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From: meyer@waltz.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.rec.skydive
Subject: Re: Paralerts
Message-ID: <36200002@waltz.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 7-Jan-85 18:39:00 EST
Article-I.D.: waltz.36200002
Posted: Mon Jan  7 18:39:00 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 12-Jan-85 00:04:26 EST
References: <38600001@infoswx.UUCP>
Lines: 48
Nf-ID: #R:infoswx:38600001:waltz:36200002:000:2224
Nf-From: waltz!meyer    Jan  7 17:39:00 1985

/**** waltz:net.rec.skydive / infoswx!al /  8:31 am  Jan  5, 1985 ****/
> Since the group is so quiet, I think I will start some discussion
> on Paralerts.  I just got one and have made about 5 jumps with it.
> I really like it!!  I got to talk to one on my friends, and
> he is about to get rid of his.  He feels it has made him sloppy
> about looking at his altimeter, and cross checking with other
> peoples altimeters when doing relative work.  What do other people
> have to say?

> Al Gettier
> D 5850

   (I finally figured out how to get this out -- I think).

   I have to agree with you Al, that this net group is really sleeping.
   There must be more skydivers out there that would be willing to
   participate.  I'd be interested in hearing about some interesting
   skydives, gear tips/recommendations, up-coming events, etc.  

   I have been jumping for about 6 years now (Dallas area) and have been
   using the Paralert for about 4 years.  They are very reliable and 
   accurate -- I've only had to change the batteries once since I bought
   it (probably due for a new set now though).  I like it a bunch, but it
   certainly does cause you to get lazy about altitude awareness because
   it does work so well.  You really do need to make an effort to keep
   that awareness via your eyes and your altimeter, 'cause you WILL get
   in trouble that one time the unit fails if you don't.  I know some folks
   that set it at 2000' as a back-up system -- so if they accidentally get 
   a bit low, they get warning in time to safely deploy.  But really, if
   you think about it, you can get in the same sort of trouble just using
   your altimeter for altitude awareness.  All mechanical/electrical stuff
   fails at least occasionally -- so you better use your own eyes in
   addition to these devices.

   Have you looked into a Ditter?  They are a newer design, smaller, lighter,
   and can apparently be calibrated in the airplane at altitude (???).  I
   hear that they are also highly recommended -- I believe that they are just
   a tad more expensive.

   So, let's go skydivers.  I'd like to see some activity on this net group.

   Blue Skies.

   Dane Meyer
    D-8076 CCR-735

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