Safety is enhanced by allowing the operator to view and fire any device at a safe distance. Time consuming setup is eliminated. Clean-up time is substantially reduced as there are no cables to coil. Reliability is enhanced, because there is no danger of cable damage from show fallout. Systems are available with 9 volt, 12 volt, 18 volt, and 24 volt outputs with firing currents of 1 amp, 3 amps, or 5 amps, and 315 volt CD outputs with 11 joules of energy. All products include battery fuel gauge indication, built-in continuity checking, and extensive self-checking. Bidirectional link confirmation is optional.
Another reason to use electric firing systems (photo by James Bates):
UHF Firing Systems
Systems consist of one or more handheld wireless controllers and one or more receivers with one, two, six, or twelve firing outputs each. Up to 12 controllers may be operated simultaneously to control up to 12 separate groups of receivers to fire a total of 144 show cues. Any number of receivers may be set to fire identical cues simultaneously.
Two types of controllers are available, “sequential” and “random-fire”. Sequential controllers can fire in semi-auto (single-shot) and fully-auto (machine-gun) modes at controller selected rates from one to 20 shots / sec. Acoustic triggered versions of these controllers are available which ensure perfect synchronization of bullet-hit or other effects with gunshots or explosions.
Random-fire controllers include sequential firing capability plus the ability to fire any of the 144 show cues instantly with a single button press, and they display the next cue number ready to fire if firing sequentially.
Radio range is 1/2 mile and can be extended with Holatron Smart Repeaters. Bidirectional versions of these controllers and repeaters are available which continually confirm on the controller panel the status of the radio link to the receiver containing the next cue to be fired.
Custom remote trigger inputs and PyroDigital panel interfaces are available for these systems.
Private security codes can be supplied for a small extra fee. Optional frequencies are 315, 418, and 433 MHz. 315 MHz is recommended in high interference areas, where interference might cause a failure-to-fire. Interference from non-Holatron sources will not cause an unexpected-fire on any frequency, however.
Typical 12-shot receiver application is shown below:
Spread-spectrum firing systems
Our line of spread-spectrum frequency-hopping firing systems with 2 mile range offers unprecedented and unequaled features, security, and reliability for use in pyrotechnics and special effects applications. These products are mature and well tested, having been in use since 2005, but new products and features are continually being added. Contact factory to inquire about new additions such as our 2-output compact receivers, receivers with removable or remote antennas, receivers with knob controlled manual firing rates and 48-channel transmitters that are backwards compatible with our existing spread-spectrum systems.
Features:
The system has two mile range using state-of-the-art spread spectrum, frequency-hopping technology to ensure optimum security and reliability. The system can fire up to 9999 cues per channel randomly or sequentially from a single hand-held transmitter with a single button press per cue. Sequences of unlimited length can be fired in automatic (machine-gun) mode at transmitter panel selectable rates of 1 to 20 shots per second. Rate can be changed on the fly. Multiple receivers can be slaved for simultaneous firing of “fronts”.
Receivers can be used as a “clunker box” in semi-automatic or automatic mode by firing directly from an optional external hand-held trigger (p/n 10000XF) plugged into the battery charger connector. These clunker boxes can be cascaded together in order to fire long strings of up to 9,999 cues in either semi-auto or fully-auto mode from a single hand-held trigger. Knob selection of clunker auto-firing rate is optionally available.
This system has been custom designed specifically for pyro applications with safety and reliability the top design priorities. A transmitted 80 bit security code + CRC error correction ensures reliable firing and immunity from interference. Proprietary security codes unique to an individual customer can be supplied for a small additional charge.
The next show-cue number to be fired is displayed on the hand-held transmitter. The receiver(s) are remotely armed and disarmed via transmitter command. Arm state and radio link are confirmed, and radio link strength is displayed on the transmitter panel. Receiver and transmitter battery charge levels are displayed on their respective panels.
Full show or single-cue receiver output continuity testing is actuated and displayed on the transmitter panel.
The transmitter is powered on and off from its keypad (similar to a cell phone) rather than a mechanical switch. Automatic transmitter power-down occurs after 43 minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life and prevent battery leakage. Next cue is remembered when the transmitter is powered back up.
Optional isolated voltage, current, and contact closure inputs are available for remote firing of the transmitter or receiver directly from computer signals, manual switch closures, or firing pulses from other systems.
Receiver first show cue and cue range (up to 48 cues per receiver, starting anywhere from 1 to 9999) are programmed directly from the transmitter keypad. No additional programming module is required. Settings remain in non-volatile memory even while receiver power is off.
Transmitter keypad is luminescent for use in dark environments, embossed keys offer good tactile feedback. Transmitter and receiver are fully sealed for moisture resistance.
30/32/45/48 position receiver is housed in a rugged ABS case with hinged water-tight lid. Receiver is powered by self-contained rechargeable sealed lead-acid battery using Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology for superior current capability and energy density. Interchangeable receivers are available with 12 or 24 volt outputs. Receiver outputs consist optionally of panel mounted PyroClips and/or cable connectors that mate with PyroMagic, FireOne, or PyroMate distribution slats. Other custom interfaces can also be supplied. Interfaces are available that enable Holatron Spread Spectrum receivers to be wirelessly fired directly from existing pin matrix firing panels with PyroMagic, FireOne, or PyroMate output connectors.
Two redundant emergency backup fire methods are included in each receiver for use in the event of radio link or other electronic failure.
