Vigil II User's Manual
Contents
1. Down gt 4 0 L L CO 4 goa O1 CO N CO 4 1 0 1 n2 8 5 5 4 0 0 5 6 14 7 2 8 1 8 2 8 3 8 4 10 11 12 Flight Restriction for the Pilot Recommendations Vigil Components Main Box Dual Battery Pack Pulses Plus Element Electronic Unit Cutter Unit Control Unit Waterproof IP67 Replacement of Parts of the Vigil Replacing the Battery Pack Replacing the Cutter unit or Control Unit Technical Specifications Glossary Dimensions Operating Description Units and conversion factors Communication Port IR Download Box Warranty Personal Notes Road Map Grafcet 20 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 26 26 2 27 30 J2 32 33 2d 33 34 35 36 M WARNING Skydiving is a risky activity Read the manual very carefully before any practical use To disregard warnings instructions and safety procedures may result in serious injury or even death The correct use of the Vigil AAD will drastically reduce this risk Vigil is equipped with an integrated Piezo resistive barometric pressure sensor Do not submit your Vigil to pressures above 3000 hPa nor to temperatures above 158 F 70 C see point 5 2 DISCLAIMER AAD nv sa intensively tests all Vigil to assure their reliability Each Vigil has passed various documented technical inspections calibration tests quality control inspections and a2. On the first press the 8 SysOFF message is displayed Press the button a second and third time do this as soon as the red LED flashes Press the button as soon as the red LED flashes a fourth and last time The display will show Goodbye followed by Vigil for few seconds Finally the green LED flashes very shortly and then shuts down In short Action Result 7 Push Short flash gt 2 Sys OFF 2 Push Short flash gt 3 Sys OFF 3 Push Short flash 4 Sys OFF 4 Push Goodbye followed by Vigil 11 are displayed before the AAD shuts down 4 Flight restriction for the pilot 150 Ft 46 The plane may not fly more than 100 sec in a zone of 150 Ft 46m above or under takeoff level In all modes with or without altitude correction Takeoff Level 150 Ft 46 x This is the only flight restriction for your Vigil SEO Vigil will work correctly even when used in a pressurized cabin as long as the pressure differs at least 5hPa compared to the atmospheric air pressure at takeoff gt When the user decides to ride down with the aircraft in lieu of jumping the pilot must be advised of the status of your Vigil to limit his descent rate according to the mode or 45mph 20m sec for STUDENT and 78mph 35m sec for PRO or TANDEM and set activation altitude this is especially important for Vigil s programmed in STUDENT
3. mode In these circumstances we recommend to switch off the Vigil if possible It is necessary to switch your Vigil off and back on again so it can re calibrate itself when the elevation of your landing zone differs from more than 100Ft 30m compared to your initial take off zone and this landing zone becomes your new take off zone Vigil is the most accurate AAD on the market It becomes operational in a zone of 150Ft 46m above or under take off level To avoid unexpected firing of the cutter you must switch OFF your Vigil before travelling in a closed vehicle car bus train due to possible air pressure variation However there is no problem travelling in an open vehicle at the drop zone altitude We sincerely hope that you will never be in a situation that justifies the use of your Vigil But if this does happen to be the case then you will have thanks to the purchase of this Vigil demonstrated your Judicious foresight 21 4 1 Recommendations gt You must switch the Vigil ON only once you arrive at the drop zone to get the correct ZERO GROUND REFERENCE Adjust your altitude correction accordingly if needed gt Check the display carefully before each jump to verify the right settings gt Vigil will shut down automatically 14 hours after its start up gt f you enter a plane with a pressurized cabin please notify the pilot that is not allowed to do any pressurized tests equivale
4. 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 8 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 gt We recommend that all Vigil parts be replaced by a certified rigger or by 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 countrys 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 12 months This first test procedure is followed by 3 different menus SETUP see 5 3 5 4 INFO see 5 3 5 5 and CONFIG see 5 3 5 6 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 sel
5. up Tighten the two outside fixing screws See picture VI of page 28 31 32 8 Technical specifications 8 1 Glossary Electromagnetic shielding A special metal shield that protects the electronic circuits from electromagnetic waves to avoid malfunctions of the device by magnetic interferences from radars cellular phones Cutter Unit A cutting system that acts by a pyrotechnical double cut of the loop inside the reserve container Infrared Port Transmitter receiver of infrared signals that allows a bidirectional exchange of data between two devices Kevlar Non elastic carbon fiber used to reinforce the cables It prevents direct traction on the electrical connections and it reinforces mechanically the junction cables of the Control Unit and the Cutter LCD Liquid Crystal Display The LCD is used to visually convey information from the Control Unit to the user This is the same type of display as used in mobile phones LED Light Emitting Diode A LED is used to flash during the start up and shut down procedures of the device SMD Surface Mount Device Small electronic components manufactured to be of reduced size and low power consumption Such technology allows the electronic circuit to be mounted automatically which gives very reliable and compact electronic systems Positive locking A mechanical system that locks the connectors in place between top and bottom case to protect them from being accidentally dis
6. 00m to 2000m in steps of 150ft or 46 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 8 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 NEVER JUMP WITH A BLANK LCD SCREEN ON YOUR VIGIL 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 curren
7. Multimode A A D NATO Stock Number NSN 1377 13 119 7112 Vigil User s Manual US 1 The Vigil is endorsed by United Parachute Tech Nologqi ES PARACHUTES de FRANCE Shy Doe Jump Shack Thomas Sports ad CIMSA belie al do 7 AI cept AAD nv sa Advanced Aerospace Designs Boulevard Reyers 193 B 1030 Brussels Belgium Tel 32 0 2 732 65 52 Fax 32 0 2 736 06 27 e mail info vigil aero website www vigil aero Vigil USA LLC 1645 Lexington Avenue DeLand FL 32724 USA Tel 1 386 736 8464 Fax 1 386 736 8468 e mail candace vigil aero website www vigil aero Multimode A A D NATO Stock Number NSN 1377 13 119 7112 Vigil User s Manual US 1 PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THIS MANUAL BEFORE ANY USE PRESENT INSTRUCTIONS WILL SHOW YOU THE CORRECT USE OF YOUR VIGIL Table of contents 0 3 3 3 3 1 S VA md 3 4 31 a0 2203 3 5 4 99 3 5 6 SAN 3 5 8 Warning Disclaimer Welcome to the Vigil Il World Introduction Function General Working Principle Installation The Three Activation Modes PRO Mode STUDENT Mode TANDEM Mode Notice on Activation Altitude otart Up and Shut Down Procedures otart Up Display otarting Up the Vigil oelf Tests SETUP Menu Parameters INFO Menu Information CONFIG Menu Configuration Choice confirmation shut
8. O YOUAMS JOU ISTA uamo J 7 4 mg H 07209 oi WT BIN 1 37 VIGIL Il z 0109 edy 8888 0 010 peuysunq O S S O 0 5888 441 588 8 8888 11 18210009 AN wl dunf oju rm U8888 N 148888 88 8 PoI Jo L
9. Vigil It uses Kevlar reinforced cabling that delivers 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 communication with the parachutist 15 protected by an anti scratch sapphire glass in a stainless steel protection case The electromagnetic shield protects the Vigil from electromagnetic interferences like those found in airports and airplanes see 5 1 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 20
10. a recommends the battery be replaced after 5 years or 2000 jumps When Bat Low or Bat Rpl warning messages are displayed by the Vigil during the start up control tests the battery must be replaced The battery must absolutely be replaced after 10 years of use operational life gt Remark Do not leave your Vigil without connected battery for more than three days If so you need to return it to your dealer to replace the Pulses Plus battery This element must always be at full load to stay functional 27 28 Replacing the Battery Pack A Remove hologram Unscrew Remove cover IV Remove the battery from its V Plug in and put in place the VI Close Main Box and lock it location and unplug Battery new Battery Look if rubber ring by the 2 fixing screws Pack is well placed Open the Main Box by first removing the hologram 1 and using a Philips screwdriver n 1 TS to unscrew the two fixing screws II Remove top cover III Replacing the Battery Pack does not require other tools than a Philips screwdriver Disconnect the Battery Pack by holding the dual lithium battery pack connector by its small edges IV Be careful not to pull on the wires by disconnecting the battery Reconnect immediately the new Battery Pack connector gt Don t leave your Vigil with an empty Battery Pack due to the Pulses Plus Element that needs to stay powered As already stated the Pulses Plus e
11. art its self test sequence In short Hello followed by Vigil Il appears flash gt 2 gt 8 VIGIL Ib Flash 3 B VIGIL ID Flash 4 gt E VIGIL Il Start of self tests BAT OK 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 The following messages are shown gt Bat battery pack is functioning properly e Cut OK cutter resistance is tested e Ctrl The electronic circuits are functioning properly If an error is detected the following messages may be shown e Bat Low Low Battery the Vigil is still operational but it is required to replace the dual battery pack as soon as possible e Bat Rpl dual battery pack must be replaced the Vigil will not switch on e Cut Err Cutter resistance is out of tolerance the Vigil will not switch on e Ctrl Err 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
12. ation mode is on screen wait for a few moments and INFO will appear on screen 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 Display Note the 8 number is used for illustration all segments used in a number Ver 38 68 Lcd 8 88 798888 ____16 for example 26 06 week 26 in 2006 TJ 18888 88h Total Free Fall Total free fall time with this unit in hours 861865 followed 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 T 88 C ou 88 F Temperature of main unit in F or C depending on the configuration 88inHg or 8888 Atmospheric Pressure in inches of mercury inHg or hectopascal hPa Certain special models could be equipped with custom built or experimental software 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 configuratio
13. connected 8 2 Dimensions e Main Box 102 x 51 x 20 mm e Cutter Unit 55x 9mm e Standard Wire Length Cutter unit 600mm e Controller Unit 70x 18x 11 mm Controller unit x 900 mm e Weight 400 g 8 3 Operating description e Altitude correction e perating range e peration e Working temperature e Life time e Maintenance e Waterproof Stand by e Power Pack e Volume 130 from 6000 Ft 2000m up to 6000 Ft 2000m 1500 Ft 500m to 33 000 Ft 10000m Pro Student Tandem modes gt see 3 3 from 13 F 25 C to 158 F 70 C 20 years life expectancy 33 No scheduled maintenance required In function of self tests messages during start up IP 67 immersion at 0 5m during maximum 30 minutes 14 hours Field easily replaceable 3 6V dual lithium Vigil AA battery Life time min 2000 jumps or max 10 years 8 4 Units and conversion factors e Length a FEX U 3048 Or ux 9 e Pressure MAO x 33 86 mbar hPa or mbar hPa x 0 02953 inHg e Speed mph 1 6093 km h or s km h 0 6214 mph e Temperature C 9 5 32 P OF sc P32 34 9 Communication Port IR Download Box NATO Stock Number NSN 7025 13 119 7111 The Vigil controller is equipped with an infrared communication port that allows the user to download the free fall data recorded from the pr
14. d be supplied free of charge only upon presentation of a complete and approved by Vigil Life Saving Report This basic document can be downloaded from the web site http www vigil aero 25 DUAL CUTTER Your rigger can easily replace the cutter The different operations are described in chapter 7 gt Some countries regulations require a certified rigger to do such replacements In this situation you must adhere to your country s rules gt A Dual Cutter can be supplied for reserve containers closed with a dual pin 26 5 6 Control Unit NATO Stock Number NSN 6110 13 119 7104 The control unit is composed of a reversible display a red LED that sets the rhythm of the start up and shut down procedure a green LED that confirms the end of the start up procedure and an orange push button situated in the standard configuration on the right of the display The 26 x 96 dots display on the control unit allows a clear alphanumerical communication with the para chutist it is protected by a scratchproof sapphire glass and a stainless steel cover LCD 26 x 96 dots Red LED Stainless steel Push button protection cover Sapphire glass The red LED also plays the role of infrared transmitter for the communications port see chapter 9 6 Waterproof IP 67 6 1 The Vigil Il has been designed to resist water immersion up till 0 5 meter for at most 30 minutes I P 67 The Vigil doesn t need any filter
15. e This unique number hologram is attributed and placed by the quality control department and plays an important role in the warranty of the Vigil Main Box the hologram covering one of the Main Box screws guarantees that the Vigil has not been opened by the user If this hologram remains in place and is intact the warranty will apply to the whole unit battery included Electronic Unit any alteration or deterioration of the electronic unit as well as alteration of the varnish on the PCB screw will void the warranty Any replaced element will receive a new quality control number hologram seal to be placed by the quality control department or by a Vigil certified rigger We guarantee the Vigil for 1 year by replacing any defective parts free of charge The Vigil has been designed for 20 years of use It will do a complete check of each parameter every time you switch it on If a parameter is out of tolerance this will be indicated on the LCD display screen and the unit will not switch on If the pressure indicated by your Vigil differs from more than 10 hPa with a calibrated barometer it needs to be re calibrated In this case the Vigil must be returned to an officially certified dealer or to the factory for inspection and re calibration 36 NEVER JUMP WITH A BLANK SCREEN Y 0109 8888 88 8 J9A gt 2I4NOO 2 2 5 Io eop 1no 1 j U
16. er 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 e n 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 e he Vigil has an opening accuracy of 65 Ft or 20m in all modes thanks to our patented permanent Left over Time Calculation method 3 5 Start Up and Shut Down Procedures A 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 gt Attention If after a certain time there is a great change in atmospheric pressure more than 10 hPa it is recom
17. evious jumps An Download Box and the associated management software are available as an option see your agent for info All the parameters of the last 16 minutes of freefall are recorded maximum Download 16 jumps as well as the total number of jumps ie seh and other information described in 8 3 5 5 With the help of this Download Box and the associated software you or your Rigger can also download test jumps performed in a decompres sion chamber Reminder e he Vigil is a safety device and is not engineered to be used as a data logger e AAD nv sa operates a policy of continuous development Therefore we reserve the right to make changes and or improvements to any of the products described in this manual without prior notice e All trademarks mentioned in this manual are the property of their respective owners gt The Vigil is delivered in custom build aluminum alloy case After installation of the device in the rig container this case can easily be used to carry some of your accessories such as glasses audible altimeter altimeter camera You will find a quality control number Vigil 0 6 hologram on each Vigil 1letter 3 numbers for example X000 This number is visible on the hologram seal on each of the 4 units composing the Vigil Pyrotechnical Cutter Pulses Plus element Battery Pack Control Unit and Main Box A fifth hologram is placed on the Test Certificat
18. f testing sequence 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 8 3 3 It is possible to implement an altitude correction from 6000 to 6000 Ft or from 2000 to 2000 meters 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 46 m when the Vigil is set in meters Press the push button until the desired positive or negative altitude correction is achieved Important note Please be aware that the altitude correction will remain in the Vigil s memory and will be applied to all following jumps It must only be modified when you move to another drop zone The set Alt Cor will only be cancelled if reconfigured at the next startup 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 activ
19. filter ensures protection against pollution such as the intrusion of dust and provides a good transfer of outside air pressure to the pressure sensor keep it clean and dry The 2 closing screws allow you to open the case very easily you need to replace the battery pack the cutter or even the controller These operations are described in detail in chapter 7 We highly recommend that replacements or changes to the Vigil be done by your certified rigger or through an official Vigil agent 5 2 Dual Battery Pack NATO Stock Number NSN 6130 13 119 7106 The battery pack is composed of 2 lithium AA cells in the lower half of the case It is not subject to any memory effect and is extremely long lasting The battery pack works at a temperature range from 13 F to 158 F or from 25 C to 70 C The use of low consumption components in conjunction with a sophisticated power management program has significantly improved the battery s life span The battery s life span is minimum 5 years or 2000 jumps When the Bat Low or Bat Rpl message appears the battery pack needs to be replaced see chapter 7 The battery pack must be replaced after 10 years of use max operational lifetime 23 5 3 Pulses Plus Element The Pulses Plus technology supplies the high peak current necessary for the cutter to activate and cut the loop instantaneously in less than 2 milliseconds Dual Battery Pack This element has an o
20. final functional test 6 jumps in test chamber before shipment These are all documented and available to customers However AAD nv sa cannot totally exclude the risk of a malfunction on electronic equipment AAD nv sa can not be held responsible in the event a faulty part escapes detection during the final testing phases The AAD nv sa warranty is exclusively limited to the replacement or rework of defective parts free of charge within one year from the date of purchase gt Your Vigil must be exclusively switched ON at the take off zone reference altitude 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 activation 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 SCREEN ON YOUR VIGILE 1 Welcome to the Vigil Il 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 a
21. from performing proper emergency procedures Connectors Stainless steel filter Dual Battery Pack Main Box Pulses Plus Element Control Unit Push button Connection cable Red LED Green LED 73 LCD Stainless Steel Protection Pyrothechnical cutter NATO Stock Number NSN 1377 13 119 7112 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 Fach Vigil is delivered with a Vigil Installation Kit pocket loop washer and cutter retainer designed for electronic AAD s 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 units 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 8 9 The 2 wire cable technology was especially developed for the
22. isplay Hello on screen 2 Wait until a blank screen appears again to be sure the battery is 3 Remove the hologram and then open the Main Box using a Philips screwdriver n 1 TS 4 Do not unplug the Battery Pack connector Vigil must stay powered 5 Do not unscrew the printed circuit fixation screw warranty To remove the jack connector you need to lift carefully about 2 3 mm the two connectors fixed on the printed circuit Do not remove the printed circuit board from the case otherwise warranty will be void Disconnect the connectors remove the rubber ring IV and replace the cutter or the controller by fitting first the new rubber lightly greased with Its flat side up V and avoid putting grease on the gold platted connectors Check that the connectors are correctly positioned Cutter Unit Control Unit marked on the PCB Correctly place the connectors in the O rings Make sure that the Battery Pack s connecting wires are correctly positioned and they do not hinder the Main Box from closing Put a little silicon grease all around the new rubber as well as around the 2 connectors O rings of the rubber Put the PCB back on its place and place correctly the new rubber in its groove all around flat side up VI Put again a little silicon grease at the 4 corners in contact with the connectors Close the Main Box correctly with rubber sealing ring well in place with round side in the groove of the box and flat side
23. lement has more than 20 years functionality and must imperatively be permanently loaded in order to release instantly its high energy pulse to activate the cutter If by opening a waterproof unit you damage the rubber sealing ring please place a new rubber sealing ring see 87 2 and add a little silicon grease on the rubber sealing ring mainly in the 4 rubber corners around the 2 connectors Position correctly the Battery Pack as well as the 2 wires to allow the box to close V Close the main case carefully with the rubber sealing ring well in place and tighten the 2 external fixing screws VI Switch on the Vigil to ensure that it is functioning correctly see 8 3 5 Make sure the atmospheric pressure shown in the menu is equal up to 10 hPa to the local pressure measured with a calibrated barometer 29 7 2 Replacing the Cutter Unit or Control Unit Remove hologram Unscrew Remove cover 30 r Lift PCB and disconnect the V Put the two connectors in the VI Put rubber ring with a little two connectors new rubber rings flat side up silicone grease in the groove Replacing the Cutter Unit after activation or the controller if necessary is a simple and fast process that can be performed quite easily by your rigger or your official dealer Every dis assembling operation must be done with the Vigil switched off 1 Press only one single time on the push button to d
24. mended that you shut down and restart your Vigil to guarantee optimal precision AAD nv sa recommends that the local atmospheric pressure be checked and compared to the 12 pressure indicated by the Vigil once a year if more than 10 mbar difference is noticed then a new calibration should be performed by a Vigil qualified expert A Never switch on your multimode Vigil 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 15 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 3 5 6 view gt mam 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 Il 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 st
25. n error message see 8 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 The Vigil 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 he 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
26. n 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 Il is operational and will keep in memory the chosen configuration In short CONFIG displayed Choose between Feet or Meters Choose between U S or Metric Fahrenheit mph inches of mercury or Celsius km h hectoPascal Choose between normal or reversed display View Contrast or contrast 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 Enjoy is displayed for a few seconds to confirm the Vigil is read
27. nt to the Vigil activation altitude or below 2300Ft or 22 02 meters in TANDEM activation mode with a pressurized variation related or equivalent to a fall speed higher than 45mph 20m sec in STUDENT activation mode to avoid misfires gt tis impossible to enter a negative altitude correction of more than 1500Ft or 500m under mean sea level equivalent to gt 1090mbar In this case the LCD will indicate Invalid and the Vigil unit will not switch on 5 Vigil 11 Components The Vigil s Battery Pack 8 5 2 the Pulses Plus Element 8 5 3 and the Electronic Unit 8 5 4 are located in an unbreakable aluminum alloy Main Box 8 5 1 The specific Vigil logo on cover makes It easily identifiable Two flexible electric cables reinforced by 2 Kevlar cords ensure the junction between the main unit Main Box and the Cutter Unit 8 5 5 as well as between the Main Unit and the Control Unit 8 5 6 5 1 Main Box The Vigil s electromagnetic shield was thoroughly tested to guarantee that it would function as intended when exposed to electromagnetic interference up to 100 volt m Such interference can be found in airports and airplanes The special shielding foil protects against electromagnetic interference waves produced by e Radio communications e Mobile phones e Transponders e Radar The case holds two connectors the integrated stainless steel filter and is closed by 2 Philips stainless steel screws The stainless steel
28. perational lifetime of 20 years and must in principle never be replaced see page 29 24 5 4 Electronic Unit NATO Stock Number NSN 5998 13 119 7102 The entirely automated assembly of surface mounted electronic components SMD Surface Mounted Devices answers to the strictest required standards The SMD components assemblies are associated with permanent electronic and optical production control equipments in order to guarantee the highest level of quality and reliability equivalent to military standards The electronic unit also works as a data recorder It memorizes parameters see 3 3 5 5 such as the total number of jumps the duration of the last freefall jump and the total freefall time This data can be viewed directly from the control units LCD display The Vigil memory containing the last 16 minutes freefall graphs can be downloaded to a PC using the Vigil communication port Detailed information on the communication port is described in chapter 9 5 5 Cutter Unit NATO Stock Number NSN 1377 13 118 8843 Patented and designed especially the Vigil with a life expectancy of 20 years The cutter severs the reserve loop using a pyrotechnical cutting action with a circular knife It will eventually also melt the loop to ensure its separation due to high internal temperature The cutter is completely confined to avoid any possible damage to the parachute If the Vigil is activated for a life saving a new cutter coul
29. replacement it has a built in stainless steel air filter and after water contact no filter has to be changed If your rig has been in contact with water the rig and the reserve canopy must be dried in accordance with the instruction of the rig manufacturer If the Vigil Il has been in contact with clear water you just need to dry the filter with a little water absorbent cloth Put your Vigil Il vertically on a cloth filter down to absorb any possible water behind the stainless steel filter Never open your Vigil 1 5 case unless it is completely dry outside 6 2 If the Vigil Il has been in contact with salt water we recommend rinsing the whole Vigil Il as soon as possible with clear water and especially the filter with a syringe to make sure residual salt is eliminated before drying up the whole unit When the stainless steel filter is clean and dry we recommend before any further use of your Vigil to compare the atmospheric pressure in the info menu with the actual local pressure If there is no more than 10hPa difference with a calibrated barometer your Vigil Il will work correctly If you notice a significant difference more than 10hPa please contact your dealer or rigger 7 Replacement of Parts of the Vigil 7 1 Replacing the Battery Pack Every dis assembling operation must be done with the Vigil switched off blank screen The replacement of the Battery Pack is a simple and fast operation easy to perform AAD nv s
30. tly 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 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 The cutter will if the freefall speed is equal or superior to 35 m sec 78 mph or 126 km h activate instanta neously once the pre determined 3 3 2 STUDENT Mode The Vigil releases at 1040 Ft 317 meters and below till 150 Ft 46 meters i EN if the freefall speed is equal or superior to 20 m sec 45 mph 72 km h parameters altitude 3 3 3 TANDEM Mode and falling speed The Vigil releases at 2040 Ft 622 meters and below till 150 Ft 46 meters are reached if the freefall speed is equal or superior to 35 m sec 78 mph or 126 km h 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 altit
31. ude 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 with the skydiver position face to earth or on his back up to 10 hPa mbar or 260 ft 80m 10 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 1 Back to earth Il Face to earth Depression zone AAD or pressure sensor No influence located in depression zone Both at the same altitude Y Pressure location Pressure hPa Pressure X hPa 10 hPa Vigil will register a pressure of X hPa Vigil in depression zone will register an up to 10 hPa lower pressure notwithstanding they are at the same level The stated or real altitude Y ft or m The stated altitude gt Y 260 ft or 80m 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 skydiv
32. y for use gt Remark While the message Enjoy 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 Once off it will keep all settings in its memory for next jumps gt Vigil is now ready for use and is in a stand by status The unit re calibrates itself every 32 sec During take off the Vigil will go to an active status 8 measurements per sec when reaching 150 feet 46 m or 46m above or under the GROUND ZERO reference in a time of maximum 32 sec Vigil s active status will be confirmed by three short flashes of the green LED when the Activation Altitude is reached gt Check the unit carefully for any implemented mode or altitude correction in Ft or before each jump 3 5 8 Shut down The shut down procedure is similar to the start up procedure A quick press of the push button after each LED flash 4 times will shut down the Vigil
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