DJ Dome question

[lordpyro]

HI!

I am planning on building a dome that will hold 20 - 25 people, a Dj table with monitors on stands and some loungey
cushions. I was wondering if anyone who has experience building domes - How do you know how big to make the dome?
How much of a radius do you need to build a dome that could comfortably fit 20 -25 people dancing?

thanks
pyro

[some seeing eye]

20' 5/8 3v would be the minimum. 24' diameter is a good use of 10' pipe.

[FossaFerox]

Try this link.

http://bit.ly/1eooeeI

In all seriousness, that has a ton of valuable info. I'm just in a snarky mood after thinking about the vehicle pass stuff, specifically how much PRIME real estate was wasted last year by the "parking lots" around my camp.

[lordpyro]

Thanks! Any help is appreciated! Im in the process of researching so thanks for the link!

[lordpyro]

Oh wow I thought you were being nice and giving me some avtual wisdom.

I dont appreciate you sending me to google as i have done that already. I figured I would ask people who did it before and partake of their wisdom, as that is what a community is for. Ive been to BM for awhile but never did this before.

If you dont want to be bothered to give actual help, then dont bother wasting both our time by sending me to google. Besides nobody asked you to respond. Why not ignore my post then or redirect me to another list on this forum where my question was discussed?

Indont see anything wrong with what I asked because you can calculate the size of a dome but you cant really approximate thow many people would fit comfortably and I didnt want to get a big ass done which would solve the problem.

[VultureChow]

Oh relax honey. This was about as mild an introduction to eplaya as one can get. Especially since you're talking about DJs.

24' would be a very comfortable space. With 30 people, you'd have roughly 15sf per person, more than enough standing, cuddle and performance room

[LowePro]

We had a 32' dome diameter and it was enough for about 45, a bar, a few tables, stripper pole, etc. ~20' should be fine for your idea. Just be aware the inside "walls" of the dome are going to be sloped so the outer edge of the dome is not tall enough for people to stand/dance. But these are idea spaces for coolers, hammocks, lounge pillows, etc. Good luck with your project, I hope to cut rug there in 2014.

Some unsolicited tips for a DJ/party dome--a few old rugs or carpets keeps the dancing dust down. Decor and cool lighting is a +. If you're hoping to attract random passersby to your party, don't close up the entire dome--leave a big doorway at your cross streets to entice people in and allow ventilation. Backup power should be positioned and ready to go. We blew a fuse and while we switched batteries for 30 seconds, the crowd had a mutiny! ADHD in full effect. The Playatech blackrock bar is awesome and packs down small and light. Sturdy enough for multiple partners to dance upon! http://www.playatech.com/product_list.php

[FossaFerox]

Oh wow I thought you were being nice and giving me some avtual wisdom.

I dont appreciate you sending me to google as i have done that already. I figured I would ask people who did it before and partake of their wisdom, as that is what a community is for. Ive been to BM for awhile but never did this before.

If you dont want to be bothered to give actual help, then dont bother wasting both our time by sending me to google. Besides nobody asked you to respond. Why not ignore my post then or redirect me to another list on this forum where my question was discussed?

Indont see anything wrong with what I asked because you can calculate the size of a dome but you cant really approximate thow many people would fit comfortably and I didnt want to get a big ass done which would solve the problem.

Click my link again, wait 30 seconds, feel silly. The top result there has two invaluable resources for anyone looking to build a dome, namely the tips and calculator.

[GreyCoyote]

LordPyro: If you get the itch to make a dome cover using what I will call "petal" segments (cut lengths of cloth that narrow to nil at the top of the dome and widen-out at the bottom), that when stitched together form a nice cover without a lot of hassle, PM me.

This method avoids having to sew any wierd-shaped pentagons and hexagons. The resulting cover is very snug, a perfect hemisphere, and not prone to flap or drum in the wind. The math for the segments is a bit hairy, but I can send you a pattern that is unique to your dome that does the hard work for you if you'll give me the dome type and base diameter.

[GreyCoyote]

Click my link again, wait 30 seconds, feel silly. The top result there has two invaluable resources for anyone looking to build a dome, namely the tips and calculator.

LordPyro: You know the only difference between you and Fossa? Answer: One burn. That's right. He was a doe-eyed burgin, completely dust-free, and was asking these same types of questions just ... well... six months ago.

Back to the task at hand, if you want to see what I consider the granddaddy of all dome building sites, along with enough math, drawings, and details to satisfy your inner geek, I suggest you try this site when you have an afternoon to spend: http://www.simplydifferently.org Look first to the "Dome Notes" section, and in particular the icosahedron-based dome variants. His dialogues on the yurt, teepee, and other structures are well worth a look too.

The author (Rene) has actually built and lived in these various structures, and has lots to say about each that you might find useful.

[FossaFerox]

Actually, Grey, he's been to way more burns than I have if I'm not mistaken, he's just new to dome building and doesn't frequent the forums much.

Seriously though, the link I posted gives you everything you need. It covers the different styles of domes, a calculator to figure out how many of each size segment you'll need, VERY important tips for flattening and drilling (hint: If the two flattened ends aren't on the same plane pre-bending you're going to have a bad time), etc.

I wasn't simply being an asshat. I even told you in that very same post that there was a snarky joke masking the info, I just never imagined you would walk off insulted before seeing that the info was right there.

[GreyCoyote]

Fossa: I hope you didn't take my response as snarky, but in retrospect I can see how it could easily be taken that way. I was trying to use you as an example of someone who did his research and developed his playa skill set quickly. The difference? One burn! There was actually a goodly degree of admiration there.

[some seeing eye]

There are quite a few dome threads. The hard and expensive part is the cover. Threads on that.

Now is a good time to plan and put together a budget, because the frame labor and setup can be time consuming. I always suggest having a plan for the dome other times of the year to justify the expense. Many cities have Makerspaces or hackerspaces where you can share tools and perhaps organize a dome making factory with others. Same, dome frames come up on Craigslist and regional burner lists frequently. Just be sure there are no lost struts and do a test assembly before buying.

Also for a 5/8 24 you will need a set of rolling scaffolding to erect and take down. And calculate the weight of the cover - how are you going to get it on?

Happy dome adventures!

[Roberto Dobbisano]

LordPyro: You know the only difference between you and Fossa? Answer: One burn

aye, and therein lies the rub.

[LowePro]

I checked out the link and calculators at the domearama link. I think the site is fantastic and I really, really appreciate the work they and others have done, it was instrumental in our dome creation and our future plans for Mods.

However, I gotta say, I think their capacity calculator is too generous. We had a 32' diameter dome. The site calculates capacity for 125 dancing, 75 dining, or 94 conference -seating. After spending 2 burns in this dome, I think those numbers should be cut in half or maybe 2/3. YMMV as they say, just putting my observations into the forum....

[trilobyte]

IMO a 20' dome might fit that many people, but that's packed in like sardines. If you want a DJ rig, sound system, and space to dance you'll need to build something a bit bigger. 24' could possibly cut it, though that'd be packed in tight (and no other furniture). A dome cover for something that size would be a fairly considerable expense. Set phasers for radically self reliant and do a little searching on the internet, you can probably come up with a few different dome makers - hit their web sites, read their info, and maybe even give them a call. They can probably give you a lot of handy info about sizes, covers, and other considerations.

Assuming that you've been on the playa before (just guessing based on your join date), think of a place with a dome that's had the kind of space you've really liked. Reach out to that camp and ask some questions. Many camps are happy to talk about what kind of setup they have (or had in a previous year), and may be able to share some of their own experiences that will help you out. Good luck!

[AntiM]

A couple smaller domes, linked together?

[Token]

WTF do you do if you build it and they do not come?

[FossaFerox]

A couple smaller domes, linked together?

I've got to be honest. I would probably spend some time dancing in a giant pair of boobs...

[Eric]

A couple smaller domes, linked together?

I've got to be honest. I would probably spend some time dancing in a giant pair of boobs...

Booby Bar* didn't have dancing, but they did have the giant pair of boobs...





*RIP, 2012

[Molotov]

I think you are on the right track as far as floor space and people. 15 square feet per person in an area populated by both people and furnishings is a figure quoted in most building and fire codes for use in calculating the MAXIMUM number of people that might occupy a space, so you can figure out how many exits are needed. Exits aren't really an issue in a dome or shade structure that is open along the sides. Seven sq ft per person is used on open dance floors without furnishings-but that is up close, butt to butt, and cheek to cheek, not really comfortable unless your are into that scene .

[LowePro]

Another fun pair from 2012. Am I sensing a trend here? I guess it was "Fertility"....

These were very bouncy (built out of Trampolines) and yes, some serious dancing did ensue occur inside. Sorry, I couldn't resist/

[lordpyro]

Thanks for the suggestion of Google! I NEVER would've thought to look there!

I shouldn't have gotten so upset - I forgot that I have to get used to the inevitable
snarkiness of BM lists when posting.

There are plenty of dome building sites online (such as Domeorama) which
gives you all of the technical info that you need, but I wanted someone who had experience
with building it so that I can get more of a real-life barometer to test - i.e. wisdom as well as knowledge.
For instance I am bringing a sound system to BM this year and while I know what specs I need (wattage, etc)
it would be helpful to know which brands held up to the playa in
the past (Crown? Crest? QSC? etc). I am and have been scouring this list, as well as asking people I know, so I will figure it out.

thanks for all your comments and help. It really helped me make a decision.

[unitivity]

you can make a 3 frequency icosa cap dome made of conduit
pipe and small bolts threw the smashed ends about 8 feet long.
google dome calculator and get the measurements of all the pieces that
will be within 10% of the same length and color code the ends with spray paint
with only two parts lengths, and five pentagons and the rest hexagons. You could not climb on it
but it would hold tarps spread all over it, and you must nail it down so the wind does not
blow it away. This would be 1100 sq. feet inside. cheap and large enough.

[FlyingMonkey]

Dyslexia can be fun, every time I see this thread I think it says "DJ Drone Problem". I can't get that out of my head so I just have fun with the thought & mental imagery it brings. "Suddenly out of the dust comes a disco bejeweled quadcopter with numerous LED blinkies, playing dub step".

Just wait, in a few years that will probably be a legitimate post.

[theCryptofishist]

Dyslexia can be fun, every time I see this thread I think it says "DJ Drone Problem". I can't get that out of my head so I just have fun with the thought & mental imagery it brings. "Suddenly out of the dust comes a disco bejeweled quadcopter with numerous LED blinkies, playing dub step".

Just wait, in a few years that will probably be a legitimate post.

Yeah, you better post that on Simon's Aliens v. Earthman thread, before he does.

[FossaFerox]

Dyslexia can be fun, every time I see this thread I think it says "DJ Drone Problem". I can't get that out of my head so I just have fun with the thought & mental imagery it brings. "Suddenly out of the dust comes a disco bejeweled quadcopter with numerous LED blinkies, playing dub step".

Just wait, in a few years that will probably be a legitimate post.

This is perhaps the only scenario in which I wouldn't be adamantly anti-drone...

[AntiM]

I can see it now, "Hushville?! Let's show them how to burn! Disco drones all night over Hushville!"

[unitivity]

you can make a 3 frequency icosa cap dome made of conduit
pipe and small bolts threw the smashed ends about 8 feet long.
google dome calculator and get the measurements of all the pieces that
will be within 10% of the same length and color code the ends with spray paint
with only two parts lengths, and five pentagons and the rest hexagons. You could not climb on it
but it would hold tarps spread all over it, and you must nail it down so the wind does not
blow it away. This would be 1100 sq. feet inside. cheap and large enough.
unit

The area to cover is 4 times the area of the floor and the volume goes up 8 times if you double the size of the radius and cover area 4 times the area of the circle floor. increase the radii 2 times, increases the surface out side cover 4 times and increases the volume by 8 times.

IF u mk a small dome about 36 feet. with smashed ends. Use eye bolts that have the eyes on the inside and not bolts this way you can hang stuff
from inside on the eye bolts. your could put a tarp in the inside and just poke holes in the eye bolts and put a peg wood circle to hold it in place.
you will have about 30 holes and round wood plates to slide with a hole in the 1/2 inch ply wood round plates ( sand edges round on tarp side ) and then thread a peg
in the eye bolt to hold the round plate against the hole in the tarp and it will hang from the inside of the dome, not for more than a week but cheap to buy plastic tarp and poke holes with glue on the back side of the 1/2 inch ply wood. when you take it down pull the pegs out and the wood plates will be glued to the tarp and you can reuse. Also make the top pentagon first and lift it and add the rest as you go up not start at bottom first. have a pole to push up on the middle pentagon till it
is full dome. Just a cheap idea web thread from the head. I owned bucky fuller dome the home of the guy that invented it. this is a good dome home

a 36 footer is a very big dome really. a lot of people can get in it.

to bee or not to bee is a matter of honey.

unit