OpenTrackRacer wrote:I have no idea how you go about lowering the load with a Micro Traxion or Pro Traxon. I do know what to do with a prusik and PMP (and it's pretty simple). With the Traxion devices, if you're doing a lower and everyone drops dead (yes, hands off), what happens? Does one manually hold the cam open and it engages when released? What if the load started to get away? I'd much rather have the prusik engage than the toothed cam on the Traxion twins.
Rule number one, Mike - don't drop dead. There was no whistle test when you were belaying with a Munter in level 1, was there? The cams on the Traxions do lock in the disengaged position, yes. You would likely have at least 2-3 people controlling the lower while another one tends the PCD and re-engages the cam. Lowering through a haul system is only really a short-distance convenience - like down-climbing on ascenders - and for any significant distance you would be wise to change over to a fixed brake lower.
As for the loading, the 2.5kN is indeed for the cam engaged but for progress capture that's exactly what counts. I don't know... maybe I'm just being too conservative. I'm usually a gadget freak but in this case the "old fashioned" solution seems to me to be the best one. Then again, I'd rather use the Rescucender to haul the line versus a prusik so go figure.
Sure, it's good to pick and choose options for your
gadget collection contingency plan. And yes, having a camming device with teeth anchoring the system or providing progress capture could potentially be catastrophic if your high help or redirect or whatever blows out and the system sustains a massive shock load. Especially if you're running single rope and no belay.
For now, make yourself up a Prusik loop or two and buy that Rescucender and Minder pulley you so desperately want. You'll need a second pulley, so unless you already have something you might as well pick up a second Minder in case you need to reconfigure and use it to mind another Prusik. If not, just get yourself a nice smooth pulley to crank on. A haul system works best when the first pulley the rope goes through (nearest to the haul team) is reasonably efficient. Then you'll want to pick up a pulley for your high help redirect, and more pulleys to increase your MA, yada yada yada.
Then when you do your next NCRC class - or the one after that - you'll buy yourself a Micro Traxion and some small pulleys, and make up a little emergency kit to carry with you. And learn how to reconfigure your climbing system to assist other people, and rig counterbalance systems, and more. You'll be beside yourself with excitement. Just ask the 5 NCRC instructors who have been replying to you in this topic.