Email Questions and Answers to 2/07

Hello,

Is it possible to exchange some of the sheets of my dome to be translucid ?

It is.

Do I have to unmount the dome ?

Yes.

How easy is it ?

You can replace a whole panel. Order the same panel from Shelter Systems. 1) Arrange the replacement panel over top of the damaged panel so that it is in the same orientation.2) Remove only one clip from your dome being careful not to disrupt the layering sequence of the panels on your dome. If you can not get the clip off use a pliers and brake the ring part of the clip (you will receive 4 extra Heavy Duty Grip Clips with each replacement panels). 3) Take your time to carefully slide out the corner of your damaged panel and insert your replacement panel into the same layering sequence as that of the damaged panel. 4) Now with all layers in the same order and orientation as before; gather these tightly around the male clip and slip over the female clip as described below. When many layers are involved as is the case with the corners of the windows, attaching the female clip can be difficult; practicing on scraps and making the layers warm with the sun or heat lamp (be careful not to melt the covering by getting it to hot) can help.

Thanks

Denis

I would print a photo of the dome from our web site and then mark on it which panels you want to replace. Then let us know which you need. Note that most of the panels come in pairs. Examine the ones on your dome. The replacement panels are $65 each.

You will need to remove all of the poles and remove all tension from around the panel you want to replace.

Bob Gillis

Bob,
The guys have set up the Cave and are figuring out ways to use it.
It took them a bit to get it set up. Finally got to admit they didn't look at the picture in the instructions. Were trying to put the poles inside. Then the lightbulb went off and they got it.

They love it. So light and so easy to set up. Have not used on a job yet but I expect that will happen soon. Again, will send job photos when available.

Tks and Rgds, WD Smith-DurtWurks

Hi I was wondering if it is possible to print on your material and have you ever done it? I would like to put advertisments on the side of the yurts. Please forward the reply to my e-mail address go_flo47@hotmail.com thanking you in advance Florian Gaudreau

Yes. Be sure to test the ink, dye or paint to see which will hold best for you. You can also have banners printed which you then tie to the clips of the dome.

Bob Gillis

I really admire the technology you folks have put together. Thank you.

I am thinking to purchase one of your 14’ bubble domes to use as a meditation hut. I live in southern Maine and need a small place out of the house to practice my Buddhist meditations away from the chaos of 2 young boys.

I have a question about what the limitations might be around “decorating” the inside of the dome, particularly as regards hanging things. Typically a Tibetan Buddhist retreat hut would have a few hangings of pictures of Buddha on the walls and light brocades around the ceiling edge. I have a few pictures that are printed on vinyl like the signs you see at conventions. The pictures are about 2 X 3.

What are the restrictions to hanging things from the inside of your domes? There must be a weight limit and I imagine balancing the load also comes into questions at some point. Also, do you have any ideas about the best way to attach the hangings? Would your grip clips work?

Thanks

Ken

Hi Ken

There is a clip inside your dome were the poles cross on the outside of the dome. Each inside clip has two holes. You can hang about 4 lb. from each clip on the inside of the 14' dome.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

Your questions: BubbleDome for Fine Craft Trade Show
> I have a couple of questions about trade-show usage of the BubbleDome.
>
> First, from the web site I understand the widest part of the
> BubbleDome is 10 feet, and the interior footprint is about a foot
> less. This would allow it to fit into a standard 10' by 10' tradeshow
> booth without bulging into the next-door neighbor's booth, correct?

It should and they have been used at trade-shows with the 10 by 10' standard.
>
> Would the open format allow the BubbleDome to tuck into a 10-foot
> wide by 5-foot deep booth area? The reason I ask is that I may get
> such a small booth at a special price as a participant in the
> "Emerging Artist" category at the ACRE trade show. I will know by next
> Monday if this is the case.

No, but you could set it up as a 1/2 of the dome rather then the 3/4 open arch form. Both of these configurations require some clip removal.
>
> Is the material fire retardant or can it be made so? Once you let me
> know, I will check with the Las Vegas Convention Center about the
> rules regarding such material, and particularly whether they would
> permit lights to be hung from the poles, given their proximity to the
> material.
>
The covering is FR yes.

> Finally, from which poles can lights be clamped, and how much weight
> can the poles bear? I will be purchasing fairly lightweight
> floodlights, probably low-voltage halogen and/or maybe LED lighting,
> and would like it to be clamped along the ceiling if possible.

You can hang lights on the inside at about 5 lb. pre clip (there is a clip on the inside of the dome at each pole crossing. The outside pole crossing can alternatively hold about 5 lb. Both the poles and the covering can melt if they get too hot.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

Hi I was wondering if it is possible to print on your material and have you ever done it? I would like to put advertisments on the side of the yurts. Please forward the reply to my e-mail address go_flo47@hotmail.com thanking you in advance Florian Gaudreau

Yes. Be sure to test the ink, dye or paint to see which will hold best for you. You can also have banners printed which you then tie to the clips of the dome.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

On Dec 1, 2006

Hello!
We are a group of astronomers teaching astronomy in schools and colleges in India. We are looking for portable domes which can be used as mobile planetariums. Is it possible to use your domes for digital projection. Kindly suggest at the earliest.

Thanks!

Yes, they have been used for this.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

On Dec 3, 2006

Re: Wind Strength // Arctic Conditions

Hi Bob,

My company outfits film crews, divers, photographers and
scientists in the high arctic. It is not uncommon to have one or two
days of the fiercest winds and weather that most people have ever
experienced and we have had both the top of the line Mountain Hardwear
Space Station and the "life time guaranty" Cabela's Alaska Outfitter
Tent humbled by the conditions.

I am intrigued by your design and interested to give it a try but
was wondering whether there are any special enhancements in terms of
extra strength in the poles. If there is any extra strong option for
pole material I'd be interested in what you would suggest. My impression
from the testimonials and generally looking around your web site is that
it will probably hold up under moderate conditions and perhaps brief
intense ones but the standard design (as per your wind/snow warning)
likely would not stand up to days of intense winds. The design is simple
enough, however, that I would think that with stronger poles and
attachments that quite a stable structure could be built (albiet with
more weight).

I think that we'd start with either an 18/20 as a group tent and
an 11/14 as a sleeping tent. If we could get the 18/20 to stand up to
the elements I'd be quite interested then in the 30.

Thanks very much.

Sincerely,

Graham Dickson
Arctic Kingdom

Hi Graham

Thanks for your interest in our shelters.

I would recommend our Super Strong 16' Dome $780. This is a special order dome that uses the same diameter poles that the 18 and 20 but since it is smaller in size it is substantially stronger. You can also order a second pole set and connector set to double up the poles for even greater strength. Still in extreme winds it could fail. You may also want to get some 2" sticky back velcro to secure some of the domes shingling. I suggest we talk on the phone so the details of this are clear.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

Date: December 14

Hi Eleanor,

Just want to tell you that our bubble dome is performing very well in tradeshows and it's actually a problem.. it distracts people from looking at the products, they look at the dome instead and say "woaa, clever!!" :)

Simon

Robert,

Will open the package and get the shelter set up tomorrow, worst case Friday. Will advise.

Our use is for concrete pours during foul weather. Additionally the shelter would protect the concrete during the critical first few hours of cure. Not sure what the best description would be.

Yes, will send you some pics once we have a test application.

Tks and Rgds, WD

On Oct 1, 2006

hi we are a company doing work at base in IRAQ and would like to buy 3 30 ft domes but have a few questions how long before they can be shipped also price to AMMAN JORDAN can a real door be installed thank hope to hear back soon thanks. SAM

Hi Sam

You can frame in a standard door on your end. Put up the dome and set your door with frame inside the dome so that it is plumb and the top of the frame touches the dome. Use wood to extend the door frame so that it will butt up to the domes covering on the inside of the dome from the top of the door down. You will need some one who works with wood to do this. With wood lath secure the domes covering to the door frame from the outside. Mark the poles were they extend into the door frame. Cut the poles on these marks and secure them to the door frame with an eye bolt and a connector. Cut and remove the covering that extends over the door frame leaving about 6" of covering to wrap around a lath and secure to the sides inside of the frame. Some weakness is created by attaching the dome to a rigid door in that the dome can not flex at this point in high wind.

Please forward this email along with your complete address to eleanor@shelter-systems.com so we can get you a shipping price.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

Date: September 25, 2006

I purchased a 14' dome last year and have found that i need a tent fly..You people said to use a tarp which i did but it looks kind of cheesy, I would like a fitted fly. do you have one in a sun proof material or should i just try a local canvas person?

your product stood up to 40mph winds on several occasions while other tents went down, but the rain did come through the seams in those conditions that and the condensation buildup on the inside make a fly necessary

N Cianflone

Hi N Cianflone

We do not recommend that our tents be covered with a tarp as it can cause the poles to heat up and bend excessively which will cause the shingling to be weakened. We do offer several sunshades which stretch to conform to the domes shape: http://www.shelter-systems.com/accessories.html These shades will also take some of the punch out of the wind. If you did tarp your dome and if your poles have been excessively warped by the heat I suggest you replace them to maintain the strength of your dome and the shingling. You can sometimes find this size poles at irrigation pipe supply places or we sell individual poles also.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

Shelter Systems, 224 Walnut St, Menlo Park CA 94025
Orders & Customer Service 866-777-1066 eleanor@shelter-systems.com
http:www.DomeTents.com http:www.GripClips.com http:www.ReliefTents.com
Copyright 2006 Shelter Systems All Rights Reserved.

From: "" <nico47@excite.com>

Avain Huts
I have an unusual request for you. You may have been following the news re avian
flu. It's in Europe and edging ever closer to where I am, in Ireland.
I just got word today that the government is very likely to impose a lock-up for
all poultry in Ireland during the spring migration. I keep chickens and have
been working on breeding good lines of an old utility breed which I don't want
to loose. They are a valuable genetic resource that would be difficult and
costly to replace. So it looks like I have to bite the bullet and house them for
a period and possibly every autumn and spring in the foreseeable future.
As they are in 4 groups in small mobile units and can't be chucked
together in a house without mayhem and probably murder, I am looking for a way
to cover their individual small houses with some space around each house. The
requirement would be that they can't get out, wild birds can't get in and can't
sh** on them from above, i.e. can't infect them. Also, temperatures should not
be too extreme, especially in the high range. Having said that, it does not get
very hot here in Ireland but a polytunnel would be too hot (mine reaches 104+F
at times in spring - they'd snuff it).
I reckon I need about 13-14 ft diameter per group.

Thanks
Ute

August 22/ 06

GripClips saved my life at Burning Man a few years ago by keeping my tarps in place when all the grommets were blown out from the wind! With out the Grip Clips I had got from you I would have had no shad and I be cooked.

-Chad Mccraner

Hello!

Last year I purchased your 18’ dome for Burning Man 2005 which worked out great! I’m preparing for this year’s event and had just a couple questions:

1 Can you please tell me how many of the long poles and how many of the short poles are used for the dome? I want to make sure I’m not missing either of the lengths I’ll need once I get there this year.

40 long and 12 short.

2 Do you have a recommendation for how to secure a tarp floor to the yurt to minimize wind infiltration into the dome? Last year during the event all the wind seemed to want to blow up the tarp floor. What’s the best way of preventing this?

Fold the dome's skirt under your tarp, then weight down the the edge of the tarp with your stuff to seal it tight to the ground. Alternatively you can weight down the skirt to the out side of the dome. The winds usually come from just one general direction so concentrate your effort on that direction to start with. Wind is tenacious so you will have to be through.

Many thanks!

Kevin

Greetings--

I am working on an art project which involves projecting images onto various
surfaces. I have been trying to figure out how to create essentially what
you have pictured here:

http://www.shelter-systems.com/images/flubberball.jpeg

What would be the leadtime/cost involved for something like this with one
missing panel to shine the projector through?

Many thanks!
--Dave Wimsatt
Chicago, IL

Hi David

Three weeks; $500. It would be a special order and as such non-returnable. Please contact Eleanor if you want to place an order and let us know if you want it if white or translucent. I recommend white if you want to project on it (images would be seen inside and out.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

Date: August 2, 2006

what about putting a rooftop system onto a circular strawbale structure? (16 or 20'). I am mechanically challenged but can stack bales and cover them with stucco. Climate is 4 season fairly mild ( max low ever would be about 0 maybe but it doesn't last for long) here in SW Idaho just above the Snake River. Wind could be a larger concern but I was planning to set the roof top to the inside edge of the bales and put a false edge kind of like a low rim on the outside edge of the bales so the roof itself wouldn't be exposed to direct wind. I am counting on the round shape and wind deflection to work in my favor here.
Barbara

On Aug 3, 2006

Barbara

It may work. I like your idea of a wind deflector rim. What about snow? Can you heat it to melt snow or remove it for winter?

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

our snow comes in a few light dustings - haven't seen more than a couple light fluffy inches at most- great improvement over the 3' of wet cement that fell one night when I lived in the Cascades. I would have it heated to a min of 50 degrees ( with either propane or electric) when I am not home and crank up the woodstove when I am home.
Barbara

Sounds like the snow is not a problem; if you do get snow make sure it is brushed or melted off.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

Date: July 30, 2006

Dear Shelter Systems,
I have recently build two 17' radius domes to live in a burning man. I have now reached a point where I need to cover these structures. I have taken note that parachutes are not good as they catch the wind. Contractors tarps are my next idea but I thought I would email and see if you had any suggestions or had material available for purchase that would cover these structures. Your website is very impressive and it is clear you understand the conditions of Black Rock city.

Thank you in advance for all your help.
Alex

Hi Alex

I would suggest that you use construction grade tarps which you can get from home depo or even the regular blue tarps. You could also use our material: http://www.shelter-systems.com/accessories.html

I would then get a bunch (hard to have too many) of our General Purpose (Heavy Duty if you are using the heavy tarps) Grip Clips and Grip Clip Pro.

Then using the clips attach your tarps or our covering from the ground up holding and pulling the materials tight. finish with the top (this way you domes will end up waterproof and wind tight since you have shingled them. You can also use the clips to gather material so it will not flap in the wind.

Send us a photo and have fun.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

Is there any way to reduce the size of my dome packed up for storage or transport?

Yes; you can use a house vacuum to compress your packed dome to about 1/2 its volume; roll and pack up your dome as in the instruction manual; warp in its wrapper it came with; tape the long seam of the wrapper; tape any holes in the wrapper. twist one end tight and then fold and tape this twisted end to the package; insert your vacuum hose in the other end twist and tape it tight; turn on your vacuum; with the vacuum on push on the package and it will compress to about 1/2 its original size; now tape around and around your package with the vacuum still on (this is to hold the package compressed when you remove the vacuum. now remove the vacuum and tape the end of your package closed.

Hi,

I have a 24ft diameter parachute that I made into a dome for Burning Man using 3 pairs of arches. I am not happy with that design and want to do something different. I saw your domes and I am very intrigued. I like the way they are designed. You guys have done a very good job.

I am interested in making my own dome and buying some of the parts from you.

How many Connectors do you need for a 20 Diameter Yurt Dome? They come in pairs?

How many poles do you need for a 20 Diameter Yurt Dome? Are there two sizes of poles?

Thanks,
Mike Brisbin

Hi Mike

We do not offer a kit or plans for our domes as they have proved to complicated for people to build from plans. However, we do offer a kit for our Shelter Frame http://www.shelter-systems.com/shelter-frame2.html/FrameSet.htm for $75 non-returnable which include the needed Grip Clips. If you want to order this kit please place your order with the order desk 866 777 1066

Bob Gillis

Hi,

I'm heading out to the playa and need to get some general pupose grip clips for some 70% aluminet shade cloth I have. Which would you recommend, and how far apart should I put them on the cloths.

I have two pieces for two separate shelters:

70% Aluminet Shade Curtain
14'wide x18' long

70% Aluminet Shade Curtain
21'wide x36' long

Thanks!
--
Jeff Wood

Jeff

I would use the General Purpose and place them about 6' apart along the edges of your shades. For better griping sandwich in a 6" by 6" square of fabric, shade or tarp with each Grip Clip to give extra thickness to the shade were the Grip Clips are clipped. You can also use the Grip Clips to secure your shades in their mid sections to prevent them from lifting up or flapping in the wind.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

On May 15, 2006

Dear Bob,

I am a a gardening interested doctor from Sweden and have just ordered a green house in glass measuring 371 x 605 cm and 305 cm in hight ( classicum.se )
The problem in Sweden is gardening or protecting plants during winter time.
Most people w greenhouses uses bubble plastic which they hang inside the house to isolate when temp drop. Its quite laborious and not very practical nor effective.
Maybe its possible to use one of your tents inside the greenhouse during winter?
What would you suggest ? Do you have a good isolating cover for such a use or maybe
its possible to complement your cover with just placing bubble plastic over the tent ?

If you could present a good solution there might be a market for this kind of use in nordic countries.

Best greetings

Peter Wersäll
Stockholm, Sweden

Hi Peter

Seems like a good idea to me. There would be several heating advantages to putting one of our smaller greenhouses inside your greenhouse. The most obvious would be that you could heat the space inside the smaller space much easier than your larger house. Come summer you could fold up the dome and use your full house. The other would be the blocking of wind and cold by your outer house would again make it easier to to heat the inner smaller house. We also make liners for our domes that create a 2" dead air space between the liner and outer cover. Dead air is an excellent insulator. Which makes for cost saving in heating.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

May 14, 200

Bob,

I was wondering if you could help in my investigations.

We are looking to develop an eco-friendly luxury tented camp in the New Zealand Alps and are looking for potential manufacturers of tents that could be used in the winter. The idea is that we will build wooden decks to put the tents on and then construct a strong tent on top of this platform.

The main criteria will be:-

1. Strength - be able to withstand heavy snowfall and to be used continuously for a number of years
2. Warmth - they will need to be good at retaining heat and fire proof to allow for a wood or oil burning stove to be installed.
3. Spacious - the general idea would be to include a four poster bed, storage, maybe even an armchair.
4. Attractive - the idea is for luxury in a tent whilst skiing, so they would need to sit comfortably in the nature snow bound mountainous setting, a window section to appreciate the views would also be ideal.

In the original stage we would be looking to have between 15 and 30 built, but hopefully this would develop over time - please could you advise if this is something that your company would be interested in helping design & build?

Thanks,

Craig Macara.

Hello Craig

1) Perhaps our best tent for you is our new 14' Yurt Dome with a heavy duty pole set. This is by far our strongest tent. Still there is a limit as to how much snow it can hold. The dome is $620 The HD pole and connector set is $60 extra.

2) They are FR and easy to heat. They like all tents will cool off after you turn off your stove.

3) See for your self if a 14' diameter 7' high dome would be large enough for you: http://www.shelter-systems.com/sizes.html

People often ask how many people can sit, sleep or stand in a certain size Shelter Systems' yurt or dome. Study the drawings below to make size and volume comparisons of our different domes.

You can also mark a full-size circle on the pavement. Have a friend hold to the ground a string equal in length to one half the diameter of the dome you are wondering about. Walk around your friend, keeping the string tight. Use chalk or small rocks to mark a circle "drawn" by the end of the string. After you get your circle marked ,put a sleeping bag, cot, chair, table, etc. inside the circle. You can also draw objects in the circle. Invite some friends over to size up your "dome." Draw some other sizes on the ground and compare.
How to Visualize Interior Space Size

The best way to get an idea of the space inside the dome is to print out a picture of the dome. Then mark a circle on the ground or pavement with chalk or small stones that is the diameter of your Yurt Dome by having a friend hold a cord that is 1/2 the diameter of your Yurt Dome to the ground while you walk around him keeping the cord taught and marking the ground. Next have your friend stand in the circle while you back away from him holding the picture of your Yurt Dome at arms length till the Yurt Dome's diameter in the picture matches the diameter of the the circle you have marked on the ground. Now you can move the picture, keeping it at arms length, over top of your friend and it's base will match the circle. Your photo will be to scale with your friend. You can have him move about inside this "dome" and get a clear idea how much interior space is inside.

4) This is your call but we feel they are beautiful and being white in snow is the best. Our standard 14' dome has 4 clear vinyl windows.

Bob Gillis

On May 12, 2006

Subject: moveable chicken coop

I wonder if amidst all your designs you have one suitable for use as a movable chicken coop?

Joe

Any of our domes can serve as a movable chicken coop. I am not sure how well they would work to keep out a raccoon. That would have to be tested.

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

May 4, 2006

Hello again Eleanor,

I don't have time to set up the tent before we head out. But as a precaution
I do need to check to make sure that all I need to set up the tent is in the
package, # of poles, universal connector - if there is one, etc.

As soon as possible can you send me a list of what is needed for the 20 foot
dome and I will check against actual contents. This is the best I can do at
this last minute.

I appreciate your help,

Mark

With your dome you should have received 40 long poles and 12 short, the covering with 16 stakes, a bag of extra parts (clips, cord, binder clips,extra connectors and two vent tubes) and instruction manual. You will need gloves, eye protection and a hammer (you can use a rock) to put up your dome. It is best to have one other person help the first time you put up the dome. If possible print out or at least look over the online manual since it is much more detailed and updated than the manual that ships with the dome: http://www.shelter-systems.com/lighthouse-manual.html

Sincerely,

Bob Gillis

On Apr 26, 2006

20' dome...

how much weight can the support poles handle. could i hang from the top one ?

About 10 - 15 lb. at each hub.

(imagine an opening in the canvas, and i can reach the connector there)

No need the clips inner components have holes to hang from.

will the dome start to bow/flex when hanging lightweight items?

No.

how about a lamp? a plant? stereo speakers??

Yes, but I would keep it under 10 lb. or so but you can simply try and find out.

thanks!

On Apr 26, 2006, at 7:13 PM, Shannon Goolsbee wrote:

Hi,

I'm looking into your domes for a semi-permanent work space in Fiji. I have a few questions I would much appreciate if you could answer.

1) I'm curious how your ripstop fabric stacks up against other tent coverings, particularly vinyl tarp coverings.

Each has some advantages:
The vinyl most often will last in the full sun longer. Our covering UV stabilized to last in worst conditions about 3 years (we guarantee it for 1.5 years). Vinyl can last up to 10 depending on the quality. Vinyl out gasses (smells) and is usually more prone to mildew sticking to it. Depending on the thickness is more prone to puncture. The vinyl is stretchy and will not provide the tensile stability we need to make our domes. The vinyl is heavier and more bulky. The vinyl is more expensive. For these and other reasons we are very pleased with our covering.

Have you had it tested for tensile strength and puncture resistance? If so, what numbers did you get back and who tested it for you?

TENSILE STRENGTH 150 Lbs. Warp, 135 Lbs. Fill (ASTM D–1682 Grab)
TEAR STRENGTH 35 Lbs Warp, 33 lbs Fill (ASTM D-751, Tongue)
BURSTING STRENGTH 200 P.S.I. (ASTM D-751, Mullen)

You can not tear it with your hands even if you start the tear with a knife.

2) Do your domes have a history of withstanding hurricanes?

They do not and we advise that customers take them down to weather most hurricanes.

Do you have customers that you know of who have had domes that survived prolonged high winds?

We do not recommend our domes for prolonged strong winds. Although they are quit strong and resilient in most normal winds.

3) Will the "shingled" approach of the panels prevent rain penetration that is driven sideays or even upwards by gusts of wind?

This would depend on the strength of the wind. The shingling can be glued (silicon rubber) shut.

4) How is the system anchored into the ground?

I comes with 14 1' long DuraPeg stakes see manual: http://www.shelter-systems.com/lighthouse-manual.html

5) Is the material breathable?

No but the shelter is by the shingling.

6) How does it hold up to mold and mildew?

None of the components will rot or mildew. Dirt that my get on it can and if storied you should make sure it is dry; however even under wet storage the covering will not itself mildew.

7) Is it available in dark green or camoflouge?

No, but you can paint it. Test your paint first.

Thank you for your time.

Regards,
Shannon Goolsbee

On Apr 20, 2006

are the grip clips "permanently" attached to the shingles?

Yes, but they can be removed by by hand if you were to choose to do so (not recommended except for repair or to modify the dome)

are the connectors "permanently" attached to the grip/clip/tarp,

Yes, but you could remove them if you chose (not recommended).

and when stored?

They stay attached.

i'm just curious how to assemble. do i need to thread the cord through the connector or grip clip (it appears the cord goes right through the connector -- is that how things attach during setup?

No, you bend the poles and insert them into the pre-attached connectors.

or -- if that piece is attached and stored with the tarp then i see how it don't need dissembling. otherwise i'm not sure what needs attaching/removal during setup/strike.

You just add or subtract the poles.

(i'm looking at the shingling.html and manual pages).

thanks!

On Apr 17, 2006

Which Grip Clips do you recommended for the black rock dessert, and the Burning Man event. I would be using them with heavy duty silver tarps. Are the general purpose ones good enough, or do you recommend the heavy duty because of the high wind? Thanks for the help and can’t wait to use this product.

Rhianna

Both sizes will grip your silver tarps. The HD is easier to attach and to grip multiple layers, since it is bigger and has a looser fit. As far as the wind: it all depends on how many you use to support a given area. The spacing of the HD can be farther apart say 6' while the GP say 5' apart. Now this spacing is a general idea and will generally work; there are many other considerations: how strong the wind, what type of supports will the Grip Clips be tied to, what angle is the tarp to the wind, will the tarps be under elastic support, etc. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

On Apr 12, 2006,

OK, the support poles are on the outside, canvas on the inside...

is there a way to "hang" stuff (on the inside) to decorate ?

Yes:

When you go to tie in the net doors, divider and and the floor a paper clip (large is best) or small bent peice of wire will be helpfull in threading their attaching cords to the inside clip holes on the dome. See manual for photo: http://www.shelter-systems.com/lighthouse-manual.html the clip on the left is the inner clip of the dome; the clip on the right is the accessory with cord attached. The paper clip is used to pull the accessory cord through the dome's inner clip hole. The cord is then knotted. Although the threading can be done with out the paper clip tool it makes it easier.

On Apr 8, 2006

Dear Shelter Systems:

I am interested in your yurt/dome shelters (either the 14' or 18') for my back yard to use as a place to do healing work (and perhaps some shamanic drumming and dancing).

I know that you recommended putting it on the ground rather than a deck, and that sounds good but I have a question. When it rains we can get up to 2 inches of water in parts of the yard where the yurt-dome would be. Truth be told, that would be ANYWHERE in our yard. We live in the Sacramento Valley at 0 degrees sea level.

Before we put up the shelter, we need some landscaping done in our yard -- i.e. grading and drainage, and we want to do that first.

My question is, would the foot high berm you talked about building up, and then putting the floor on, and then setting up the shelter, work in a place with so much rainfall, or is it impractical to put it on the earth in such conditions? I'm hoping that we don't need to build a deck and insulate it, but I'd like to know if it would be impractical to put it on the earth.

thanks,

Francesca Reitano
Sacramento

Francesca

The idea is to build a small hill with it's flat top big enough for the dome to sit on. If you get flooding of only 2" then a 1' high area will work. Water only moves up hill a few inches. You will still need a tarp to keep the ground dampness from entering your dome's space. Your tarp needs to be keep inside the dome and the edge of your mound should be sloped gradually down and away from your dome. This way when it rains water will flow down and away from your dome.

Sincerely,

Robert Gillis

I bought some Grip Clips from you about a year ago and took them to
Maui camping for 7 days and used them in a few different ways. Truly a cool gadget.
One picture depicts usages in fairly high winds. They are a life saver when you want to tie it down
in an exact spot.

Thanks once again,

J.C.

On Mar 14, 2006

I was wondering how long the frame can be expected to last. Your statement,
"Poles can usually be obtained from a building supply or plumbing store. Ask
for class 200, class #125 or schedule 40 will also work." made me wonder.
Here in Los Angeles I've seen 1/2" schedule 40 PVC become brittle after a
little over one year in the sun. Is there an additional treatment that is
used on your frames or recommended treatment to keep the PVC from
deteriorating in the sun?

Can a properly anchored 18' dome assembled correctly and in good condition
handle sustained 60mph wind loads? I would hope that I could avoid that
situation, but when those desert winds kick up they can really be screamers.

Dan Metcalf

The PVC we use is standard. In all cases the poles outlast the coverings. In most conditions they last 3 + years. We guarantee them for 1.5 yeas.

I do not recommend our 18' for sustained 60 mph winds. If your application is Burning Man then our domes have done well at BM for over 8 years and have survived some strong wind storms with gusts in the 50's. But this was not sustained. See: http://www.shelter-systems.com/burningman-.html

Sincerely,

Robert Gillis

Date: March 11, 2006

I have a question about heating. Would a kerosun heater be safe as long as you have plenty of ventilation?
Hi, I live in the portland,oregon area. I would like to know if a single shelter can be purchased? If so, how much would the 30' diameter dome cost? You have a very informative web site. Thank you and I hope to hear from you.
Randy
Portland, OR.

You can heat our domes with kerosene but we are not experts in the use of heaters, so I would carefully follow the instructions given with the heater. It is best if you can get a vented heater so that combustibles are expelled from your dome. When a fuel is burn it produces water vapor which will add to the dampness of your space; and carbon dioxide which can suffocate you if you were in an airtight room. The other reason is the fumes which the heater produces can smell and if burnt incompletely produce carbon monoxide (this not the carbon dioxide we mention above but more dangerous and can kill you. Now there are heaters which claim to be safe with out being vented so be smart and read and follow their directions.

See http://www.ghg.net/akelly/gleneagl.htm for how my 10' Bubble Dome is used. You may remember me, since you use a picture of my observatory and an e-mail I sent you in your testimonials section.

I erected this in late summer-early fall 2004 and have kept it in good condition by cleaning it thoroughly with K-400 every 6-10 weeks. I have just noticed that the material is starting to "shred" (for lack of a better term) near a couple of the joints (clips). Is there any method of repair for this?

As to the aging of the covering at clips. The covering is UV stabilized but being thin and translucent the

sun works on it over time. The covering will age over time and eventually crumble. Thus do most things. You might consider applying 303 Aerospace Protectant a UV fabric sunscreen. Do a Google search: for "303 Aerospace Protectant Price" and you will find many sources for it. You might also find it at a local marine supply our outdoor furniture store. I have not tested 303 but it seems it should extent the life of the covering. If you do use it let me know how it performs over time. The best protection can be gained by coving the dome or at least the top with a sunshade. We offer some shades: http://www.shelter-systems.com/accessories.html or you can buy shades at building supply stores or Home Depot.

Individual panels can be replaced at your end. Let us know what panels you need and we will send them free of charge, since you are just out of warrenty. We normally sell replacement panels (a panel is considered two squairs) for the 10' for $40 each. They come with new larger clips (you brake the old clips off one at a time, put the new panel in and clip it with a new clip; then move on to the next). You protect the dome with a shade cloth that is attached to the clip structure of the dome; this way the shade would stay with the dome when you unhook it to move it. Alternately you could shade just around the clips and glue shade patches to the dome with silicone rubber. I would also suggest using the 303.

Replace a whole panel if a tear is immediately adjacent to a clip. Order the same panel from Shelter Systems. 1) Arrange the replacement panel over top of the damaged panel so that it is in the same orientation.2) Remove only one clip from your dome being careful not to disrupt the layering sequence of the panels on your dome. If you can not get the clip off use a pliers and brake the ring part of the clip (you will receive 4 extra Heavy Duty Grip Clips with each replacement panels). 3) Take your time to carefully slide out the corner of your damaged panel and insert your replacement panel into the same layering sequence as that of the damaged panel. 4) Now with all layers in the same order and orientation as before; gather these tightly around the male clip and slip over the female clip as described below. When many layers are involved as is the case with the corners of the windows, attaching the female clip can be difficult; practicing on scraps and making the layers warm with the sun or heat lamp (be careful not to melt the covering by getting it to hot) can help.

What's the best way to anchor a 20' dome when you only have asphalt to set-up on?

--
Genevieve P. Pastor-Cohen, MS, CEM
SEO Program Manager
Security & Emergency Operations Group
Environment Health & Safety
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

If you can drive steel stakes into the asphalt then use the instructions in the manual ( http://www.shelter-systems.com/lighthouse-manual.html ) for staking using "foundation stakes" . If you are not allowed to drive stakes into the asphalt then use large water containers ( 55 gal plastic drums) as anchors at each of the domes lower anchor clips (12 drums on the 14', 18' and 20' and 20 drums on the 30' Attach 3' by 3 ' sections of tarps to the bottom Grip Clips of the dome with a heavy duty Grip Clip ( when attaching this Heavy Duty Clip - layer in 3 additional 10" by 10" patch layers of tarp - this added thickness should assure that the Grip Clip you are attaching does not slip on the tarp sections). Check to see that the clip does not slip. Set the empty drums over these attached tarps and then fill the drums with water. Test to see that you can not pull the tarp out from under the drums. Tie these clips securely to the domes anchor clips. The dome may be held down with a sufficient number of sand bags tied to the domes anchor clips and weighting down the domes skirt but this will require a very large number of bags. Do NOT underestimate the strength of the wind. If you can move the anchor clips they are NOT secure and your dome could blow away or cause extreme damage.

Hi-
I want to order a customized dome....we live in Hawaii and want to be able to have alot of screens and/or shadecloth. What kind of timeframe does it take to complete a custom dome and ship it to Hawaii? And, is there an additional shipping charge?
Thanks-
Aia

We have a standard line of domes that may work for you. The maximum number of screen doors is 4. We do offer sun shades: http://www.shelter-systems.com/accessories.html You can get as many of these as you want. We also sell just the tops of our domes that could be set up on posts so you could put netting all the way around: http://www.shelter-systems.com/roof-shell.html Orders are shipping with in one week of order.

Hello my name is louis costa, I am the manger of an extreme sports company in Lisbon Portugal and I am interested in purchasing a 20´dome but I would like to have the floor sewed to the sides in a waterproof seals, since the dome is to be used in a very wet terrain and also to protect the wind to come in between floor and the walls. Is it possible ? if yes how much would the all thing cost me ?
Thank you very much

Louis

We do not sew in our floor as this would create a leakage problem with all the needle holes. We do provide clips that allow you to tie the floor to the walls at 12 places. You could buy an addition 12 Grip Clips (4 for $10) from us to clip the floor to the wall skirt for additional wind sealing. Alternatively you can weight down the domes skirt with rock and or dirt; or use sticky back velcro to seal the floor to the wall. If you are in a high wind area you may also want to use sticky back Velcro to seal some of your wall shingles.

I just wanted to let you know how great your Light Fabric Grip Clips work as sheet fasteners. Those little garter sheet things don't hold. The Grip Clips are great! Yours are the best.

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