Skydive Gear

Skydiving Gear Blog Articles and Expert Advices from the skydiving expert at ChutingStar Skydiving Gear SuperStore!

  1. ChutingStar Buys Used Gear!

    ChutingStar buys high-quality used gear! We don’t buy everything, but we do buy items that our customers are looking for and/or that we know we can find a customer for in the near future. Most likely, you will get more money for your used gear selling it independently. However, if you are looking to earn quick cash, this is the right service for you. These steps below must be followed before sending your used gear to ChutingStar. Continue reading
  2. CYPRES2: Altitude Offset

    The unit can be set with an altitude offset for a jumper taking off from an elevation that is different from where he will be landing his parachute. Press the button to start the LED flashes. Press the button at each LED flash, but on the third LED flash, press and hold through the entire countdown. Continue reading
  3. CYPRES: Cutter Replacement

    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.

    Continue reading
  4. CYPRES2: Filter Replacement

    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.

    Continue reading
  5. CYPRES2: Display Info

    The jump counter, serial number and date of next maintenance can be accessed when turning the unit on. Press the button to start the LED flashes and press the button at each LED flash. Keep your finger over the button (but not pressing it) as you watch the countdown. As soon as the display shows 0, press and hold the button. Continue reading
  6. Overview of CYPRES2 Operations

    The CYPRES2 is an AAD manufactured by Airtec in Germany. The company has manufactured AADs since 1991 and has more than 1000 documented saves. CYPRES is an acronym for CYbernetic Parachute RElease System.
    The unit includes a Processing Unit, Release Unit and Control Unit. The CYPRES2 is waterproof for upto 24 hours down to 5 feet. It has a replaceable water filter. Continue reading
  7. Vigil II Service Bulletin PSB-5 Affects Cutters

    AAD, the manufacturer of Vigil II, has released a Product Service Bulletin that affects all Type 3 cutters manufactured in December 2007. This affects 199 Vigil cutters manufactured during that month, according to AAD.

    The cutters are to be replaced during the next scheduled inspection/repack.

    Continue reading
  8. Longer Battery Life for Vigil

    Skydivers who own an original Vigil automatic opener have been given an extra 6 years on the mandatory battery change per the manufacturer. The owner's manual for the original Vigil states a lifespan of 4 years or 700 jumps for the Vigil. But an e-mail to Vigil dealers from Advanced Aerospace Designs last week stated that field experience has shown the lifespan can be extended to "1500 jumps or 10 years as long as the message 'Bat Low' or 'Bat Rpl' doesn't appear on the screen." Continue reading
  9. Vigil II: Battery Replacement

    Note: Vigil Manufacturer, AAD, no longer supplies batteries for replacement by the user or riggers. Vigil owners must now send their units into Vigil America or AAD to have the battery replaced (see here). These instructions below were made when the batteries were available separately. The Vigil II battery is designed to last a minimum of 2000 jumps. The manufacturer recommends replacement at 5 years and mandates replacement at 10 years.
    Vigil II: Battery Replacement Vigil II: Battery Replacement
    Continue reading
  10. Vigil AAD Menu Item: Config

    To enter the Config menu, press the button after the self-test section immediately on startup when the menu item "Config" is displayed. In the Configuration menu, you can change the type of measurements, the character orientation on the display and the contrast of the display. Continue reading