WingFlyer 0 #1 June 6, 2007 Does the Optima automatically turn itself off? If so, what are the conditions under which it turns itself off? How about powering it on. Will it turn on automatically once the plane climbs, or does it need to be manually turned on while on the ground? If no DZ offset is needed, and it has auto-on functionality, is using that feature not recommended against for any reason? For example, is it safer to manually turn it on for it to zero itself on the ground before going up in the plane? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #3 June 6, 2007 Giving him a link where he can download the FM to R is a bit more neighborly. http://www.l-and-b.dk/optimamanual.htmlArrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingFlyer 0 #4 June 6, 2007 Come on now cowboy. Have you RTFM? This isn't in the FM, which is why I posted in the first place. The manual just talks about manual on/off, and I don't know whether it's because there is no auto off or if its an omission. Pro dytter has auto off, and optima was released after that so I would be suprised if it didn't have som similar functionality. Ralph Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JustChuteMeNow 0 #5 June 7, 2007 The optima does not auto turn off. It is set up more or less like a watch. It automatically sets itself to zero where ever you are and never needs to be touched until the battery starts to lose power. It is pretty damn convenient Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UDSkyJunkie 0 #6 June 7, 2007 Sadly not... that's my only complaint against it, otherwise I love mine (and it's a good deal cheaper than the competition). I usually forgot to turn mine off last year, and still got 6+ months of battery time, but audibles that shut themselves off should last years on a single set of batteries."Some people follow their dreams, others hunt them down and beat them mercilessly into submission." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #7 June 7, 2007 QuoteThe manual just talks about manual on/off, and I don't know whether it's because there is no auto off or if its an omission. Pro dytter has auto off, and optima was released after that so I would be suprised if it didn't have som similar functionality. So, now you should be surprised..... Auto off could be a major impact on user experience. Why do you think it could have been dropped out from the user manual only? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingFlyer 0 #8 June 7, 2007 Because stranger things have happened, and the manual makes no mention of it being setup more like a watch and designed to be left on. Another weirdness. even if it isn't really designed to be left on. I would rather drop 6$ for batteries every 6 months than have to peel and unpeel ear pads on my Mamba to turn it on and off. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Floats18 0 #9 June 7, 2007 I just leave mine on all the time... I've had it for almost a year (and 250 jumps) and it still shows full battery. I love the thing... its great!--- and give them wings so they may fly free forever DiverDriver in Training Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HALO1 0 #10 June 7, 2007 Agree with Floats. Mine has been on continously for a long time (we jump year round) with many hundreds of jumps... battery is still at full power. I would recommend manual off for commercial flights and during off season... If you have one. Otherwise, leave it on. Don't be sexist… Broads hate that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingFlyer 0 #11 June 7, 2007 Cool. The company that makes Optima confirmed that the unit is designed to be left on (I emailed them.) Looks like a great design. That's perfect. turn it on, stick it in and forget about it. Its nice that it does a diagnostic at 1,000feet which I can cross reference with a visual alti to ensure the audible zerod itself properly. One thing that bugs me are the canopy alerts. I want to set the lower alert to 200 feet to practice standard landing approaches (I'm not a swooper.) Why won't it let me set the final leg entry point to 200!!! Manual says minimum = 300....why? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #12 June 8, 2007 QuoteManual says minimum = 300....why? Don't you think that its high time to turn to final at least 100m? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airgord 1 #13 June 8, 2007 I want to turn all of the canopy alerts off, manual says put all alert heights to ---, can't make it happen somehow. Help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingFlyer 0 #14 June 8, 2007 Do you have a standup comedy routine we can buy tickets for? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #15 June 8, 2007 Quote Do you have a standup comedy routine we can buy tickets for? Is this the topic of the thread? Why a hell do you want lower alarms? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Floats18 0 #16 June 8, 2007 Remember the 'CREEPS' I think that came with an 'In the corner' alert... Maybe the optima should have an 'In the corner' alarm as well! I'll write L&B My canopy alarms are 1800 feet (decision), 1000 feet (pattern) and 300 feet (prep for landing). I swoop 90* inside the pattern when traffic is clear but I use my neptune to set up my altitude for turn initiation. The 300 foot height is perfect as a last alarm 'cuz it says: "you're getting low you dumb bastard" --- and give them wings so they may fly free forever DiverDriver in Training Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #17 June 8, 2007 Quote The 300 foot height is perfect as a last alarm 'cuz it says: "you're getting low you dumb bastard" Depends. I have the lowest on 100m. I start my 90 approach about 80-90m on my Pilot. . If a canopy is trimmed flat.... They had to draw time line somewhere. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingFlyer 0 #18 June 8, 2007 >>Why a hell do you want lower alarms? Why? Becasue I turn for final at 200feet that's why. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
strop45 0 #19 June 8, 2007 Yip, and I'm generally the same. I think the reason that the minimum setpoint is 300' is to do with accuracy. If the optima's error is say 50' then at 300' setting thats 250-350'. With a 100' minimum thats 50' to 150'. I hear the 300' beep, have a look at the ground, where I am, where I want to land and then fly on to my final turn. The advantage of the optima is that I can spend my time looking around for other canopies, looking at the ground, estimating height by eye, working out wind speed etc and not looking at my wrist mount. Back to the original thread title, I haven't replaced the batteries or turned it off in the last year, although I did spend some time one day searching my car to see what was beeping (cellphone, low fuel alarm??? what is it???) as I drove over a 2000' hill.The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." -- Albert Einstein Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #20 June 9, 2007 Quote >>Why a hell do you want lower alarms? Why? Becasue I turn for final at 200feet that's why. AFAIK last turn in std. pattern is on 100m. Do you have a visual altimeter, don't you? You should be really busy under your big'O canopy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
strop45 0 #21 June 9, 2007 Quote AFAIK last turn in std. pattern is on 100m. And does everyone use your standard pattern ? Here's at least one variation.... From Australian Parachute Federation B license Manual EXERCISE 10. LANDING: The novice plans a landing approach from around 2000’ to simulate a normal jump using the “J” approach method as the target is always in view. The approach is commenced at an altitude of approx. 500 feet, upwind of the target and parallel to the wind line. A turn onto the “base” leg should be made around 350 feet, by performing a 90-degree turn across the wind, downwind of the target. A further 90-degree turn onto the final approach into wind is made at about 150 feet.The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." -- Albert Einstein Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #22 June 10, 2007 QuoteQuote AFAIK last turn in std. pattern is on 100m. And does everyone use your standard pattern ? Here's at least one variation.... From Australian Parachute Federation B license Manual EXERCISE 10. LANDING: The novice plans a landing approach from around 2000’ to simulate a normal jump using the “J” approach method as the target is always in view. The approach is commenced at an altitude of approx. 500 feet, upwind of the target and parallel to the wind line. A turn onto the “base” leg should be made around 350 feet, by performing a 90-degree turn across the wind, downwind of the target. A further 90-degree turn onto the final approach into wind is made at about 150 feet. If I don't do a high speed approach I fly std. left pattern. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingFlyer 0 #23 June 10, 2007 QuoteDo you have a visual altimeter, don't you? You should be really busy under your big'O canopy. Yep, I do have a visual and use it of course. I'm running a 1.21 wing loading, and though that may not sound like much to people with more experience, it's plenty to keep me in check, so the beeping for final helps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #24 June 10, 2007 Actually it seems like a rather high wingloading for some one with your number of jumps. Don't fawk up!"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #25 June 10, 2007 Was the wing load a question here? Do you know what size of canopy is he jumping? Because size does matter! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
