plantraco micro blimp?

[David Hogue]

Saw an ad in a magazine for this, said it used a small lipo pack and had a charger built in to the tx, I think. I cant find any info on the site about it...is it not available, and if not, when will it be? Was a very small mylar envelope, like 18" across I think. Looked like a neat thing to have for boring rainy days, etc.

Later,
David

[Plantraco]

Greetings!

Whew! That advert came out sooner than expected. We made a slight mistake in putting it in the October Fly R/C magazine - I thought "October" meant that the magazine would be on the shelf closer to "October" : )

The Plantraco Microblimp will be released at the Chicago iHobbyExpo Show where we are at booth #2626. If you are in the Chicago area October 14 - 17, come and visit our booth. I think this year the iHobbyExpo allows direct sales on the consumer days, so we'll probably have stock there to sell direct.

The Plantraco Microblimp will be on our website at http://www.microblimp.com

Our Microblimp has a lot of new features and specifications that have not been seen before. . . We popularized indoor R/C airships with our Twin Turbofan Flying Saucer in 1996 and then our Tri-Turbofan Airships in about 1998. We know the fun of indoor R/C airships, and try to make high performance airships for a reasonable price. These days there are plenty of knockoffs and competitors to our Twin and Tri-Turbofans, and I guess we have to take that as a compliment. : ) It might take the copycats a bit longer to catch up to our Microblimp ; ) Our gondola weighs less than about 11 grams with 3 motors. The inflated balloon is about 20 inches across, and about half the overall size of our previous models and all competitor airships - The effect on performance is significant! The old DL123A batteries used in our Twin and Tri-Turbofan airships weighs more than that! Add to that our proportional R/C system, and built-in Lithium Polymer charger, state of the art digital R/C system, multichannel operation (software controlled), and 2 transmitter mixing modes to challenge even veteran R/C pilots - and it looks like we'll be having lots of fun for yet another cold Saskatchewan winter - indoors!

Most of this information is on our magazine advert. I would like to wait until the product release date before sending out more information. It is bad enough that we placed our magazine advert too early, already we are getting lots and lots of email requests for information. It is best if we release all the information at once.

Thanks for your interest and support for Plantraco products! You are the people who make it possible for these new products to be created, so I hope you know that we are very grateful to have had the support from our customers over the last 8 years!

Regards

Bud
Plantraco.com

[sky captain]

im planning on buying the microblimp but first i have a few questions. is the envelope/balloon shaped like a saucer or a blimp? what is the effective range? how long can it fly until it needs to be recharged?

[sky captain]

oh and one more thing- the third propeller on the microblimp, does that make the blimp rise and descend?

[Plantraco]

The current envelope is saucer (round shaped) - 20" diameteri after inflation.
We will have a nice small blimp balloon eventually.

Range is about 300 feet with perfect glitch free full proportional operation.

The LP90 lipoly Bahoma cell (patent pending) included will run for about 10 minutes if you lean on the sticks heavy, or will go for about 20 minutes with well-controlled casual use. You need not worry about over discharging your cell with the Microblimp. The cell voltage is measured continuously, and we have a "3 strikes and your out" algorithm that ensures that you don't over discharge the cells. When cell voltage is measured to be low, the blimp will halt all function for 10 seconds and play a series of sad tones by AC-ing the DC motors so that they make audible (tunable) tones. It's really cute.

It takes about 1 hour to charge. The Plantraco HFX900 900Mhz RC transmitter has a build in Lipoly (Bahoma) charger that is set for about 67mA charge rate.

There are 2 mixing modes currently - "tank mode" and "airplane mode". If you are an experienced bliimp pilot. Learning to fly will take you a few minutes to get used to, but I am sure you will agree that this is the best way to fly a blimp.

There is actually a third mixing mode - it is for FMS flight simulator control. You can plug the Plantraco HFX900 transmitter into your computer to run the freeware FMS flight sim..

When we start selling RTF proportional R/C airplanes - we will be including the FMS interface cable and bundling the FMS freeware flight sim.

Lots more to tell - check it out - I think you'll agree that Plantraco's Microblimp is the state of the art for R/C airships. Compare it to our old models, or all the other cheap imitation competitors - Plantraco's Microblimp is the best.

http://www.microblimp.com
http://www.plantraco.com

[sky captain]

thanks, you're the man. oh and a few more questions. when are you coming out with a small blimp balloon and can i order it online?

[Plantraco]

The Microblimps can be ordered on our website right now. Just go to microblimp.com and order.

Oh - you mean the teardrop blimp shaped helium envelope eh? Right now the Microblimp comes with a 20" round saucer balloon - The small microblimp balloon isn't ready - and I don't have an estimate for you.

[skid2964]

Question for Plantraco ............

do the little airplanes and boats come in different channels? In case I buy several, I want the kids to be able to use thier toys at the same time.

[Plantraco]

Question for Plantraco ............

do the little airplanes and boats come in different channels? In case I buy several, I want the kids to be able to use thier toys at the same time.


Yes, they do - but I should say here, that this thread is supposed to be about our Microblimp - not our boats or planes.

Check'em out on the orderform of our website at http://www.plantraco.com

PS: Thanks for your interest!

[Hobiestoke]

Plantraco, I have a question for you. Since you have ignored my emails I thought perhaps you might see this - Re: The Sky Buddy - I love this plane and it has been great, but you guys mentioned a lipo mod that I want to do to this thing, but cant find any info on the mod anywhere or any info on the website - can you please either respond to this or post a thread on it or something???? Need to beef up that customer service if you guys expect to grow....:(

[Plantraco]

Plantraco, I have a question for you. Since you have ignored my emails I thought perhaps you might see this - Re: The Sky Buddy - I love this plane and it has been great, but you guys mentioned a lipo mod that I want to do to this thing, but cant find any info on the mod anywhere or any info on the website - can you please either respond to this or post a thread on it or something???? Need to beef up that customer service if you guys expect to grow....:(

Howdy - Please send us an Email and we will respond! We did not ignore your email at all! Maybe we didn't get it - did you send to the right address? Is your Email software configured properly?

OK - to your question:

The 3 cell (3.6V 70 mAh) NiMH Sky Buddy pack weighs about 16 grams if my memory serves.

Note that there are many many lithium polymer cells with more mAh and less weight.

Our LP550 single cell can be stuffed into the Sky Buddy with no change in COG (center of gravity) or AUW! (all up weight) Now you can fly for an hour! It is very easy to modify the Sky Buddy for Lithium Polymer use! If you want, you can go with a smaller lipoly cell.

If we had time, we could make a nice pictorial guide showing step-by-step how to do it - Would you like that?

We should add it to our online FAQ at: http://plantraco.com/faq/index.cgi

Go there and check out the FAQ - post your questions there and we'll try to keep our FAQ up to date.

PS: Please send your Emails to "service(at)plantraco.com" put the "@" symbol in there - We always respond to all Emails! Feel free to call us at 306-955-1836. Don't post here that we don't respond to Emails, because we do folks!

[Hobiestoke]

Thanks for your quick attention! My email server works just fine and the Service email listed at the bottom of your site is exactly where Ive been sending the emails...Anyway how much is that lipo you suggested, and can you send one that has a Sky Buddy connector on it? If so can you PM me with a price and I'll order it ASAP!

Anyway thanks for answering my question so quickly, and I did not mean to make it seem as if you were ignoring your customers....one more question please, If I want a spare NIMH batt and spare props can I order those direct from you as well??

I think somebody needs to start a Sky Buddy thread! I've bought both the Wattage Micro Flyer and the Sky Buddy and the Sky Buddy REALLY blows it away! The Wattage product flies very squirley at best, and I had to tear it apart and build a new airframe just to enjoy it, My Sky Buddy will stay stock except for the lipo because it doesnt need to have anything done to it....Thanks Plantraco!

[Plantraco]

Thanks for your quick attention! My email server works just fine and the Service email listed at the bottom of your site is exactly where Ive been sending the emails...Anyway how much is that lipo you suggested, and can you send one that has a Sky Buddy connector on it? If so can you PM me with a price and I'll order it ASAP!

Anyway thanks for answering my question so quickly, and I did not mean to make it seem as if you were ignoring your customers....one more question please, If I want a spare NIMH batt and spare props can I order those direct from you as well??
.Thanks Plantraco!

Yeah, it's too bad we missed your Email - we really didn't get anything that matched up - so something went wrong somewhere.

Anyways, attached to this message is a low rez picture of how to modify your Sky Buddy for LiPoly.

We used the Plantraco LP550.

If you put a comment in the order form we can sell you the unit that we modded for Lipoly and charge you a small amount for the cell - you would need to get a Lithium Polymer Charger such as our LPC-400 charger too. But you probably already know that of course.

Get information on our LiPoly cells here:
http://www.plantraco.com/hobbies/product-lpcells.html

Our pricing is good.

Go to our FAQ and download a higher rez version of the modification document here:

Sky Buddy Lipoly Modification (http://www.plantraco.com/img/Sky-Buddy-lipoly-mod.jpg)

http://www.plantraco.com/img/Sky-Buddy-lipoly-mod.jpg

Or peruse our FAQ at:

http://plantraco.com/hobby-faq/index.cgi

Plantraco Hobby Stuff FAQ (http://plantraco.com/hobby-faq/index.cgi)

[Plantraco]

...one more question please, If I want a spare NIMH batt and spare props can I order those direct from you as well??


Maybe in the next container shipment we will have these available for you.

The Sky Buddy does come with 2 extra props - BTW.

[Charley]

1) Is the 900 mz radio system avail on more than one frequency so we can fly two or more blimps at the same time?
2) Are spare lipo batts avail so we can switch batteries (ie batteries with magnets)and not wait to recharge?

3) You spoke of "RTF prop. airplanes " would be avail someday-- A) Will they be on 900 mz and (B) if so can we use the Tx from thr blimp with the prop planes so we would not have to buy a new Tx ;only a plane ?
4) Any idea when the planes might be available?? Such as 3 months,Or 6 months or a year? Any price info?

Thanks for your time and info!!!

Chuck Haverlah

[Plantraco]

[QUOTE=Charley]1) Is the 900 mz radio system avail on more than one frequency so we can fly two or more blimps at the same time?


The Microblimp is configured by the user on startup to operate on one of 3 channels. In the future we may offer more channels.

When you power up the HFX900 transmitter, you can configure various mixing functions (including an FMS (FMS is a freeware flight simulator) control mode), and frequency by holding the joysticks at startup in a particular position.


2) Are spare lipo batts avail so we can switch batteries (ie batteries with magnets)and not wait to recharge?

Yes, we should have these online within a few days at our website (www.plantraco.com)


3) You spoke of "RTF prop. airplanes " would be avail someday-- A) Will they be on 900 mz and (B) if so can we use the Tx from thr blimp with the prop planes so we would not have to buy a new Tx ;only a plane ?
4) Any idea when the planes might be available?? Such as 3 months,Or 6 months or a year? Any price info?

Yes, they will be 900Mhz - of course!

You may be able to - but probably it will be better to get the airplane version of the HFX900. There are 2 reasons for this. The HFX900 blimp transmitter has full centering of the joysticks since it has forward and reverse main throttles. (whew - hard to explain that in text). The HFX900 airplane model will have our throttle style joystick on the left - just like you would expect for any airplane transmitter. ALSO - when we release an airplane, we may want negative exponential mixing programmed into the transmitter. We haven't added these other mixing modes to the Tx software yet for various reasons. Basically, suffice it to say that the current Plantraco HFX900 transmitter (Blimp Model 1) is intended to be used with our Microblimp product - when we release a RTF airplane model, we'll be making physical and software changes to the Tx



Thanks for your time and info!!!


No Problem Chuck - thanks for the very good questions!

Cheers!

[Charley]

Thanks for answering the questions I posed !!!
I will be watching for the plane release as I love to build and fly micro rc planes (Typically under one ounce with 3 channel control )

Thanks to Plantraco for bringing light weight 900 mz recr and tx equipment to market !!!

Chuck Haverlah

[Zlatko]

Plantraco,
Thanks for another great product :)
I couldn't find info for ordering a spare battery.

1 Is it possible to charge a spare battery while flying the MicroBlimp?
2 Do you have a WebLink for ordering spare battery and spare props?
3 Please consider selling the "naked"/spare receiver. There are a lot of us that could use it for indoor planes ;)
4 Will there be any way for "user" to upgrade firmware in the TX to be compatible with the Aircraft TX?

Best Wishes and Thanks In Advance

[toxic_t]

hi , do you ship to the uk? can i pay by paypal ? and is the fms connector USB?
thanks :o

[Zlatko]

OK,
Got mine, shipped to OZ, lots of fun and very fast :)

Some answers and more questions:

1 Not possible to charge a spare battery while flying because the TX has a 3 position switch. OFF-Charge battery-TX ON
2 Site updated, can order a spare battery now but still no prop :(

Questions:
1 My TX togles between blimp mode and aeroplane mode by turning on the TX and holding the right stick to the left. Nothing happens when the stick is held to the right. Is this a problem or a "feature"? ( Fig 8 on pg4, 5th picture down )
2 I guess the TX sends the signal in digital form. Does the FMS connector interface to the RS232 port directly through 3-4 wires or is there something else in between?
3 Would you like to share the pinout with us for the FMS plug?

Cheers

BTW. I use Blue-Tak on the back of the battery for buoyancy. The filled ballon provided 10gm extra lift (without gondola), the magnets were not enough.

[gizmointhesky]

...

[gizmointhesky]

...

[Plantraco]

OK,
Got mine, shipped to OZ, lots of fun and very fast :)

Some answers and more questions:

1 Not possible to charge a spare battery while flying because the TX has a 3 position switch. OFF-Charge battery-TX ON



Correct - we did this to prevent users from transmitting while charging. For instance, we wanted to prevent the situation in which a user leaves his Tx on the table for charging his cell, and also happens to be transmitting.

The way we have implemented the functions, charging and transmitting are exclusive to each other. This can all be changed easily, but we chose this way to prevent any possible problems.


2 Site updated, can order a spare battery now but still no prop :(

Yep - you can call us for props - we should have props online any time now.


Questions:
1 My TX togles between blimp mode and aeroplane mode by turning on the TX and holding the right stick to the left. Nothing happens when the stick is held to the right. Is this a problem or a "feature"? ( Fig 8 on pg4, 5th picture down )

You might have an early version of the Tx software - give us an Email.



2 I guess the TX sends the signal in digital form. Does the FMS connector interface to the RS232 port directly through 3-4 wires or is there something else in between?

It is very basic RS-232 - we'll be selling the cables for cheap, and will include them when the airplane receivers are ready. Together with the excellent freeware FMS flight sim (bundled for free)


3 Would you like to share the pinout with us for the FMS plug?

We can do it, yes, but first let us sell some!




Cheers

BTW. I use Blue-Tak on the back of the battery for buoyancy. The filled ballon provided 10gm extra lift (without gondola), the magnets were not enough.

Yes, at some altitudes, you need more weight - scotch taping a washer or a magnetic (Canadian) coin can work well too.

[Plantraco]

Please post your MicroBlimp Pics people!
I am curious to see what you all have done with this little gem!
Gizmo in the Sky



Here are some pictures of the Plantraco Microblimp gondola attached to an ordinary 16" Latex balloon. You can easily make your own blimps with a latex balloon - just make sure you don't bump into anything that will pop the latex balloon.

Pictures courtesy of West Coast Blimps at the AMA show in Ontario, CA.

[Plantraco]

hi , do you ship to the uk? can i pay by paypal ? and is the fms connector USB?
thanks :o


We ship globally

Payment by Visa or Mastercard

Connector for FMS cable is RS-232 serial. If you want USB you can add a Keyspan RS-232 - USB converter.

[toofastdave]

Hello,
Do you guys have a Distibutor or Dealer list set up anywhere on your website for the US? I may have missed it because your websites are pretty big, but it would be nice to know who is selling the stuff in the States. :)

Thanks for the great products and service!

Dave

[Harv]

Got mine today...kinda cool, and definitely a different challenge than flying my Bladerunner helo I got a while ago. At least this doesn't crash to the floor when I screw up on the controls. :D

A little review:

Setup went pretty well I think. Only cost me a buck to get the balloon filled at the florist on my way home. Gave the motors a quick test run and trimmed them out, and then started attaching everything while I waited for the battery to fully charge.

Getting everything kinda lined up straight on a circular object that's trying to get away is an interesting exercise. My gondola mounts are pretty skewed, and the magnet mount washer is offset, but they're aesthetic issues only and don't affect flight. Some sort of marks (like the mount point for the circuit board) would be nice to have for this.

Mounting the metal washer and magnets "several inches" behind the gondola as per the instructions gives the blimp a serious nose up attitude, and as I see they're mounted ahead of the motors on Plantranco's video I'll have to remount the ballast to see if it affects flight. One mistake I made was to ballast the blimp perfectly during this time, only to see it all for naught when I attached the battery when it was charged and I had to start all over. Snipping a paper clip into different lengths worked perfectly for fine-tuning the weight (be very careful with these if you have kids).

So, after getting everything ready, the battery installed (the hole in the gondola is just big enough to allow battery insertion/removal without having to take it off) and re-ballasting, it was time for the first flight.

Starting with the left joystick, I start moving it ahead and watch the blimp move backwards. Hmmm. Read the manual, slap forehead, install circuit board in the correct direction (good thing velcro was invented, or idjits like me would be in trouble) and try again.

Ahhh, much better. Moving the joysticks around a bit causes the expected results now. A little hum/whir from the blimp and I'm slowly moving around the room. Laying on the sticks a little harder increases the noise level substantially, until the vibration of the props/motors causes a kind of harmonic resonation which seems amplified inside the balloon. This is a rather harsh type of noise, and needless to say I won't be flying this in the same room as wifey if she's watching TV or reading.

Flying with the gondola attached I noticed the blimp would always descend when moving forward. Removing it and adding more ballast (which raised the nose even more) corrected this, so I guess a nose high attitude is necessary for level flight. Overall flying is quite a bit of fun, and learning to anticipate maneuvers can be challenging. Control of the blimp is tricky at best with it being a circle, and I'd love to see a traditional blimp shape offered to see how much difference there is control wise. I'll have to find some lightweight styrene and make some fins for now to see if that helps.

Battery life seems ok, with about a half hour of mixed flight and gondola/ballast experimentation time before the first warning chimes sounded. I was looking through the box and found another battery in the bottom (I assume it was meant to be in there), so with both charged up I'd think 40mins to an hour of flight time could be done. More time would be better of course, but compared to the 8 minutes per charge I get from my helo this seems like forever. :)

Not really having anything to judge the Microblimp against except a helicopter, from my own newbie perspective I'd rate it overall at a C+, or maybe a B-.

Pros:
Small size
Excellent materials, components and packaging
Detailed instructions
Battery life?

Cons:
Price (over 175 canuck bucks)
Noise (unpleasant and loud at any more than creeping speed)
Battery life?
No blimp shaped balloon available
Lightweight fins could be included for better control

More to come as I give it a good workout. :)

[Harv]

Short update after day one...

The batteries are taking almost exactly 2 hours to charge up...not the 40-60 minutes as stated in the manual. I've used 3 different fresh sets of AA's in the charger and both supplied batts take the same amount of time. As mentioned before, it would be Very convenient to be able to charge and fly at the same time.

I'm starting to almost get used to the noise/vibration, and it's a good indicator of how hard you're leaning on the sticks. However, I've been banished to the furthest corners of the house from where wifey is, and I haven't seen the cat since yesterday.

After playing around more with ballasting, the gondola and level flight, I found that attaching the little magnets to the tip of the balloon's "tail" gives the blimp the perfect AOA for level forward flight at medium speeds. It loses altitude in a hurry in reverse now, but that's actually handy for going down stairs. :)

Overall day one first impression rating is a solid C+ now.

[gizmointhesky]

...

[Harv]

Do you have the noise issue and long recharge times Gizmo? If it was (a lot) quieter and the batteries would charge quicker I'd be much much happier.

Don't get me wrong...it's still a lot of fun as is. It would probably be tough to find anything better for inhouse entertainment in the winter, and I'd most likely have given it an A- if it didn't scare everyone and everything away when it flies into a room. ;)

[David Hogue]

Harv,

Have you tried it without the gondola cover? Mine hardly makes a sound without it, but I did notice the cover would tend to vibrate when I tried it. I have been flying without it mostly. I also rarely fly it around at wide open throttle. My cats still arent fond of it, however:D As to the nose up/ballast thing. I added a second washer in front, and balance my ballast between the two points. I havent noticed a tendency to climb or dive in forward or reverse much, but what is there I just add some up or down thrust to compensate. Its a very neat little blimp, and a great toy to have for winter months!

Later,
David

[Harv]

Hi Gofli, thanks for the input.

I'm starting to think (hope) that maybe I have a bad unit if nobody else seems to notice or mind the noise level. I took the gondola off this morning and filmed a couple of video clips comparing the blimp to my helo.

In my mind I'd think the helo should be noisier, not quieter. Note that I was pretty light on the blimp controls in the video...it would have been louder yet if I'd been leaning hard on the sticks.

Helo Video Clip (http://harvc.sasktelwebsite.net/Sounds/Helo.wmv)

Blimp Video Clip (http://harvc.sasktelwebsite.net/Sounds/Blimp.wmv)

Could you guys have a listen and see what you think? If this is normal I'll have to learn to live with it, but if not maybe I'll get in touch with Plantraco and see what they say.

Thanks!

[David Hogue]

Harv,

Not really sure by listening to that...it seemed louder, but it also seemed like you use a lot more throttle flying around than I have been. Mine might be that loud at full tilt.
Most likely cause I would think is a bad prop...is it more noticable from one motor vs the others?

Later,
David

[Harv]

I hadn't noticed that it was different/worse from any particular motor so dismissed the props as being the culprit, but figuring it wouldn't hurt I started playing around with them anyways. Moving them to different motors didn't do anything, nor did cleaning some excess plastic bits from them. Almost ready to admit defeat, I flipped them over so the other face was facing forward, hit the gas as usual and...

...silence. Sweet silence. Or as close to silence as I'd heard yet. A little hum, a bit of thrum, a wee touch of resonation and away it went across the room! Even at max throttle it seems barely louder than it had been at 25% before. Not entirely trusting my senses I switched the props back, and sure enough it was aural ugliness all over again.

So in a nutshell...you fixed it! If I was younger, good looking and female I'd bear your offspring for getting me to try this and finding the cure. :D :eek: :D

[David Hogue]

Interesting indeed Harv,

Looking at the props, I cant really discern a front or back...theres no typical lettering or such to determine which way they face, except that one side is rougher than the other. On my blimp, the rough side faces away from the motor...is that the case now with yours? In any case, I am glad that fixed it, and thanks but I have two too many kids already....:D

Later,
David

[Harv]

Oh. My. Gawd.

Never smart enough to leave well enough alone, I velcroed a rubber washer between the balloon and the circuit board, and this thing is almost totally silent now. Absolutely unbelievable...this is like having a whole new blimp compared to what I was hearing this morning. No nasty vibration, no resonation, just the whirr of the propellers and motors now.

A new problem has surfaced in that without the horrible noise I fly the blimp mucho faster now, and have almost no control. A couple of Post-It notes make for a usable fin though, and increases the controllability by an order of magnitude. The gondola doesn't fit now, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for almost silent operation. :)


A pic of my extra crude (for now at least) setup:


http://harvc.sasktelwebsite.net/Sounds/Blimp%20Mount


My rating has now vaulted up to an A-. Getting these batts to charge up in less than an hour would make it an A, and supplying a fin (or two) and/or a blimp shaped balloon would take it to an A+ for sure. Even the price seems better now that it's a quiet runner. :)

David: You're right about the texture of the props...the rough side is now facing forward away from the motors. If you're bored sometime maybe flip yours and see if it makes a difference.

Oh, and as you seem to have the offspring thing taken care of I'll drink a nice toast in your honor instead if that's alright. :D

[gizmointhesky]

...

[BillLumberg]

Anyone have any experience with the big tri-turbofan blimps? Can't seem to find much info on those. But I'm looking for something that can handle a little payload.

[gizmointhesky]

...

[BillLumberg]

Just got my MICROBLIMP , this little gem is SWEET !

To make it more amazing, add:
http://www.microcameras.com/video_transmitters/micro_3.3V_24ghz_transmitter.htm
And Then:
http://www.microcameras.com/micro_cameras/micro_color_cmos_camera.htm
A 145ma Lipoly Battery, A 90ma Lipoly Battery, some micro-connectors,
And here you go ! Video downlink from world's smallest blimp!

Is this the 10g setup youre talking about? Does that include the batteries and micro connectors? Also is the output from the receiver a digital or analog signal? I'm looking to do some image processing from the video on a blimp, and I'd like to avoid having to use a hardware encoder on my computer to digitally encode the analog signal. Let me know if that makes sense.


Can you attach some pics of your setup? Thanks.

Oh yeah, what kind of batteries are you using?

[gizmointhesky]

...

[BillLumberg]

For pictures you will have to wait because I just sold my 5mp digital camera...hopefully getting a new one soon :rolleyes: .

Why not a still shot using the cam on the blimp and a mirror? :p

Camera is fed by a DC-DC converter (3.7v to 12V) from another Lipoly with high amperage.

What exactly is the "high amperage" battery you're referring to? Is it just another 250mah Etech Lipoly like the one used for the transmitter? Sorry, but I'm new to this stuff so you kinda have to spell it out for me :rolleyes: . Thanks.

[toofastdave]

I just started carrying Plantraco products and all I can say is WOW... what a blast! I filled my one of the 900 mHz Micro Blimps up tonight at the local Grocery store for $0.25 cents, and went to town in my living room, kitchen, hallways, and garage. My little 4 year old was having a blast chasing it around, and my 12 year old loved flying it. I have a two story house so we took turns flying it up and down the stairs. It is very sensitive to people walking by it though, so I will definitley head the warning not to bring it outside. I followed all of the suggestions on this thread and it's quiet as a mouse. Thanks for all of the inputs. I may try to laser cut a little fin for the rear of the balloon to help keep it straight while flying because it is a handfull when trying to go in a straight line. I read someone mentioning that a while back. Flying it in tank mode right now. Anyway, I have been following this thread for a while waiting for my packages to come in. The information has been very helpful, and I hope they keep this Blimp thread going.

Plantraco definitely has done a great job with the packaging of all of the products I have ordered from them, and the craftsmanship is very high quality. Especially the circuitboards, plastic fab, solder work and cleanliness of the design. I will carry Plantraco products as long as they sell them. They are definitely a step up.

Cheers and happy flying!
Dave

[Plantraco]

OK,
Got mine, shipped to OZ, lots of fun and very fast :)

Some answers and more questions:

1 Not possible to charge a spare battery while flying because the TX has a 3 position switch. OFF-Charge battery-TX ON
.


As an update to that - you "can" actually charge while you fly by cheating a little bit. You can put the 3 position switch in between CHRG and ON and it will send power to both circuits. So those who insisit that it is good to charge while you fly, it can be done this way with a stock out of the box unit.,

The reason we have separate charge and Tx ON modes is to prevent people from transmitting needlessly by accident when they only need to charge.

It would bother other users if their was a Tx on, just because the other guy wanted to charge his cell.

By doing the charge and Tx functions the way we did, we force the end user to switch off the Tx when he wants to charge - unless he cheats as described above.

Hope this is clear - I am typing fast here.


Bud

http:/www.plantraco.com

[Plantraco]

Anyone have any experience with the big tri-turbofan blimps? Can't seem to find much info on those. But I'm looking for something that can handle a little payload.


Actually the Tri-Turbofan Blimp model can lift about 90 grams at altitude 1500 feet.

Enough to carry our PTV wireless videocam and a heavy 9V battery.


This is old technology...... we should update our 15 gram PTV - but hey, it still works and people like it because it xmits to any TV set.

[Plantraco]

I think it's kinda cool that sound that the blimp makes ... sounds like Bigfoot!
I'm sure your cat doesn't appreciate it, though.
Gizmo


Noisy propellers have now been fixed - we did send replacement props to everyone who ordered. The new props are black color and most can be used without having to experience noise.... It is best when the Microblimp makes no noise - so we are striving for that. Some props make more noise than others, and the balloon acts as a sounding board.

[Plantraco]

Oh. My. Gawd.

Never smart enough to leave well enough alone, I velcroed a rubber washer between the balloon and the circuit board, and this thing is almost totally silent now. Absolutely unbelievable...this is like having a whole new blimp compared to what I was hearing this morning. No nasty vibration, no resonation, just the whirr of the propellers and motors now.

A new problem has surfaced in that without the horrible noise I fly the blimp mucho faster now, and have almost no control. A couple of Post-It notes make for a usable fin though, and increases the controllability by an order of magnitude. The gondola doesn't fit now, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for almost silent operation. :)]:D

Yep, isolating from the balloon will reduce the sounding board issue.

Give us an email and we'll send you replacement props that don't vibrate.

Some of the first off the line props had vibration issues - noisy and yucky sounds. We have mostly fixed that with the black props - and we send spares with the kit, so you can replace any that still seem to vibrate.

The props are balanced, but wow, any noise can be amplified by the balloon.

The rubber washer vibration damper idea is good -

The fin idea can help for novice pilots - for sure - but it dampens your controls too. It is personal preference

Don't lean on the sticks so heavily! This is why you had problems steering. Realize this and you are on your way to being able to fly better. Take it easy on the sticks and concentrate - you'll get it. I say this is part of the fun - the blimp can really turn quickly when needed. Don't fly at full throttle all the time - try going slow and controllable and when your skills improve you'll be able to pilot the Microblimp like a pro - without need for the fin.

We were thinking about putting in a "beginner mixing mode" on the Microblimp that would limit your throttle, but it didn't make the cut. We decided against because we thought people would not understand the mixing modes and think they had no power, and never change their mixing mode.... maybe we will add it later on a future build - it is just software, so we could do it.

[Plantraco]

]Don't lean on the sticks so heavily! This is why you had problems steering. Realize this and you are on your way to being able to fly better. Take it easy on the sticks and concentrate - you'll get it. I say this is part of the fun - the blimp can really turn quickly when needed. Don't fly at full throttle all the time - try going slow and controllable and when your skills improve you'll be able to pilot the Microblimp like a pro - without need for the fin.



I would like to add that the Microblimp responsiveness is very much part of the fun. Once you are a decent pilot, you can fishtail and drift your turns under full power - moving sideways. Like the automobile drifters - burning rubber kindof thing - fishtailing all around. It's like playing "Asteroids" video arcade game for real - super fun.

Try it - it's why we built the Microblimp!

[Harv]

Just came back to this forum after going off to fly my new electric heli's for the last couple of months, and I see I've missed a few things.

Great news on being able to fly and charge at the same time! I noticed that possibility before when I didn't flick the switch all the way once, but didn't want to leave it there in case it caused problems.

About the propellers...will the new ones be quieter than my current units? I suppose it'll be worth trying the upgraded props just in case I can cut another couple of db off the noise level. :) PM in the mail to you.

Now all we need is a small blimp style balloon option, and it'll be perfect. :D

[Plantraco]

Now all we need is a small blimp style balloon option, and it'll be perfect. :D



Here is a nice latex blimp balloon that can be used with our MicroBlimp gondola!

This is from John Piri of West Coast Blimps, and we'll have these new balloons soon and will include some with every Microblimp!

[NoFear]

That looks like a neat blimp. I like the color

[spinbotz]

I wish I could get a microblimp, but I've built my own three channel airships that almost rival the microblimp only in control as there is now no third prop, I use the third motor with a moded gearbox *topsecret, sorry* that vectors the thrust of the props, *thus giving a far more realistic flying experience* Yes, I still have to tap the controller buttons *I know that the control unit on the microblimp is stick, which is fine by me* to regulate how fast I go, but what I like about the airship I build, is that it's small, lightweight, *weighs a mere couple of ounces *because of the vectoring servo *homebuilt* and will definitely carry a good payload. *as because the weight ratio is so far off, *did not like how my three channel tri fan blimp was too heavy to fly* I live up in the mountains, and it's ironic that a competitor's airship using far smaller motors was able to fly, *it weighed far less.. and is three channel. some mods to it will improve it's overall performance* * and the airship I had *exactly the same model you sell, did not fly at all.. *too heavy..* Either make a slightly LARGER envelope to sell to high altitude customers, or lighten up the tri fan gondolas considerably to still have almost the same kind of performance as the originals..

[erashby]

I need to order a couple more triturbo blimp "balloons" for my daughter's blimp so I'm thinking of ordering the microblimp for me.

1-I'm at 4400 feet. Will the regular saucerhave enough lift?
2-Do a couple of the blimp shaped latex balloons still come with the microblimp?
3-What is the cu ft difference between the microsaucer and the latex microblimp?
4-Do two batteries come with it like that one person had found? Or was he just fortunate?
5-Is it possible to get the microblimp with the airplane version transmitter? Or is it hard to switch modes between the two? (I'm considering a TX RX combo for my indoor planes, but I don't want to have multiple Txs if possible.)

6-Can the TX be switched between Blimp and airplane modes? Are there other differences between the microblimp Tx and the other TX?
7-The Tx is four channel but the RX is only three channel?

How long does shiping take to Utah, USA?

Eric

[Plantraco]

I need to order a couple more triturbo blimp "balloons" for my daughter's blimp so I'm thinking of ordering the microblimp for me.

1-I'm at 4400 feet. Will the regular saucerhave enough lift?
2-Do a couple of the blimp shaped latex balloons still come with the microblimp?
3-What is the cu ft difference between the microsaucer and the latex microblimp?
4-Do two batteries come with it like that one person had found? Or was he just fortunate?
5-Is it possible to get the microblimp with the airplane version transmitter? Or is it hard to switch modes between the two? (I'm considering a TX RX combo for my indoor planes, but I don't want to have multiple Txs if possible.)

6-Can the TX be switched between Blimp and airplane modes? Are there other differences between the microblimp Tx and the other TX?
7-The Tx is four channel but the RX is only three channel?

How long does shiping take to Utah, USA?

Eric

1. Not sure. Might be close, or it might not fly due to the reduced density of the atmosphere way up there. But use the latex balloon and maybe you can over inflate it.
Can't do that with mylar though.

2. Yes

3. Not sure, since the latex size can be variable

4. We included 2 because we are nice and wanted to make sure that our first customers got a good deal - we over-delivered. It builds customer loyalty.

5. NO - the Tx radio control regime is different. The Microblimp Tx is crippled in this way. That way it doesn't interfere with our higher priced Micro R/C airplane items - the difference is in software mainly. Also marketing and engineering time. They are not compatible - maybe in the future. It's a weird marketing thing.

6. There is a so-called "airplane" mode on the Blimp Model 1 Tx. This allows you to control the Microblimp like a conventional airplane. I always fly with this mode now. Once you use this mode, you'll never want to go back to tractor style.

7. Yes - true. We'll pop out a plug in the mold and make a true 4 CH Tx with trimmer on the left rudder stick later.

Shipping to Utah takes 24 hours by UPS Express and 7 days by UPS Ground. They are great - our second best product! (after the Butterfly) :)

Thanks for your questions

[Fluidocs]

Hi micro blimp fans

I received today my Plantraco Micro Blimp. I was so excited that I could not wait to try it at my office :D A quick jump to a local flower shop, and I returned with a big smile and a bigger mylar balloon. I followed the instructions and begun to fly around :D :D (even my boss wanted to fly the blimp :eek: )

After about 7 flights I have a few questions:

1) I tried the blimp first at the garage (19°C) and then in the office (23°C). At the office I had to remove 3 of the tiny little magnets and back into the garage I had to reput them. Is that normal?

2) I put the ballast at the tail of the blimp in order to hold height at full throttle. When I try to fly right or left the blimp goes down.
full Forward = straight, no fall
left or right = the blimp sinks
backward= the blimp sinks
Where do I have to put the ballast?

I really enjoy my new "rc toy"! Flying in the living-room! What I ever wanted!
(no! I will not share it with my wife...that's my toy :D :D )

[Plantraco]

Hi micro blimp fans

I received today my Plantraco Micro Blimp. I was so excited that I could not wait to try it at my office :D A quick jump to a local flower shop, and I returned with a big smile and a bigger mylar balloon. I followed the instructions and begun to fly around :D :D (even my boss wanted to fly the blimp :eek: )

After about 7 flights I have a few questions:

1) I tried the blimp first at the garage (19°C) and then in the office (23°C). At the office I had to remove 3 of the tiny little magnets and back into the garage I had to reput them. Is that normal?

2) I put the ballast at the tail of the blimp in order to hold height at full throttle. When I try to fly right or left the blimp goes down.
full Forward = straight, no fall
left or right = the blimp sinks
backward= the blimp sinks
Where do I have to put the ballast?

I really enjoy my new "rc toy"! Flying in the living-room! What I ever wanted!
(no! I will not share it with my wife...that's my toy :D :D )


1. Normal - due to temperature expansion of your balloon and increased displacement and resulting lift. This is also why we warn you not to overfill a balloon in a cold room and leave the balloon in a hot car - the balloon will break.

2. You can put ballast anywhere, but it will have different effects on flight performance. We suggest about 2 or 3 inches behind the gondola.

[David Hogue]

Took me waaaay too long to get this done, but here it is:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=446575

Thanks Plantraco, its a fantastic product! Now I want a Butterfly to chase it with:)

Later,
David

[Fantasma22]

how long will one lipo for the micro blimp last? I just ordered mine with 2 extra batterys.

[Druid]

[QUOTE]how long will one lipo for the micro blimp last?I just ordered mine with 2 extra batterys.

I get between 10 to 30 minutes out of my blimp. It depends how much throttle you use. Also keep the bahoma contacts clean it seems to make a difference in performance, battery life and charging time. Dirty bahomas seem to be the root of any minor glitches I've experienced.

[Plantraco]

[QUOTE]how long will one lipo for the micro blimp last?I just ordered mine with 2 extra batterys.

I get between 10 to 30 minutes out of my blimp. It depends how much throttle you use. Also keep the bahoma contacts clean it seems to make a difference in performance, battery life and charging time. Dirty bahomas seem to be the root of any minor glitches I've experienced.


Yep, that's about right. If you are using full thrust continously, you'll eat up the battery quicker - it depends on your flying style quite a bit.

You should have a good time with your Microblimp with the extra cells.

[chrisbcrunch]

Is it possible to use polyurethane for microblimp so it doesnt leak and its stronger?

[Plantraco]

Is it possible to use polyurethane for microblimp so it doesnt leak and its stronger?


You can try it, Yes.

I do not think it will leak less than metalized mylar

I do not think it will be stronger

[abe77]

does the Tri-Turbofan fly faster and higher then the microblimp with the mini-cam? and can i add a larger ballon to the tri-turbo if the wieght is too much, because im planning to add some leds :)

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