Rant & Rave Blog

Reviews, News & Expert Advice

  1. Vigil AAD Menu Item: Info

    To enter the Info menu, press the button after the self-test section immediately on startup when the menu item "Info" is displayed.
    The unit will then display the following informational items in order: Software Version, LCD Version, Serial Number, DOM, total jumps, totall free fall time, last free fall time, saves, temperature and atmospheric pressure. Continue reading
  2. Vigil AAD I.R. Download Box

    The optional download package includes an I.R. Download Box, Vigil II software and USB cable.
    Install the software per the instructions. Attached the I.R. Download Box to your computer. Open the VigilGraph program. Continue reading
  3. Vigil AAD Operations Overview

    The Vigil Cuatro (and past units I, II & II+) is manufactured by Advanced Aersospace Designs out of Belgium. It has three parts: Main Box, Cutter and Control Unit. The Vigil II turns on with 4 button pushes. The first wakes it up, which is followed by a Hello and the Vigil II. As the red LED flashes on the side of the unit, press the button.

    After the 4th button push, the unit will perform a series of self tests on the battery, cutter and control units. This is followed by three different menu items (Setup, Info and Config) that flash on the screen. The screen will then show Enjoy followed by the mode the unit is currently set in: Pro, Student or Tandem. If you press the button while the unit shows Enjoy, you can re-enter the menu items of Setup, Info and Config.

    Continue reading
  4. Vigil AAD Menu Item: Setup

    To enter the Setup menu, press the button after the self-test section immediately on startup when the menu item "Setup" is displayed.
    In setup, you can make an altitude correction for landing at a different elevation than your takeoff elevation. This menu item is also where you can set or change the mode. Continue reading
  5. Argus AAD Battery Replacement

    Note: Video states a 1-year replacement period for Argus batteries, but the manufacturer has since changed its requirement to every repack, 500 jumps or Batt Low reading.

    Two CR123A Lithium batteries are to be replaced every repack, every 500 jumps or when the unit displays Batt Low or Batt Rpl.

    Unscrew Phillips head closing screw. Remove old batteries. Insert new batteries noting the polarity marks on the outside of the unit. Re-install battery back plate and tighten closing screw to snug.

    Continue reading
  6. CYPRES User Selectable Activation Altitude

    All CYPRES 2 units manufactured or serviced after January of 2013 have received an awesome software upgrade.

    The user can now increase the activation altitude of the unit by increments of approximately 100 feet. Maximum increase of activation altitude is 9 steps so approximately 900 ft. These increments or steps are designated by an A (for altitude) and a number times 100. Thus A1 signifies 100 feet above the standard CYPRES activation altitude, A2 signifies 200 feet above and so on. A0 signifies the standard activation altitude.

    Student mode is set to fire at 29 mph and 750 ft AGL.
    Expert mode is set to fire at 78 mph and 750 ft AGL
    Tandem mode is set to fire 75 mph and 1900 ft AGL
    Speed mode is set to fire at 102 mph and 750 ft AGL

    Continue reading
  7. Altimeter Mounting to the Bonehead Altimount

    Altimeters can be hard-mounted to the carbon fiber mount by drilling holes to match the altimeter back plate screws.

    Use longer screws than what is supplied with the altimeter to screw through the bottom of the mount and into the altimeter.

    Continue reading
  8. Bungee Ball Slider Keeper Install & Use

    The Bungee/Ball Slider Keeper is a tent tie-down that can be modified to use as a slider keeper at the top of your reserve pin cover flap. The purpose of this slider keeper is to hold the slider down behind a jumper’s head after the canopy is open so that the slider doesn’t interfere with cameras, the line of sight and/or allows the risers to open up further. This is not a gadget for all skydivers. Consult with your local DZO, S&TA, instructors and peers before using the Bungee/Ball Slider Keeper. This keeper can cause a delay during a cutaway if the slider is stowed in the device.

    Bungee/Ball Slider Keeper Install
    Bungee/Ball Slider Keeper Install
    Continue reading
  9. FlexZ Goggles Strap Adjustment

    To adjust and set your elastic strap on your Flex Z goggles, first pull the strap to your desired length. Make a double-hand overhand knot, followed by a single overhand knot.

    Trim the excess with scissors and lightly melt the edges of the ends of the outer sheath of the strap to keep it from unraveling.

    Continue reading
  10. Gatorz & Liquid Sunglasses: Shaping & Croakies

    Gatorz & Liquid sunglasses are made out of 7075 Billet Aircraft Aluminum with polycarbonate lenses. These glasses can be bent/shaped for your head shape and desired fit. Just apply even, firm pressure to the part you want to shape. Keep trying the glasses on until you find the desired fit. To secure Gatorz or Liquid sunglasses for skydiving, use a pair of Croakies, which slip over the ends of the glasses and then are tightened with the sliding lock at the back of your head. Continue reading

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