Parachute Rigging

The cutter on a CYPRES2 can be replaced by your local rigger. The cutter should be replaced if damaged and/or if it is fired.

To replace the cutter, turn off the CYPRES2 unit. Unplug the cutter. Plug in the new cutter.

The CYPRES2 is waterproof for up to 24 hours down to 5 feet. If the unit gets wet, the filter must be replaced.

You will need a water filter replacement tool from Airtec and a new filter. Place the tool onto the filter and twist counterclockwise to remove the older filter. Dry any remaining water where the water filter is located.

The Cutter and Display are replaceable by your local rigger. The Display must be of the correct version for your unit, so check with the manufacturer. All Vigil II displays are interchangeable.

Unscrew both Phillips head closing screws and separate the main box casing. Gently lift-up and remove the cutter or display, keeping the rubber seal in place. Insert the new cutter or display through the rubber seal without damage. Seat the rubber seal in the appropriate grooves.

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.

Past posts on rigging forums at one time focused on one manufacturer's solution to keeping a collapsed slider at the base of the risers after opening without anchoring the slider to the container. Many jumpers have concerns about a number of slider holders that connect the slider to the top of the reserve container, which could potentially cause a cutaway delay.

When Team Method (Steve-O Utter, T.J. Landgren and Nate Gilbert) arrived at Atlanta Skydiving Center in 2001, the freefly team showed-off a new slider block design. Over the next few years, ChutingStar riggers tweaked and modified the design for strength, durability and aesthetics.

(Published in Blue Skies Magazine)

Hidden behind flaps, under grommets and inside your container are tiny pieces of metal that can end your Sky God status in a hurry. In an ideal world, all the metal in skydiving is polished, shiny and smooth as silk. But manufacturing issues, abnormal wear and just plain sharp edges can lead to frayed and broken loops in your main and reserve container. The inspection is easy; a little bit of time and some basic knowledge on what to look for will go a long way in keeping your container closed when you need it to be. You can also save yourself from having to constantly replace your loops.