This three channel infrared RC micro blimp is certain to turn heads at home or the office! Unprinted balloon allows you to add your own graphics or text using markers, stick-on letters or even computer printed banners.
Hobby grade design features multi-speed directional and lift thrusters allowing more control than the ordinary single speed toy RC blimps. Multi-player mode allows up to 4 to fly together, enabling all kinds of exciting games and activities. Includes a rescue lift accessory kit that will challenge the most skillful pilots.
Requires 1 "9V" and 2 "AA" alkaline batteries (not included) and a party balloon helium tank available in major retail stores and online. See the helium tank recommendations and altitude limitations below. This product is not for use above 6000 ft. Recommended for ages 8+ with adult supervision
Features
- Reusable foil balloon. Inflates to 32"x16".
- Multi-player mode allows up to 4 to fly.
- Innovative 3ch IR remote with multi-speed lift and direction control
- Uses low cost 9V battery for controller & 2xAA alkaline batteries for charging (not included)
- Rechargable 2.4V NiMH Vehicle AAA size Battery (included)
- Flys (indoors only) in altitudes up to 6000 ft with pure helium.
- Ideal for room sizes up to 20 ft. Larger rooms may require following the vehicle from behind.
- Designed for easy and safe balloon filling using helium tanks packaged with balloon party kits. (Not included - see where and how to buy below.)
Includes:
- ZEP-AIR™ Messenger Blimp Balloon with fins (requires assembly)
- Motor Vehicle and Controller
- Motor Vehicle to Balloon Connector (requires assembly)
- Vehicle Rechargeable AAA Battery
- AAA Battery Charger
- Rechargable 2.4V NiMH Vehicle AAA size Battery (included)
- Ballast Weights
- Lift Hook & Play Figures
- Adhesive Strips
- Instruction Manual
Requires:
- 9V Battery for the Controller
- 2 x AA Alkaline Batteries for Charger
- Stick-On letters or printed media
- Helium (see where and how to buy below)
Electronic motor vehicle and controller manufactured in Taiwan for exceptional quality, like the first generation BalloonCraft for more than two decades.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PARTY HELIUM TANK Party Tank Helium Requirements
Party helium tanks available from your local retail store or online, often contain a mixture of air. It is important to purchase a tank with the helium content required to lift the ZEP-AIR RC blimp. The elevation or altitude where the ZEP-AIR RC blimp will be used is most important. Higher helium content provides lift at higher altitudes and longer float times.
Pure (99%+) helium will provide the longest float time and is therefore recommended for elevations up to 6000 ft. The ZEP-AIR RC Blimp generally will not float above 6000 ft. Party tanks with a helium-air mixture may be priced lower but can only provide the necessary lift at lower elevations. 85% helium provides adequate lift below 3000 ft while 80% helium should only be used below 1000 ft.
Party helium tanks are sold in sizes from 5 -15 cubic feet (cuft). You will need about 3 cuft to fill and maintain a full balloon for a week of use.
Resources
Where to Buy Helium
Balloon Lift & Float Time Primer & Media Guidelines
ZEP-AIR RC Blimp FAQs
ZEP-AIR RC Blimp Assembly and Set-Up Videos
Hobbyists: Easy Conversion To Your Favorite Battery
If you're experienced with hobby battery installations, you'll like this. The ZEP-AIR motor vehicle allows a wide input battery voltage range from 1V-5V. It's easy to customize the ZEP-AIR power/speed & weight to your requirements. The molded plastic AAA battery holder may be easily removed after cutting the terminal pins with wire snippers. Simply solder a compatible battery connector in its place for use with your favorite Li-Ion, LiPo, or LiFePO4 cell.
Hobbyists: ZEP-AIR Lift Ability
The following data is helpful to access the lift ability of the ZEP-AIR using pure He..
- Motor Vehicle Weight without Battery and without AAA Battery Holder: 20g
- Motor Vehicle Weight with provided NiMH 2.4V battery: 30g
- Balloon Maximum DisplacementVolume: 75L [2.6cuft]
- Balloon Material Weight: 30g
- Balloon Lift Ability in Grams (pure He max inflation @ 25C): 40-X/183 where X is elevation is in meters [40-Y/600 where Y is elevation in feet]
For example:
At sea level on a cool day the balloon will lift 40g. The ZEP-AIR vehicle with provided green 2.4V battery is 30g. Then, at sea level, the ZEP-AIR RC Blimp will lift 10g. Less for higher altitudes. Use this formula:Lift in grams =40-Y/600 where Y is elevation in feet.
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