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Featured Questions
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How high can the Helikite Hotspots fly?
With enough flying line, the 0.7m3 Helikites Hotspots can fly up to 1,000ft and the 3m3 Helikites Hotspots up to 4,000ft. BUT this altitude may not be allowed by law in many areas. Also the Mi-Fi device will not send WiFi signal more than about 300ft. So 300ft is the practical limit for MiFi Helikites Hotspots use, which is why there is enough flying line for this altitude supplied.
What about the helium?
The Personal Helikites Hotspots can be filled from 2 lightweight disposable helium tanks – easily available from Amazon, Walmart etc. You need the ones that will fill 50″ x 9″ party balloons.
The Professional Helikites Hotspots needs filling from hired helium cylinders available nationwide from Air Products, Praxair or other local helium gas suppliers.
What weather can the Helikite Hotspot fly in?
The Personal Helikites Hotspots can fly in nil wind and winds up to 25mph. The Professional Helikites Hotspots can fly in nil wind and winds up to 35 mph. The Professional Helikites Hotspots can also fly in heavy rain, even without wind. Whereas, the Personal can only fly in rain if there is wind.
Can I use any Mifi Device?
Yes. Some have longer range WiFi than others. As a general rule, those with shorter battery life (about 6 hours) seem to have more range (about 300ft). Those with longer battery life (8 hours) seem to have shorter range (about 200ft).
How far away can the HH contact 4G masts?
This strongly depends upon the local terrain. Up to about 40 miles has been reported, but generally expect masts up to about 20 miles away.
What about the helium?
The 0.7m3 HH can be filled from 2 lightweight disposable helium tanks easily available from Amazon, balloon shops etc. You need the ones that will fill 50x 9inch latex party balloons (0.41m3 volume).
The 3m3 HH needs filling from hired helium cylinders available nationwide from Air Products, Praxair or from other local helium/industrial gas suppliers.
4.1. Is there a difference in helium from different suppliers?
The helium needs to be at least 95% pure, which is the standard ‘balloon gas’ purity throughout the USA and Canada.
4.2. What do I do with the empty helium cylinder?
The disposable tanks for the 0.7m3 HH can be recycled and the larger hired cylinders for the 3m3 HH are simply returned to the depot.
Can I use any Mi-Fi Device?
Pretty much yes, although some seem to have longer range WiFi than others. As a general rule, those with shorter battery life (about 6 hours) seem to have more powerful Wi-Fi (about 300ft) whereas those with longer battery life (8 hours) seem to have shorter range (about 200ft).
What range does the Hotspot cover?
Please refer to questions “How high can the Helikite Hotspot Fly?” and “Can I use any MIFI device?”
How long does the Helikite stay up in between refills?
The balloon tends to lose about 1% per day and needs topping up about once every 5 days with about 5%.
How long does the Helikite last?
Treated well it will last for months.
If the balloon gets punctured can I repair it?
Yes, with the special repair-tape included in the repair kit supplied with the Helikite.
How many people can use the Wifi at any one time?
This is dependent upon the exact make of Mi-Fi, and the speed available from the 4G mast. But generally, up to 5 people is OK.
Does it work in the rain?
The 0.7m3 HH will come down in the rain unless there is some wind to push it up through the rain. The 3m3 HH will fly in the wet, with or without wind.
Is it safe to fly in a thunderstorm?
The HH does not have any copper wire or anything conductive going up the flying line, so the risk of being hit by lightning is low. However, it is still not safe to be near any kite flying in a thunderstorm, especially if the line may get wet with rainwater. Therefore, if there are thunderstorms nearby take the HH down as soon as thunderstorms are detected. There are excellent lightning detectors available for little money that will detect lightning from up to 30 miles away. If the Helikite is up during a thunderstorm, do not go near the Helikite, or its line, keep well away until the storm is over, it will probably be fine.
What if a part of the Helikite breaks? Can I get spares?
Yes, no problem. Simply contact us and we will get spares to you as soon as possible.
How long does the Helikite store if I don’t use it?
For many years if the Helikite is dried well before storage and stored in a dark, cool, completely dry place. In practice this means a dry, cool, cupboard in a house. Damp, still, conditions cause a mould to form which will damage the balloon. Never store damp, or with sea-salt on it. However, being wet when flying inflated is fine, because the mould does not occur then.
Can the balloon be replaced?
Yes. Normally, repairing holes is no problem for the repair tape, but eventually you may need to replace the balloon, in which case simply post the Helikite back to us(without the spars) and we can bond on another balloon and post it back to you for considerably less price than a new Helikite.
What is the guarantee / warranty?
Please read our Helikite Warranty