9 replies to this topic

[ukpyros]

Hi there.
I am currently looking for a new controller to fire my stage fx.
At the moment we have a Lemaitre 6 way and a sky-high rapid-fire.
What i want is a good cheep (under £500) controller with at least 15/20 channels.
So if anyone can give me details of any suppliers (other than Lemaitre or sky-high) that you know of, it would be most appreciated.
Many thanks.
ukpyros.
www.ukpyros.co.uk

[RegimentalPyro]

I've been making them.

I put together a USB based module with 20 cues for about £100. Up to 4 modules can be used on one USB bus. The software was written in VB6 and allows for millisec control of the cues, along with playing an MP3 track as well. I use a 100m USB extender to get the modules out in the middle of the firing area.

The results were quite good for a homebrew system. See the link below (warning large file, and DivX encoded)

http://www.regiment..../welcomedub.avi

This shows the first outing of the system. I dubbed the music track on as the sound quality of the original was not good, but you can see what I was trying to achieve.

I'm currently working on V2 of the firing module which will feature a full TCP/IP stack and wireless operation. Current construction costs of this system is about £300 for modules up to 64 cues, with no limits on the amounts of modules being used. Perfect for larger shows where cue synchronisation is required over large distances where cables cannot be run (eg: Firing from boats/barges)

[whitecollar]

Hi there.
I am currently looking for a new controller to fire my stage fx.
At the moment we have a Lemaitre 6 way and a sky-high rapid-fire.
What i want is a good cheep (under £500) controller with at least 15/20 channels.
So if anyone can give me details of any suppliers (other than Lemaitre or sky-high) that you know of, it would be most appreciated.
Many thanks.
ukpyros.
www.ukpyros.co.uk

Hi there, you may be interested in the wireless firing systems at www.easypyro.com . There is a 20 channel one there that is well within your budget.

Cheers,
A

[Arthur Brown]

Do you want wired or wireless. Every wireless controller in your budget that I have found, is press to fire only. there is a new Australian system which is the first I have seen to be radio AND have two way comms ie the cue continuity is indicated on the controller but it's over budget.

Many people would produce a DIY controller for up to 50 channels. Battery project box and some switches.

Edited by Arthur Brown, 20 February 2008 - 07:11 AM.

[ukpyros]

It does not rearly matter if it is wired or not.
Thanks.
Ukpyros.

[Arthur Brown]

Wires are easier and cheaper for a few cues wireless is extendable for long distances but can be interfered with and this is the first system I have seen that actually sends cue data back from the firing modules by radio.

[scjb]

UKpyros, do bear in mind that you will need to be able to prove the system to sceptical Local Authority types...

[spectrum]

Hi there.
I am currently looking for a new controller to fire my stage fx.
At the moment we have a Lemaitre 6 way and a sky-high rapid-fire.
What i want is a good cheep (under £500) controller with at least 15/20 channels.
So if anyone can give me details of any suppliers (other than Lemaitre or sky-high) that you know of, it would be most appreciated.
Many thanks.
ukpyros.
www.ukpyros.co.uk

I don't think you could do better than the systems supplied by MLE - we have been looking at introducing a range of stage effects and were at one time considering commisioning our own. When we saw what MLE were offering our minds were made up - I don't think you could do any better.

[karlfoxman]

I can back that up, I have 2 of the Firebywire systems from MLE Pyrotechnics and they are outstanding bits of kit. Very upgradeable and service is superb! I would recomend the systems to anyone!

[spectrum]

I can back that up, I have 2 of the Firebywire systems from MLE Pyrotechnics and they are outstanding bits of kit. Very upgradeable and service is superb! I would recomend the systems to anyone!

Exactly. We will be basing our stage effects developments on these. Nothing else - including the established competition will come anywhere close. They have developed from first principles and taken an entirely new approach.