Artificial High Directional AHD

CMC Arizona Vortex Series 1 of 4: Introduction to the Arizona Vortex

The originator of modern artificial high directionals (AHD)s, the Vortex is a tripod, bipod and monopod in one all-inclusive kit. Its precision machined two-piece head can be rigged as a standard tripod or, in advanced applications, as an A-frame, Sideways A-frame, Gin Pole or a multitude of other configurations. The tripod can be formed into …

CMC Arizona Vortex Series 1 of 4: Introduction to the Arizona Vortex Read More »

Highline Overview: A Case Study

Highline Overview: A Case Study Being prepared (prepped), is not an option in the field of rescue nor in the field of rigging for rescue. It’s THE key to either locking up or unlocking opportunities and options. Not being appropriately prepared is a leading cause of failure. NFPA 1670 stated the following: “The AHJ shall …

Highline Overview: A Case Study Read More »

A Plate Full of Vortex! … A Potpourri of AHD Goodness

The Arizona Vortex is ideal for a wide range of applications, from access and egress to confined spaces, to the negotiation of complex edges in wilderness environments. The Vortex is the multipod of choice for professionals within the rescue, industrial rope access, construction, military, and entertainment rigging industries.  A portable artificial high directional system with …

A Plate Full of Vortex! … A Potpourri of AHD Goodness Read More »

Arizona Vortex Basic Configurations Overview

What is an Anchor Frame vs Directional Frame? ANCHOR FRAME: The structure/surface selected must sustain a static load equal to that specified for the application, in the direction permitted by the system when in use. DIRECTIONAL FRAME: The load factor of the directional pulley must be considered when determining the support strength requirement. The structure/surface …

Arizona Vortex Basic Configurations Overview Read More »

General Guidelines To A Successful Operation of the Arizona Vortex Multipod

Excerpts from The Arizona Guidebook  IT IS VITAL THAT THE USER BE ABLE TO DETERMINE THE DIRECTION AND THE MAGNITUDE OF THE FORCES ACT- ING ON THE FRAME. THE FRAME NEEDS TO BE ASSEMBLED, HOBBLED, GUYED AND OPERATED TO RESIST ALL FORCES WITHOUT ANY MOVEMENT OF THE FRAME AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.   RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SETUP …

General Guidelines To A Successful Operation of the Arizona Vortex Multipod Read More »

General Guidelines To A Successful Operation of the Vortex

Excerpt From The Arizona Vortex Guidebook – A Rigging Lab Academy Premiere Course IT IS VITAL THAT THE USER BE ABLE TO DETERMINE THE DIRECTION AND THE MAGNITUDE OF THE FORCES ACT- ING ON THE FRAME. THE FRAME NEEDS TO BE ASSEMBLED, HOBBLED, GUYED AND OPERATED TO RESIST ALL FORCES WITHOUT ANY MOVEMENT OF THE …

General Guidelines To A Successful Operation of the Vortex Read More »

Two Rope Twin Tension Mini Offset… Backcountry Meets Fire Service

~This is a quick snippet of something we filmed when we first opened up RLA’s studio lab ~ Two Rope Twin Tension Mini Offset… Backcountry Meets Fire Service   So backcountry meets fire service… sounds like a battle of some sort.  So while this “match up” is really neither epic nor epoch, this contest does …

Two Rope Twin Tension Mini Offset… Backcountry Meets Fire Service Read More »

A Quick Look at Two Tension Rope System and a Dynamic Directional Offset using Two Artificial High Directionals

The Purpose (Vision) We have always encouraged experimentation and creativity when learning.  I do my best to take the advice of people I respect.  The other day I sat in the studio thinking about some unused space we have and decided to build a test piece… a small slot canyon where a hiker needed to …

A Quick Look at Two Tension Rope System and a Dynamic Directional Offset using Two Artificial High Directionals Read More »

Planning Your Future With Excellence In Rigging

“IF THERE’S A LOT OF GOOD PLANNING AHEAD OF TIME, YOU’RE REALLY ABLE TO EMBRACE THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE, AS OPPOSED TO HAVING A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND NOT KNOWING WHAT YOU’RE DOING.” Jimmy Chin I would like to  impart several lessons about managing a practice rigging exercise (session) that are applicable to all riggers.  By …

Planning Your Future With Excellence In Rigging Read More »