Let’s get started with the Little Cloud Snow Gun! In this article, we’ll walk through the basics of setting up the Little Cloud Snow Gun so you can start making snow!
Gather the Proper Equipment
Before you head outside, let’s make sure you have the proper equipment. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need with the Little Cloud:
- -Little Cloud Snow Gun
- -Snow Gun Stand (included)
- -Water Filter (included)
- -Garden Hose
- -Air Compressor (minimum of 4.5 CFM @ 90 PSI) – Learn More
- -10′ Air Hose (can be longer than 10′ but will have limitations in performance) – Learn More
- -Extension cord for Air Compressor
Position the Snow Gun Stand
Position the snow gun stand where you’d like to make snow. Make sure your garden hose can reach from the water source to where you’ve positioned the snow gun.
Connect the Water
Connect one side of the garden hose to the water spigot. Connect the other side to the small black filter on the snow gun. Make sure the connections are tight and have a good seal.
Position the Air Compressor
With the garden hose ready to go, you’ll need to get the air compressor and position it close to the snow gun. If you’re using the 10′ air hose, we recommend positioning the air compressor close enough for the air hose to reach the compressor and the snow gun comfortably. If you place the compressor too close to the snow gun, snow may blow back onto the compressor. Next, run the extension cord to a power source and plug in the compressor.
IMPORTANT: before turning the air compressor on, make sure the tank is FULLY EMPTY. If the compressor is full when the air hose is plugged in, it may freeze the bottom nucleation nozzle.
Turn the Water ONÂ
When you have the air compressor positioned, plugged in (NOT TURNED ON), and the water line ready to go, you’re ready to get water flowing. Turn the water ON at the spigot (or other water source). In a couple of seconds, the water should flow through the garden hose and out of the snow gun nozzles. You should see water exiting all (4) top misting nozzles, and a small stream exiting the bottom nucleation nozzle.
Plug in Air Hose & Turn Air Compressor ONÂ
As water is flowing through the Snow Gun, you are now ready to turn the air compressor ON and plug in the air hose. Since the tank is empty, it will take time for the compressor to build up pressure. Over 2-4 minutes, you should see the bottom nozzle increase in air pressure until a steady mixture of air and water is exiting the bottom nucleation nozzle. The pressure shown on the compressor tank gauge should be above 60 PSI (See Little Cloud Operation for more Info). If you are using a large compressor (6+ CFM @ 90 PSI), then you may need to regulate the compressor so it does not run above 100 PSI. If the air starts to overpower the water in the nucleation nozzle, then regulating the air may be needed. The best pressure range is between 60-100 PSI.
Wait for the Snow to Build!Â
If the conditions are right, you should now be making snow!
