Ask the Experts
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F
A Q s
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions from our customers.
Question:
How
is the Blimp or Telescoping Mast System used?
Answer:
The Camera Positioning Pan Tilt Unit hangs under the Blimp
from two parallel lines running along the length of the
Blimp. The hanging distance from the blimp can be adjusted
via these lines.
The Blimp ascends via the conductor tether (for wired systems) or via the nylon tether (for wireless systems). Note: Nylon tether can become a conductor once it has been used and has any dirt and moisture in it.
The Pan Tilt Unit is completely self-leveling! Floatograph has integrated an aircraft-quality U-Joint to compensate for blimp movement in the wind. This gimbling mechanism reacts instantaneously to blimp movement, keeping the camera equipment level.
The Pan Tilt Unit also provides a smooth variable speed +360 degree view and +200 degree vertical view. The can be easily and quickly adjusted in front of or behind the tether for an unobstructed view of your subject. The tether attachment points on the Tether Harness keep the blimp perfectly balanced in the wind, no matter where the camera equipment is placed, further reducing camera movement.
The video image is transmitted (wired or wireless) down to a color LCD monitor at eye level. Depending on the camera system used the Control console can handle pan, tilt, zoom, frame counter, shutter and other optional controls. Remember, there is no need to level!
The FM Series Floatopod is raised and lowered via an electric or hand winch, The PM Series masts are pnuematic driven and require an air compressor..
Placed on top of the Floatopod will be the pan and tilt unit along with the camera controller. The ground controller will control the panning and the tilting, - The shutter release for a still camera, - The power for a micro video camera and reception of the video signal. Optional controls for still camera zoom, IR control for compact cameras and camcorders is also available. The controller is normally hardwired, but an option is available to have it controlled by radio signals, along with broadcast quality video/audio transmitters and receivers. The ground controller also has a auxiliary video input jack for using a camcorder.
The micro video color camera has a bracket that allows the micro video camera to be placed up to the viewfinder of the still camera. It comes with a lens design for the camera to be used. For example, standard 35 mm cameras have a narrow field of view in the viewfinder, while a medium format camera has a wider field of view in the viewfinder.
From the controller to the ground console is a 80 foot cable. The extra length allows you to sit inside the vehicle for weather protection or long shoots.
On the ground is the control console. It has various switches for operating the system specified. Pan and tilt - shutter release - power on/off - video monitor controls - Auxiliary video output jack - still camera frame counter - Optional items include, zoom control for still camera and IR control for camcorder. The console includes a video monitor, standard is a 4 inch LCD Color monitor. Larger monitors, TFT monitors and virtual reality glasses are available. The console draws its power via the vehicle's battery from a 30 foot long cable with standard 12 volt plug.
During the operation of the system, the pan tilt is moved to frame in the scene desired. Then the shutter release is pressed to capture the image. The frame counter, if installed, is incremented and the system is ready for the next shot.
Question:
What
about shutter speed? Doesn't the camera move around ?
Answer:
The
Blimp is designed to be very stable, even in winds up to 20
MPH. (The SkyDoc Balloon is even more stable, up to 110 MPH) Because of the heavy duty construction of the
Floatopod, winds can be much higer. The tail
fins orient the blimp and SkyDoc Balloon, keeping its nose pointed into the
wind. The Blimp will fly perfectly if it is setup correctly
(slightly nose high). Floatograph's Tether Harness allows
for perfect setup regardless of camera placement. The
combination of Blimp/SkyDoc stability and the motion-dampening
units on Pan Tilt Unit provides unmatched stability and
equipment efficiency.
On sunny days, outdoors, we recommend 100ASA film and at least 1/250 of a second for your shutter speed (we typically set the camera to manual focus and shutter priority mode).
Question:
Why
do you recommend the Canon EOS Rebel 2000?
Answer:
Two reasons mainly: 1. The Rebel weighs only 13 oz (368.54
grams) with film, batteries and 28-80 zoom lens. 2. The
camera quality at this price point is astonishing. The lower
the weight, the more control you have and the less movement.
Other 35 mm cameras may be used as long as they have auto
wind and electric shutter release. We can custom configure
for other types of cameras.
Question:
Can
I use a medium format camera?
Answer:
Yes! We regularly use the Pentax 645n on the Blimp and 50
foot Series Masts/Tripods. Other cameras will also work well. There are
two requirements for still cameras, whether 35 mm or medium
format: 1. Should be auto wind, unless you want bring down
the 50 foot tripod or blimp after every shot. 2. Should have
the capability to trip the shutter electronically (Let us
know what camera you have and we will put the correct
electrical connector on the shutter cable). We can custom
configure for other types of cameras with manual shutter
release. For a medium format camera, the blimp should be larger to carry the extra weight.
Question:
How
much weight can the Blimp support?
Answer:
Payload capacity is 10 lbs at sea level for the 18 foot 2 Ply blimp.
Higher altitudes reduce payload capacity (not significantly
however). The weight of the Pan Tilt Unit, Rebel camera,
video, film and batteries weighs about 6.1 pounds for
wireless and 4 pounds for wired.
Question:
What
if I want to shoot video?
Answer:
Great! You have some choices. You can always mount the micro
video color
camera that comes with the Blimp/Tripod package directly to
the platform without a still camera. The signal on the
ground can be split to record the video on a standard video
camera or VCR. It weighs only 1 oz.
Alternatively, you can mount a small video camera or camcorder to the Pan Tilt Unit. The camera needs to have a "video out" port to transmit the signal back down to the LCD monitor. Also, it helps to have an infrared camera controller to start, stop and zoom the video camera from the ground. Most video cameras come with these controllers standard. The IR repeater comes standard with the standard 50 foot Series Mast/Tripod. For Blimp operations, the IR controller can be mounted in the 8-channel Pan Tilt Unit and controlled via RC signal, or on the wired systems in the control console.
Since there is movement of the blimp or balloon, normally on short segments of video can be useful. We have low cost gyro stabilization for longer video footage.
Question:
What
are the specs on the video camera?
Answer:
Our
standard color
video camera is NTSC format with 350 lines of resolution.
For comparison, a laserdisc is typically 400 lines of
resolution. 470 LOR is available. We do not use black/white video cameras except
for special applications. This camera is built to our specifications. No other camera on
the market will perform as well as ours.
All cameras are auto balanced with auto gain control and auto iris. All are fixed focus lenses adjusted and switched by loosening a set screw and rotating the lens. Any of the lens can be supplied for differences in various still cameras viewfinder lens, plus a wide angle lens can be supplied for your use.
Question:
Is
PAL format available?
Answer:
Yes. For international customers we offer PAL video format
Cameras, at a very small extra charge. The standard format is NTSC
video. There is an extra charge for PAL TFT LCD
monitors.
We recommend the Sony VX-2000 Camcorder for Digital Video and Digital Stills. Its low weight and high quality (Broadcast quality) is ideal for elevated operations.
Question:
How
small can it be packed down?
Answer:
The Blimp, deflated, fits into a box about 62" x 29"
x 5") (157cm x 74cm x 13cm). Package weighs about 12 pounds (5.44
kg). The electronics fits into a small shipping container
that is supplied. Size and weight varies with the package
ordered.
Question:
How
long do the batteries last?
Answer:
Depends on type of system purchased. 1.5 hours to 96
hours.
Typically, the camera and monitor is switched off when not shooting. We have photographed an entire day on one set of batteries.
Question:
How
long does it take to recharge the batteries?
Answer:
The standard package comes a 12-volt quick-charger, which
will recharge the NiCads in 30-45 minutes from a car
cigarette lighter. Remember, repeated quick-charging reduces
the life span of NiCad battery packs by about 1/2. The
FM/PM Series Floatopod power is supplied by the vehicles
battery.
Question:
What
kind of vehicle do I need?
Answer:
To save money on helium, Floatograph recommends keeping the
Blimp inflated and transporting it in an enclosed utility
trailer. The exact dimensions of the inflated 2 Ply Blimp
are 18 feet x 80 inches (5.49 meters x
2.15 meters)
We recommend a larger trailer. The 18 foot (5.49 meters) length is not a problem, but preventing punctures (especially with the economy Blimp) is easier with a larger opening. Our "ideal" trailer opening is 90 inches x 90 inches (229cm x 229cm). This allows for safe and effortless, one person loading and unloading of the Blimp. It also allows for access to the sides and nose of the Blimp when loaded.
We recommend a trailer that has inside length of 228 inches. Outside depends on construction and if there is any insulation, etc. The door opening in the rear, we recommend a 90 inches square. That is 90 inches top to bottom, side to side, when the doors are open. This allows plenty of room to insert and remove the blimp. Also it may allow the blimp to be turned 45 degrees so that the fins do not need to be removed.
The inside walls of the trailer should be smooth. Or at least the floor, a 4 foot strip from the rear to the front centered on the ceiling and on each side wall. The rear door frame should be smooth. The exterior side walls may cover the trailer wheels since it will not interfere with the blimp.
Brackets should be installed to hold a large helium bottle. We normally place it on one side, laying down, near the rear doors. Position the bottle so that the valve is forward of the bottle.
The trailer can be as light as you can get it. It will only need to be able to carry the weight of the helium bottle and other items that are optional (see below).
Optional items that are nice to have:
A front side entry door for getting to the front part of the trailer easily. With light inside and out. Interior lighting. Electric brakes. A battery pack, with marine battery, for auxiliary power. With battery isolator, and 12 volt output jacks. Exterior lighting on the rear. A helium regulator with gauge, with 24 foot air hose, with squeeze valve on the end. (Allows you to see what pressure you have left in tank, and reduces the pressure going into the blimp to prevent damage, and an easy way to top off blimp when need be.)
A couple of sand bags with nylon line for anchoring the blimp to the ground during setup operations. Small storage cases for keeping equipment in, (cameras, film, batteries, charger, etc.)
Tandem wheels on the trailer. (Dual wheels on each side.) Jack on the trailer tongue. Air vents on roof and in floor. (Especially if you are in a hot climate.) Wheel blocks.
The exterior metal we have no recommendations. It will depend on your preferences for painting or placing a logo on it. If you are in a hot climate, a reflective color should be considered.
Question:
How
much weight does the Blimp lift?
Answer:
The economy Blimp can lift about 10.8lbs (5.35kg) at sea level.
The Nylon 18 foot 2 Ply Blimp can lift about 10lbs at sea level.
The Nylon 20 foot 2 Ply Blimp can lift about 13.5lbs at sea level.
The economy 11 Foot SkyDoc Balloon can lift 10lbs at sea level.
Question:
Some others are advertising smaller blimps and, at the same
time, higher altitudes. Is this possible?
Answer:
As a general rule, the more cubic feet of helium you have,
the higher you will be able to lift a certain payload at any
base altitude.
In order to gain additional altitude with a set amount of helium, you must have reduced payload. Depending on the system purchased and the camera used will determine the height you can achieve. It is important to tell us of your intended application so that we can recommend the right system for you.
We do have a 5 mega pixel digital camera that can operate from a 5.5 foot balloon or a 10 foot blimp.
Question:
Answer:
When would I use the Blimp rather than the 50 Foot FM/PM Series Mast/Tripod?
Answer: Here are some ideas: Use the 50 Foot FM Series Tripod when: 1. The altitude requirements are lower 2. There are obstructions (i.e. trees, power lines, buildings) 3. There are maximum altitude restrictions (i.e. around airports, over protected areas) 4. You need more stability (i.e. video recording, very windy day). Use the Blimp/Balloon when: 1. The altitude requirements are higher 2. There are fewer or no obstructions 3. You need to be very mobile and flexible.
Question:
What
about design, craftsmanship and quality? How do you compare
to the competition?
Answer:
Floatograph's Blimp is made our specifications by two
companies. These companies have strict policies regarding
customer service and quality control. Floatograph is proud
to be a full-line dealer for them.
No other blimp photography system is made the way Floatograph Blimps are made. Plus as a bonus, our blimps come with banner patches for attaching advertising banners.
The Blimp is available in four varieties: The economy is a polyurethane vinyl blimp envelope, 18 feet (5.49 meters) long x 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters) in diameter with a helium capacity of 319 cubic feet (9.03 cubic meters). It has a net lift capacity of 10.8 pounds (5.35 kg) at sea level.
Another Blimp is a Nylon blimp envelope, 18 feet (5.49 meters) long x 81 inches (2.05 meters) in diameter with a helium capacity of 525 cubic feet (14.87 cubic meters). It has a net lift capacity of 10 pounds (5.3 kg) at sea level.
We have different styles of blimps.
Single Ply - Made of Polyurethane or Urethane. Loses about 1 - 3 per cent of Helium per day. Depending on how tight the
blimp is. Blimp expands with pressure. Will need to be dumped and refilled every six months or so, due to air getting
inside the blimp.
3 Ply - Made of Nylon with a coating of Polyurethane on the inside and outside of the blimp. Loses about 3 to 4 per cent of
Helium per week. Blimp does not expand with pressure. Comes with a auto deflating valve to maintain a set pressure inside
the blimp. Therefore if the blimp is used where the temperature rises during the day, the auto valve will release Helium, and
Helium loss during the week will be more than the single ply blimp. Will need to be dumped and refilled every 6+ months
or so, due to air getting inside the blimp. These blimps are heavier than the single ply and the size must be larger in order to lift the same payload.
2 Ply - Made of Nylon with a Urethane Bladder. Loses about 1-3 per cent of Helium per day. Blimp does not expand with pressure. Comes with a auto deflating valve to maintain a set pressure inside
the blimp. Therefore if the blimp is used where the temperature rises during the day, the auto valve will release Helium, . Will need to be dumped and refilled every 6 months or so, due to air getting
inside the blimp. Major advantages are that it can take more abuse than the single ply and that it can come in almost any color.
Floatograph's
FM Series Floatopod is made by us. All Aluminum construction. High
strength test stainless steel aircraft cable, with stainless
steel pulleys. All
aluminum telescoping mast unit constructed of 6061 aircraft
quality metal (top section doubled T5 Aluminum) anodized for
weather resistance. Garolite™ self lubricating shims
insure no metal to metal contact and allow a slippery no
maintenance operation. A
mechanical stop insures the telescoping sections do not
overextend. Winch power is supplied using a 12 volt DC
electric winch, powered either by a battery or 12v vehicle
power supply. Use of an optional extended remote control
allows for 10' of operator use. The
independent sections are raised by stainless steel 5/32"
cable rated at 2000 lbs. (well above the lifted weight). The
cable is supported by Staninless steel / Bronze inserts,
pulleys rated for 1250 lbs. (rolling weight) The Hitch mount
(Vehicle use) is constructed of 1/4" steel welded for
maximum strength. The mount is custom made for each vehicle
type and will mate with any 2" receiver type hitch.
The
entire mount is covered with (1) coat of zinc primer and (2)
coats of polyurethane enamel. Attached to the hitch mount
are (2) ratchet type jack stands which provide stability in
the longitudinal axis. These jacks are easily raised or
lowered when needed. Since
we do not use nylon web to raise the telescoping mast, we do
not worry about the sun rotting the nylon. Also, the
electronic packages that we provide, do not look like a
tinker toy sets. They are all well engineered and built for a
very long lifeline. We also have the LW40 telescoping mast. Made of fiberglass and light weight with a folding tripod stand. Floatograph's
PM Series Floatopod is made by another company. All Aluminum construction. Pnuematic raised. All
aluminum telescoping mast unit constructed of 6061 aircraft
quality metal. The air compressor power is supplied using a 12 volt DC
electric, powered either by a battery or 12v vehicle
power supply. Use of the standard foot pump is available. The Hitch mount
(Vehicle use) is constructed of 1/4" steel welded for
maximum strength. The mount is custom made for each vehicle
type and will mate with any 2" receiver type hitch.
Attached to the hitch mount
are (2) screw type jack stands which provide stability in
the longitudinal axis. These jacks are easily raised or
lowered when needed. Question: Answer: The
economy Blimp holds less helium and, therefore costs less for the initial fill. The economy Blimp's fins are less than 80" (2.03
meters) across. The blimp can be stored in the trailer
without folding the fins. The
Nylon 2 Ply Blimp is made with a new material containing
ripstop nylon. This material is much more durable than
polyurethane. A urethane bladder is
used to hold the Helium, this allows for very inexpensive repair
for major damage. The
Nylon 2 Ply Blimp holds more helium and costs more for the initial fill,
than the economy Blimp. The Nylon 2 Ply Blimp's fins are 106
inches across. This means that the fins may be folded down
(it takes a couple of minutes) for it to fit into a trailer. The
larger fins also mean that the Nylon 2 Ply Blimp can handle higher
winds than the economy Blimp. It is simply more stable. The
Nylon Blimp costs more than the economy Blimp.
We estimate the difference in cost will be made up in longer term use savings alone within 4-5 years of active use. Question: Answer:
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What
are the differences between the economy Blimp and the Nylon
Blimp?
The economy Blimp is made with polyurethane vinyl 3.5mil
thick and the 2 ply Nylon blimp has a bladder that has the same thickness. This material stretches, so it is possible to
"overfill" the blimp to gain extra altitude. The material
also seeps. It is porous. This means that it will need to be
refilled about every two days. A quick shot of helium is all
that is necessary. If it is punctured, it must be repaired.
Something else to keep in mind ... since the material is
porous, helium can escape, but also, air can enter, diluting
the helium! If the blimp is overfilled, the helium will
eventually seep out and the material will stretch back to
its original shape, sometimes creating a vacuum in the
process which pulls air into the blimp. Over time, the
helium is diluted with air and will not lift the same
payload to the same altitude. The Blimp can be purged by
standing it on end and allowing the air to settle to the
bottom. Then release the fill valve port and let the air
out. Worse case is that the entire blimp must be emptied and
refilled to regain performance.
Are
there FAA regulations that must be complied with?
Yes!
This is very important, especially around airport traffic
areas. Go to The FAA Website http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/fars/far-101.txt
to check out the latest regs. For International clients,
check with your local authorities.
How
high can the FM/PM Series Tower Systems go?
The
FM Series Floatopod Systems can reach elevations of 50 feet. Most
camera operators find that majority of their shots are taken
from 20-40 feet. The PM Series Masts come in many sizes, up to 98 feet.
What
about wind?
Our System is quite stable but very windy conditions can
cause the camera to move. We ca include four - 60 foot guy
lines and connectors with our system. We have shot footage
at 50 feet in fairly windy conditions and by using guy lines
and a camera with Sony's Super SteadyShot, our shots are
extremely stable. If shooting video, it helps to use a
camera with image stabilization. Elevation and the size of
camera are factors when shooting in wind. Still cameras are
not really affected since film speed and shutter speed can
be changed to meet the conditions.
How
long does it take to receive delivery of a
system?
Each
system is built-to-order so you should allow 8-12 weeks for
the unit to ship. Normally we will quote delivery schedule.
During our war on terror, military and government agencies have priority over commercial orders.
Can
your systems be shipped to other countries outside of the
USA?
Yes, absolutely. We regularly ship to other countries.
Does
your system include everything I need to shoot aerial video
or film immediately?
Our Systems are complete except for a few items that you
need to supply. For the FM/PM Series Floatopod you'll need a vehicle with
a roof rack and 2" receiver hitch, a camera film or tape and
a 12 volt battery. We also suggest 10 lb. sandbags to secure
the guy lines in windy conditions. For the Blimp system
you'll need film and Helium.
Is there a trade association?
We
have started one at http://www.blimpcam.com/guide/
What about referrals?
We
have a world wide referral base for our clients. We also
have a world wide referral web site for any blimp or tall
tripod operator. You may review the site at http://www.blimpographer.com/
How long have you been in business?
We built our first system in 1988 and have been in business since 1989.
