V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L CONTENTS AT A GLANCE CONTENTS WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT CONVENTIONS USED SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION SECTION 2 RESERVE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES SECTION 3 RESERVE PACKING INSTRUCTIONS SECTION 4...
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Because of the unavoidable danger associated with the use of this harness and container assembly, the manufacturer (The Uninsured Relative Workshop, Inc) makes no warranty, either expressed or implied. This rig is sold with all faults and without any warranty of fitness for any purpose. The manufacturer also disclaims any liability in tort for damages, direct or consequential, including personal injuries, resulting from a malfunction or from a defect in design, material, workmanship or manufacturing whether caused by negligence on the part of the manufacturer or otherwise.
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30 years. You will find our service after the sale to be as comprehensive as our customers have come to expect from Relative Workshop. When you buy a Vector, you’re buying more than a container system, you’re buying innovation, quality, reliability, and most of all a product that has...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL This convention is used to highlight additional An example of a information in the form of a note. Note.
O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 1 1 1 1 1 SECTION INTRODUCTION The History Behind Relative Workshop The History Behind the Vector 3 Contact Information Unique Features of the Vector 3 Before Jumping the Vector 3...
In 1972, Bill Booth started Relative Workshop in a Miami garage. During the late 1970’s Bill made two major contributions to the world of skydiving. First, Bill invented and patented the hand deploy pilot chute system.
We continue to introduce innovative construction techniques that make rigs safer, lighter, and more comfortable. Many of these innovations have been adopted by the entire skydiving industry. At Relative Workshop, we have the facilities and expert staff to assemble, pack, and maintain your entire Vector 3 harness and container system.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L FEATURES OF THE VECTOR 3 The following is a list of features that set the Vector 3 apart from other harness and container systems.
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You will find our after sales service to be as comprehensive as our customers have come to expect from Relative Workshop. When you buy a Vector 3, you are buying with confidence in the company that has built more sport, student and tandem harness/ Page •...
TRAINING REQUIRED If you have not jumped a Relative Workshop Vector 3 before, or if you’re transitioning from other types of equipment to a Relative Workshop Vector 3, make sure you receive instruction on its use from a certified instructor. This instruction should consist of a practice session in a suspended harness or on the ground where you practice both routine and emergency procedures.
If you obtained your second-hand Vector 3 privately, make sure it is airworthy before using it. We recommend that you have the rig thoroughly inspected by your local rigger before you purchase it or use it. However, if you prefer, the Relative Workshop will inspect your second-hand Vector for a nominal service fee.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L NOTES Page • 14 section 1...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 2 2 2 2 2 SECTION RESERVE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES " Introduction " Attach Reserve Canopy to Reserve Risers " Attach the Reserve Steering Toggles "...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L RESERVE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES INTRODUCTION This section provides information needed to assemble the reserve canopy and attach it to the reserve risers. Take note that all Vector 3 rigs come Cypres ready. Included are instructions on attaching a RSL.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L PROCEDURE There are 2 methods for attaching steering toggles to steering lines. Method A is for reserve canopies with Dacron (polyester) lines and Method B is for reserve canopies with small-diameter Toggles mounted Spectra (Microline).
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 6. Continue by looping the running end of the steering line around the other side of the toggle and, once again, pass it through the grommet.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 10. Verify that the brake setting measurements are correct. Tighten the overhand knot at the toggle once more. It is generally not a good idea to cut off the excess steering line, as you may want to adjust the steering toggles after the canopy has been jumped.
Cypres into your Vector 3 harness and container system. A manual is provided with each Cypres device. The Cypres installation was devised and tested by Airtec (makers of Cypres). It has subsequently been retested and approved by Relative Workshop. Cypres AAD prior to installation.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 3 3 3 3 3 SECTION RESERVE PACKING INSTRUCTIONS Introduction Parts List Inspection Commonly Used Tools Setting the Brakes Flaking and Folding Placing the Canopy in the Bag Placing the Bag into the Container Closing the Reserve Container...
To order a reserve packing video, contact Vector 3 harness and container system (including the Vector 3 reserve risers and reserve Relative Workshop. steering toggles) Ram-Air reserve canopy Vector 3 free bag Vector 3 spring-loaded pilot chute with bridle Two bridle lengths are acceptable (depending on canopy size): Small: 15.5 ft ±...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L COMMONLY USED TOOLS Temporary pins with flag Pull-up cords Packing paddles 2 (6 inches x 1 inches) pile (15.2 cm x 2.5 cm) hook and loop fastener strips with flags (not shown) Cranking tool...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 5. Carefully close the hook and loop fastener cover to encase the stowed toggle and folded line. Be sure none of the steering line is caught between the layers of hook and loop fastener.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L PLACING THE CANOPY IN THE BAG. 1. Carefully slide the bag over the canopy, pushing each “ear” into the top corners of the bag, filling the corners evenly and leaving a tapered shape.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L PLACING THE BAG IN THE CONTAINER 1. Place the bagged canopy on the main container and position the reserve risers in the reserve pack tray.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L CLOSING THE RESERVE CONTAINER INFO The reserve flaps are numbered 1-6 for reference. Close them in proper sequence. 1. Close the inside bottom kicker flap (Flap #1) and secure it with the temporary pin.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 4. Close the inside top kicker flap (Flap #2) and secure it with the temporary pin. The bridle should come out between Flap #1 and Flap #2.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 8. Pull all the pilot chute fabric out, away from the spring.. After pulling the fabric away from the spring, check to make sure the pilot chute base is centered under the crown.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 11. Thread the pull-up cord through the right side flap (Flap #4), then the left side flap (Flap #5) in that order. Close and secure with the temporary pin each time.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 14. Remove the pull up cord. 15. Insert the ripcord handle into its pouch on the main lift web. Walking on the reserve with stocking feet or clean shoes to help expel air from...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L INSTALLING A RESERVE LANYARD (RESERVE STATIC LINE OR RSL) 1. Inspect the RSL: Check the stainless steel snap shackle is operating smoothly and that the spring will retain the locking pin.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 5. Replace the temporary pin with the reserve pin. 6. Insert the stiffened part of the RSL (located close to the snap shackle) into the holding pocket located under the reserve risers.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L NOTES Page • 34 section 3...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 4 4 4 4 4 SECTION ASSEMBLING AND PACKING THE MAIN PARACHUTE Introduction Attaching the Main Canopy to the Main Risers Using Soft Links Using Rapide Links Attaching the Main Steering Toggles...
The Vector 3 is compatible with almost every ram-air canopy in use today. The Vector 3 is available with a variety of main container sizes. Consult with the Relative Workshop or your dealer to ensure compatibility between the pack volume of your main canopy and your Vector 3. Failure to follow manufacturers recommendations regarding proper canopy sizing (i.e., using oversized or undersized canopy volumes) may create a situation such as a pilot-chute-in-tow...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L USING RAPIDE LINKS slider If the canopy uses Rapide links, make sure the barrel nuts completely cover the threads. After bumpers must be hand tightening, turn the barrel ¼...
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 2. Locate the mark on the steering line that indicates the correct toggle location. 3. Thread the steering toggle through the guide ring located on the riser.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 6. Loop the running end around the other side of the toggle and pass it through the grommet once again. 7. Grasp the line on both sides of the toggle and pull it tight.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 9. Check the canopy with the deployment brakes set and with the brakes not set to be sure that it is correctly configured. The main canopy owner’s manual contains the correct brake settings and steering line lengths.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 6. Now slide the line back over the toggle. Adjust the knot until the mark is just outside of the knot away from the toggle. The loop should fit closely around the toggle.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 4. Pull the bridle through the main deployment bag grommet until the grommet is snug against the stop block (of the bridle) on the outside of the bag. 5.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 2. Always remember to cock your pilot chute before you begin packing and always recheck it after you place the bag into the container.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 3. Finally, thread the end of the bridle back through the opposite end of the bridle. MAIN CANOPY PACKING INSTRUCTIONS Instructions for packing specific main canopies are published by the canopy manufacturer and are beyond the scope of this manual.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L PROCEDURES FOR SETTING DEPLOYMENT BRAKES TRU-LOK DEPLOYMENT BRAKE SYSTEM. 1. Insert the tip of the toggle through the cat’s eye below the guide ring as you would in a standard brake setup.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L Ensure that the Tru-Lok inserted all the way into the keeper. 4. Route the excess steering line through the retaining loops on the rear of the riser, opposite the toggles.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L STANDARD DEPLOYMENT BRAKE SYSTEM. 1. After the canopy is inspected, use the toggle to pull the right-hand steering line down until the brake loop just passes through the guide ring.
Instructions for packing the main canopy can be found in the canopy owner’s manual. Relative Workshop’s instructions for packing the main container start with stowing the lines (After the main canopy has been inserted into the main deployment bag according to canopy manufacturer’s...
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 4. Pick the bag up by its sides and set it into the container on its line stows. 5. Gently roll the bag out of the way. Follow the risers over the shoulders of the harness and container system and down along the sides of the main container.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 8. Kneel on the center of the bag and pull up the main container side flaps until the bag fills the container and is flush with the container.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 4. Place the bridle over the #1 top flap from right to left and mate the small piece of yellow loop fastener on the bridle to the yellow hook fastener on the #1 top flap.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 7. Slowly remove the pull-up cord to prevent excess friction from damaging the closing loop. It is best to pass the pull-up cord under the closing pin while extracting it.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L FOLDING THE PILOT CHUTE FOR BOC POUCH (BOTTOM OF CONTAINER / BOC) 1. Lay the pilot chute out (mesh side up), so the edge of the circle is at the mouth of the Spandex pouch.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 4. Fold the pilot chute in half so that the handle is even with the skirt. 5. Before inserting the pilot chute into the pouch, pat the bottom of the rig to flatten out the pouch area.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 7. Fold one quarter of the pilot chute toward the center. Repeat this for the opposite side. 8. Fold once more in half lengthwise so the pilot chute resembles a hotdog bun.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L PACKING THE PULL OUT DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM 1. When closing the main, place the bag in the pack tray as usual, with the lines at the bottom of the container.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 5. Close the top flap #1, again keeping the pin to the right and outside the flaps to the bottom, as shown. 6.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L NOTES Page • 58 section 4...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 5 5 5 5 5 SECTION THE BOOTH 3-RING RELEASE SYSTEM " Introduction " Getting to Know the Booth 3-Ring " Assembly "...
THE BOOTH 3-RING RELEASE SYSTEM INTRODUCTION The 3-Ring release system was invented by Relative Workshop founder Bill Booth in 1976. It was the first practical release system that allowed skydivers to jettison their main canopies by pulling a single handle. The Booth 3-Ring was not only easier to operate than previous canopy release systems, but it was also more reliable and far less expensive.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L ASSEMBLY Before assembling the Booth 3-Ring release system, make sure the risers aren’t twisted or reversed. Lay the Vector 3 face down, as you would to pack it. 1.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 4. Bring the white loop over and through the small ring only, and then through the riser grommet so it protrudes out the back of the riser.
We recommend that only Relative Workshop 3-Ring risers be used with the Vector 3 harness/container. If a Vector 3 is fitted with 3-Ring risers that were not built by Relative Workshop, it is important that they be checked for proper configuration.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L TRIMMING CUTAWAY CABLES TO MATCH HOUSING LENGTH Instructions only apply to cutaway There are many different length cutaway cable housings on many different rigs. To accomodate cables that have these differences, cutaway handles are manufactured with over length cables.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 6 6 6 6 6 SECTION MAINTENANCE AND CARE Introduction Inspection Caring for Your Vector 3 Periodic Maintenance for the Booth 3-Ring Replacement Parts Page •...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L MAINTENANCE & CARE INTRODUCTION The secret to extending the life of your new harness and container system is performing periodic inspections and maintenance. The inspections and maintenance that will be discussed go beyond a normal gear-check before boarding a plane.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L Closing Loop The main container is held shut with a closing loop made of nylon suspension line sheathing. This loop is subject to wear. If it wears out and breaks, the main canopy may release prematurely and a malfunction may result.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L Abrasion Nylon quickly frays if dragged over concrete or other rough surfaces. Do not drag your rig on the concrete while packing. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE FOR THE BOOTH 3-RING RELEASE SYSTEM The Booth 3-Ring release system has been in use for many years with excellent results.
10. Inspect the fittings at the end of each housing. If one of these fittings were to come off the housing, a riser might release prematurely. 11. If any wear is found, consult the Relative Workshop or a rigger before using the Vector 3. 12. Reassemble the system. Double check it. Make sure the risers aren’t reversed.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L NOTES Page • 70 section 6...
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L 7 7 7 7 7 SECTION HOW TO USE THE VECTOR 3 Suggested Equipment Pre-Jump Equipment Check Donning and Adjusting the Vector 3 Jumping the Vector 3 Deploying the Main Deploying the Reserve...
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If required, Relative Workshop can provide a Vector 3 training harness. It is equipped with simulated cutaway handles, reserve handles and main deployment handles that are located in the same positions as the Vector 3.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L Slide the reserve ripcord cable back and forth in its housing to be sure it moves freely. Lift the main container pin-protector flap and check the curved closing pin. It must be at least halfway through the closing loop.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L SUMMARY To summarize the adjustment procedures: Always check your gear thoroughly before putting it on your back. Put the packed rig on over your jumpsuit. Thread the leg straps through the adapter or connect the straps, checking that they are not twisted, and position the comfort pads.
V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L APPENDIX • Sizing Your Vector 3 • Canopy Sizing • Tips on Ordering Your New Vector 3 • Vector 3 Reserve Packing Tips and Tricks •...
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Please contact Relative Workshop at rws@relativeworkshop.com to inquire about a canopy that may not be listed here or if you have any other questions about sizing your rig. Relative Workshop encourages customer feedback; so if you feel that a canopy not presently listed in the sizing chart should be included, let us know.
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Parachute Industry Association. For this reason the Relative Workshop reserves the right to change the container size when we know your choice will not fit. We will make every effort to inform you of the discrepancy.
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USE THE CENTER OF THE TAIL TO COCOON THE PACK JOB. The tail should help isolate the steering lines from the leading edge of the canopy when packed as shown in the Relative Workshop Vector 3 packing video. PULL THE TAIL DOWN CAREFULLY.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L SPREAD THE SLIDER GROMMETS APART AND STAGGER THEM. Be sure the grommets are lying flat relative to the reserve pack tray. Use a friction lock This distributes the bulk over a wider area, minimizing lumps in the pack job.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L WHEN PREPARING THE CONTAINER TO RECEIVE THE CANOPY, TURN THE UPPER RESERVE WRAP AROUND CORNERS INSIDE OUT. This allows the reserve bag and canopy to drop straight down into the container. It also makes it easier to fill the bottom corners of the container.
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L Container Size Width A Width B Length Thickness Main Canopy Reserve Canopy V303 10" 10" 15.5" 4.5" Velocity 75, Stiletto 97 PD106R MICRON V304...
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V E C T O R O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L Container Size Width A Width B Length Thickness Main Canopy Reserve Canopy Falcon 215, Monarch 195, PD210, Firelite 175, PD176R, V350M 10"...
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