Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Snow Globe common Problems

The most common problem people make with snow globes is shutting them off during the night.When you shut them off at night you can get moisture from the dew.And if it rains at night you may get rain inside that depending where you live may freeze up inside.This will cause a major problem and the snow (pellets) will stick together and not go thru the blower motor.So I think this is a design problem that Gemmy needs to correct. But that wont help all of us that already own these inflatables.If you have any of these problems listed above like moisture,dew or even rain.Please just run the inflatable for a day or so and the blowers circulation should dry out the inside of the inflatable for you.If all else fails then I would recommend that you go to your local supermarket and purchase a box of DampRid (disposable moisture absorbers)and place just one on the bottom of your inflatable.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Gemmy Airblown Inflatable Set-up


The 4 foot Airblown Inflatables are generally designed for indoor or covered patio use. Not because the high quality is any different, because it is not, but rather the A/C adaptor plug used for the 4 foot is only UL rated for indoor use.

To setup any Airblown Inflatable 4 foot follow these general instructions

1. Remove contents from packaging.
2. Plug adapter into connection on the back of Airblown. (As shown in Figure below)
3. Zip zipper at base of fan. Airblown will then fully inflate (As shown in Figure below)
4. Plug adapter plug into standard wall outlet.(As shown in Figure below)
5. Fan will immediately begin to start the flow of air.
6. Your Airblown is weighted at the base with a sealed weight-bag which allows you to adjust to a certain position to maintain balance.
7. To deflate, unplug adapter. For faster deflation, unzip zipper after unplugging adapter. Do not unplug by pulling on cord.


For all the 6 foot Character Airblown Inflatables and up the setup is pretty much the same, and all are designed for outdoor use, but not recommended to use during harse weather conditions.
The contents in each box includes the Airblown Inflatable Character, 4 pieces of nylon tethers, 4 metal stakes, C-7 Light bulb (spare included), and 5 amp fuse (spare included).

To setup any Character Inflatable 6 feet and over follow these general instructions:
1. Remove contents from packaging. Lay out deflated Airblown Inflatable in a clear area.
2. Locate four metal clips on the bottom of the fabric and attach to the plastic legs. (As shown in Figure below)
3. Turn unit upright. Make sure the air intake is clear of fabric or other obstruction and zipper is fully closed.
4. Plug into receptacle or other outlet device to inflate your Airblown Inflatable. (As shown in Figure below)
5. Once fully inflated, clip the tethers to each of the ring grommets on the side of the Airblown Inflatable.
6. Insert the stakes into the ground and attach the tethers. (As shown in Figure below)
7. To deflate, unplug fan. For faster deflation, unzip zipper after unplugging fan. Do not unplug by pulling on cord.


In the event the light bulb burns out inside follow these instructions for lamp replacement:

1. Grasp plug and remove from receptacle or other outlet device. Do not unplug by pulling on cord.
2. Open the zipper on back of Airblown Inflatable and locate the blown out lamp.
3. Open the protective lamp cover carefully by pressing down the two locking side tabs simultaneously.
4. Replace with the same type of lamp: 7W maximum, candelabra base, UL classified C-7 lamp (one-piece replacement lamp provided).
5. Do not over-tighten the lamp as this may damage the lamp or lamp-holder.

In the event the fuse burns out follow these instructions to replace the fuse:

1. Grasp plug and remove from the receptacle or other outlet device. Do not unplug by pulling on cord.
2. Open fuse cover. Slide-open the fuse-access cover on top of the attachment plug towards blades.
3. Remove fuse carefully.
4. Risk of Fire: Replace fuse only with 5Amp, 125V fuse (provided with product).
5. Close fuse cover. Slide closed the fuse access cover on top of the attachment plug.
6. Risk of Fire: Do not replace attachment plug. Contains a safety device (fuse) that should not be removed. Discard product if attachment plug is damaged.

If your Airblown Inflatable is not inflating, the problem may be:
1. The power source is disabled or the cord may be unplugged.
2. The fuse may be blown.
3. Debris may be lodged in the motor.
4. The zipper may not be securely fastened, sealing the Airblown Inflatable.
5. The temperature may be below 14 F (-10 C).

Gemmy Life Size Figures FAQ


Life Size Figure Questions and Answers


Question #1

How do I get my (Pop up) Life Size figure to stand up?Make sure the pins under the base have been removed. Push down fairly hard and fast on the figure’s shoulders and quickly release your hands from the shoulders to allow the figure to rise. Gently lift from under the shoulders until the figure is locked in the upright standing position.

Question #2
How do I lower my (Pop up) Life Size figure for storage?The life size figures are designed so that when you push down on the shoulders a lever is triggered to allow them to collapse. If this is not working please try pulling him up all the way and then pushing down on his shoulders again. (**Note: Some of our life size figures have a knob on the base that needs to be stepped on at the same time.)

Question #3
My Life Size figure is not working in the Sensor mode.Make sure that the sensor is not obstructed and also that it is in a well lit area as it is designed to respond to shadows. Sensors for most Life Size figures can be found on the front side of the base or on the figures face.

Question #4
The Cauldron for my Witch w/Cauldron is not fogging or lighting.As a safety feature and to preserve the motor, the cauldron is designed to turn itself off if there is not enough water. There is a piece in the center of cauldron below the grate that must be submerged completely in order for the cauldron to mist and for the lights to come on. Please also make sure that the connection between the witch and cauldron is secure.

Question #5
Not all the features are working on my Life Size figure.Detach and reattach the head. When reattaching the head, firmly tap down on the head to ensure proper connections. If there is a toggle switch please ensure that it is in the ON position. If this does not solve the problem you may have the adapter tested at a local electronics store, such as Radio Shack, to ensure that it is putting out the required amount of power. If all connections are made properly and the item is still not functioning, please return the item to the store from which it was purchased for an exchange or refund. If you are unable to return it to the store, you may try contacting an electronic repair center in your area for suggestions or service.

Question #6
The arm for my Jason Voorhees figure is not moving.Please check that the fabric around the arm is not twisted as this may cause tension and therefore not allow the arm to move.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Gemmy Airblown Inflatable FAQ



Airblown® Inflatable Questions and Answers Popular


How to assemble your Airblown® Inflatable. 1. Remove contents from packaging. Lay out deflated Airblown® Inflatable in a clear area. 2. Locate four metal clips on the bottom of the fabric and attach to the plastic legs. 3. Turn unit upright. Make sure the air intake is clear of fabric or other obstruction and zipper is fully closed. 4. Insert the ‘L’ stakes through the plastic legs into the ground. 5. Plug into receptacle or other outlet device to inflate your Airblown® Inflatable. 6. Once fully inflated, clip the tethers to each of the nylon loops on the side of the Airblown® Inflatable. 7. Insert the Plastic stakes into the ground and attach the tethers. 8. To deflate, unplug fan. For faster deflation, unzip zipper after unplugging fan. Do not unplug by pulling on cord.

Question #1
My Airblown® is not fully inflating.The product should fully inflate, have motion, rotate, or snow properly under most conditions. If it is not, please check the following: 1. It is on a level surface. 2. The fans are level and the intake vent of the fan is not obstructed by fabric or grass. 3. The output vent (exiting the inflation fan) is not obstructed by fabric or any other foreign object. 4. The fan is plugged directly into a wall outlet OR a heavy duty outdoor extension cord 5. All zippers are zipped. Each piece may have two or more zippers. Sometimes there are zippers that are hidden in the seams. If you have a globe, sometimes there are zipper on the characters inside of the globe. Please double check to make sure all are zipped. 6. For items over 5ft, check the fuse. Use your fingernail or screwdriver to open the fuse compartment that is located on the plug. One is in use, the other is a spare. Flip the two. You may keep the bad fuse in hand to get another one at Radio Shack or for the future (if needed). After the fuse is in place and the cover to the fuse box on the plug is covered, plug it in and try it out.

Question #2
How can I repair my Airblown® Inflatable?Rips or holes in your airblown can be sewn by hand (no special thread is required) or taped with clear packing tape. You can also use tent repair tape to patch your Airblown, which can be found at most sporting goods stores.

Question #3
How can I clean my Airblown® Inflatable?Wipe clean with a damp cloth and allow to dry before storing away. Use mild detergent if necessary.

Question #4
A light has fallen in my Airblown® Inflatable.The lights are attached by a spandex type of cord at various areas on the inflatable. The easiest way to tell if a light has come undone is by deflating the item completely and laying the material out as flat as possible to one side, then plugging it back in (briefly), then unplugging it. When you plug it in briefly, you want to see if there are two lights closely together. Chances are, if you have two lights really close to each other, one of them has come untied from the cord. If that's the case, un-zip the zipper and find the spandex type cord that the light should be attached to and tie it back on. Unfortunately, our system does not verify how many lights are in each of the inflatables that we manufacture, nor does it give us info as to where the lights should/shouldn't be.

Question #5
How do I replace a light in my Airblown® Inflatable?In order to change a light bulb in an Airblown, you will need to deflate the item, unzip the bottom zipper (or zipper closest to the burnt out bulb), locate the bulb needing replacement, take the light cover off by squeezing it sideways and replace the bulb. The light bulbs in the Airblowns are C7watt bulbs, which can be found at hardware and lighting stores. If you cannot find any locally, you might want to try www.buylighting.com or www.northernlighting.com.

Question #6
My Airblown® Inflatable is not animating as it is supposed to.Please make sure the rotating cuff does not have fabric twisted around it as this may cause tension and restrict the movement. If the fabric is twisted around the cuff, please carefully untwist it. Also, make sure the item is on a level surface.

Question #7
The fan/motor has gone out in my Airblown® Inflatable.Unfortunately Gemmy Industries does not sell replacement motors for our inflatable products. However, motors can be purchased at www.holidayinflatablestore.com. We understand that collectors of the product have been able to take care of their replacement needs by purchasing older, inexpensive units from E-bay and then transferring the parts to the newer model. Although we cannot provide any support to assist you in that process, you may be able to discuss this further with members of the collectors club. You too can become a member by clicking on the following link www.airblownclub.com.

Question #8
My Airblown Carousel is twisting.To untangle the characters in your Carousel please do the following: 1. Partially deflate your Carousel by unplugging the unit for a minute and then plugging it back in. 2. Reach in through the top zipper and check to see if twisting has occurred under the characters. 3. If twisting has occurred under the characters, rotate the characters the opposite direction so that the bottom portion is untwisted. 4. After the bottom portion is untwisted, hold the top of the center with one hand while rotating the white plastic piece at the very top with the other hand until no twisting remains. 5. Close zipper. If this solves the problem, please try using a silicone spray on the upper and lower gears to help prevent this from reoccurring.

Question #9
Operating my Airblown® Inflatable in certain weather conditions.Operation of your Airblown® during light weather conditions, such as a gentle rain or snowfall is recommended. Please follow the following precautions for in clement or freezing weather conditions. - Your Airblown® Inflatables will operate at temperatures below freezing, but we do not recommend operating the item if temperatures drop below 14° Fahrenheit. (-10° Celsius). - Operation of your Airblown® during extreme weather conditions, such as harsh winds and storming is not recommended, as your item may become damaged or inundated with moisture. - If your Airblown® is covered in a light dusting of snow, simple re-inflation should not harm the unit. If the deflated unit has been subjected to a large amount of snow and/or ice, do NOT attempt to re-inflate. Rather, carefully remove the item from the extreme condition (i.e. bring it indoors) and allow the unit to thaw before re-inflating. We do not recommend leaving the unit out for days or weeks at a time if you expect large and heavy snowfall to build up over the unit. - If your item has become soaked with water from a heavy rainfall or melted snow and you are having trouble inflating it, move the unit to a dry location and plug it in. The fan will dry the unit. If there is a large amount of water, open the zipper closest to the soaked area and drain the water. *Do not store the Airblown® when it is wet. Please allow it to dry completely before storing.

Question #10
My Airblown SnowGlobe™ is not functioning properly.If the pellets become wet, the SnowGlobe™ will continue to be inflated and look great, but the snowing effect may slow down or stop. If the snowing effect slows down or stops, we recommend that consumers simply leave the unit plugged in. The fans will continue to dry the pellets. This process may take 2-48 hours depending on the weather conditions in the area