This army surplus balloon was made in the 1980s and began to weaken when Neil and were blowing it up. In the end I used two partially inflated balloons (6.5 foot diameter) to lift the payload.

This balloon will be filled with helium in Riga, and raised above the tops of buildings tethered to a rope. An antenna, a receiver, and a projector will hang from below. The balloon will receive a video signal from a transmitter which can broadcasted from up to 50 miles away. The video feed will be projected onto the bottom of the balloon. I have tested all of these things separately, but never together. I’ve gotten in contact with some local ham radio amateurs through Sandra, the Homo-Novis festival organizer in Riga, she’s been pretty amazing translating emails, and tracking down people who may want to participate in the project.

Things that could go wrong: 

The balloon could pop when it hits a building and its “payload” could drop on somebody’s head. (It’s covered in styrofoam, you’re ok…)

The receiver might just pick of local tv, instead of the video it’s meant to receive. (the Simpsons in latvian)

It just won’t work for any number of unspectacular reasons. ( )