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1. About this FAQ
We sell 4 different types of Remote Controlled
Micro-Airships - The Twin-Turbofan powered Flying Saucer, The
Twin-Turbofan powered Flying Blimp, and the Tri-Turbofan Flying
Saucer and Tri-Turbofan Flying Blimp.
All of our Micro Airships consist of a metalized
nylon (Mylar) balloon which provides lift for the Twin or Tri
Turbofan propulsion system. Micromotor powered propellers are
connected to the radio receiver on board the Turbofan unit. A
two (Twin-Turbofan) or three (Tri-Turbofan) channel radio transmitter
is used to control the saucer in flight by modulating the direction
of the propellers - allowing complete aerial maneuverability of
this lighter than air flying machine.
We ship anywhere! For more information or to
place an order, Contact Us!
2. Does it fly?
Yes, all of our Micro-Blimps fly great! We have
designed our saucers for the purposes of maximizing your flying
pleasure! Ultralight plastics, Surface Mount SMT receiver electronics,
helical propellers make Plantraco's Twin and Tri-Turbofans the
best value in radio control today.
We have videos on our web page that you can
view for yourself. The video clips are currently in RealVideo
format and Quicktime format. We offer our videos in sizes ranging
from 200K to over a megabyte so even a 14.4 modem equipped netizen
will be able to check out how our saucers fly in QuickTime Video!
(Video Available Soon!)
3. What's in the balloon?
Helium Gas. Lighter than atmospheric gases,
balloons filled with helium displace the surrounding atmospheric
air and this displacement provides the lift that we need to fly!
Symbol: He
Atomic Number-2
Atomic Mass- 4.0026
Greek name is helious (meaning the sun)
Who and When Discovered:
Helium was discovered by the French astronomer
Pierre J. Janssen in the sun. He found it in 1868 during a solar
eclipse. Sir William Ramsey, Nils Langlet, and Per Theodor Cleve
discovered it in the mineral clevite.
How it is Found, Mined and Purified:
Helium is found in natural gas. It is purified
by cooling the natural gas until all the gases except helium,
hydrogen, nitrogen, and argon turn in to liquid. Then the remaining
mixture is burned to get rid of the hydrogen. Charcoal at low
temperatures is used to absorb the argon. Nitrogen remains in
the helium as an impurity but is sometimes taken out.
Uses:
Helium is used to maintain proper pressure in
rockets. It is also used in heliarc welding (a type of electric
arc welding). It is used in scientific balloons, because helium
is lighter than air and it does not burn.
General Properties:
Helium is odorless, colorless, and tasteless
gas. It changes in to a liquid when cooled to -268.9 degrees C.
It freezes solid at -272.2 degrees C. It can not freeze under
normal atmospheric pressure.
4. Where do I get helium from and how much does it cost?
Helium is available at almost any flower shop,
party store or balloon shop. Many supermarkets also have a large
helium canister. Small 8.9 cubic foot Canisters can be purchased
at many discount stores such and welding shops.
5. How much does helium lift?
Helium Gas lifts approximately 1 ounce per cubic
foot of helium at sea level (STP Conditions - Standard Temperature
and Pressure). The exact lift depends on a number of things including
your altitude above sea level and the air temperature.
6. How much extra weight will the saucer or blimp carry?
The Twin-Turbofan Saucer will generally lift
about 1 ounce of extra weight, depending on altitude, barometric
pressure and operating temperature. The Tri-Turbofan Blimp can
carry approximately 3 ounces of extra cargo - enough lift to carry
decals, decorations and signage, or even a Wireless Video Camera
Set!
7. Is helium safe?
Yes, helium is an inert gas, will not burn (non-flammable),
and is completely safe to use. We still recommend adult supervision
when filling the balloons however.
8. If I buy 2 or more saucers, can we fly them in the same
room at the same time?
Yes! Our Multichannel radio control sets are
available in 4 different channels!
When you order from us, you can specify what
channels you would like to order. The channels are designated
as Channel A, Channel B, Channel C, and Channel D. If you only
want to purchase one saucer you should order one on Channel A.
If you do not specify which channel you want, we will send you
one on Channel A. Multichannel operation allows you and up to
3 friends fly together and have aerial races, aerial "sumo
wrestling", and other games you can invent! Who is the best
pilot?
9. I can understand how you can control left-right movement
but how does vertical control work?
Twin-Turbofan powered Blimp and Flying Saucer:
Vertical ascent and descent is controlled by
the positive angle of attack of the Twin-Turbo fan unit with respect
to the horizon. When both micro motors are thrusting forward the
craft will slowly rise in altitude, as it is moving forward. When
the motors are reversed, the saucer will descend. There are several
other methods that can be used to change altitude, for example
you can ride indoor "thermals" and other air currents
that you find in particular locations of your house, and use these
currents to your advantage!
Tri-Turbofan powered Blimp and Flying Saucer:
The Tri-Turbofan has a third propeller aligned
in the vertical plane. This third motor allows direct vertical
ascent and descent. Modulation of the left, right and central
propeller speed and direction allows full aerial maneuverability
and precise flight patterns!
For a great illustration of the Tri-Turbofan
in action, see our special How Does It Work feature!
10. What happens if the mylar balloon gets
a hole in it?
These helium envelopes are very durable however
if you do puncture one, it can usually be repaired with scotch
tape (cellophane tape). Or, if after many refills the balloon
will not lift the turbo fan unit, then you have too much of an
air/helium mix. To correct this you must empty all of the old
helium by CAREFULLY inserting a small straw in the self-sealing
valve. Then, refill with helium. Plantraco does sell replacement
balloons if needed for a nominal fee. (see our order page)
11. Will the flying saucer carry a beer to me while I'm sitting
on my couch?
No. Good idea though! The beverage would be
too heavy.
12. How long does helium stay in the balloon?
About 1 to 2 weeks typically. Helium will seep
out of almost anything and metalized nylon is no exception. After
a couple of weeks the balloon may look crinkly, top up as needed.
13. Do you have a larger sized flying saucer or blimp?
Yes!, we now offer our 52 inch X 27 Inch Blimp
Balloons which are interchangeable with the regular 38 inch saucer
balloons. There are pictures and even a QuickTime VR of the blimp
balloon with our Twin-Turbofan and Tri-Turbofan Propulsion System
attached.
14. How much does the turbo fan unit weigh?
It weighs about 2 ounces with the battery.
15. Can you fly it outside?
Absolutely not! Well, to clarify, the saucer
can fly outdoors, but you probably should NOT fly outdoors. If
you must fly outdoors, tether the airship to the ground with a
lightweight thread or fishing line. The whole purpose of this
machine is that it can be flown indoors. Besides the wind and
thermal activities outside make it very difficult to control.
If you do fly it outdoors it will only be once and you might cause
a UFO scare in your town.
16. Can you use the turbo fan unit for other projects?
Yes, there are many possibilities that you can
explore. RC boats, and even airplanes are possible with this system.
Our new digital transmitters and receivers have many possibilities
for modification by the hobbiest or hardware hacker! Our well
engineered digital Transmitters and Receivers make a very good
platform for your own hacks. Stay tuned to our webpage for some
of the next products coming from Plantraco that utilize our digital
Transmitters and Receivers! Sign up on our Email list, and we
will send you our newsletter a few times per year to let you know
what is happening in our labs.
17. How long do the batteries last?
This depends on how often you use the thrusters,
if you use them constantly then about 4 hours. Typical battery
life is about one week of daily usage for 1 - 2 hours. However,
if you pulse them like you would a jet pack in space then they
would last much longer. The 9-volt battery in the transmitter
is good for many hours in most cases.
18. Do you sell rechargeable batteries for
the Twin-Turbofan powered saucers?
We are working on production of a NiCd "Nicad"
rechargeable battery setup.
19. What is the range of this flying saucer?
The range is about 200 feet in most cases.
20. Do you have a blimp available?
Yes! The Blimp is now available! It is 52 inches
long and 37 inches wide with light weight foam fins. (see order
page for pricing)
21. Can I make money with my flying saucer?
Yes you can! Many of our customers are already
making money from our saucers all over the world. You can advertise
a company's name on the saucer with very light weight banners.
Remember, the flying saucer draws crowds wherever you go. Bring
it to a trade show, and someone will soon be talking to you and
asking if they could fly their banner on it.
22. Can I Print a Company Logo or decorate my Blimp?
Yes! Our 52" X 37" Blimp Balloon is
Ideal for this purpose. You can print a self adhesive transparent
sticker on an inkjet printer, cut this out with scissors or an
X-acto knife and apply this to the inflated blimp balloon. If
you like you may also have a vinyl sign company professionally
prepare a graphic using the thinnest vinyl stock they have. You
may also enquire with your local service bureau or print shop
to see if they have the capability of printing directly to the
balloon. We have done this sort of printing, and depending on
the specifications and the number of colours required, screen
printing will cost from £6.00 to £100.00 extra depending
on the complexity of the printing and the quantity required.
23. Are you looking for any distributors?
Yes, if you are interested in becoming a distributor
of our fine products, we would be pleased to hear from you. We
accomodate dealers of all sizes - from the basement hobbiest to
the large mail order catalog company.
We have instituted an affiliate program that
is suitable for the small company or hobbiest. Affiliate Programs
were pioneered by Amazon.com and have proven to be a great way
for the start up entrepreneur to get involved in promoting and
selling a product without the usual start up costs of running
a business. Have a look at this risk free, ethical, marketing
system that pays you commissions for sales that are referred to
us from your website!
We also have a section of our web site devoted
to prospective retail dealers.
This area is password protected, and if you have a business, please
contact us by telephone, Fax us your company letterhead, or Email
us with your contact information - including your company's mailing
address, phone and fax numbers, email addresses and web page addresses.
We will give you a login name and password so that you may enter
our online dealer information area. The dealer information area
contains our Wholesale Price List, Terms, dealer agreements, and
high resolution graphics of our products suitable for print adverts.
Delivering the most often requested information on the web is
a great way to encourage efficient communications for a successful
business relationship.
24. Do you have any Press Releases or other information for
Editors, Reporters and the Media?
Yes, We love to receive reviews from the press,
the exposure is terrific and audiences love to hear about our
very interesting products - our indoor remote controlled airships
are on the cutting edge.
We have a section of our web site devoted to
distribution of information to the media! This area is password
protected, please contact us and supply us with your contact information.
We will give you a login name and password so that you may enter
our online Press Box. This area contains lots of information that
will help you to report on our product features and benefits as
well as high resolution graphics for use in magazines in TIFF
and EPS Formats, QuarkXpress, Photoshop, Illustrator etc. Delivering
press information on the web is a great way to quickly spread
information about our company and products.
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