"CLOUDBUSTERS"

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THE EFFECT:

HOW YOU GET IT :

Over inflate your balloons (in this case, a Qualatex 4') to stretch it (if it's got a defect, you want to know now !) It also makes it easier to re-inflate later.

This is a common PVC plumbing fitting (4 1/2") Print this image and show it to your hardware guy. It's actually a sewer pipe coupling.

This is a two person task. Stretch the entire neck with both hands as far as you can. The second person will insert the fitting as shown above, using primarily downward pressure. Get the entire neck of the balloon onto the fitting.

Next, attach a piece of surgical tubing (or something similar) to your air source.

( That's Ed....one of our students from Saipan )

After inserting the tubing, insert a PERFECTLY SIZED 4 1/4 "  balloon.

Inflate to 60% or so. The PERFECTLY SIZED balloon will block the flow of air.  It should rest on the inner edge of the ridge.

Continue to insert balloons using a slight "screwing" motion.  Insert each balloon beyond the ridge.   If you lose to much air, it is easy to re-inflate and go again.

We often put as many as 150 in each.

This is an electric match.  It has two small wires that will be attached to a length of lamp cord and then to the balloon using a piece of clear tape about 3 " long.  Make sure the matchhead is in contact with the balloon and at least 1 foot below the neck area.  The electric match has a white line on one of it's wires.  The lamp cord will have a rib on one wire ( the other will be smooth).  Maintain consistent "polarity" by always connecting the white line wire with the ribbed wire.

    You then connect other balloons to the same lamp cord,  We have had best results when we connect no more than 4 balloons per power source.  The power source is a 25.2 volt 2 or 3 amp transformer that is then plugged into the wall.  You can use a switch set-up or just insert the plug and BOOM !!  Confetti can be added (but the venue may not love you) as well as certificates, money, etc.  Be aware that you will be dropping this on people's heads.  We don't recommend making these from larger balloons because big chunks of latex can be painful !