stopNgoBeau

You're site was one of the first I came across. Really cool stuff. If I were closer to CA (in Baton Rouge, LA) I would meet up and see what its all about.

Yes, applicable to homosexual people only. What else would it be applicable to?

In order to correct the issue of higher frequency fade out, I intended to use something lower, possibly in the 2m band or as high as 70cm (144Mhz and 440Mhz respectively, if you aren't a HAM and are not familiar with the wavelengths). This, at around 2 to 5 watts, on a leg strapped transmitter using a rubber "duck" should help with range issues and issues with transmitting through a fuselage or a leg. I've see fade outs occur on videos as the jumped tumbles immediately after leaving the plane, which to me is particularly fascinating and telling of the problems associated with 900Mhz to 1.2 or 2.4 Ghz. My main concern is finding the gear that can do this while maintaining a small size and finding a good place that I can strap it without interfering with the more important systems (i.e., the canopy, container, and, God forbid, the reserve). Fitting most of it under the suit would help to keep snags from occurring. Camera placement also comes to mind. What would a person on the ground want to see? Me, as in a camera mounted on the wrist? Or the surrounding area or another jumper, as see through a helmet mounted camera?

I don't really give a damn if they are comfortable with it or not. DADT was discrimination. I suggest they either learn to adapt or resign their commissions/enlistments for the betterment of the unit.

Thanks for the replies. I'm looking forward to exploring the different aspects of this sport and finding out how to 'customize' it for my own experiences. And, yes, now its time to gain some experience first.

I see some rather old posts regarding the use of Ham Radio while under canopy. I've been a licensed Technician (No-Code!) since 1993, but haven't made a contact in years. I'd really in interested (after lots of time accumulated, not anytime soon) of rigging a VHF/UHF transmitter with TV capabilities for use during free fall and under canopy. I know it wouldn't be a first by any far stretch, but it would be for me. Anyone have any experience with this, or care to recommend equipment for it? I'm still in training, but I would imagine this equipment would be expensive and would need to save up to purchase it (just like equipment in any other hobby). Also, any thoughts on getting the DZ operator to sign off on letting me use it? Again, I wouldn't even begin to attempt to try this until well after achieving my A card. Blue skies and 73's, KC5DXR

From Baton Rouge, LA, and read something somewhere about your book earlier this summer, before I knew I'd be jumping tandem for the first time and getting hooked on the sport. Definitely will pick up a copy.

No matter where you go, you will find a Tiger fan, and near that fan you will find good food. Geaux Tigers!

Hi all, Had my first tandem experience on 8/13/11 and was hooked. Spur of the moment jump on 9/11/11 convinced me to make it part of the tandem to IAF instruction, so I hope to finish the course by the end of 2011. If things continue as they are, this is going to be a hard habit to break. Say hello, especially if you're from the area. I live in Baton Rouge, LA and jump from the Slidell Municipal Airport with Skydive N'awlins.