Air TEc Expert CYPRES 2 User manual

CYPRES

- CYPRES 2 User’s Guide- page 1
CYPRES 2 User Guide
- english version -
Congratulations on your choice of CYPRES, the
safest and most accurate AAD currently available.
Like most skydivers, you probably assume you will
always have time to deploy your reserve canopy
yourself, and that situations requiring use of an
automatic activation device always happen to
others. We do hope you will never have such
trouble, and that your CYPRES will never have to
take action to save your life.
Should CYPRES ever decide to activate your
reserve, it will most likely happen at a moment
which, no matter how experienced and cautious
you are, justifies that you haven't left your safety
to chance.
Dieses Handbuch ist auch in Deutsch erhältlich.
Airtec GmbH Safety Systems

page 2 - CYPRES 2 User’s Guide-
Contents
1. Function ...................................................... 3
1.1 Design philosophy ..................................... 3
1.2 Components ............................................... 5
1.3 How CYPRES works ................................ 6
1.4 Power supply ............................................. 8
1.5 Operational safety ...................................... 8
2. Product overview ....................................... 9
2.1 Expert CYPRES ..................................... 10
2.2 Tandem CYPRES .................................... 10
2.3 Student CYPRES ..................................... 11
3. Installation ................................................ 12
4. How to operate CYPRES 2 ..................... 14
4.1 Handling the control unit ........................ 14
4.2 Switching CYPRES on ........................... 15
4.3 When to switch on or reset ...................... 16
4.4 Changing altitude reference..................... 17
4.5 Access to unit information ....................... 20
4.6 CYPRES 2 and Water jumps ................... 21
4.7 Changing the filter ................................... 22
5. Error Display ........................................... 23
6. Changing the release unit(s) ................... 24
7. Technical service ...................................... 26
8. Important Notes ....................................... 29
8.1 Important notes for jump pilots ............... 29
8.2 Important notes for users ......................... 31
9. Repacking of reserves .............................. 32
10. Abbreviated User's Guide ..................... 34
11. Switching Rigs ........................................ 34
12. Regarding Air Travel ............................. 35
13. Technical Data ........................................ 36
14. Warranty ................................................ 37
15. Disclaimer ............................................... 38
16. Index ....................................................... 39
17. Packing List ............................................ 41
Trade Marks ................................................. 41

- CYPRES 2 User’s Guide- page 3
1. Function
1.1 Design philosophy
CYPRES, which is the acronym of "CYbernetic
Parachute RElease System", is an automatic
activation device which meets all needs, require-
ments, and desires of today's skydivers. Once it is
installed, you can't hear it, you can't feel it and you
can't see it.
The operation is quite simple: Just switch it on
prior to the first jump of the day, then forget about
it. It is not necessary to switch it off, because
CYPRES will do this itself.
The weather is constantly checked by CYPRES
over the day by measuring the air pressure twice a
minute. This means that the unit is always
calibrated to the precise ground level.
The Expert CYPRES is designed in a way that it
won't restrict the skydiver in any way. Even extre-
me maneuvers during exit and in freefall, CYPRES
will cope with it. Whatever you can think of under
canopy like stalls, spiral turns, down planes,
hookturns with the smallest canopies as well as
any CRW, CYPRES will analyze these movements
without problems. It won't interfere with any nor-
mal activities while skydiving.
Only freefall to very low altitude will cause
CYPRES to take action. In this situation CYPRES
is designed to activate the reserve approx. 4.5
seconds prior to impact.
The CYPRES family of AAD‘s work with a
remarkable reliability. To date, as production of
CYPRES 1 comes to an end during spring 2003,
CYPRES units have saved the lives of more than
1000 skydivers, without a single unit ever refusing
to activate when the conditions were met.
CYPRES 2 is the next chapter of the most reliable
piece of skydiving equipment ever produced.

page 4 - CYPRES 2 User’s Guide-
As the next generation of CYPRES, CYPRES 2
combines tried and true quality and reliability with
new achievements, technology, and discoveries
made during the past 12 years of continued research
and development. CYPRES 2 offers numerous ad-
ditional features and attributes including:
- unit is water-resistant for 15 minutes at a depth
of 15 feet (5 meters) in fresh and saltwater
- power supply of CYPRES 2 is maintenance-
free for the user. There is no need to observe a
replacement date, record the number of jumps
made, monitor the voltage during self-test,
purchase a battery, or have a rigger open or
repack the reserve for this reason.
- unit serial number accessible from the display
anytime you want to see it
- maintenance due date accessible from the
display anytime you want to see it
- reminds you when the maintenance date is near
- smaller and lighter
- robust, rigger friendly case, with rounded
corners and edges, and in addition it is water-
resistant
- extended maintenance window: +/- 6 months
from month of manufacture, no down-time
during the busy part of the year regardless of
month of manufacture
- self test is completed in 10 seconds
The handling of the CYPRES 2 is simple:
After you have purchased it, your rigger slides it
into the factory integrated CYPRES set up and you
forget about it for 4 years*
Then you have the maintenance done and forget
about it for another 4 years.*
Then you have another maintenance done and
forget about it for another 4 years. *
* Except for switching it on at the beginning of
the day, and changing the filter if you should have
landed in water.

- CYPRES 2 User’s Guide- page 5
1.2 Components
CYPRES consists of a control unit, a processing
unit and one release unit (cutter) for 1-pin reserve
container or two release units (cutters) for 2-pin
reserve container.
Please do not:
- pull
- lift
- carry or
- throw CYPRES by the cables
processing unit
control unit
release unit
(cutter)

page 6 - CYPRES 2 User’s Guide-
1.3 How CYPRES works
Every time CYPRES is switched on, it measures
the air pressure several times in a short period of
time, takes the average value as the value for
ground level, thus “zeroing“ itself. This happens
during the integrated self-test.
While it is in use, CYPRES constantly checks the
air pressure while on the ground and, if necessary,
adjusts to changing weather conditions, e.g. air
pressure. Even though you might need to reset your
altimeter before a jump, CYPRES takes care of
itself. This very accurate calibration is the basis
for CYPRES to recognize exactly the activation
altitude and speed.
The processing unit contains a factory-
programmed microprocessor that is capable of real-
time calculations of the jumper's altitude and rate
of descent based on barometric pressure.
By monitoring this data, certain criteria are
generated from which conclusions are drawn.
Should the conclusion be that the jumper is in a
dangerous situation (i.e. still in freefall at a low
altitude) the processing unit triggers the release
unit to open the reserve container.
The release unit (cutter) system for the reserve
container is completely independent of the rig's
primary system, because it does not pull the ripcord
pin out of the closing loop, but rather cuts the loop
inside the reserve container to release the pilot
chute.
Opening a reserve container by cutting the loop is
a method invented and patented by the founder of
Airtec, Helmut Cloth, in 1987.
The CYPRES' activation system has these
advantages:
• The reserve container can be opened in two dif-
ferent ways. One method is by the jumper
pulling the reserve release handle. The other
method is used by CYPRES when it cuts the
closing loop.
• Mechanical components are reduced to a sin-
gle movable piston in the release unit.
• The activation system is located inside the
reserve container where it is not exposed to
excessive shock or other adverse influences.

- CYPRES 2 User’s Guide- page 7
The distance which the piston moves in case of an
activation is approx. 5 mm.
The release unit (cutter) is completely self-
contained and specifically developed for CYPRES.
In the event of activation, nothing escapes or is
expelled.
During an 18 month long investigation by BAM
(Bundesanstalt für Materialprüfung), Berlin, 99
release units were tested. The result is that BAM
and the U.S. DOT have classified the CYPRES as
being non-hazardous.
Due to its high reliability and other properties, the
CYPRES release unit is currently being used in
aerospace applications (satellites).
• The system is unobtrusive and can be installed
so that it is undetectable from the outside.
Release unit
(cutter) with
elastic keeper
Functional diagram:
reserve
closing
loop
blade plastic guide
stainless
steel body

page 8 - CYPRES 2 User’s Guide-
don’t worry, go skydiving
1.5 Operational safety
There are two important points to remember
regarding the operational safety of CYPRES:
1. CYPRES self-tests automatically every time it
is switched on. After every switch-on
procedure, CYPRES executes a self-test routine
during which all important internal functions
are checked. A positive outcome to this self-
test should assure you of trouble-free operation
for up to 14 hours.
When the display unit shows 0–, the self-test
has been completed successfully. If the self-
test has resulted in errors or discrepancies,
CYPRES will not assume operating mode but
will switch itself off after displaying an error
code. This error code indicates why the self-
test process was aborted (see chapter 5).
1.4 Power supply
No attention is needed to the power supply of
CYPRES 2.
The unit is designed to function from the date of
manufacture until the first maintenance, from the
first maintenance to the second maintenance, and
from the second maintenance until the end of life
without limitations concerning the number of
jumps. If CYPRES 2 should cease to function due
to a faulty power supply prior to the maintenance
due date, Airtec will take care of this with the
highest priority.

- CYPRES 2 User’s Guide- page 9
2. CYPRES has fail-safe error detection. Two
processes are activated in CYPRES once the
unit has been switched on: a primary working
process and an independently operating
controlling process that monitors the working
process continuously. In case of errors while
the working process is active, the backup
controlling process will switch the unit off.
Depending on the type and potential impact of
the error, CYPRES can either be switched on
again or it will stay in shut-down mode per-
manently. With certain error codes (see error
code list in chapter 5), it is not possible for the
user to reactivate the unit. In such cases,
CYPRES must be sent to the manufacturer or
service center for inspection and adjustment.
2. Product overview
CYPRES is available in six models:
Expert CYPRES for a one pin container
Expert CYPRES for a two pin container
Student CYPRES for a one pin container
Student CYPRES for a two pin container
Tandem CYPRES for a one pin container
Tandem CYPRES for a two pin container
Feet / Meter version
Each CYPRES model is offered with an altitude
adjustment either in feet (30-feet steps) or in meters
(10-meter steps). The different versions can only
be distinguished from each other when the altitude
reference is changed; otherwise, they are identical.
The feet version will display altitude differences
in steps of thirty (30) feet (30; 60; 90; 120 etc) and
the meter version will display differences in 10
meter steps (10; 20; 30; 40; etc). See chapter 4.4
for changes of altitude reference.

page 10 - CYPRES 2 User’s Guide-
2.2 Tandem CYPRES
The Tandem CYPRES can be recognized by the
blue button with the imprint "Tandem" on the
control unit.
It activates the release unit when it detects a rate
of descent higher than 78 mph (35 m/sec) at an
altitude of approx. 1900 (approx. 570 meters) feet
AGL.
Like the Expert CYPRES, the Tandem CYPRES
ceases operation below approx. 130 feet (approx.
40 meters) AGL. In the event of a cutaway,
activation will not occur until sufficient speed is
obtained.
As of spring 2003, (end of production for
CYPRES 1), there are approx. 4,900 Tandem
CYPRES in use worldwide.
2.1 Expert CYPRES
The Expert CYPRES can be recognized by the red
button on the control unit.
It activates the release unit when it detects a rate
of descent higher than 78 mph (35 m/sec) at an
altitude of approx. 750 feet (approx. 225 meters)
above ground level (AGL). In the event of a
cutaway below this height CYPRES will operate
down to approx. 130 feetAGL, however activation
will not occur unless sufficient speed is obtained.
Below approx. 130 feet (approx. 40 meters) AGL
opening is no longer useful. For this reason,
CYPRES ceases operation below approximately
130 feet AGL.
As of spring 2003 (end of production for CYPRES
1), there are approx. 67,000 Expert CYPRES in
use worldwide.

- CYPRES 2 User’s Guide- page 11
If a jump plane is descending with
students still on board, switch the Student
CYPRES off before reaching 1500 ft (450
meters) above ground.
If this is not possible, the descent rate of
the plane must not exceed 1500 ft/min
below 1500 feet above ground. Close open
doors.
2.3 Student CYPRES
The Student CYPRES can be recognized by the
yellow button with the imprint "Student" on the
control unit.
It will activate the release unit when the rate of
descent exceeds 29 mph (13 meters per second).
The activation altitude is split. In the case of rate
of descent being equal to that of freefall, the
opening altitude is at approx. 750 feet (the same
as with Expert CYPRES). However, should the
rate of descent be lower than that of freefall but
still above the limit of 29mph (e.g. with partially
opened canopy, or after a cutaway), then Student
CYPRES activates the release unit when the
altitude falls below approx. 1000 feet (approx. 300
meters) above ground level. The student will then
have more time to prepare for landing. Like the
Expert CYPRES, the Student CYPRES ceases
operation below approx. 130 feet AGL.
Be aware that it is possible to exceed
a vertical speed of 29 mph (13
meters per second) under a fully
inflated canopy!
Unlike the Expert CYPRES models, we recom-
mend that the Student CYPRES be switched off
in the aircraft prior to descent if the jump is aborted
and the student will land with the plane, because
the vertical speed of a descending jump plane will
exceed the activation speed of Student CYPRES.

page 12 - CYPRES 2 User’s Guide-
3. Installation
Since 1994, Airtec has provided all the necessary
parts to nearly all rig manufacturer worldwide, so
that all rigs can be delivered CYPRES ready.
Additionally, for nearly all older rigs, Airtec has
published detailed retrofit instructions in the
“CYPRES Rigger’s Guide for Installation“. If an
older rig is not already CYPRES ready, the retrofit
can be organized by any CYPRES dealer.
All CYPRES dealers have the necessary docu-
mentation for the correct setup. Retrofit setup must
only be performed by Airtec qualified riggers.
Under no conditions is deviation from the
instructions in the “CYPRES Rigger’s Guide for
Installation“ allowed.
CYPRES can be assembled into rigs with existing
setups by riggers (packers). Please refer to the
“Packer‘s Checklist“ to verify correct setup in each
container.
Please comply with any country-specific
regulations concerning a retrofit.

- CYPRES 2 User’s Guide- page 13
wrong
- cables not flat on bottom
- thin cable on top of thicker
cable
- cable twisted
It is necessary to place the processing unit into the
pouch so that the cables lay flat on the bottom of
the pouch. Control unit cable and cutter cable(s)
must be placed without tension.
Excess cable is stowed in the flat part of the pocket
underneath the velcro-adjustable flap. If you have
to stow both the thinner cutter cable and the thicker
control unit cable, be sure to place the thicker cable
so that it lays on top of the thinner one. Cables
should be placed in a circle in order to avoid twists.
Always avoid pulling, bending, twisting, or kinking
the cables
Removal of CYPRES can be done by the owner
without any problems. Do not pull on the cables,
instead push the processing unit, cutter and control
unit from their keepers.
right

page 14 - CYPRES 2 User’s Guide-
4. How to operate CYPRES 2
4.1 Handling the control unit
The push button on the control unit should be
pressed with the fingertip alone; please do not use
a fingernail or any object. Use a short clicking
action in the middle of the button.
You should familiarize yourself with switching
CYPRES 2 on and off (see chapter 4.2) and
changing altitude reference (see chapter 4.4) prior
to use.
The push button is the only means the user has for
controlling CYPRES 2 functions. For a skydiver
necessary handling is reduced to the following six
actions:
•switching on
•switching off
•increasing altitude reference
•decreasing altitude reference
•viewing the serial number
•viewing the next maintenance date
The following sections provide thorough descrip-
tions of these six procedures.

- CYPRES 2 User’s Guide- page 15
4.2 Switching CYPRES on
CYPRES is switched on by pressing the push
button four times with very short clicks. Start the
switch-on cycle by clicking the button once. After
approx. one second, the red LED-light will glow.
You must acknowledge the red light immediately
by clicking the button again. This sequence - a click
following appearance of the red light - will be
repeated two more times. After a total of four clicks,
CYPRES goes into self-test mode.
If you do not act promptly after seeing the LED-
light, or if you push the button to soon, CYPRES
will ignore the switch-on attempt.
This four-click initiation cycle has been designed
to avoid accidental switch-on.
Once the switch-on procedure is finished, the unit
will run through its self-test. Initially, the display
will show the number “10“, and then a countdown
ending in “0“. When the “0“ with the arrow down
is shown, the unit is functional for the next 14
hours. After 14 hours have passed, the unit will
switch itself off automatically. A manual switch-
off is always possible using the push button. If the
self-test is not successful, an error code is shown
for approximately 2 seconds. The meaning of this
error code can be seen in chapter 5.
The manual switch-off sequence is the same as the
switch-on procedure (click, light, click, light, click,
light, click). This routine is designed to avoid
accidental switch-off.
wait!
click
wait! wait!
click click
self-test and
calibration unit
switched on
click
light
appears light
appears
light
appears

page 16 - CYPRES 2 User’s Guide-
4.3 When to switch on or reset
As a rule, CYPRES has to be switched on at the
takeoff site on the ground. Just prior to donning
your rig is an ideal time. It should never be
switched on inside an aircraft, helicopter, balloon,
etc.
To reset CYPRES, switch off and then on again.
The unit will then re-calibrate and “zero“ itself to
this elevation.
When the takeoff airfield and intended dropzone
are in the same location, and all jumping activity
is restricted to that place, an initial switch-on at
the dropzone will suffice for any number of jumps,
provided they all take place within 14 hours.
Should any of the following situations occur,
CYPRES must be reset before the next jump:
• The dropzone is missed and the landing takes
place in an area with an elevation greater than
30 feet (10 m) above or below the dropzone
level. Or, on the return journey to the dropzone
the ground elevation changes similarly.
• The unit is taken away from the airfield/
dropzone by vehicle or on foot and later brought
back again.
• If the total time for a single jump (takeoff to
landing) exceeds one and a half hours,
CYPRES will function normally, but must be
reset after landing.
General recommendation: If in doubt, reset
CYPRES.
When the takeoff airfield and intended dropzone
are in different locations, CYPRES must be
switched on at the departure airfield. Prior to each
jump, on return to the airfield from the dropzone,
it must be reset again before takeoff.
When the takeoff airfield and intended dropzone
are at different elevations, CYPRES must be
switched on at the departure airfield and adjusted
to the elevation of the dropzone (see chapter
4.4).This is extremely important when making
demonstration/display jumps. Prior to each jump,
on return to the airfield from the dropzone, it must
be reset before jumping again.

- CYPRES 2 User’s Guide- page 17
4.4 Changing altitude reference
You must change the altitude reference whenever
the airfield and the dropzone where you intend to
land are at different elevations. CYPRES allows
for adjustments of up to plus/minus 1500 feet, or
plus/minus 500 meters if you have a meter version.
In order to make the adjustment, simply leave your
finger pressed firmly on the push button when you
press it for the fourth time during switch-on.
CYPRES will continue with its self-test, and once
it has finished, it will display altitude differences
in steps of 30 feet (or 10 meters). For example,
CYPRES will display the number "30" ("10") on
the display next to an arrow pointing upward. (30•
or 10•)
In this way, CYPRES is asking if the intended
landing spot will be at a place 30 feet (10 meters)
above airfield elevation. The figure "30" ("10") will
remain on the display but the arrow will switch
direction, now pointing downward (30–or 10–).
At this point, CYPRES is asking whether the
landing site will be 30 feet (10 meters) below
airfield elevation. (Be sure to use above-ground-
level altitude; never above-sea-level references.)
Following this, "60" ("20") will display next to an
arrow pointing upward. CYPRES now is asking
whether you intend to land 60 feet (20 meters)
above airfield level. Once again the arrow will
change, pointing downward. CYPRES asks:
"Landing 60 feet (20 meters) lower?"
DZ 360 feet below airfield
DZ 360 feet above airfield

page 18 - CYPRES 2 User’s Guide-
This back-and-forth routine between up and down,
in increments of 30 feet (10 meters), continues up
to an altitude difference of 1500 feet (500 meters).
The push button must remain pressed until the
desired altitude comes up on the display. When
you see the appropriate altitude, release the push
button.
The altitude difference that you select will remain
indicated on the display, and CYPRES will adjust
automatically for this change during the next jump
(only).
Even the shortest release of the push button during
the self-test cycle causes an interruption in the
process and CYPRES will ignore further attempts
to change altitude reference. In such cases the unit
will run through its self-test and end with 0–on
the display, ready for operation (without altitude
adjustment). Simply repeat the procedure as
necessary.
If you need to make changes, you have to start
over again by switching off then back on.

- CYPRES 2 User’s Guide- page 19
Important:
It is necessary to do an altitude adjust-
ment before each individual jump,
whenever the airfield and the dropzone
where you intend to land are at diffe-
rent elevations.
Once you have made an altitude change, it will be
displayed until the jump has been made, or until
CYPRES switches itself off or is switched off by
you.
On landing, CYPRES will accept the new ground
level as its actual "Ground Zero" reference, when
the preset altitude has been hit precisely. This
action can be observed by noticing that
immediately after the landing (within a maximum
of 30 seconds), the preset altitude difference is
automatically replaced by zero.
It would then be possible to take off from this
elevation and land there again under canopy
without doing any further altitude adjustment.
But, if you take off at this elevation and jump into
a dropzone with a different elevation you have to
do another altitude adjustment.
If the preset altitude does not equal the actual
altitude on landing (e.g., because the exact
difference was not known and was estimated) the
unit will not change to zero display right away. In
such a case, CYPRES must be recalibrated to the
correct Ground Zero by switching it off and on
again prior to the next jump. Do this on the airfield
where the aircraft will take off.