User Manual
Automatic Securing Device
MPAAD
4th Edition
In Jevíčko, in 10/2004
CONTENTS
HEAD I
1.
Introduction
2.
Designation
HEAD
II
Description
1. Function
2.
Additional functions
3.
User menu
4.
Main parts
5.
Location of the device
HEAD
III
Technical
data
HEAD
IV
Contents
1.
Deactivated device
2.
Device activation
3.
Device deactivation
4.
Calibration
5.
Stand-by mode
6.
Jump mode
7.
Adjustment during a jump
outside an airport
8.
Error statutes
HEAD
V
Assembly
HEAD
VI
Maintenance
1.
Special maintenance
2.
Proper function check
3.
4.
Chopping mechanism
replacement
5.
Device adjustment changes
HEAD
VII
Service
life and warranty conditions
HEAD
VIII
Caution
Placing
the MPAAD securing device into a packing bag
MPAAD
– Activation report
HEAD I
1.
Introduction
MPAAD is a result of several years of
development, research, and tests. This device combines in itself the latest
electronic technologies and components. Its development prioritized higher
reliability and resistance as well as the satisfaction of current parachuting
requirements. It also aimed at setting standards for the third generation of
securing devices. The location of the entire device in a compact, duralumin
case without outer connecting cables principally excludes any possible
mechanical damage and simultaneously markedly enhances resistance against
electromagnetic interferences. MPAAD is a modern, electronic, micro
processor-controlled securing device that does not require any special
maintenance and that features several additional functions. The device can be
arbitrarily set as EXPERT, BEGINNER or TANDEM.
2.
Designation
The
device is designed for all types of parachute jumps, including the following:
RW,
CRW, FREEFLY, FREESTYLE, SIT-FLYING, SKYSURFING, jumps with a CAMERA, PRECISION
LANDING, INDIVIDUAL ACROBATICS, AFF, TANDEMS and BEGINNERS.
CAUTION:
-
The
device is not designed for jumps from firm structures –
BASE JUMPS!
-
The
device is not designed for PARAGLIDING, PARASCENDING
Or PARASAILING!
-
The
device is not designed for the primary opening of the parachute!
-
The
device is not designed for jumps into water!
HEAD II
Description
1. Function
The
primary function of this device is to activate a reserve parachute when a
parachutist free-falls at a dangerous height and thus to prevent the
parachutist’s direct fall on the ground. The limit values of activation differ
depending on the specific adjustment of the device; i.e. EXPERT, BEGINNER, and
TANDEM. The height of activation means the highest admissible height when
activation can take place. The device can be started at any height between the
activation height and the ground, if a fall rate has been exceeded. Activation
at a lower height than the activation height is possible, for instance, after a
low release. A height lock indicates the height that has to be overcome in
order to unlock the device. If this height has not been reached, but activation
conditions have been met, the device will not be activated.
EXPERT
Activation takes place if the height
above the ground is less than 270m and the fall rate is greater than 35 m.s-1.
The height lock is 450m.
BEGINNER
Activation takes place if the height
above the ground is less than 270m and the fall rate is greater than 20 m.s-1.
The height lock is 450m.
TANDEM
Activation takes place if the height
above the ground is less than 560m and the fall rate is greater than 35 m.s-1.
The height lock is 900m.
2. Additional functions
The
device has a built-in real-time clock that runs continuously if there is a
battery in the device. When starting the device, the condition of the battery
is indicated in percents of remaining capacity. No other adjustment procedures
apart from the device’s start-up have to be made prior to the first jump.
If a landing surface is situated lower or higher than a start point, this difference can be set on the
device (± 600 m). A qualified person may change the adjustment
of the device to the TANDEM,
EXPERT or BEGINNER setting according to the user’s requirements. The qualified
person can also set the time of the standby mode to
3. User Menu
The
user can access a simple menu where he can view the following data:
The height of opening during the
previous jump
Total
number of jumps
Remaining
battery capacity in percents
Device manufacturing number
Controlling firmware version
4. Main parts
All of
the device parts are contained in a flat, metal case that is divided in three
compartments. The upper one contains a microprocessor, a real-time clock,
supporting electric circuits, a barometric pressure sensor with a display and
two buttons. The lower compartment contains a battery. The middle compartment
contains a pyrotechnic chopping mechanism. The battery and the chopping
mechanism can be replaced.
5. Location of the device
The
device is located under the lower part of the packing bag of the reserve
parachute. Its control buttons and display can be accessed through a window on
the rear side of the packing. The closing loop of the reserve parachute runs
through the opening in the central device part where the chopping mechanism is
placed as well. MPAAD fills up the area that is naturally created in the
between-the-blade part of the packing of the reserve parachute by pulling the
closing loop through a padding plate.
HEAD III
Technical data
|
Size (mm): |
100
x 62 x 20 |
|
Weight (g): |
ca 250 g |
|
Volume (ccm) |
124 ccm |
|
|
Special lithium batteries |
|
|
Up to 4 years or 300 flying hours |
|
Range of application (m) |
- 600 up to + 10000 m (above sea level AGL) |
|
Activation height (m) |
< 270 m Expert < 270 m Beginner < 560 m Tandem |
|
Activation rate (m/s) |
> 35 m.s-1 Expert > 20 m.s-1 Beginner > 35 m.s-1 Tandem |
|
Height lock (m) |
450
m Expert 450
m Beginner 900
m Tandem |
|
Accuracy: (%) |
± 7 % |
|
Temperature range ( ºC ) |
- 20 ºC up to +60 ºC |
|
Stand-by mode (h) |
Can be set to 1-19 hours at hourly intervals |
|
Landing outside airport |
Can be set to ±600 m |
|
Device service life |
15 years |
HEAD IV
Maintenance
1. Deactivated device
The
display is empty and whenever the left or right button is pressed,
intentionally or by accident, the display indicates [ OFF ] .
2. Device activation
The
device is started by pressing the buttons of the so-called activation sequence
several times. First release both buttons. Press the left button and keep it
pressed ( o ). After
three seconds, the display will show number one [ 1 ]. Press the right button ( > ) three times in a
row and release it. After each pressing the display will show a
growing row of numbers [ 12 ],
[ 123 ] and [ 1234 ].
Once numeral 4 has appeared
on the display, release the left control button ( o ). This activation sequence is then complete. The whole sequence must not
last longer than ten seconds. If a mistake is made the
whole procedure must be repeated.
The
display shows [ ON ] briefly and then it images the remaining capacity
of the battery ranging from [ 100% ] to [ 0% ]. Subsequently,
automatic calibration takes place and [
During
the activation procedure, MPAAD checks the battery, chopping mechanism and
electronics.
3. Machine deactivation
Turn
off the device in the same way in which you activated it – i.e. by means of the
activation sequence. The display shows [ OFF ]. If you forget to turn
the device off, it turns off automatically once the time of the stand-by mode
has been fulfilled. The device can be turned off during the stand-by and jump
modes.
4. Calibration
Calibration
is carried out to set a zero height for the landing surface. It is started when
activating the device and then automatically after each jump. When [
If
you land outside an airport unintentionally and find yourself at a markedly
lower or higher height on your way back (± 10 m), turn the device off
manually after arrival and then turn it on again! If you are in doubt, proceed
in the same way to be on the safe side! This will secure the proper
re-calibration of the device prior to the next jump.
5. Stand-by mode
When
in the stand-by mode, the device is on the ground. Pressure and a possible
airplane start are checked regularly. This mode starts as soon as the
calibration is completed. The display shows a time countdown until the
automatic turning off of the machine. For instance, the display shows time
information [
If
the device is set to a different mode than EXPERT, this is indicated on the
display. The TANDEM adjustment is indicated by letter ‚t’ in the far-right display
field, for instance, [ 14:00t ]. The BEGINNER adjustment is indicated by letter ‚b’, for instance, [ 14:00b ]. When the EXPERT adjustment is
used, the far-right display field is empty.
6. Jump mode
Just
a while after an airplane’s start the device automatically changes to a jump
mode. The display stops imaging time and shows a current reached height above
the ground (AGL). After landing a calibration sequence takes place and the
device automatically switches back to a standby mode.
Note:
Just
a look at the display can check not only the mode in which the device is
operating but also the time remaining to an automatic turn off as well as the
proper function of the device.
7. Adjustment during a jump outside an airport
If
the landing surface is located higher or lower than the starting place, the
device has to be adjusted to a correct value as follows:
If
the device is on, turn it off. Activate the device by means of the activation
sequence. As soon as the display begins to read [ ON ], press the right
button ( > ) and keep it pressed until the display starts to
show [ SEt ]. By pressing the
right button or keeping it pressed adjust the required height of the landing
ground (±600 m). Confirm your selection by pressing the left button ( o ). Once the
calibration has been completed, the device switches to a stand-by mode. The
display shows, in turns, a time countdown and a set height, for instance, [
After
planned landing on the landing ground outside an airport using the
re-calibration of the landing ground height, the device turns off
automatically! The display is empty and when pressing on the button the [ OFF ] sign becomes
displayed. Prior to the next jump, be it on the original or a new
landing ground, turn on the device again.
8. User Menu
To
enter the User Menu press the right button ( > ) and keep it pressed
for about 4 seconds.
The
display will show [ -01- ]. Release the button and the display will show
the height of opening. If you keep on pressing the button, you will start going
through the menu. Press the left button ( o ) to leave the menu. After a while the menu will deactivate itself.
Menu beginning
[ -01- ] [ 888o ] opening height during the last
jump
[
-02- ] [ 888J ] total
number of jumps
[
-03- ] [ 88% ] remaining
battery capacity in percents
[ -04- ] [ 3.65v ] battery
voltage in volts
[ -05- ] [ 888d ] battery age in days
[ -06- ] [ 41b8 ] device manufacturing number
[ -07- ] [ 01.00 ] controlling
firmware version
Menu end
9. Error statuses
If [ Exxx ] (error) appears on
the display during automatic control or at any time, it is necessary to replace
either the battery or the chopping mechanism,
or to restart the device.
If [ Fxx ]
(failure) appears on the display, the device must be sent to
the manufacturer for inspection. In this case the device becomes blocked and
cannot be turned off.
E001, E010 Range
error during calibration. The scatter of pressure samples is too large.
E002, E020 Chopping
mechanism error. Pyro cartridge is faulty or
activated.
E004, E040
HEAD V
Assembly
The
structure of MPAAD is new and differs from the structure applied to the most
frequently used devices. Therefore, it does not allow for the use of available
assembly components built in a majority of currently used parachute sets.
However, completed tests proved that minor adjustments make MPAAD suitable for
mounting into most currently used parachute sets.
Note:
The
presentation of the MPAAD device for the leading foreign manufacturer of
parachute equipment has not yet taken place. The manufacturer’s agreement is
required for the mounting of a MPAAD device into a parachute system.
HEAD VI
Maintenance
1. Special maintenance
The
device does not require any special maintenance. The device performs continual
automatic checks (battery, internal circuits, chopping cartridge).
2. Proper function check
The user
can easily check the proper operation of the MPAAD device by looking at the
display.
-
The real-time clock must
correctly count down the time (stand-by mode).
-
The height on the device
display must correspond with the height at the altimeter (jump-down mode).
Note:
Even
a more thorough device check is relatively simple. However, it requires a
certain level of knowledge. Therefore, it can be completed only by a person
trained by the manufacturer.
3. Battery replacement
The
battery can be replaced only by a duly informed parachute technician or by a
technician trained by the manufacturer!
The
disconnecting and connecting of connectors should be limited only to the
necessary replacement of the battery! Unnecessary repeated disconnecting may
result in the deterioration of the electrical parameters of the
connectors.
- Gently press the battery contact among the contacts in the device.
- Fold the cable so that it makes a right angle.
- Turn the battery cells by 90°
to insert the battery into the device body, the inscriptions
on the battery facing up.
Once
the battery has been installed, accommodate the cable in the through on the
right, in the central part of the body.
- Attach a lid and tighten the screws gently so as not to damage the
thread or the bolt.
For the mounting of the cap
onto the instrument body are used special screws that must be tightened by
means of the socket spanner No. 2 – the spanner will be plugged with ist longer
side into the hole in the screw head. The shorter side of the spanner No. 2
made the producer purposely squashed flat so that the use of this side of the
spanner for the screw tightening would be avoided.
Note:
Valid for the product dispatched from 08/2004.
- Check the device by turning it on.
4. Chopping mechanism replacement
Its
replacement can be carried out only by a duly informed parachute technician or
by a technician trained by the manufacturer!
If
activated, a new spare pyrotechnic chopping mechanism will be provided free of
charge (only postage will be charged). This will apply only if the manufacturer
is then sent a report (FAX, mail, post) giving details about the respective
circumstances (see the form).
Chopping
mechanism replacement procedure:
- Carefully remove the
pyro cartridge from the central part of the body and disconnect its
connector.
- Gently press the
connector of the new pyro cartridge into the counterpart piece placed in
the upper left part of the device body.
- Place the pyro
cartridge into the central part of the device so that its whole height
sinks in the groove.
- Lead the cable to the
groove on the partition. The surface under the conductor is provided with
glued on elastic rubber to insulate the cable.
- Once the pyro cartridge has been replaced, check the operation of
the device by turning it on.
5. Device adjustment changes
A
qualified person may change the adjustment of the device to TANDEM, EXPERT or
BEGINNER and to set the time of the stand-by mode from
HEAD VII
Principles
-
Always
turn on the device only in the area of the landing ground, i.e. not in the
airplane.
- If you land
outside an airport unintentionally and find yourself at a markedly lower or
higher height on your way back (± 10 m), turn the device off
manually after arrival and then turn it on again! If you are in doubt, proceed
in the same way to be on the safe side!
-
The
cabin of the parachute airplane must be connected to the surrounding pressure.
-
After taking off, the
parachute airplane must not descend below the height of the landing ground.
-
If the positive
re-calibration of the landing ground is applied, the airplane must not descend
below the height of the landing ground if it has already overcome the same
height.
-
When re-calibration is used,
the height lock is used with regard to the height of the landing ground, not of
the start-up ground.
-
If parachute jumps are
interrupted, it is necessary to observe a descent speed lower than an
activation speed or to turn off the device while landing.
-
When replacing the batteries
and activating the securing device repeatedly, it is always necessary to check
the proper adjustment of the device; i.e. Expert, Beginner or Tandem. If the
respective adjustment does not correspond with a requirement, it must be
re-selected.
HEAD VII
Service life and warranty terms and conditions
The
anticipated service life of the device is 15 years.
Damage
or shortcomings that have been demonstrably caused by the manufacturer will be
repaired free of charge within a period of two years from the date of sale.
A
warranty-covered repair, if any, does not extend the time of the warranty
period.
Warranty
does not apply to damage caused by force majeur or other causes, including but
not limited to an accident, impact, improper use, unauthorized modifications,
handling, misuse, etc.
CAUTION
MPAAD
is a securing device! It is not designed to be used as a primary means for
parachute opening.
The
different use of the MPAAD device than is described in the operation manual may
lead to its wrong function.
Considering
a certain risk level that is an integral part of sport parachuting, no other
requirements – especially, in particular those concerning breakdown after
parachutist accidents – cannot be accepted.
HEAD VIII
Caution
The proper function of the packing bag is
secured only by the PV – 038 pilot parachutes. The minimal buoyancy force of
this pilot parachute is 170 N. The upper diameter of the firm part of the pilot
parachute is 70 mm, while the lower diameter of the conical spring is 140 mm.
The
application of other types of pilot parachutes is subject to the approval of
the manufacturer of the packing bag.
Pilot
parachute PV – 038
The
size of the device is 100 x 62 x 20 mm.
Placing
the MPAAD securing device into
a
packing bag
The MPAAD securing device can be stored only in a packing bag designed
for this purpose.
Leading
the cord through the pad:
|
|
|
1.
Lead the cord through the
pad center (1).
2.
Then lead the cord to the
openings marked with numbers 2, 3, 4, 5.
3.
Lead the cord running
through the center to a sign that informs the packing staff about the precise
length.
4.
Take the end of the cord
pulled from the opening No. 5 and needle it in between the cord running between
the openings No. 3 and 4.
5.
Let the cord end stick out
by ca 15 mm.
6.
The cord that has been led
along its entire length as described above is fixed by friction, which prevents
its shifting.
7.
In the area between the
openings 2 – 3 and 4 – 5 the cord creates the surface with which the pad aligns
onto the body of the pyro cartridge.
Completing
The device must be completed by an authorized person. First, insert the
cord and the pad into the device. The cord is inserted into the pad in a unique way and therefore it is not necessary to secure its
ends with a knot. (Cord installation procedure – picture 1).
Put the device into the pocket sown
onto the back padded piece, the display facing the translucent plastic plate.
Lead the cord through the opening in the pocket and then take it through the
bushing pressed onto the bottom of the packing bag of the reserve parachute.
Stabilise the device inside the pocket and the packing bag is then ready for
packing.
The reserve parachute can be packed
only by a person with valid authorization. Once the reserve parachute has been
packed, the function of the device has to be checked.
MPAAD
– Activation Report
1. Date of making the Activation Report:
_________________________________
Person who recorded the report: ______________________________
Telephone number:
____________________________
2. Details about the sportsman for whom the
activation was completed.
Name:
_____________________ Telephone
number: _________________________
Height
/ weight: __________ Number of jumps: _________________________
Parachuting
practice in years: _________ Number of jumps in the last 12 months: ____
3. Equipment details:
Bag
type: _______________ Production
date: __________________________
Bag
material:
(Cross
out the appropriate) Cordura
/ Parapack /
Uzaron / Patrik
/ Padnis
Main
parachute type and size / number of jumps: ________________________________
Production
date: __________________________________________________________
Reserve
parachute type and size: _____________________________________________
Production
date: __________________________________________________________
Applied system of main
parachute opening: hand-held
parachute manual control
parachute lanyard other
4. MPAAD
Adjustment: Expert
Beginner
Tandem
Production
date: __________________________________________________________
Production
number: _________________________________________________________
Date
of installation in a bag:_________________________________________________
Place
of installation:____________________________________________________
Installed
by: ________________________________________________________
Pyro
cartridge production number: _____________________________________________
Was
the loop cut through?: yes no
(cross
out the appropriate)
5. Airplane details:
Airplane
type: ________________________ With or
without doors: ____________
Did
the airplane have a pressure cabin and was it used? __________________________
Did
the airplane descend before ascending from the departure aerodrome?____________
Did
the airplane ascend slowly after the start? __________________________________
Maximal
reached height before the respective parachutist’s drop_________________
Jump
height: ___________________________________________________________
Pilot’s
name and telephone number: ________________________________________________
6. Activation details:
Date
and time: ___________________________________________________________
Airport
(country / city): ____________________________________________________
Where
was MPAAD activated:
On the ground During
flight During main parachute opening
During free fall In
ascend After main parachute opening
In airplane
In descend During reserve parachute opening
Parachutist’s
position in the airplane: _________________________________________
Estimated
activation height: ________________________________________________
Air
temperature on the ground: ______________________________________________
How
much time did MPAAD need to activate? _________________________________
How
many jumps with MPAAD were completed before MPAAD was activated? ______
Was
it switched on at theairport?_____________________________________________
If
not, where was it turned on? ______________________________________________
Has
the MPAAD been outside the airport - except for the time when it was in the
airplane or under the canopy – since the time of its activation?
________________________________________________________________
The main parachute
opened:
Quickly normally slowly very slowly
No, the main parachute did not open
When
the main parachute open, the parachutist was
In a stable position
In start Flying
headlong
On his back On
his side Was
rotating
Was not stable
Combination of all of the above
Please
describe the accident in your own words, giving as many details as possible:
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________