Yahkin
join:2003-11-28
Fort Atkinson, WI
| reply to FightingBlue
Re: Using balloons for wireless internet?
We actually did a lot of research into this idea. We thought it would be a good idea to feed a remote subdivision, and we could put advertising on the balloon as a gimmick too.
But...
Many things to consider.
1) FAA - Tethered baloons have a lot of regulations. You must have flags every so many feet on the tethers, you must have a light on the balloon if it will remain in the air at night, and if it will fly above a certain height you will need a permit. Flags, lights, and the electronics to run them all add weight. Permits add cost.
2) Gas loss - You can spend some good money and get a balloon that will hold helium a lot better than a weather balloon. But no balloon will hold helium forever. Best case from what we could find was refills every 4-6 weeks. Autofill systems exist, but the delivery hose also adds to your weight calculation.
3) Neighbors - Have you ever seen a 12 foot balloon? The neighbors will find it humorous for about an hour, then they will be complaining to the city, state, FBI, FCC, and anyone else that will listen to em.
4) Kids - Yes, that's right. I know If my neighbor put a big balloon up next door, that they might as well have painted a big target on the side of it. I would have immediately ran down and grabbed my bb gun or .22.
5) Competition - See #4 above.  |
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jober
join:2001-12-13
| Yes, yes, all the bad points of a balloon. LOL
But, If you could get a balloon up to 2500 to 5000 feet you would have some great coverage.
Oh, and the FAA told me as long as I did not go over 150 feet I could do it with out any red tape or other paper work.
only problem is, the trees here get up to 1500 tall. |
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polk5
join:2001-12-29
New Orleans, LA | the trees here get up to 1500 tall.
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jober, What kind of trees you'll growing there 1500' tall? |
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jober
join:2001-12-13 | LOL, Can you say typo! hehe that is up to 150 feet. |
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