the dream engine – dreaming up aerial shows to enchant and amaze

The Heliosphere - TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The following is a summary of the requirements needed for the successful operation of The Heliosphere. They may vary depending on the location and time of performance – day or night, indoors or out, so this document is intended as a general guide only.

Site Visit
Before booking The Heliosphere we would recommend that a site visit is carried out by a member of The Dream Engine team. This will ensure that nothing is overlooked which could prevent the performance taking place on the day. If a site visit is impossible a panorama of photos along with a map of the site may be an alternative.

Gas Delivery
We require a supplier to deliver 140m3 per fill typically at least 10 cylinders though possibly up to 26 if lower pressure, to the inflation area or other secure store. For this purpose you need to complete a delivery form, giving contact details and address for delivery. Delivery agents normally work between 9 to 5 on Mondays to Fridays. It is important for these cylinders to be positioned near to the inflation site before the crew arrive. If we are supplied by tanks we will require five loose cylinders as ballast.

Preparation
To inflate the balloon, we need at least 10m x 10m (length and width) flat area, with no overhead obstacles. When inflated, the envelope is attached to a purpose-built trolley, which holds the empty cylinders as ballast. This ballast is heavy, so vehicle access and parking are essential. Once The Heliosphere is inflated the fencing can be reduced to 4m x 4m, though if windy we may run out additional lines from the top of the Heliosphere which will either be tied to pegs in the ground or to surrounding fixed objects like fencing, lampposts etc.

We require a 13amp 240 v AC power supply to be provided in the preparation area. Where this is not possible, we may have access to a generator as a back-up. For shows where the crew and equipment have arrived by air, provision of a power supply is essential. If members of the public are likely to be present during this time, this area will also need to be fenced off, as crowds tend to gather around the tethered balloon. A secured area is especially important during night-time shows.

Shows Outside the UK
We need to know the specification of cylinders being supplied. The best way is to e-mail us a photo so we can be sure to bring the right fitting. If we don’t get this information we may ask for flexible hoses to be supplied with the gas order. If this is the case we require two 5m hoses specified for the pressure of the cylinder. Clamped to one end of the hose is the cylinder tap fitting without a regulator so the hose can be screwed directly to the cylinder. On the other end is a 3/8 BSP female fitting. This end screws to a diffuser placed inside the balloon envelope which neutralises the force of the gas during inflation. Please refer to our Hose Specification Diagram.

Dimensions of the Heliosphere
Width: 6.6m diameter
Height: 9m from top of envelope to aerialist’s feet
For indoor venues, ceilings must be at least 14m.
Lift: Depending on conditions the balloon has a useful lift of around 85 kg

Access Route
Depending in the geography of the whole site, it may be worth considering an inflation area and docking bay area located away from, and if possible out of sight of, the main performance space. This allows the Heliosphere to make an entrance, and enhances the dramatic and magical qualities of the show. Alternatively, being sited in full view and using the Heliosphere to project onto creates a focus for the event and still surprises when it flies.

We need a minimum access corridor of 10 x 10m (height and width) clear of buildings, trees, overhead wires, streetlights, high fencing etc., as an access route from the preparation area to the performance area.

Performance Area
To attain the maximum value from a Heliosphere performance it is advisable that the performance area is of a reasonable size. We suggest an absolute minimum of 20m x 20m. A large circular route is ideal, as this allows us to go walkabout and create improvised interaction with the audience.

Weather
Hot, cold and even light rain conditions are no problem for The Helioshere, however windy conditions are difficult. Winds over about 6 metres per second in an open area or 4mps in an enclosed area may prevent us from operating. This will depend also on the performance environment and the nature of the wind; it is gusting downdrafts that cause the most problems. (It is worth noting that winds like this would prevent most other types of outdoor aerial performances taking place.) In weather conditions under which we feel we are not in complete control, The Dream Engine absolutely reserves the right to cancel the performance. If weather conditions are very cold we may have problems with the cylinders icing up and shows will be shorter so our aerialists can stay warm. Shows in venues over 7000ft above sea level may not be possible.

Stewarding
If large crowds are present, and/or a specific route is to be followed, at least two stewards will need to be allocated to The Dream Engine for the duration of the show. One steward to walk with the Heliosphere, and one steward to remain behind and keep the mooring area secure.

Schedule
Get-in: Approx. 2 hours
Get-out: 1 hour
Most performances would last around twenty minutes, depending on the size of the site, and the number of people watching, whether the audience is changing, and so on.

If the audience remains the same The Heliosphere has much more impact just doing one show. It is about “WOW” factor after all!

If the audience is changing, we can provide up to a maximum of three twenty-minute appearances in a day, with at least a half-hour break in between them. Too long a break between performances (over 3 hours) may require a topping-up of gas and possible extra expense. Depending on a number of variables, from ease of parking to access to gas and weather conditions on the day, our preparation schedules may vary. Ideally the crew require at least an hour after preparation before the show to rest, check equipment and talk through the show plan. Each day’s booking fee is costed on one inflation of Helium. If the balloon needs to be deflated, moved and re-inflated at another location during the day, we would pass on the additional cost.

Music
A PA system adequate for the venue and audience size is requested – we have our own original soundtrack specially created for the show. We have tried many different musical ideas but this one works! Our music is on CD. Although this is not technically essential to the performance, think of Swan Lake without the orchestra! We can also work to your choice of soundtrack, or to appropriate live music. Please send us your choice well before the show.

Facilities
Access to changing and warm-up area for the aerialist is essential, as is access to toilets and refreshments for all the crew.

Insurance
The Dream Engine holds full public liability cover of up to five million pounds.

Other Uses
Although the Heliosphere is not for use by the public, there are a host of other uses – the balloon can be used to project images on to, and form part of a laser and light show. Branding can be in the form of a 2m x 3m banner attached to the surface or a whole cover branded in a motif, image or colour scheme. We are happy to discuss ideas given enough time before the event.