chutingstar

The range has been wide for sure lately. We've recently sold used Argus units on our site for around $900, and I've shipped some out for international customers that they've found from other drop zones for around $500 each. Some countries don't have any restrictions on AAD type/use. And many containers in the U.S. allow the Argus. We currently have new units from the last batch made by Aviacom that are selling for $1150 and were manufactured in May 2011. Owners of Mirage, Wings, Infinity, Basik, Racer and Dolphin rigs have still been buying new or used Argus units. These aren't selling as frequently as Cypres2 or Vigil II units, but they are still selling for more than $0 and being used by skydivers. http://www.chutingstar.com/newgear_en/argus-aad.html We've also just had our busiest month for servicing Argus units last month with 30+ units serviced in November and 6 more to do next week. So the Argus is not dead or worthless by any means. Mike ChutingStar.com

Send Mike (ChutingStar) a picture with the question and ask his opinion/recommendations. We spoke today and he is sending these back to us for an RSL ring on the correct side. So yes, the RSL routing can't be correctly completed with the risers he has...the ring needs to be inboard on the correct side. Mike ChutingStar.com

Here is the message I received from Candace at Vigil USA today, that was passed along from AAD: So there isn't an available software update at this time. Mike ChutingStar.com

Here's a do-it-yourself guide that may help if you don't end up sending it in to us. http://www.chutingstar.com/expertadvice_en/photo-video/16-camera-helmet-mounting-tips.html Mike ChutingStar.com

The above paragraph from Bryan Burke is not true. Aviacom's cutter was specifically made for skydiving and to fit in skydiving rigs. The company that did make the cutter for the Argus is a company that makes cutters for other applications, and the Argus cutter was specifically made for the skydiving application. It is no secret that Aviacom is still trying to develop another cutter because the current cutter manufacturer does not want to be in the skydiving market anymore due to liability reasons in relation the low-volume of business and high risk compared to everything else that cutter manufacturer sells. This information is straight from the owner of Aviacom, Karel Goorts. The reason/argument for banning the Argus due to the possibility of a partially cut loop letting go at climb out is a bit far-fetched, especially with all the other reasons that this can happen which are near impossible to monitor or control. At least with an Argus, if the unit truly had a partially cut loop sitting in the reserve tray following a jump, someone could look/see Replc Cutter on the display before the next jump and know the cutter had fired. But this scenario is no more plausible than a misfire by any of the three major AADs on climb out. If making this argument for banning the Argus, it seems you would need further rules/precautions if this "canopy over the tail" were the true scare. It's more likely for a main pilot chute to get loose on climb out, or a damaged reserve or main loop to give way, or an accidental pull of the reserve handle on exit or a reserve pin to get dislodged...or any other AAD issue. Grounding a skydiver with an Argus because of this long-shot occurrence should theoretically ground everyone since it is easier to monitor this possible scenario than most of the others. I personally own/jump all 3 AADs, and a rig without, and feel no more/less secure with any of them. The electronics and mechanics of any of these can fail or misfire at any time...none of them are perfect. Mike ChutingStar.com

Hey Laurenco, Sorry for the delay. Check your e-mail. Talk soon, Mike ChutingStar.com

You'll want the lens just past the side if the helmet. But you're bigger problem will be side-mounting the flat-sided cage to the side of the rounded Rawa Vision. That doesn't work too well. Rawa makes boxes that match the curve of the helmet. It makes for a cleaner setup. Flat-sided boxes or cages don't work well on the side of Rawa helmets. Here is a Rawa box that would work: http://www.chutingstar.com/newgear_en/rawa-cx110-150-camera-box.html Note the curve on the side-mount version. Mike ChutingStar.com

We have the foam breather in stock for immediate shipment...this would be the best way to address the situation rather than drilling the visor: http://www.chutingstar.com/newgear_en/g2-foam-breather.html. Cookie has definitely acknowledged the issue and is working on a permanent design change to address this issue with the G3 helmet. Arizona Airspeed is currently testing this new design for Cookie. Mike ChutingStar.com

Cookie has released this add-on for those having fogging issues: http://www.chutingstar.com/newgear_en/g2-foam-breather.html Mike ChutingStar.com

Here ya go. Mike ChutingStar.com

Just checked on my HypEye D Pro button holes... It's a 5/8" hole and then I use a #10 O-Ring to secure the button flange once pushed through the hole. This works on most carbon fiber helmets as they are relatively thin. For composite or fiberglass helmets, such as a Rawa, we make the 5/8" hole, but then make two small holes on both sides of the main hole that you can use to zip-tie the two cables exiting the button to the inside of the helmet...which also keeps the button from being pushed back into the helmet. Zip-ties come with the HypEye D Pro. Mike ChutingStar.com

Yes, you'll want to drill a similar hole in the top of your helmet to match the hole in the bottom of the box to feed the HypEye D Pro connector from inside the helmet and into the box. I think it's a 3/4" hole for the HypEye D Pro button hole and then I use an 0-ring to keep the button from getting pushed back into the helmet by wrapping that around the button edge once pushed through the hole. I can verify the hole size tomorrow when I'm back at the shop. Mike ChutingStar.com

Mike, I have a quick question for you, as I too have had much difficulty in locating a users manual online. I have an eclipse container (size A, I think???). I bought it with a PD 126R and a Stiletto 135 in it, rig was perfect size, shape and fit. I've since got rid of the Stiletto 135 and would like to pass this rig on to my husband, who needs a larger canopy than a 135. I wonder what size main I could safely fit into this Eclipse size A container? Still have the PD 126R in it, does the manual have recommended reserve/main combinations for the different sized containers made by Eclipse? FatButtSitFlyer in Moab We only have a few remaining Eclipse customers around here, so not sure on the full sizing range. But if the Stiletto 135 fit comfortably, then you should be able to go up one size. Best would be to borrow someone's 150 to pack it in this container just to know for sure. Mike ChutingStar.com

I'm definitely not perfect...lots of people will tell you that. But we did and continue to provide unbiased advice about as many products as possible, with one being a comparison of AADs. Still, these are in the end my opinions based on my experiences. I've updated the article a bit given the recent events, but keep in mind Aviacom and Mirage have still not touched or tested the rig and/or AAD yet. So conclusions on the issue are still forthcoming. My understanding is that an investigation with the FAA, a DPRE and others begins Monday at Skydive San Marcos, which will result in the gear being turned over to Aviacom and/or Mirage afterward for further investigation and testing. And then after that, we'll have a clearer understanding on the true issue and how it can be resolved. Mike ChutingStar.com

After it fires and you look at the display. ChutingStar.com

On the Argus it states: Replc Cutter Mike ChutingStar.com

I hope not. I think they are jumping the gun given the history of AAD incidents from all manufacturers. I know Aviacom, the FAA and an independent DPRE are involved in the investigation among others. And we'll have much better info once that is completed. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Mike ChutingStar.com

This was sent to me by Mirage via the newsletter e-mail on 18March2011: News: Mirage Systems will no longer be supporting or authorizing the use of Argus's in our containers. We will keep you posted with further information in the upcoming bulletin from the PIA. And then a follow-up from Jeannie at Mirage today after asking for a bulletin or more info: We will send out more info shortly, but at this time we are no longer authorizing the use of Argus's in our containers. Mike ChutingStar.com

See link, but it all boils down to this: SERVICE BULLETIN: All users of an Aviacom Argus equipped Rigging Innovations harness and container system should remove the Argus AAD from their system, prior to making ANY further jumps with the system. http://rigginginnovations.com/support/sb/SB-1548.pdf Mike ChutingStar.com

The GPS dimension difference is just in a bigger (taller) slide button on top. The GPS version will work with the Rawa and 2KC boxes, but it's definitely a tighter fit and takes a bit more effort for turning on/off. The GetHypoxic Contour Mount bypasses that issue since it mounts via the rail system. So this type of system may be your best bet with the GPS-style Contour if you need it to be an easy on/off. There is similar type rail system being put out by Cookie for attaching to the side of a G2 at the Visor Locking Plate area. This can also be used on a flat side or flat top helmet. Mike ChutingStar.com

Now that's original! Nice one! Mike ChutingStar.com

No doubt...it's on my "to do" list. Slowly, but surely, we've been going back and taking new photos to fix that problem. Starting the end of March, I'll be refocusing on more articles, tutorial videos, missing/new items and a general update of photos/descriptions. Thanks for the feedback! Mike ChutingStar.com

http://lanesunglasses.com/ ChutingStar.com

Yeah, overrated. I have them on my current Mirage, but don't find them any more comfortable than the standard G4 leg pads. The both have plenty of spacerfoam all the way around...and I'm not convinced the geometry works out that the pads really give you more room in that area. If you just want to get loaded up on options, go for it, but otherwise you'll be good saving the $50. Mike ChutingStar.com

I mark the end of the strap with the helmet on the persons head for as tight as they want it. Then inset the snap on the strap about 1" so they still have a tail to pull up on. Use an awl or small punch through the fabric/velcro and set the female side of the snap with a normal snap setting tool. I then line that up on the helmet and mark where the center of the male portion of the snap will be installed. Drill a hole. I mount the snap with a snap rivet (I think that's what it's called). It usually flares out just fine on the inside of the helmet and secures the snap nicely. I can't believe I've never done an article or video on this...maybe soon. Mike ChutingStar.com