[balloon-makers] Re: Suggestion (Boland) balloon kits Re: [Balloonmail] Growth of ballooning

[Robert Kerr]

Johnathon,

Have you looked into contacting Bob LeDoux to get a copy of the Balloon 
builder Journal?


I just got my copy of the CD this week, but haven't had time to look at 
much of it yet.
I know there's enough info in there to build your own balloon, and the 
plans are adaptable enough to change the shape slightly without worry.


I also built my own spreadsheet for designing my own primative "cone and 
sphere" balloon, but haven't had the time, nor the money now (DIV....) to 
start fabrication.  If that interests you I could send you a copy of the 
spreadsheet.


Robert Kerr




At 12:24 AM 10/5/2006, Jonathan Wolfe wrote:

Oh yeah, I forgot to reply to Dave's inquiry about Boland-style kits.
It's a great idea, and it's great to have a way for motivated people who 
can't afford to buy a new system to get into the sport.
        From my standpoint, Boland's designs are a bit too focused on 
simplicity, lightness, and affordability. Those are not bad things at 
all, but there are many homebuilders who build envelopes that are much 
more beautifully shaped.
        There was a conversation a while back about creating a 
collaborative "open-source" balloon design that would basically be a set 
of free and easy plans that anyone could use to build a balloon and get 
into the sport. It would incorporate the best elements from many designs. 
I think that's a terrific idea. I hope we pursue this. I hope we don't 
let the lawyers stop us.



-Jonathan Wolfe, Ph.D.
http://www.SkyDyes.net
http://www.FractalFoundation.org



When I read the above, one refrain kept running through my mind: "Boland, 
Boland, Boland."  Smaller, lighter systems, kits, "balloon camp," what 
appears from the outside to be an enthusiastic support network for 
homebuilders - as long as there's an option for people to pay extra for 
full assembly, the Boland model fits the bill beautifully.  All it would 
seem to need is more widespread promotion, and greater geographic 
availability (I might already have done "balloon camp" were it not for 
the travel involved).  Any comments from those more familiar with Brian 
and his approach (Dr. Wolfe?  You tuned in, here?) who could comment on 
the above?



-Dave Wesner
http://www.ballooninghistory.com

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Robert Kerr

University Computer Repair Technician
MSU Computer Repair,
Academic Computing and Network Services
Michigan State University
505 Computer Center
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 432-5347


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