Balloon Photo System Kit
Aerial photography with balloon recovery system
TecnoFly 2008 S.r.l. has designed Balloon Photo System Kit, a versatile and
economical complete system for use in overhead aerial photography. It is a
particular winch fixed to a belt to which is connected a ball of natural latex
with a diameter of 150 or 180 cm. The balloon is fitted with a special valve
which has also a relay race in aluminum or plastic with ball joint for attaching
the compact digital camera. The joint allows you to use the camera in various
positions and adjust the focus.
The system arises from the need of minimizing the overall cost, and of making
the inflating operation and management of the ball in flight extremely fast,
providing a professional final result. The Balloon Photo System Kit is the
optimal for aerial photography in archaeological context, if you need a
resolution of 12 to 15 megapixels or more with zenith orientation of the camera.
The winch is equipped with 50 meters of braided marine wire, professional and
strong, and sufficiently invisible in the photographs. By acting on the clutch
of the winch you dose the rising velocity of the ball and prevent a too rapid
ascension. The recovery is fast, simple, fun and safe. The Balloon Photo System
Kit is a fully fastened belt system that allows the operator to have both hands
free for other tasks during the suspension of the ball in flight. The Balloon
Photo System Kit is available in two versions:
Balloon Photo System Kit 150 (BPS 150 - Balloon diameter 155 cm)
Balloon Photo System Kit 180 (BPS 180 - Balloon diameter 175 cm)
The kit is sold in a collecting bag comprising:
- Winch complete of wire (50 meters braided marine) and aluminum carabiner
- N° 2 natural latex balloons 150 or 180 cm diameter, in various colors
- N° 1 valve with swivel bracket for attaching lightweight compact camera
- N° 1 bag with accessories (tape and velcro straps)
- N° 1 customized collecting bag
Camera not included. We recommend the use of compact cameras with
intervalometer, like Pentax Optio W80/W90/WG1 or Ricoh GX 100/200.
Specifications
| | BPS 150 | BPS 180 |
|---|
| Balloon material | natural rubber latex |
| Valve/relay | In light plastic with camera mount |
| Maximum diameter | 150 cm | 180 cm |
| Maximum capacity (volume) | 1,77 m3 | 3,0 m3 |
| Type of gas used | Industrial helium (He) or balloongas |
| Operating altitude | 0 - 500 mt |
| Winch capacity | 350 meters of braided marine wire |
| Wire length loaded into the winch | 50 mt |
| Theoretical lift | 1695 gr | 2436 gr |
| Useful lift | 1255 gr | 1936 gr |
| Recommended payload | 200 - 700 gr | 200 - 1000 gr |
| Collector bag size | 55 x 45 x 15 cm |
| Inflation and installation time | 10' | 15' |
Important information for the safety of your BPS
The winch is designed to be used for the control of small balloons in flight,
such as the latex balloon of 150 or 180 cm in diameter. The system allows to
get interesting snapshots in perfect safety only if it is used in stable weather
conditions and especially in calm wind. Never use the Balloon Photo System Kit
in windy conditions or with more than 2-4 knots scale BFT. The morning hours,
and moments of thermal inversion, are well suited for fantastic climbing at
high altitude. Remember that the braided wire mounted onto your winch is the
only part that will allow you to control the ball in flight, and to get it
back, and then periodically check the integrity of the wire, unwinding it in an
open area and checking that it doesn't have any points of abrasion. The wire
must be replaced completely even in the event of doubt on his integrity.
TecnoFly 2008 can provide all the necessary accessories. The balloon used by the
BPS is constructed with an emulsion of natural latex, 100% biodegradable, and
is sensitive to atmospheric agents, in particular ultraviolet rays (UV). The
latex balloons can be used at least for a dozen flights if properly stored.
Altitudes and authorizations
Always respect the limits on the altitude of flight of aerostatic balloons
established by the authorities of your country. Higher altitudes may require
previous notification to the authorities, and possibly a written authorization.
Storage of latex balloons
The natural latex balloons must be preserved:
- away from heat sources
- in the dark
- in dry environment
- wrapped in a cotton cloth and not plastic (due to condensation)
- when stored, sprinkle with talcum powder
At the slightest doubt on the perfect condition of the ball, cut with scissors
and discard it responsibly. Do not ever try to repair a latex balloon if it has
holes or tears.
