left side and still up top, so I could use that helmet with a super wide angle on the stills one day One thing my box guy is working on for me is a carbon fiber 'lid' for the video box. I have a bad habit of smacking my head on alot of hard stuff in and outside the plane I just want a little more protection up there. As always, its a work in progress, and I'm always grateful for ANY suggestions or feedback to help us all learn more. Later Blair O yea, I can't believe ITdiver didn't say anything about my ghetto ass locking tripod mount dohicky that holds the still cams on It's no stroboframe, but......

Flat top pro, Pc330, and Cannon IXlite OR DigiRebel

How's this one?? Thanks to SM1 and Vladi for doing such a great job with the BMI, and the largest flocks ever seen over Chester

yup, all weekend... Blair

Yo! I think you left out an important choice.. the Pilot. I actually demoed 4 different canopies before I decided on the Pilot, and I made the least amount of jumps on it. When it comes down to it, what is the single most important factor for a WS canopy...IMHO the OPENINGS!!!. Once I decided that's what I was looking for the Pilot was the obvious choice. I'm also quite happy with the flight characteristics of the canopy as well. Later Blair PS I load the Pilot 168 at a hair under 1.4psf

Justin, It was NOT 697, I'm awaiting his call though, I'm sure he'll be glad to see you. Please express our condolences as well. Later Blair

You must have the magic touch... although I like the number of jumps in your profile, Your NEW number is even better!! Congrats 918! C-ya Blair

I used to jump a 280, and now I own 2 310's, one is an Ace and one a BJ. I upsized due to the types of jumps I usually do, mostly slider down, lots of time landing downwind or in tight areas. Since I've switched over to the larger canopies, I'm landing alot softer. In regards to opening speed, I believe it does take longer for a larger canopy to get flying for a few reasons, but the most basic to understand are longer lines and more fabric. I have no hard data to support this theory, but MANY MANY times I've jumped with a friend who jumps 240's, and even with the same delay, he always has a longer canopy ride. Does he get open higher?? I believe so, but not by much, however his canopy rides are exponentially longer. I'm not sure how to explain this, but it may due MORE to 'suspended weight' than wingloading or opening speed. That said, are you ok to freefall a 63 meter cliff with a 310.....hhhhmmmmm probably, but I'd definitely want the BlackJack overhead. Of course, if you are freefalling a 63 meter cliff regularly, where I'm from that's not soft at all, that's hard as fuk!!! I guess the best thing is to get the larger canopy and start up a little higher with some testing, maybe 300' or so.? Hope this helps, Blair PS my wingloading is about .77PSF

Anyone from here going to be there this weekend?? Blair

Skymonkey1 is hosting a BMI at Skydive Carolina on Friday July 16th. Interested candidates should contact him directly for further information. CASA boogie to follow that same weekend. Later Blair