ATS belay device

Just a thought.


This video made me think that there are a lot of people that work removals on DdRT. If a climber's line get stuck below, like with a tight crotch, or works itself into a half hitch on a small stub, or whatever, then the climber is stuck, as far as their climbing system. They could be hanging in free space.

Being able to change to an SRT system, such as taking the two side of the DdRT system and tying into a bowline (making a large loop through the crotch) then being able to use a Munter Hitch to get down to the snag, would be a good way to fix the problem. Using this device (if you had it) to ascend back up would work. A garda hitch would also work if the climber had two oval 'biners, which is more likely than having this "extra" piece of equipment.

The video shows the hitch cord prussic back-up system. I think that this would be a good back up for rappel, and set-up for a 3:1 for use with the garda hitch for re-ascending to the bowline, in order to return to DdRT.
 
This is an embarrassing coincidence, that I happened to be reading this thread at the moment. I'm stuck in a tree reading this on my Blackberry . . . well, I was reading lots of threads, because I've been here for hours. I am one of those climbers still using DdRT for removals, and my rope is caught around a small nub, just out of reach of the groundmen (who have already given up), and too far below me to free myself. I really wish I had some gadget, or even knew what the f*ck a garda hitch was so I could get out of this jam?

This actually happens quite frequently - I know a lot of the fireman's names, and sometimes I bring them coffee and donuts as a thank you treat for the latest rescue. (When I'm not already stuck in a tree, that is.)

Anywho, I shoulda already had that gear, but nevermind that now, my phone's battery is low, and I've got a call to make . . .
 
grin.gif
 
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