Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- guides:sealing_the_balloon [2011/05/19 12:20] – [Method] rocketboy
+++ guides:sealing_the_balloon [2012/03/18 19:33] (current) – [Equipment] rocketboy
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Sealing The Balloon ======
 ===== Equipment =====
-  * Totex Balloon
+  * Balloon
   * string/cord
   * cable ties
   * payload cord
+  * Duct Tape
+  * [[guides:Fill Tube]]
 ===== Method =====
@@ Line 17: / Line 19: @@
 ===== Step by Step Example (by RocketBoy) =====
-The following is an example of how most UK HABers fill and tie off the balloon. Normally there are lots of hands in the way - so I have produced these shots using a dummy neck.  This is a shot of a Hwoyee 500 balloon neck - with UK 2p piece for reference.
+The following is an example of how most UK HABers fill and tie off the balloon. Normally there are lots of hands in the way - so I have produced these shots using a dummy neck.  This is a shot of a Hwoyee 500 balloon neck - with UK 2p piece for reference :-
 {{:guides:neck1.jpg|}}
-Put the neck on the end of the fill tube - fold over any excess diameter and tie on with a cable tie. A 40mm OD fill tube is shown - this is a snug fit on Totex balloon - but much smaller than the Hwoyee necks.
+----
+) Put the neck on the end of the fill tube - fold over any excess diameter and tie on with a cable tie. A 40mm OD fill tube is shown - this is a snug fit on Totex balloon - but much smaller than the Hwoyee necks.
 {{:guides:neck2.jpg|}}
-Its also a good idea to duct tape the neck on as well - it adds a further seal and some more security against accidental release.
+----
+) Its also a good idea to duct tape the neck on as well - it adds a further seal and some more security against accidental release. put a tab on the end of the tape to make it easy to get off.
 {{:guides:neck3.jpg|}}
-OK - now fill the balloon - when its full enough tie off the neck with a couple of cable ties and clip off the ends.
+----
+) OK - now fill the balloon. Weights are normally tied to the fill tube - such that when the balloon starts to lift the weights off the ground the right amount of fill has been achieved. When its full enough tie off the neck with a couple of cable ties and clip off the ends.
 {{:guides:neck4.jpg|}}
-Now tie on the line - several tight turns round the neck between the ties I normally make several turns, tie a knot, make several more turns and tie again.  Tie the other end of the line to something substantial - so that if the balloon is accidentally released it should be held on the line.
+----
+) Now tie on the line - several tight turns round the neck between the ties. I normally make several turns, tie a knot, make several more turns and tie again.  Tie the other end of the line to something substantial - so that if the balloon is accidentally released it should be held on the line.
 {{:guides:neck5.jpg|}}
-Now remove the tape and tie - holding the balloon by the neck.
+----
+) Holding the balloon securely, remove the tape and tie.  This and the next step are the trickiest.
 {{:guides:neck6.jpg|}}
-Now comes the tricky bit: holding the balloon by the neck above the ties fold over the excess neck and tie off with a couple of more cable ties. Ty to get these ties to go over above the existing two ties. Clip these ties off close to the ratchet.
+----
+) Holding the balloon by the neck above the ties fold over the excess neck and tie off with a couple of more cable ties. Try to get these ties to go over above the existing two ties. Clip these ties off close to the ratchet. This step is best done as a two man job - someone holding the balloon, someone adding the ties.
 {{:guides:neck7.jpg|}}
-Finally tape over with duct tape - this adds more security - and stops and pointy bits on the ties poking out to make a smooth place to hold the balloon by.
-{{:guides:neck8.jpg|}}
+----
+) Finally tape over with some duct tape - this adds more security - and stops and pointy bits on the ties poking out to make a smooth place to hold the balloon by.
 Job done!
+{{:guides:neck8.jpg|}}