The balance arm is not sitting horizontal:
1. Are you missing any parts? Each part is factored into the balance of the device. If
even one of the slot isolators of Step 3.7 & 3.8 are missing, the balance will be
thrown off. Make sure every part of the device is installed. If necessary, add a small
scrap of extra wood to the airship or power station until it’s balanced, and glue them
in place in a hidden area.
2. Are there any cutouts you forgot to remove? These cutouts can affect the balance
significantly and should all be removed for the device to balance properly.
The airship is tipped forwards or backwards:
1. Is the airship balance arm fully seated on the airship mounting peg of Step 4.2? If
not, this can shift the weight of the blimp so that it isn't correctly balanced on the
balance arm. Re-read Step 4.2 and confirm that your balance arm is correctly
located.
2. Is your rotation point centered between the balance holders and balance arm? If
the point is not centered, it can easily cause the airship to lean.
3. Are you missing any parts? A missing part can easily cause a shift in balance. Make
sure every part of the device is present and assembled.
4. Are there any cutouts you forgot to remove? These cutouts can affect the balance
significantly and should all be removed for the device to balance properly.
The airship travels backwards when the SolarEngine activates:
Your airship has the propeller mounted on the back, and should push it forward. If
not, simply reverse the motor connection wires where convenient.
The SolarEngine doesn't activate (and/or the propeller doesn't spin):
The Solarengine activity depends
directly
on light intensity. For testing, be in sunlight
or near an incandescent or halogen (
not
fluorescent) lamp. A soldering error is 9 out
of 10 times the reason a SolarEngine doesn't work. Inspect closely for parts not
connecting (too little solder) or connecting where it shouldn’t (too much solder).
Specifically, review the following:
Are any components backwards? Compare the components to the markings on the
SolarEngine and to the pictures of Step 1. Backwards components need to be flipped
around. Use a solder suckers or solder braid to remove the solder from the board, to
allow the removal & reinstallation of the problem component(s).
Are your solar panels connected correctly? Just like a battery, your project won’t
work if either (or both) solarcells are connected backwards. Check Step 1 to make
sure that your solar panels are connected correctly.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The Paris Flyer CarouSol Kit
12