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vRigger Learning Center

This also applies to cable, chain, and webbing.

Gear that is anchored includes anchors, rocks, trees, tripods, trucks, etc.

A "bight" is a simple loop in a rope that does not cross itself.

A "bend" is a knot that joins two ropes together. Bends can only be attached to the end of a rope.

A "hitch" is a type of knot that must be tied around another object.

"Descending devices" (e.g., ATCs, Brake Bar Racks, Figure 8s, Rescue 8s, etc) create friction as their primary purpose. The friction in descending devices is always considered when calculating forces.

The "Safety Factor" is the ratio between the gear's breaking strength and the maximum load applied to the gear (e.g., 5:1).

Pulling and Releasing Rope

Some specialized gear in vRigger (e.g., hands, people, winches, etc) can pull or release rope.

Gear that can pull or release rope is treated uniquely during force calculations:

  • The mechanical advantage is displayed on the right side of the status bar.
  • Forces can only be calculated if there is no more than one piece of gear that can pull or release rope. Learn more here.
  • When gear that can pull or release rope is selected, the properties pane displays a Forces (pull/release) section that you can modify.
  • When creating gear in the Gear Builder, you can specify whether the gear can pull or release rope. Learn more here.