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BalloonCraft 2000 FAQs & Tech SupportWhat sets the BalloonCraft 2000 apart from other flight vehicles?Isn't the latex balloon likely to burst? Is the BalloonCraft strictly for home indoor use? Will the BalloonCraft fly in high altitude locations like Denver? How much helium is required? What is infrared control and how does it work? Why don't you offer a Mylar balloon shaped like a blimp? Can I use a Mylar Balloon Instead? Is BalloonCraft 2000 available in stores? Technical Support Questions I'm having trouble getting the BalloonCraft started. The red light is flashing but the motors don't come on? Occasionally during flight the BalloonCraft doesn't respond as if it didn't receive my controller command? The altitude thruster makes a buzzing sound and the propeller does not turn? Why do I need to remove a ballast plate every 15 minutes? I seem to be removing ballast plates every few minutes to keep afloat? How will I know when to replace the batteries? Can I use rechargeable batteries? Can I reuse the balloons? Should I completely deflate a day old balloon before adding fresh helium? Why does the BalloonCraft turn off by itself? Why do I loose control when my BalloonCraft is up against a bright window? I used to be able to fly my BalloonCraft in a straight line, but now it always seems to veer off to the same side? Why does my BalloonCraft turn when it's supposed to go straight? Answers Isn't the latex balloon likely to burst? The supplied 17" balloons are remarkably burst resistant provided that the inflation limit is not exceeded (see step 8 of the instructions). More care may be required at very high altitudes (see related question). FAQ list Is the BalloonCraft strictly for home indoor use? The remote control is unsuitable for outdoor use and the risk of losing the BalloonCraft is very high outdoors. Always keep your BalloonCraft indoors and keep it clear from open doors and windows, otherwise it may be drawn outside and lost! The remote control is designed to operate effectively in rooms up to 20'X20'. To avoid possible injury to others, never fly the BalloonCraft in an area over people. FAQ list Will the BalloonCraft fly in high altitude locations like Denver? The 17" latex balloons included with BalloonCraft 2000 are large enough to sustain the required buoyancy up to about 6000 ft. However, the balloon will require inflation near the maximum point at extreme altitudes. Be careful not to overfill as described in step 8 of the instructions, and take extra care to protect the balloon from hitting sharp objects, otherwise the balloon may burst. Consider substituting a smaller size AAAA battery to reduce this risk. FAQ list How much helium is required? The BalloonCraft 2000 requires 1.5 to 2.0 cuft of helium depending on your altitude. The portable home helium tanks provided with party kits come in 8.9, 12 and 14.9 cuft sizes. The larger 12 and 14.9 cuft sizes are most economical and priced between $20 -$30. FAQ list What is infrared control and how does it work? The BalloonCraft 2000 uses Infrared (IR) Light Signals rather than Radio Signals for wireless remote control. It works just like your television remote. Infrared Control is ideally suited for indoor microflight because the photo receiver is very small and lightweight but also because the IR light is able to bounce off the ceiling and walls. This means that a direct line of sight with the BalloonCraft is not usually necessary, but for best range and performance, avoid pointing the remote down toward the floor. For instance, if the BalloonCraft moves out-of-sight behind a cabinet and control is lost, point the controller toward the wall you would imagine the signal could bounce off to reach the BalloonCraft. Typically the ceiling is also a very good reflector, but floors usually are not good reflectors, especially if carpeted. FAQ list Why don't you offer a Mylar balloon shaped like a blimp? This would require a much larger balloon size and flight performance would be worse. FAQ list Can I use a Mylar Balloon Instead? Sure, but you may have a hard time attaching it to the BalloonCraft and the mylar balloon will usually reduce flight performance. You might try attaching the balloon connector disk surface to the mylar using foam tape. FAQ list Is BalloonCraft 2000 available in stores? BalloonCraft 2000 is not available in stores at this time, but you may purchase it online from our catalog. FAQ list Technical Support Answers I'm having trouble getting the BalloonCraft started. The red light is flashing but the motors don't come on? Make sure you turn the motor vehicle on BEFORE turning the controller on. Review steps 10&11 in the instructions or follow these summarized steps in order: (1) Insert New batteries (2) Both the controller and motor vehicle should be switched off (All indicator lights off)The motor vehicle turns off easy but the controller is designed to require extra effort to turn off. TURN THE CONTROLLER WHEEL CLOCKWISE UNTIL A RAISED KNURLED EDGE REAPPEARS. GRAB THIS EDGE FOR ONE LAST CLOCKWISE TUG TO CLICK THE SWITCH OFF. (3) Switch the BalloonCraft ON and notice the red flashing light (4) Switch the Controller ON (turn the wheel counter clockwise) while maintaining a direct line of sight with the BalloonCraft rear. (5) If the red light on the BalloonCraft doesn't stop flashing within a few seconds, repeat steps (2-4). (6) When the BalloonCraft red light stops flashing, check for motor action by moving the controller joystick. You should also notice a flashing green navigation light indicating that all systems are go! FAQ list Occasionally during flight the BalloonCraft doesn't respond as if it didn't receive my controller command? It's helpful to point out that the red indicator light in the controller flashes every time a command is transmitted. Note that a command is sent only when a change occurs in the joystick or wheel knob position. Occasionally, the BalloonCraft misses a command and fails to respond like expected. When this occurs, simply toggle the joystick or wheel knob to resend the command. FAQ list The altitude thruster makes a buzzing sound and the propeller does not turn? (1) Make sure the batteries are good. (2) Flick the prop to see if it spins freely. Rough handling either during shipping or in use may have pushed the propeller & motor too far into the motor cowling causing it to rub. Pull on the propeller until clear and able to spin freely. (3) Follow the start-up sequence ( Instruction steps 10&11 or TSQ1 above) (4) Turn the wheel knob counter clockwise until the propeller begins to turn. If you hear a buzzing sound, turn the wheel further to supply enough power to start and then you may back off to a lower speed if desired. FAQ list Why do I need to remove a ballast plate every 15 minutes? This is due to normal helium leakage in latex balloons that will reduce lift ability over time. Consider using the balloon treatment to reduce frequent ballast adjustments and extend float time. FAQ list I seem to be removing ballast plates every few minutes to keep afloat? If you suspect excessive leakage, remove the balloon connector from the BalloonCraft and submerse in water. Bubbles will indicate a poor seal. If it passes this test, replace the balloon. FAQ list How will I know when to replace the batteries? Replace the BalloonCraft battery when the propellers are unable to spin when commanded with a full left or right joystick action. Typically a new alkaline AAA battery will provide 1 to 2 hours of play time. The controller battery will rarely need replacement. Use a battery tester to check the 9V battery if you notice a reduction in range performance. FAQ list Can I use rechargeable batteries? The AAA battery may be a 1.2V (NiCd or NiMH) rechargeable type, but the BalloonCraft will have less thrust power. Consider a rechargeable alkaline brand. Similarly for the controller, a NiCd or NMH type will provide lower range performance. FAQ list Can I reuse the balloons? Even though the latex is stretched out, it will perform well with some repeated use. A treated balloon may also be reused, but will not retain helium as well. Additional balloons and balloon treatment kits may be ordered from our online catalog. FAQ list Should I completely deflate a day-old balloon before adding fresh helium? Deflation is usually not necessary on the second day of use. A day-old balloon has some air mixed with the helium, thus increasing the inflation size required to lift the BalloonCraft. You may add more helium, but be careful not to over-inflate as described in step 8 of the instructions. Unless the balloon is treated, we recommend deflating the balloon after two days of use. Additional balloons and balloon treatment kits may be ordered from our online catalog. FAQ list Why does the BalloonCraft turn off by itself? The BalloonCraft will turn off all motors if no command is received after about 30 seconds. This assures a safe descent if control is lost or left unattended. FAQ list Why do I loose control when my BalloonCraft is up against a bright window? Intense light directed into the rear of the BalloonCraft (where the infrared receiver is located) will over-power the infrared light signals from the controller. Fortunately, this will cause no damage, and since the BalloonCraft is usually in constant motion, this situation will usually only result in a momentary loss of control. FAQ list I used to be able to fly my BalloonCraft in a straight line, but now it always seems to veer off to the same side? Usually this occurs when the anti-spin adjustment is not precisely set. See step 12 of the instructions to confirm this is set correctly. This problem might occur if the propulsion propellers were switched or have become damaged or worn. Although these twin propellers look identical, they often differ in precise balance. The propellers are shipped factory matched to each motor for optimum performance. If you suspect they may have been switched, switch them back to their original motors. If there is any wear or damage to a propeller, apply small amounts of cellophane tape to restore the balance. Use a tachometer to measure the propeller speed. Continue to adjust the balance until both propellers turn at the same speed. FAQ list Why does my BalloonCraft turn when it's supposed to go straight? This might occur if using the Hi-Float Balloon treatment. It's important to spread the liquid treatment uniformly when applying. If you end up with clumps of this liquid on one side of the balloon, the weight imbalance will cause this problem. FAQ list |
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