CAMP Matik, Instruction Manual

Page: 21 / 100

and surface treatment of the rope and other variables, such as: frozen, muddy, wet, dirty ropes, etc.
WARNING: The effectiveness of the braking action can be greatly reduced when using a new and/or thin
and/or soft rope: always hold the braking side of the rope at every stage of belay/descent [10].
The range of diameters to be used with the device can be divided into:
8.6
£
Ø
£
9.6 mm: V V V
Optimal operation of the device with the best ease of giving slack. Warning: ropes thinner than this range,
depending on their condition and their characteristics, may be more slippery and may therefore require greater
precautions during use.
9.6
<
Ø
£
10.2 mm: V V
The ease of giving slack may decrease because of increased friction due to a greater diameter and high wear of
the rope.
Climbing harness
The Matik can only be connected to a sit harness conforming to applicable standards (i.e. EN 12277/C).
Carabiner
The device must be connected to the harness using a locking carabiner conforming to applicable standards (i.e.
EN 12275).
USE
Operating Principles
When a load is placed on the climber side of the rope
[11],
the Matik rotates on the attachment hole
[3]
and the
movable cam
[6]
rotates towards the fixed cam
[5]
and presses the rope in between in order to lock the rope. The
hand of the user must hold the braking side of the rope at all times
[10]
in order to activate the movement of the
movable cam
[6]
and therefore stop the sliding of the rope. The Matik allows a very small amount of sliding of the
rope between the two cams in the event of a fall, this helps to maintain a low fall-arrest force. For correct
operation, it is essential for the Matik and the movable cam
[6]
to be able to move freely (
fig.2
).
WARNING: Any obstacles that could block or restrict the movement of Matik or of the movable cam [6]
can prevent the braking action of the device: do not hold the Matik in your hand(s) and do not hold the
trigger open [6a]: DANGER OF DEATH. (fig.2)
By pulling the actuating lever
[4]
, you can gradually release the movable cam in order to unlock the rope and by
controlling the braking side of the rope
[10]
by hand, this allows for descent. In the event of excessive action on
the lever, the anti-panic locking system disengages the lever and reengages the movable cam in order to lock
the rope: the braking action of the device is conditional on keeping the braking side of the rope
[10]
in hand
(
fig.3
).
General precautions for use
Before starting a climb it is always necessary to perform a mutual control of the person who belays and the
person who climbs; the following should be checked: the correct insertion of the rope in the Matik, the correct
connection of the climber, the closure and locking of the carabiner, the sufficient length of the rope, the knot at
the end of the rope on the braking side, the absence of defects in the entire safety system, etc. (
fig.4
).
The following basic rules must be observed at all times during belay and/or descent, (
fig.5
):
1. Always keep the braking side of the rope in hand
[10]
.
2. Pay attention to the climber throughout the entire course of the belay and descent.
3. Tie a knot at the end of the braking side of the rope
[10]
.
WARNING Avoid the following: letting go of the braking side of the rope, being distracted during
belay/descent, leaving the end of the braking side of the rope without a safety knot: DANGER OF DEATH
(fig.5).
Installation of the rope, operational test
The rope must be installed in the Matik in the direction indicated on the markings and in
fig.6
, always carry out a
test operation by pulling firmly on the climber side of the rope
[11]
while holding the braking side of the rope by
hand
[10]
: the Matik must stop the sliding of the rope during this test (
fig.7
).
WARNING: before each use, check that the rope is inserted in the correct direction. DANGER OF
DEATH.
Belaying
Giving slack
During belay, give slack as shown in
fig.8
: always hold the braking side of the rope with one hand
[10]
, pushing it
into the Matik, and with the other hand pull the climber side of the rope
[11]
.
Pay particular attention during the first few meters of climbing: a number of factors like the slack of the rope, the
sliding of the rope inside the device, the location of the first protection could adversely affect the safety of the
climber in the event of a fall.
WARNING: do not hold the Matik in your hand, do not hold the trigger open [6a].
WARNING: during all operations hold the braking side of the rope in your hand [10].
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