Multimode Vigil II User manual

Vigil II User’s Manual
US v II.0.4
Multimode
NATO Stock Number (NSN) 1377-13-119-7112
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The Vigil is endorsed by:
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1
English
AAD
nv/sa
. - Advanced Aerospace Designs
Bld A. Reyers 193 • B-1030 Brussels • Belgium
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected] • website: 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: [email protected]
Vigil Far East
Nam Fong Industrial Building Block 1
227 R/C Avenida Vencelau de Morais • Macau
Hong Kong: Tel: +(852) 660 30 710
Singapore: Tel:+(65) 8431 8028
[email protected] • www.vigil.aero
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Table of contents
Warning + Disclaimer (see p. 36) 4
1 Welcome to the Vigil II World! 5
2 Introduction
7
3 Function 8
3.1 General Working Principle 8
3.2 Installation 9
3.3 The Three Activation Modes 9
3.3.1 “PRO” Mode 9
3.3.2 “STUDENT” Mode 9
3.3.3 “TANDEM” Mode 9
3.4 Notice on Activation Altitude 10
3.5 Start Up and Shut Down Procedures 12
3.5.1 Start Up – Display 12
3.5.2 Starting Up the Vigil
®
13
3.5.3 Self Tests 13
3.5.4 «SETUP» Menu (Parameters) - Altitude correction 15
3.5.5 «INFO» Menu (Information) 16
3.5.6 «CONFIG» Menu (Configuration) 17
3.5.7 Choice confirmation 18
3.5.8 Shut Down 19
2
VIGIL II
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THIS MANUAL BEFORE ANY USE.
PRESENT INSTRUCTIONS WILL SHOW YOU THE CORRECT USE OF YOUR VIGIL®.
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4 Flight Restriction for the Pilot - Airborne 20
4.1 Recommendations 22
5 Vigil
®
Components 22
5.1 Main Box 23
5.2 Dual Battery Pac 23
5.3 Pulses Plus Element 24
5.4 Electronic Unit 24
5.5 Cutter Unit 25
5.6 Control Unit 26
6 Waterproof - IP67 26
7 Replacement of Parts of the Vigil
®
27
7.1 Replacing the Battery Pack 27
7.2 Replacing the Cutter unit or Control Unit 30
8 Technical Specifications 32
8.1 Glossary 32
8.2 Dimensions 33
8.3 Operating Description 33
8.4 Units and conversion factors 33
9 Communication Port – IR Download Box 34
10 Warranty 35
11 Disclaimer 36
12 Road Map / Grafcet 37
3
English
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4
VIGIL II
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 THE RISK. THE VIGIL® IS A
BACKUP DEVICE, 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® II 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® is equipped with an integrated Piezo resistive barometric pressure sensor.
Do not submit your Vigil® to pressures above 3000 hPa, (45.5 psi), nor 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).
Your Vigil®must be exclusively switched ON at the take-off zone (reference altitude or ground zero).
If you want to change of drop zone, please switch off your Vigil®before travelling and switch it back
on at the new drop zone before take-off.
Before each jump it is essential to visually check your LCD screen to ensure its functionality, its acti-
vation mode (“PRO”, “STUDENT” or “TANDEM”) as well as the pre-selected parameters (altitude
correction in feet or in meters) are correctly set.
NEVER JUMP WITH A BLANK LCD SCREEN ON YOUR VIGIL®!
DISCLAIMER See p. 36.
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1. Welcome to the Vigil II World!
We congratulate you on your purchase of today’s most sophisticated and modern, multimode Automatic
Activation Device. It is a reliable revolutionary waterproof (IP 67) safety device with no imposed maintenance
schedule. The Vigil
®
will automatically check all of its functional features each time it is switched on. The
Vigil
®
will detect any anomalies by itself. Should an abnormality be found, the LCD will display an error
message (see § 3.5.3.) and the Vigil
®
unit will not switch on. In this case the Vigil
®
needs to be analyzed by
an authorized dealer or sent back to the factory.
The Vigil
®
is designed for a life expectancy of 20 years from the date of manufacture.
The above 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
®
is very user friendly. It can be used for your choice in 3 activation modes: “PRO”, “STUDENT” or
“TANDEM”. The Vigil
®
, an ALL-IN-ONE Automatic Activation Device (AAD) will also work in U.S. or metric
standards units.
When travelling on any commercial flight with your Vigil
®
, 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 http://www.vigil.aero/ on the download page.
5
English
The Vigil II is in principle to be used as a last resort safety device. It has never been
intended 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® functions properly.
Incorrect set up or use can lead to improper functioning of the Vigil®.
A skydiver should always adhere to all rules and regulations set by his/her country’s
skydiving federation. The use of a Vigil® AAD does not exempt the parachutist from
performing proper emergency procedures.
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6
VIGIL II
NATO Stock Number (NSN) 1377-13-119-7112
LCD
Green LED
Red LED
Push button
Dual Battery Pack
+ Pulses Plus Element
Main Box
Connectors
Connection cable
Stainless
steel filter
Pyrothechnical cutter
Stainless Steel
Protection Cover
Control Unit
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2. Introduction
Your Vigil
®
was designed and developed by a professional team of engineers and skydivers.
Its function is to automatically open the reserve container 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 installation kit (pocket and cutter retainer) can be supplied to rig
manufacturers, on demand. The Vigil
®
can be used for three types of skydiving by pushing on just one
button. These user programmable modes are: «PRO», «STUDENT» or «TANDEM».
The Vigil
®
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 § 9).
The “2 wire” technology and the Kevlar reinforced cabling were especially developed for the Vigil
®
and
deliver a unique combination of strength and suppleness.
The gold plated contacts and the positive locking system of the connectors guarantee optimal connection
reliability in all circumstances.
The control unit: - is equipped with a 26 x 96 dots LCD display which allows for an interactive
and clear communication with the parachutist
- is protected by an anti-scratch sapphire glass in a stainless steel
protection cover.
The electromagnetic shield protects the Vigil
®
from electromagnetic interferences, like those found in
airports and airplanes (see § 5.1).
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8
VIGIL II
3. Function
3.1. General Working Principle:
The Vigil
®
must only be turned on at ground level; it will calibrate itself to the current ground elevation
pressure. This is the “GROUND ZERO” reference.
Once your Vigil
®
is on, it will at each take-off (in max. 32 sec, from +150ft or 46m) switch to active mode.
In freefall, it starts to continuously calculate the leftover time to reach the activation altitude approriate to
the programmed mode. When this altitude (or lower) is reached by the jumper at equal or superior speed
compared to the factory-set parameters, the cutter of the Vigil
®
will instantly fire and cut the closing
loop of your emergency parachute (<0,002 sec).
An “altitude correction” mode allows you to introduce a positive or negative altitude difference between
the departure and landing levels (from +6000ft to -6000 ft or from +2000m to -2000m) in steps of 150ft or
50 m. The Vigil
®
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» or «TANDEM» has its own factory-set activation altitude and speed
choice can be done in the “SET UP” menu (see § 3.3). During your aircraft ascent, the Vigil
®
’s red LED
will briefly flash three times when it passes through its pre-set activation altitude.
The Vigil
®
will automatically remain ON for 14 hours; it may of course be switched off manually before
that time. The selected activation mode «PRO», «STUDENT» or «TANDEM» will remain visible on the LCD
display until the Vigil
®
is switched off or turns off automatically after 14 hours.
If the Vigil is airborne due to a difference in pressure equivalent to more than ±150ft (±46m) compared
to the “ground zero” reference (pressure), it is highly recommended to switch off your Vigil
®
after your
last jump of the day. Be aware that your Vigil
®
will not switch off as long as its “ground zero” reference
altitude is not measured again (at ±150ft or ± 46m) by the Vigil
®
.
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3.2. Installation
The Vigil
®
has been designed to be compatible with most sport rigs on the market today. If a suitable
installation kit for an electronic AAD is not yet installed by the rig manufacturer, a Vigil
®
Installation
Kit (pocket, loop, washer and cutter retainer) can be supplied and installed in your container by the
rig manufacturer or by an 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
®
’s cutter must be positioned as specified by the rig
manufacturer’s instructions for electronic AAD’s.
3.3. The Three Activation Modes
The Vigil
®
has three activation modes that can be selected by the user. The choice can be made in
the “SETUP” menu (See § 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
®
releases at 840 Ft. (256 meters) and below till 150 Ft. (46 meters),
if the freefall speed is equal or superior to 35 m/sec. (78 mph or 126 km/h)*
3.3.2. “STUDENT” Mode
The Vigil
®
releases at 1040 Ft. (317 meters) and below till 150 Ft. (46 meters),
if the freefall speed is equal or superior to 20 m/sec. (45 mph or 72 km/h)*
3.3.3. “TANDEM” Mode
The Vigil
®
releases at 2040 Ft. (622 meters) and below till 150 Ft. (46 meters),
if the freefall speed is equal or superior to 35 m/sec. (78 mph or 126 km/h)*
* The cutter will
activate instanta-
neously once the
pre-determined
activation mode
parameters (altitude
and falling speed)
are reached.
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10
VIGIL II
3.4. Notice on the Activation Altitude
In practice, you must be aware that the Vigil
®
always acts based on a measured air pressure and
time. Those 2 parameters permit 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
®
is able to register pressure differences of 0, 1 hPa which is equivalent to an
altitude difference of only ± 2,6 feet (or 0,8 meter)!
Important remark: The sensor registered pressure will vary, in function of the skydiver position (face to
earth or on his back) up to 10 hPa (=mbar) equivalent to 260 ft (80m)!
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.
The influence of their falling position on their respective AAD reading is as follows:
(I) Back to earth
Depression zone
No influence
Pressure sensor location
Pressure = X hPa
Vigil
®
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
Pressure = X hPa – 10 hPa
Vigil
®
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 +80m)
Both at the same altitude Y
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Conclusion:
If the Vigil
®
is set in PRO mode, it will activate at 840 Ft or 256 m above the ground when a falling
speed of 78 mph or 35m/sec is reached. 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, the
sensor is not influenced by a depression, but if the skydiver is falling face to earth, then the sensor
located in the depression zone will read an up to 10mbar lower pressure or an altitude 260 ft or 80
m superior to the real altitude, and will in this case activate later or 260 ft or 80m lower i.e. at a real
altitude of 580 ft or 176 m above the ground which is too low.
Therefore a compensation of + 260 ft or + 80 m above the nominal activation altitude was integrated.
In PRO mode a programmed activation altitude of 1100 ft or 336 m has been set to guarantee
notwithstanding the position, activation at a minimum altitude of 840ft or 256m (real altitude) above the
ground.
Remarks:
• In a test chamber, the activation in PRO mode will always be triggered at 1100 ft (840 ft + 260 ft) or
336m (256m + 80m) as there is no depression zone.
• The Vigil
®
has an opening accuracy of ± 65 Ft or ± 20m in all modes thanks to our patented
“permanent Left over Time Calculation” method.
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12
VIGIL II
3.5. Start Up and Shut Down Procedures
The Vigil
®
must imperatively be switched ON at ground level of your take-off zone
(This becomes the “GROUND ZERO” reference altitude).
Your Vigil
®
will recalibrate itself for variation of the atmospheric pressure.
Attention: If after a certain time there is a great change in atmospheric pressure (more than 10 hPa),
it is recommended that you shut down and restart your Vigil
®
to guarantee optimal precision.
Never switch on your multimode Vigil II in a plane.
3.5.1 Start Up – Display
In its standard configuration, the Vigil
®
is used with the orange push button situated at the right side
of the display. The red LED is positioned in the upper corner; it dictates the rhythm of the start up
procedure. The green LED is situated in the bottom corner of the controller; it confirms the end of the
start up procedure.
The Vigil
®
‘s display is reversible (see § 3.5.6.) «view» 
«view»
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3.5.2. Starting Up the Vigil
®
The Vigil
®
becomes operational after pressing the 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 «Hello»
message is shown. If no message appears, please repeat the previous operation. «Hello» is immediately
followed by «Vigil II» 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
®
will then automatically start its self-test sequence.
In short:
The start up and shut down procedures listed in this manual are in place to reduce the risk of an
unwanted start up or shut down sequence.
Consequence: The Vigil
®
cannot be turned on or off by accidentally knocking the push button.
3.5.3. Self Tests
The Vigil
®
automatically goes through a complete control 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 «Hello» followed by «Vigil II» appears + flash ➯ (2)
2. Push Flash ➯ (3)
3. Push Flash ➯ (4)
4. Push Start of self tests
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 « VIGIL II »
 « VIGIL II »
 « VIGIL II »
 « BAT OK »
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14
VIGIL II
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
®
is still operational,
but it is required to replace the dual battery pack as soon as possible.
• «Bat Rpl» The dual battery pack must be replaced, the Vigil
®
will not switch on.
• «Cut Err» Cutter resistance is out of tolerance, the Vigil
®
will not switch on.
• «Ctrl Err» 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»), it puts an end to the start up procedure.
The Vigil
®
will switch itself off.
If the «Bat Low» or «Bat Rpl» message appears, the user has to replace the battery pack as soon as
possible (see § 7.1).
If the «Cut Err» message appears, the cutter unit must be replaced (see § 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 all Vigil
®
parts be replaced by a certified rigger or by a Vigil
®
approved
expert. Some regulations require a certified rigger to do such replacements. The user may not have
authorization to replace the battery pack, cutter or controller unit. In this situation you must adhere
to your country’s rules.
In case the «Ctrl Err» message appears due to a failure in the electronic circuits, you need to send the
Vigil
®
back to your dealer or to the factory for a complete check up.
The Vigil
®
is guaranteed free of all material and workmanship defects for 24 months.
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English
This first test procedure is followed by 3 different menus: «SETUP», «INFO», and «CONFIG» (see § 3).
Recommendation: if the Vigil
®
is not yet configured to your standard measurement units, go first to the
“CONFIG” menu (see § 3.5.6.) to set the required units (U.S. or metric) before other settings.
3.5.4. «SETUP» Menu (Parameters)
It is possible to enter the «SETUP» menu at the end of the self testing sequence. To do this, press the
push button as soon as the display shows «SETUP» and the red LED flashes. This menu enables you to
introduce a positive or negative altitude correction (in feet or meters) between the departure and arrival
ground levels appropriate to the functioning mode (PRO, STUDENT or TANDEM – see § 3.3).
It is possible to implement an altitude correction from +6000 to -6000 Ft or from +2000 to -2000 meters. To
enter or modify a positive or negative altitude correction, press the push button while «Alt Cor» appears.
The arrow facing up corresponds to an increase of the altitude value and the arrow facing down to a
decrease of the altitude value. The correction is made in increments of 150 Ft. or 50 m. when the Vigil
®
is
set in meters. Press the push button until the desired positive or negative altitude correction is achieved.
For ex.: +100 m for higher landing zone compared to the take-off zone and -100 m for a lower landing
zone. When the required altitude correction is displayed wait for a few moments until the activation mode
“PRO”, “STUDENT” or “TANDEM” is displayed. It is possible to modify the activation mode to “PRO”,
“STUDENT” or “TANDEM” by pressing the push button until the desired mode is achieved. When the
required activation mode is on screen, wait for a few moments and «INFO» will appear on screen.
Important note: Please be aware that the original “GROUND ZERO” reference as well as the altitude
correction will remain in the Vigil
®
’s memory and will be applied to all following jumps,
as long as your Vigil
®
has not been switched off. Your Vigil
®
must be recalibrated when
you have landed at the other drop zone. By switching your Vigil
®
off and back on again,
the Vigil
®
recalibrate’s itself and remember that the set “Alt Cor” will only be cancelled
if reconfigured in the setup menu.
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3.5.5. «INFO» Menu (Information)
This menu allows you to display your Vigil
®
’s reference parameters (version, date of manufacture and
serial number), data of previous jumps, as well as temperature and atmospheric pressure.
These parameters are in clear language in function of the chosen units and as follows (*):
(*) Certain special models could be equipped with custom-built or experimental software.
16
VIGIL II
Display Note: the number 8 is used for illustration (all segments used in a number)
Ver :8.88 Software Version
Lcd :8.88 LCD version
#88888 Electronic Unit Serial Number
 88/88 Production week and year
(for example 26/06 = week 26 in 2006)
TJ :18888 Total Jumps (Total number of jumps with this unit)
TFF :88hTotal Free Fall - Total free fall time with this unit in hours,
88m88sfollowed by minutes and seconds
LFF :188s Last Free Fall - Duration displayed is seconds
888 km/h and maximum speed of the last freefall displayed in km/h or mph
Saves 18 Number of activations on your Vigil
®
T:+88°C ou +88°FTemperature of Vigil
®
main unit in °F or °C depending on the configuration
88inHg or 8888hPa Atmospheric Pressure in inches of mercury (inHg) or hectopascal (hPa)
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In those cases - a specific identification logo on cover is used and a specific manual will be issued.
The information supplied by those units could be different than on standard Multimode Vigil
®
units.
As reference: Standard logo
3.5.6. «CONFIG»Menu (Configuration)
To enter into the configuration menu, press the push button as soon as the display indicates «CONFIG»
and the red LED flashes. This configuration menu allows you to choose the type of measurement units
you wish to display, reverse the display characters and adjust the contrast of the display.
Initially, the display indicates «Feet» or «Meters», depending on the existing configuration.
To change the measurement unit, press the push button.
You can choose «U.S.» or «Metric» by pressing the push button (°Fahrenheit, mph, inches of mercury or
°Celsius, km/h, hectoPascal).
Press «View» to choose to view the display in its normal configuration or flipped 180° .
The contrast can be adjusted by pressing the push button when «Contrast» is displayed, in accordance
with the up and down arrows (it will not fade out).
Once the «CONFIG» menu is completed, the Vigil II is operational and will keep in memory the chosen
configuration.
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«View»
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18
VIGIL II
In short:
The total parameter sequences are described on the roadmap (see chapter 12, page 37)
3.5.7. Choice confirmation
The green LED flashes five times and the message «JEnjoy» is displayed for a few seconds to confirm
the Vigil
®
is ready for use.
Remark: While the message «JEnjoy»is displayed, by pushing the button you can go back to
the three menus’ (SETUP, INFO or CONFIG) for a possible verification or modification.
If no altitude correction is entered, the chosen “PRO”, “STUDENT” or “TANDEM” mode remains
displayed. If an altitude correction was entered, the chosen mode will be displayed respectively as “P”
(for PRO), “S” (for STUDENT) or”T” (for TANDEM), followed by a «+» or «-» sign preceding the value of
the implemented altitude correction, the value will be shown in feet (Ft) or meters (m). After switch on,
the Vigil
®
stays on for a period of 14 hours and will then switch off automatically if at “ground zero”
reference. Once off, it will keep all settings in its memory for next jumps.
Action Display
1. Wait «CONFIG» displayed
2. Push Choose between «Feet» or «Meters»
3. Push Choose between «U.S. » or «Metric»
(°Fahrenheit, mph, inches of mercury or °Celsius, km/h, hectoPascal)
4. Push Choose between normal or reversed display «View»or
5.Push Contrast or contrast
«View»


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