How is he doing this?

[joshidharmesh]

Hi,

I came across this web site

http://www.amazingaerialphotography.com/

In the index page is a link 'How We Do It'. See this & answer following answers.

1) What size balloon is h using? in terms of gas capacity & length width.
2) He is holding the balloon with one tether line. How does he stabilize it or how does he place the balloon to desired location? Is there any driving mechanism to place the balloon to desired location?
3) Is the camera mount gyro stabilized?

Many questions may come in future. Enough for now.

Joshi

[Envision]

The information here should inform you of size and lifting ability.

There are no controls on the blimp itself (the blimp shown), it would work much like a kite. Getting it in the location desired would require walking it to that location. It will most likely remain pointed into the wind and the camera is the only thing that appears to have control such as pan and tilt. Doesn't appear to have any gyro stabilization.

The balloon of this size won't lift much weight, so the camera mount and gear must be kept to the bare minimum.
EDIT: I was just checking out the lifting ability myself and it's not to shabby. You would however require helium and a trailer to haul the balloon while inflated.

Troy

[Pilot]

I would think that gyro stabilization would not be required on this. As the blimp does not create any real vibrations like a helo or airplane does.

I guess the blimp would just weathervane into the relative wind. Then he would just need a 360 pan mechanism to spin the camera around to his target.

And yes by having the blimp ready to go in the trailer he can probably launch the rig in a very short amount of time.

By the way this guy is taking some pretty good pictures also!.

Mike

[tonystott]

I use a hot air balloon to achieve the same outcome. It is a little more complext to launch (you have to cold inflate the envelope before pointing the burners into the interior), but once inflated, it works fine. It is probably more susceptible to winds, as the shape can distort (side blows in) compared to a helium balloon, but the biggest advantage is that it fits easily in my car. Here is it in the cold-inflating stage. I use a 12 volt radiator fan to provide the puff.

[Monterey_Tip]

I've got a blimp and a balloon. I've used the balloon, but need a trailer for the blimp. When the wind is light, it is a great platform. It just takes up a lot of space and helium ain't cheap!

Tip