• A-9 • Set-up/Operation
Setting Up the STARLAB Dome
Before Unrolling the Dome
1. Check the electrical outlets that you are planning to use to make sure that they
are “live” by plugging in and turning on the fan. Make sure you have adequate
space to set up the dome and that you are not near the edge of a stage or block-
ing a re exit.
2. Before setting up the dome, unpack the STARLAB projector and plug it in to make
sure that it works properly. (See page 11 for proper procedures). Once the pro-
jector has been checked, place it off to the side and proceed with setting up the
dome.
3. Decide where you want the entrance and ination tunnels to be located. Remem-
ber the two tunnels are at right angles to each other on the dome. In making your
decision, try to envision the trafc pattern that will be created in the room once
people start entering and exiting the dome. Make certain that the side of the
dome opposite the two tunnels is not next to the edge of a stage or dead ending
into a wall. This side must be kept clear in the event that you must lift it for an
emergency evacuation.
4. Make certain that the oor where you are setting up the STARLAB is clean and
free of grit that can cause holes when the dome is unrolled. If you are going to
use a temporary oor covering such as a tarp, rug or gym mat, spread it out on
the oor before unrolling the dome.
Inflating the STARLAB Dome
1. Unzip the canvas duffel bag and remove the dome. The dome should have two
luggage straps securing it. Remove the straps and put them back into the bag so
that they don’t get lost. Zip the bag closed and place it in a safe location where
you can nd it easily when it’s time to pack up the STARLAB.
Note
The fan case is useful for storage once the fan has been removed.
2. Start unrolling the dome across the oor where you are planning to set it up. As
you unroll it, spread out the material so that you can identify the entrance and
ination tubes. The ination tube is the smaller of the two tunnels and has snaps
around the opening. The entrance tunnel has the STARLAB logo printed on it.
3. Once the dome has been completely unrolled and spread out, turn it so that the
two tunnels are in the positions that you have pre-selected. When moving the
deated dome, try to minimize the amount that it is dragged along the oor.
Dragging the dome can cause small holes to develop in the fabric.
4. After the dome has been properly oriented, remove the fan from its carrying
case and plug it in. The fan can either be plugged directly into the wall or into a
heavy-duty extension cord. The fan has snaps around the metal protective cage
that line up with the snaps on the opening of the ination tube.
Note
Over the years, the fans have changed. If you have an older system, the
exact procedure for attaching the fan to the tunnel may vary. In most cases,
a specific diagram should be found in the fan box. The diagram on the next
page shows the most recent fan design.
