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Light Zeppelin is a replica model of the
well known dirigible range, made from
similar
(flameproof) materials and style to that
of the
famous Noguchi lamps (see link)
Unlike the Noguchi lamps, which are
static,
Light Zeppelin can rove about the ceiling,
taking its power like a dodgem
from an
overhead grid.
It glows from within, and makes the
occasional spark, as its little fan motors
drive
it around under guidance from a hand
held
remote.
Noguchi Lamp
https://www.canoeon...hop/products/42.jpg one of many examples [xenzag, Oct 14 2007]
Zeppelin
http://quasar.physi...~aste/zeppelin2.jpg [xenzag, Oct 14 2007]
King Volcano: Dirigible Fish Lamp
http://kingvolcano....e%20fish%20lamp.jpg Doesn't fly around, though. [jutta, Oct 14 2007]
Indoor Blimp
http://www.crazyabo...m/detail.asp?ID=780 Always wanted one, never had one. [wagster, Oct 14 2007]
[link]
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Is it full of helium? Or on a track? |
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I'd say helium, or it would be taking it's power from the track, not the grid. Therein lies a problem. Dodgems are powered by a voltage difference between the grid and the floor, but the zeppelin isn't connected to the floor so it has no neutral. |
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You could maybe start by modifying one of those indoor airships (link) to light up inside and automatically return to a charging station, Roomba-style. |
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Another [xenzag] triumph of poetry over technology. |
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My dodgem technicians are waiting to
devilishly solve all details. I had
originally planned this idea to be a
ceiling railway track with a sort of
upside-down train that would run from
room to room, but distractions set in as
they do.... |
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//Always wanted one, never had one.// |
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We bought one of those for a friend's birthday. Good fun, though a little slow and tough to manoeuvre. |
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That might be the hardest word to spell *ever*. "Manoeuvre." |
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One could run it on the difference between grid and zeppelin, then rely on the zeppelin to periodically emit a bolt of lightning to re-estabish neutral. It would be obvious to zeppelin watchers when this was due to happen, because the zeppelin would slow and dim. After the bolt, it would brighten and speed up. |
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The power seems to be the stumbling block, so how about putting a coated fine screen on the ceiling to act as an transmitting antenna(half of a capacitor) and put a similar one at the top of the blimp (other half) and power the blimp wirelessly? If it would almost always stay in contact with the ceiling then you don't even have to up the frequency unless your lights need real power. Alternately I like the upside down monorail design with contacts on each side of the "track" which is supported by "J" hooks. |
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"Why does your light fixture keep zapping my computer screen?" |
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The power solution is obvious: have 2 contacts, like an up-side-down slot car. |
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