In spite of the size of this document, the requirements are pretty easy and cheap to meet, just: compressed gas, power, space, and illumination.
Gas: 110 P.S.I (12 bar) compressed air, compressed nitrogen tanks, or liquid CO2 tanks. Tetrahedron kits contain adapters and regulators for these sources. Compressor (if provided) should be in a separate room, with sufficient air hose, and on a separate electrical circuit.
Power: 110V or 220/240V AC, 2 amperes.
Space: circular area. Small Tetrahedra: 9ft (3m) diameter, Big Tetrahedra: 12ft (4m). Tables or stage risers are best for audience observation.
Surface: smooth and approximately level. Aluminum parts of the Tetrahedron can mark tile, paint, and soft wood surfaces. Flooring deemed fragile should be covered.
Lighting: minimum of one dedicated flood instrument.
Gas sources: An electric air compressor is portable, but can be noisy, and should be placed in a closed room. For Skinny Tetrahedron, a quieted airbrush compressor will work well. For the larger Tetrahedra, 20-lb tanks (2.5 feet tall) of liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) are quite portable, but may freeze the pressure regulator under high flow, impeding gas flow. 70-lb tanks (5.5 feet tall) of compressed nitrogen (N) require a rack-equipped truck for legal transport, but present no freezing problem.
Gas consumption under continuous operation:
Skinny Tetrahedron: low. 20-lb CO2 lasts 2 hours, 70-lb N lasts 6 hours.
Prime Tetrahedron: high. CO2: 20 minutes. N: 1 hour.
Big Tetrahedron: very high. CO2: 10 minutes, N: 30 minutes.
Safety Matters:
Pinch hazard if a working machine is grabbed near a corner.
Frostbite hazard if frozen CO2 regulator is gripped with ungloved hand.
Temperature (valvebank and powersupply) does not exceed 20°F (10°C) above ambient.
No toxic materials are consumed or generated by the machine.
Noise emitted does not exceed 70 dB at one meter.
Air pressure is limited to 110 P.S.I. (12 bar).
Electrical power to valvebank is <24 volts, <1 ampere.
Machine is insulated electrically from any power source.
No electrostatic shock hazard in humidity >20%.
No radio-frequency communication equipment is used.
