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Originally posted by snookhums
Originally posted by Frank Warren
Moreover the hoaxer said his flares weighed "178" grams; additionally, in the 2 videos I watched of him, he never said how big his balloons were, (although the reporter injected a size). He did indicate that "he filled them" which would mean he could add as much helium as necessary or until they popped).
All in all, I'm sorry to say the experiment is flawed, as is the result.
Cheers,
Frank
You fail to remember that if indeed he did state 178 grams for the flare that doesn't allow enough burn time. The neighbor Lino stated he watched the flares for 30 minutes, others stated for at least 15 minutes. The flare that was tested was a 15 minute flare which weighed almost twice the amount. So if his neighbor stated 30 minute burn times then this so called hoax still doesn't add up.
Originally posted by LateApexer313
Holy Smoke-O-lies !! Frank...I have faith in WitnessFromAFar, completely.
He's mathematically correct (I had a mechanical engineer check the math to make sure, no offense Witness, just covering all the bases) and of the utmost integrity, he would never skew the results. This meant too much to all of us following and investigating the facts on this thread.
I am only after the truth...and I would like to know, how you come up with your measurements?
Excuse me for coming to the party late, and I apologize if this has already been brought up; however, if you'll notice your balloon is up against a "cinder block wall," which measure 8" X 8" X 16"; in the picture it doesn't encompass "2" blocks; I' going to guess that that the balloon is about 29" in diameter, substantially smaller then 36," and not enough helium to lift the flare in this experiment.
I am sure Witness will measure these cinder blocks for us if it comes down to this? But I am curious as to how you got your precise measurements of these cinder blocks being 8" X 8" X 16"? I am simply an English major here and the math escapes me, especially, how you can tell from a photo how large the cinder blocks are?
If we have flawed data here, I want and will pay for the whole thing to be done again for sure. I certainly, at this late date, don't want to have just sent out flawed information to every media outlet between here and the Antarctic!
Moreover the hoaxer said his flares weighed "178" grams; additionally, in the 2 videos I watched of him, he never said how big his balloons were, (although the reporter injected a size). He did indicate that "he filled them" which would mean he could add as much helium as necessary or until they popped).
The alleged hoaxer gestured and measured the width of the balloons with his hands, and the "witness" stated an estimate, gestured with his hands as well, perhaps you're getting the 2 confused or I didn't site all of the interview footage?
I will go back and check that, there were so many interviews, especially with Lino Mailo...meanwhile, thanks for posting these things and alerting us all...I would never knowingly send out flawed data in an investigation like this.
Cherie/Late
Going to u2u you since you're still on Frank, seriously, walk me step by step how you determined the balloon wasn't 36 inches according to your measurement of the cinder blocks and how you arrived at their measurements or I will never get so sleep!
Originally posted by WitnessFromAfar
Okay, the mystery deepens...
I just got off of the phone with Orion, and the lady was very nice and cooperative.
She claims that the flares were made exactly the same way in 2004 as they are now in 2008, and that the weight should be the same.
She said that the weight of just the flare, without the packaging is supposed to be: 185.97 grams (she did the conversion math while I was on the phone with her, very smart girl).
So there is really only two possibilities here, as I see it:
1) I purchased a flare that had somehow been damaged, waterlogged, or something to add significant weight to it.
2) Orion is wrong about the flare's actual weight.
I'm betting it's #1, but I'm going to find out for certain.
As I have time over the next day or so, I'll be purchasing some more of these Orion 15 minute flares. If I can find them, I'll purchase one made in every year from 2004-2008 (no guarantee I can find them, but I'll look).
Then I'll weigh them all on the postal scale here at work, and then re-weigh them on another scale (I'll have to locate one, but perhaps if I'm quick and sneaky I can use a scale at a supermarket...)
I think that's the only way to get to the bottom of this, and to know for certain what the weight of these things is...
If there are thoughts or suggestions please post them and I'll factor them into this experiment.
-WFA
Originally posted by Frank Warren
I'll take door no. # 2 I'll bet they were heavier a few years ago, and she's just not aware it.
Originally posted by Frank Warren
One thought: after you verify that it'll fly, perhaps you could use a "light" tether, and then distance yourself in order to get shot of the flare lit and in the air . . . a "fishing pole" perhaps, so the flare/balloon doesn't get away.
Presumably one could get a "little" altitude before the "weight of the line became a factor."