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Looks like PD put out a "PD Control Systems Malfunction Information Sheet" that addresses this problem directly http://www.performancedesigns.com/docs/ControlSysMalf.PDF

Note to self...keep fingers out of brake line loops. That is a good consideration. My old Javelin had the elastic stows on it, but my Vector II and Mirage I jump from time to time do not. Any reason why I shouldnt have my rigger install some?

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=746520;search_string=z1%20paint;#746520

Are you reaching with your right foot? That is a pretty common error. Joe

The rig that I cut away got back from the rigger on Saturday. First time out another jumper cut away for the same reason.

Just as shiny. The buffing smoothes out minor overspray and all other surface imperfections. Well worth the 12 pack donation.

I painted it myself...not real difficult just time consuming. Steps went like so... (1) Sand nasty paint job from previous owner down to the plastic using 150-400 grit. (2) Wash helmet (good degreaser / wax remover) (3) Prime with highbuild automotive primer. I did 4 light coats. (4) Wet sand final primer coat with 600 grit till perfectly smooth (5) Wash helmet (good degreaser / wax remover) (6) Paint with light coats (I used acrylic enamel PPG automotive paint) (7) Wet sand and between coats as needed 1500 grit (8) Tape off any designs with the blue 3M plastic tape and green 3M masking tape (9) Paint other colors with light coats (I used acrylic enamel PPG automotive paint) (10) Three coats of automotive Polyurathane (11) I took mine to a buddy who buffed the clear coat for me (12) Have coolest helmet at your DZ Thats the gist of it...if you have detailed questions ask away... Joe

Just finished my Z1 had to show it off!!!

After you 'pull thousand' then you should ARCH again to make sure you maintain stable through through the opening!

It would pass through easier, but IMO It would be easier to spot Joe

There is enough slack in the line before going through hole in the riser that during deployment part of the line got pulled over the toggle. If you just look at it quickly (likeI did) you might not notice it. Go to realease the brakes and whalla...knot

Sorry I havent put pictures up yet, still havent taken any. But, the issue does need addressed! The current consideration at my dz is to not to stow the excess at all and just tuck it carefully in when the risers are stored. After deployment they should just trail behind the risers so it should be easy to make sure they're clear! Thoughts?

I had my first cut away last weekend after 44 jumps. I had a inflated canopy, just one steering line was in a tension knot at 2/3 travel (rental gear). Then again I know people who have gone 1000s of jumps without one. If you didnt pack it, it might be luck of the draw. Be prepared! I practice my procedures before every jump and touch my handles on the plane EVERY JUMP! Joe

NOW you tell me

All advice is much appreciated!

Looking for advice on airbrushing my Z1. What kind of surface prep works best and what kind of paint and clear coat to use. Joe

Agreed

What kind of glue is used to attach the skirt and lens on Z1s? Joe

Want to airbrush my Z1. Just wondering what prep work needs done, what type of paint works best and what type of clear to use...any advice would be great. Joe

No charge for repack...was due today anyway!

Good news. After a brief 3 hour search I found the freebag in a tree about 100 yards from where the main landed. A wasted day, but I saved my self $180 bucks. I think my "good decision" was more prying for information on how to land a canopy in that configuration. After I landed the reserve and told everyone what happened I got a lot of why didnt you try and land it questions. I had no problem saying it was because I didnt feel like I could land the main safetly. I was just wondering the best way to go about it. I didnt get a chance to photograph the knot. Ill try and sketch something up tonight and post it!

Similar. Im going back to the DZ now to hunt the free bag... Im gonna bring the digital camera and try to reproduce the knot as well.

It was a great sunny afternoon here today so I decided to run out to the DZ and make a skydive. Right before sunset we get enough people for a sunset load. I decided to do a solo jump and pull high to enjoy the scenery and one of the last warm days of the year. Skydive went well and I pulled at 5,000. Look up and watch the canopy inflate during a comfortable snivel. Canopy looked good so I went to unstow the breaks. The right break unstows fine, but the left did not. I give a few tugs and realize that there is a tension knot of some sort that I wont be able to get out. With 1/2 brakes on the right side it flies straight and level, but enters a moderate rate turn if I let up on the right toggle. I get pointed toward the DZ and take some time to evaluate my options. I decided that with my currency level that I probably shouldnt try and land it . I cut away at 3500 and am under the reserve by 3,000. I watch the main and free bag land and since they were real close I landed the reserve in the peas. I went and found the main, but the free bag and pilot chute somehow disappeared. (Hopefully they turn up in the daylight). Upon inspection of the main it appeared the the toggle was pulled through the brake line stow during deployment and was pulled tight when I pulled on the brakes. Ive made 5 jumps in the last month after a 2 year layoff and I feel that cutting away was the right decision. I probably could have landed the main, but I think there was more risk there than going to the reserve. Good decision? The other issue was how the steering toggle became locked in the first place. It was rental gear so I didnt pack it myself. But as I understand the procedure the excess is looped up through the riser and held in place with the toggle when it is put in the pocket. Its not clear how the toggle got pulled through the loop, but apparently I wasnt the first to cut away from that situation. Anyone else heard of this happening? Joe

I appreciate all the input. Think im gonna give the Neptune a shot. When V2 comes out it is just a software update, not a firmware upgrade right?

Looking to buy one or the other. For those who have used both which are you more happy with?