Rant. Light Dome has reduced me to tears.

So I buy this used Light Dome tent. Really good price. I'm putting it together with my husband. The previous owner had marked all the poles so we put them together the way they're marked. It doesn't work.

I call Light Dome, and they're very helpful, and I find that I have a model that isn't made any longer (explains why my diagram didn't work). Wendy sends me diagrams for the model that I have.

Today I'm putting it together according to the diagrams. Problem 1 is that the poles have names that make sense (not!), i.e. F4, F21, F23, F1FR, you get my drift. The labels are on a few of the poles, but not the majority, so I figure I'm smarter than a tent and start puzzling it out.

Well, I have extra parts left over. A half-wall for the mesh panels that won't extend because I only have 1/2 the pole, a t-connector that won't actually attach properly to the bottom rail...

So, crying seems like the best option. Tears of frustration, and heat exhaustion. Of course it's 4th of July weekend....

If the manufacturer would etch the pole numbers onto the poles it would make the process so much easier for a noob.

Anyone interested in a Light Dome? :-|

Kittie (who may not even get out of the starting gate)

I'd say be glad you didn't buy a used Trimline of Craft Hut. They're good tents once they're up, but Light dome has a reputation of being the easiest to set up. My bet is that had you gotten a new one with all the parts, it would have been a breeze after watching the video. As it is, it sounds like you have some missing or mismatched parts to deal with and it's understandable that you may be quite frustrated; especially since you're new at working with canopies. Meanwhile, if you haven't done so already, just sit back, take a deep breath, and know it's going to be fine. Light Domes are wonderful once you're sure you have all the right parts for your model.

It's good to hear that you're getting such generous support from the manufacturers. Stick with it and once you get it all together, you'll be quite happy with it; especially when you're watching other artists setting up their different tents alone.

Replies

Bill Sargent June 11, 2014 at 1:42pm

I'd say be glad you didn't buy a used Trimline of Craft Hut. They're good tents once they're up, but Light dome has a reputation of being the easiest to set up. My bet is that had you gotten a new one with all the parts, it would have been a breeze after watching the video. As it is, it sounds like you have some missing or mismatched parts to deal with and it's understandable that you may be quite frustrated; especially since you're new at working with canopies. Meanwhile, if you haven't done so already, just sit back, take a deep breath, and know it's going to be fine. Light Domes are wonderful once you're sure you have all the right parts for your model.

It's good to hear that you're getting such generous support from the manufacturers. Stick with it and once you get it all together, you'll be quite happy with it; especially when you're watching other artists setting up their different tents alone.
Kittie Rue Deemer July 6, 2011 at 4:33pm

Ta-Dahhhhh!!!!!
- Larry Berman > Kittie Rue Deemer July 6, 2011 at 4:44pm
  
  Great job. Don't be tempted to use it as a display picture until you put your work into it. It's a joke, although there's usually one empty booth picture like this at every major jury.
  
  Larry Berman
  http://BermanGraphics.com
  412-401-8100
  - Kittie Rue Deemer > Larry Berman July 6, 2011 at 6:01pm
    
    hehehehe.
    - CM Fox > Kittie Rue Deemer July 6, 2011 at 6:14pm
      
      See it wasn't that hard was it?
      - Kittie Rue Deemer > CM Fox July 6, 2011 at 9:36pm
        
        Only took me a full day and crying... but other than that, piece of cake!
        
        3elv43ick4r0l > Kittie Rue Deemer July 12, 2011 at 7:48pm
        
        Aren't you glad you tired the canopy before an Art show!
        
        Larry Berman > Kittie Rue Deemer July 6, 2011 at 9:41pm
        
        The real question is how long will it take when you actually are setting up at a show?
        
        Larry Berman
        
        Kittie Rue Deemer > Larry Berman July 6, 2011 at 9:45pm
        
        Well, I watched the video and spotted a few areas for change. Plus, when I took it apart, I used a sharpie and made my own notes. I left all the tee connectors on the cross pieces they belong to. Tried to eliminate as many variables as possible. The mesh wall is fabulous, and pretty much like new. I don't have weights for the legs, so I'm hoping any weather in Wilmington will be moderate and not severe.
        
        I'm going to allow myself 2 hours for setup, but I'm hoping for 30 minutes. :-)
CM Fox July 1, 2011 at 3:52pm

Upload photos of left over parts....maybe we can help figure it out.

???
C

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