AAD Vigil Cuatro User manual

A.A.D. Multimode
Vigil® Cuatro User's Manual
US v2017.06

Vigil® Cuatro is developed, produced & tested in our factory, that is ISO 9001 certified.

YOU MUST ALSO READ, FULLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE
TERMS OF THE DISCLAIMER AND LIMITED WARRANTY PRIOR TO USING
THE VIGIL® Cuatro. IF YOU DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO
ALL OF THE TERMS OF THE DISCLAIMER AND LIMITED WARRANTY, YOU
MUST NOT USE THE VIGIL® Cuatro. YOU MAY RETURN IT, IN ITS ORIGINAL
PACKAGING, FOR A FULL REFUND.
YOUR USE OF THE VIGIL®.Cuatro IN THE EQUIPMENT YOU USE FOR
MAKING A PARACHUTE JUMP IS CONCLUSIVE PROOF THAT YOU
AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF THE DISCLAIMER AND LIMITED
WARRANTY.
Please carefully read and ensure that you fully understand
this user’s manual before any use of the Vigil® Cuatro.

The Vigil is endorsed by:

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English
AAD NV/SA. - Advanced Aerospace Designs
Bld A. Reyers 193 • B-1030 Brussels • Belgium
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
[email protected] • www.vigil.aero
Vigil America Inc.
1400 Flightline Blvd. Suite C
DeLand, FL 32724 USA
Tel: +(1)386 736 8464
Fax: +(1)386 736 8468
[e-mail]
Vigil Far East
Nam Fong Industrial Building Block 1
227 R/C Avenida Vencelau de Morais
Macau
[email protected]

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VIGIL Cuatro
Table of contents
4
1 5
27
38
8
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4
3.4
12
3.5
14
14
15
15
17
18
19
21
3.5.1
3.5.2
3.5.3
3.5.4
3.5.5
3.5.6
3.5.7
3.5.8
3.5.9
22
23
Page
Paragraph
10
3.1
3.2
3.3
Warning + Disclaimer and limited warranty (see page 39-41)..........................................
Welcome to the Vigil® Cuatro World! ..............................................................................
Introduction .......................................................................................................................
Function ............................................................................................................................
General Working Principle ................................................................................................
Installation .........................................................................................................................
The Four Activation Modes ...............................................................................................
“PRO” Mode ......................................................................................................................
“STUDENT” Mode .............................................................................................................
“TANDEM” Mode ..............................................................................................................
“XTREME” Mode ...............................................................................................................
Information regarding the Activation Altitude ....................................................................
Start Up and Shut Down Procedures ................................................................................
Start Up – Display .............................................................................................................
Starting Up the Vigil® Cuatro.............................................................................................
Self Tests ..........................................................................................................................
«INFO» Menu (Information) ..............................................................................................
«SETUP» Menu (Parameters) - Altitude correction ..........................................................
Using a positive altitude correction to raise the activation altitude.....................................
«CONFIG» Menu (Configuration) .....................................................................................
Choice confirmation ..........................................................................................................
Shut Down ........................................................................................................................
10
10
10
10
10

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4
24
4.1
26
5
26
5.1
27
5.2
27
5.3
28
5.4
28
5.5
29
5.6
30
6
7
31
7.1
31
7.2
32
8
34
8.1
36
8.2
36
8.3
37
8.4
37
9
37
10
38
12
Flight Restriction for the Pilot - Airborne ...............................................................
Recommendations ................................................................................................
Vigil® Cuatro Components ..................................................................................
Main Box ...............................................................................................................
Dual Battery Pack .................................................................................................
Pulses Plus Element .............................................................................................
Electronic Unit .......................................................................................................
Cutter Unit .............................................................................................................
Control Unit ...........................................................................................................
Waterproof - IP68 ..................................................................................................
Replacement of Parts of the Vigil® Cuatro...........................................................
Replacing the Battery Pack ...................................................................................
Replacing the Cutter or Control Unit ....................................................................
Service Card ..........................................................................................................
RMA (return merchandise authorization) ...............................................................
Technical Specifications .......................................................................................
Glossary ................................................................................................................
Dimensions ............................................................................................................
Operating Description ............................................................................................
Units and conversion factors .................................................................................
Communication Port – IR Download Box ..............................................................
Service life limit of Vigil® Cuatro units ..................................................................
Disclaimer and limited warranty .............................................................................
Road Map / Grafcet (Parameter Sequence Flow Chart) .................................... 43
31
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39
7.3
39
Page
Paragraph
7.4 34

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VIGIL Cuatro
wARNING
SKYDIVING IS A DANGEROUS ACTIVITY, AND YOU RISK MINOR OR SERIOUS PERMANENT INJURY OR DEATH
EACH TIME YOU SKYDIVE. THE CORRECT USE OF THE VIGIL® AAD MAY REDUCE THIS RISK, HOWEVER, THERE
ARE SITUATIONS IN WHICH A VIGIL® AAD MAY NOT REDUCE, AND MAY ACTUALLY INCREASE, THE RISK. THE
VIGIL® IS A BACKUP DEVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT SAVE YOUR LIFE, AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO NEVER
RELY ON THE VIGIL® AS A LIFESAVING DEVICE. PRIOR TO USING THE VIGIL®, IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THE
VIGIL® Cuatro USER’S MANUAL VERY CAREFULLY. ALWAYS OBSERVE ALL WARNINGS, AND FOLLOW ALL
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND SAFETY PROCEDURES. ALWAYS FOLLOW
CORRECT OPENING PROCEDURES AND, IF NECESSARY, EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. NEVER SKYDIVE UNLESS
YOU ARE FULLY TRAINED AND COMPETENT IN THE USE OF ALL OF YOUR EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING THE VIGIL®.
The Vigil® Cuatro is equipped with an integrated Piezo resistive barometric pressure sensor. Do not expose your
Vigil® Cuatro to pressures above 3000 hPa, (45.5 psi), or to temperatures above 158°F (70°C). The battery pack is
designed to operate within a temperature range from -13°F to +158°F (-25°C to +70°C).
You must switch ON your Vigil® Cuatro ONLY at the take-off zone (reference altitude or ground zero)

Before each jump it is essential to visually check your LCD screen to ensure its functionality, its activation
mode (“PRO”, “STUDENT”, “TANDEM” or “XTREME”) and its pre-selected parameters (altitude correction in
feet or in meters) are correctly set.
NEVER JUMP WITH A BLANK LCD SCREEN ON YOUR Vigil® Cuatro !!
DISCLAIMER AND LIMITED WARRANTY see pages 39 - 41.
If you intend to change to a different take off zone, you need to switch OFF your Vigil® Cuatro
before travelling, and switch it back ON at the new take off zone, before take-off.


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1. Welcome to the Vigil® Cuatro World!
We congratulate you on your purchase of today’s most sophisticated and modern, multimode Automatic Activation
Device. It is a revolutionary safety device, with no imposed maintenance schedule. The Vigil® Cuatro will automatically
check all of its functional features each time it is switched on. The Vigil® Cuatro will detect any anomalies by itself.
Should an abnormality be found, the controller will display an error message (see page 15 § 3.5.3.), and the Vigil® Cuatro
unit will not switch on. In this case, the Vigil® Cuatro needs to be analyzed by an authorized dealer, or sent back to the
factory for analysis.
The Vigil® Cuatro is designed for a life expectancy of maximum 20 years from the date of manufacture.
The above life expectancy is based on the fact that the cutter, the Pulses Plus element and the electronic
components have been designed for a functional lifetime of 20 years.
The Vigil® Cuatro is very user friendly. It can be used in your choice of 4 activation modes:
“PRO”, “STUDENT”, “TANDEM” or “XTREME”.
The Vigil® Cuatro, an ALL-IN-ONE Automatic Activation Device (AAD) will also work in U.S. or Metric standards units.
When traveling on any commercial flight with your Vigil® Cuatro, this manual as well as the Vigil® X-Ray Card
should accompany you. It contains explanations that will be useful to the airport security staff.
The most recent manual is available on the Vigil website at www.vigil.aero on the download page.
The Vigil® Cuatro is, in principle, a last resort safety device, which may or may not save your life.
It has never been intended to be, and is not to be used as, a parachute’s primary opening system.
The procedures written in this manual must be followed to ensure that the Vigil®.Cuatro functions
properly. Incorrect setup or use can lead to improper functioning of the Vigil®.Cuatro.
A skydiver should always adhere to all rules and regulations set by his/her country’s skydiving
federation. The use of a Vigil® Cuatro AAD does not exempt the parachutist from performing proper
emergency procedures.
ALTHOUGH VIGIL®s HAVE SAVED MANY LIVES, NEVER RELY ON THE VIGIL® TO
SAVE YOUR LIFE, IT MAY NOT DO SO IN SOME SITUATIONS.

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VIGIL Cuatro

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2. Introduction
Your Vigil® Cuatro was designed and developed by a professional team of engineers and skydivers.
Its function is to cut the reserve closing loop in the event that you reach a freefall speed at an
unsafe altitude. The flat aluminum alloy box is exceptionally strong; its ergonomic design fits easily into most
current rigs.
A Vigil® Cuatro installation kit (pouch, controller window and cutter retainer) can be supplied to rig
manufacturers, on demand. The Vigil® Cuatro can be used for four types of skydiving by pushing just
one button. These user programmable modes are: «PRO», «STUDENT», «TANDEM» or «XTREME».
The Vigil® Cuatro also has a data recorder function (black box). The unit memorizes the last 16 minutes of freefall
time (with a maximum of 16 graphs, whichever is reached first), total time in freefall and total number of jumps.
This data can be viewed directly from the control unit’s LCD display, or it can be downloaded to a PC through an
infrared communication port.
The infrared reader and the associated software are available as an option (see page 38 § 9).
The Kevlar reinforced cables are especially developed for the Vigil®.Cuatro and deliver a unique combination of
strength and flexibility.
The gold plated contacts and the locking system with a special locking clip on the connectors ensure optimal
connection reliability in all circumstances.
The control unit: - is equipped with a 32 x 96 dots LCD display which allows interactive and clear
communication with the parachutist.
- is protected by a special anti-scratch coating and a stainless steel protection cover.
The electromagnetic shielding protects the Vigil® Cuatro from electromagnetic interferences, such as those found
in airports and airplanes (see page 27 § 5.1).

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VIGIL Cuatro
3.Function
3.1. General Working Principle
The Vigil® Cuatro must only be turned on at ground level; it will calibrate itself every 2 minutes progressively to the current ground elevation
pressure. This is the “GROUND ZERO” reference. Once your Vigil® Cuatro is on, at each take-off it will become armed once 1000 ft above
“ground zero” reference is reached, if no or a positive altitude correction is applied. When a negative altitude correction is set, the
Vigil® Cuatro will become armed 1000 ft above the preset negative altitude correction, so if the negative altitude correction is over 1000 ft, the
Vigil® Cuatro will become armed maximum 32 sec. after you have reached 90 ft above or under the “GROUND ZERO” reference (take off
location). Vigil® Cuatro will then stay armed until 2 minutes after it has come back to the “GROUND ZERO ZONE” reference (Between + 90ft
and – 90ft or +27,5 m and -27,5 m).

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In freefall, the Vigil® Cuatro continuously calculates the altitude.
When the activation altitude (or lower) is reached by the jumper at a speed equal to or higher than the
factory-set parameters, the cutter of the Vigil®.Cuatro will instantly fire and cut the closing loop of your emergency
parachute (<0,002 sec). An “altitude correction” allows you to implement a positive or negative altitude difference
between the departure and landing levels (from +6000 ft to -6000 ft or from +2000 m to -2000 m) in steps of 150 ft or 50 m.
The Vigil® Cuatro takes this altitude correction into account to calculate the new activation altitude.This principle also
allows you to modify the activation altitude permanently if the airport where you take off and the landing zone
are at DIFFERENT altitudes or if there is a hillock near the drop zone.
Each mode «PRO», «STUDENT», «TANDEM» or «XTREME» has its own factory-set activation altitude and speed.
Choice of mode can be done in the “SETUP” menu (see Page 10 § 3.3). During your aircraftascent,
the Vigil® Cuatro’s red LED will briefly flash three times when it passes through its pre-set activation altitude.
The Vigil® Cuatro will automatically remain ON for 14 hours; it may of course be switched off manually before that time.
The selected activation mode «PRO», «STUDENT», «TANDEM» or «XTREME» will remain visible on the LCD
display until the Vigil® Cuatro is switched off or turns off automatically after 14 hours.
To avoid an “airborne condition” (See page 25 for more detail) of your Vigil®.Cuatro due to a difference in
pressure that resembles 90ft or more (positive or negative altitude) compared to the “ground zero” reference
(pressure), you must ALWAYS manually shut down your Vigil®.Cuatro at the end of the day and BEFORE leaving the
drop-zone.

3.3. The Four Activation Modes
The Vigil® Cuatro has four activation modes that can be selected by the user. The choice can be made in the “SETUP” menu
(see page 17 § 3.5.4.). Each mode has its own factory settings. The cutter activation data is defined by selecting an activation mode.
3.3.1. “PRO” Mode
The Vigil® Cuatro activates in “PRO” mode when it measures* 1100 ft (335 meters) (average altitude** between 840 ft and 1100 ft,
depending on body position) and below, until 150 ft (46 meters), if the freefall speed is equal or superior to 115 ft/sec. (78 mph or 35 meters/sec).
The Vigil® Cuatro activates in “STUDENT” Mode when it measures* 1300 ft (396 meters) (average altitude** between 1040 ft and 1300 ft,
depending on body position) and below, until 150 ft (46 meters), if the freefall speed is equal or superior to 65 ft/sec. (45 mph or 20 meters/sec).
The Vigil® Cuatro activates in “TANDEM” Mode when it measures* 2300 ft (701 meters) (average altitude** between 2040 ft and 2300 ft,
depending on body position) and below, until 150 ft (46 meters), if the freefall speed is equal or superior to 115 ft/sec. (78 mph or 35 meters/sec).
3.2. Installation
The Vigil® Cuatro has been designed to be compatible with most sport harness/container systems on the market today.
If a suitable installation kit for an electronic AAD is not yet installed by the rig manufacturer, a Vigil® Cuatro Installation Kit (pouch, controller window,
and cutter retainer) can be supplied and installed in your container by the harness/container manufacturer, or by a propper certified authorized rigger.
It can be easily sewn into any harness/container system designed for an electronic AAD.
All reserve closing loops currently on the market that are similar to Vigil® Dyneema or the Spectra CSR style #9512-300 or the Cypres™ loop (Spectra
Cord) are acceptable for use by the installation of the Vigil®. The Vigil®Cuatro’s cutter must be positioned and rigged as specified by the harness/
container manufacturer’s instructions for electronic AAD’s.
WARNING: IF THE CLOSING LOOP IS NOT ROUTED THROUGH THE CUTTER, THE VIGIL® Cuatro WILL NOT CUT THE LOOP !
3.3.3. “TANDEM” Mode
3.3.2. “STUDENT” Mode
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VIGIL Cuatro
The Vigil® Cuatro activates in “XTREME” Mode when it measures* 1100 ft (335 meters) (average altitude** between 840 ft and 1100 ft,
depending on body position) and below, until 300 ft (91 meters), if the freefall speed is equal or superior to 141 ft/sec (96 mph or 43 meters/sec).
3.3. 4. “XTREME” Mode

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The “Xtreme” mode is specially developed for high performance canopy landings when the vertical speeds exceeds
115 ft/sec. (“PRO” mode).
In “Xtreme” mode, the Vigil® Cuatro will not activate if the vertical speed does not exceed 141 ft/sec (43 m/sec).
It is important that in certain circumstances, such as low cut-away, it will most likely take longer time to reach the
required vertical measured speed of 141 ft/sec of this “Xtreme” mode, compared to the “Pro” mode (115 ft/sec).
This can make a difference.
The Vigil® Cuatro in “Xtreme” mode will not activate below 300 ft above the ground zero level or 300 ft above
a negative altitude correction, when set.
*The cutter will activate instantaneously once the pre-determined activation mode parameters (altitude and falling speed) are
reached. Please take this information into consideration when determining your main canopy deployment altitudes!
Always allow enough time to have a fully open main canopy approximately 1000 ft (300 meter) above activation altitude!
If you are in freefall face to earth, your Vigil® Cuatro is in the depression zone (burble) and could measure up to ±260 ft
( ±79 meters) higher than your actual altitude (see pages 10 & 11).
Before each jump it is essential to visually check your LCD screen to ensure its functionality, its activation mode
(“PRO”, “STUDENT”, “TANDEM” or “XTREME”) and its pre-selected parameters (altitude correction in feet or in meters)
are correctly set.
**

3.4. Information regarding the Activation Altitude
Please be aware that the Vigil® Cuatro functions are based on measured air pressure. This parameter permits the
calculation of the exact altitude, in function of the registered air pressure, as well as the vertical speed related to a
pressure variation in a certain period of time.
For information: The Vigil® Cuatro is able to register pressure differences of 0,1 hPa which is equivalent
to an altitude difference of only ± 2,6 ft (or 0,8 meter)!
Important note: The registered pressure by the sensor will vary, according to the body position of the
skydiver (face to earth or back to earth) up to 10 hPa (=mbar) which is equivalent to +-260 ft (+-79 m)!
Example: Let’s consider two skydivers in free fall, at exactly the same altitude but one is falling back to earth
and the second one is falling face to earth.
(I) back to earth
Depression zone (burble)
No influence
Pressure sensor location
Pressure = X hPa
Vigil® Cuatro will register a pressure of X hPa
The stated or real altitude y ft (or m)
(II) Face to earth
AAD or pressure sensor
located in depression zone
(burble)
Pressure = X hPa – 10 hPa
Vigil® Cuatro in depression zone will register an up to 10 hPa
lower pressure, notwithstanding they are at the same level
The stated altitude  Y +(±260 ft) or +(±79 m)
Both at the same altitude Y
The influence of their falling position on their respective AAD reading is as follows:
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VIGIL Cuatro

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Conclusion:
If the Vigil® Cuatro is set in "PRO " mode, it will activate at a average altitude of 840 ft or 256 m above
the ground, at a falling speed of 115 ft/sec (78 mph or 35 m/sec.) or greater.
It is well accepted that this minimum activation level must be guaranteed whatever the position of the skydiver.
If the skydiver is falling in a back to earth position, the reading will reflect the correct pressure, since the
sensor is not influenced by a depression (burble), but if the skydiver is falling face to earth, then the sensor
located in the depression zone (burble) will read a pressure up to 10mbar lower, or an altitude ±260 ft or ±79
m above the real altitude, and will, in this case, activate later, or ±260 ft or ±79 m lower, i.e. at an actual
altitude of 580 ft or 177 m above the ground level, which would be too low.
Therefore, a compensation of +260 ft or +79 m above the nominal activation altitude has been integrated
into the software. For example in "PRO" mode, a programmed activation altitude of 1100 ft or 335 m has been
set to ensure that, notwithstanding the skydiver’s body position, activation will always be at a minimum altitude of
840 ft or 256 m (actual altitude) above the ground level.
Remarks :
•In a test chamber, the activation in "PRO" mode will be at 1100 ft (840 ft + 260 ft) or 335 m
(256 m + 79 m) as there is no depression zone (burble).

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VIGIL Cuatro
3.5. Start Up and Shut Down Procedures
It is imperative that the Vigil® Cuatro be switched ON at the ground level of your take-off zone.
(This becomes the “GROUND ZERO” reference altitude).
Your Vigil® Cuatro will recalibrate itself for variation in the atmospheric pressure.
3.5.1 Start Up – Display
In its standard configuration, the Vigil® Cuatro is used with the orange push button situated at the right side
of the display. The red LED is positioned in the upper corner and indicates the timing of the start up procedure.
The green LED is situated in the bottom corner of the controller and confirms the end of the start up procedure.
The Vigil® Cuatro‘s display is reversible (see page 21 § 3.5.7.) «view»
«view»

Never switch on your Vigil® Cuatro in an aircraft !
If the Vigil® Cuatro discovers a variable air pressure during the start up procedure, it will not
complete the start up procedure, and will show a alternating blinking “GROUND ZERO
WARNING” on the controller LCD.

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3.5.2. Starting Up the Vigil® Cuatro
The Vigil® Cuatro becomes operational after pressing the orange push button four times.
These short presses must be done immediately after each flash of the red LED. After the first push (hold for 1 or
2 seconds) the «Cuatro» message is shown. If no message appears, please repeat the previous operation.
«Cuatro» is immediately followed by «Vigil» on the LCD.
Press the push button immediately after the red LED first flashes.
Press the push button immediately after the second flash of the red LED.
Press the push button immediately after the third flash of the red LED.
The Vigil® Cuatro will then automatically start its self-test sequence.
In short:
The startup and shut down procedures listed in this manual have been established to reduce the risk of an
unwanted start up or shut down sequence and to ensure that the Vigil® Cuatro cannot be turned on or off by
accidentally pressing the push button.
3.5.3. Self Tests
The Vigil® Cuatro automatically goes through a complete test sequence each time it is switched on.
It verifies that the battery pack, the cutter and the electronic circuits (main functions) are in proper working order.
Action Result
1. Push «Cuatro» followed by «Vigil» appears + flash ➯ (2)
2. Push Flash ➯ (3)
3. Push Flash ➯ (4)
4. Push Start of self tests
« VIGIL»
« BAT OK »
« VIGIL»
« VIGIL»

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VIGIL Cuatro
The following messages are shown:
•
«Bat OK» The battery pack is functioning properly.
•
«Cut OK»The cutter resistance is tested O.K.
•
«Ctrl OK»The electronic circuits are functioning properly.
If an error is detected the following messages may be shown:
•
«Bat Low» Low Battery, the Vigil® Cuatro is still operational, but the dual battery pack must be replaced as
•
«Bat Rpl»
•
«Cut Err»
•
«Ctrl Err»
soon as possible. * (see page 31 § 7.1)
The dual battery pack must be replaced, the Vigil® Cuatro will not switch on.* (see page 31 § 7.1)
Cutter resistance is out of tolerance, the Vigil® Cuatro will not switch on.
A discrepancy in one of the electronic circuits is observed, unit will not switch on.
If one of these messages is displayed (except for «Bat Low»), the startup procedure will end, and the Vigil® Cuatro will
switch itself off.
If the «Bat Low» message appears, the battery pack must be replaced as soon as possible (see page 31 § 7.1)
If the «Bat Rpl» message appears, the battery pack must be replaced prior to the next jump (see page 31 § 7.1)
If the «Cut Err» message appears, the cutter unit must be replaced prior to the next jump (see page 32 § 7.2).
A new cutter will be supplied free of charge if a completed “Life Saving Report” is posted and approved
(see our website http://www.vigil.aero/ on the download page).

We recommend that Vigil® Cuatro parts (exept the batteries) be replaced by a propper certified and authorized
rigger or by a Vigil® approved expert.
The regulations in some countries require a certified rigger to do such replacements. The user may not have
authorization to replace the cutter or controller unit. In such situations, you must adhere to your country’s rules.
If the «Ctrl Err» message appears due to a failure in the electronic circuits, you must send the Vigil® Cuatro
back to your dealer or to the factory for a complete checkup, before the next jump. (see page 34 § 7.4).
If the «Ctrl Err» message appears DO NOT try to restart the Vigil® Cuatro again.