DESIGN SUMMARY

The IFMx-32Q design incorporates state-of-the-art proprietary circuitry with advanced components that provide unrivaled performance in an extremely robust package. FireOne’s ground-breaking 2-Wire digital communication technology and CDS (capacitive discharge system) energy storage enable the IFMx-32Q to consistently meet the needs of the most complex pyrotechnic displays in the world.

After the Safe-Sense© power up sequence, each module becomes an intelligent microprocessor controlled local power source that is capable of firing all 32 (lines) cues at any timed interval, including simultaneously (literally zero time latency).

While FireOne field modules are perfect for large scale displays, their user-friendly interface and affordability make them a perfect fit for smaller displays, stage shows and special events.

FRONT DISPLAY

The front of the IFMx-32Q consists of our custom touch-sensitive LCD display, two 2-Wire connection posts, two push-button address switches, as well as diagnostic LED’s, and a convenient front mounting ear.

The touch-sensitive LCD and two push button switches are used for cycling the ones and tens digits on the display. These digits, ranging from 01 to 99, represent the unique firing address that a module can be assigned when connected to a control panel.

The 2-Wire posts are robust nickel-plated, spring-loaded terminals that provide connection to the control panel. Multiple modules can be daisy-chained, in parallel, to other firing modules. Each terminal is large enough to accommodate three separate strands of 18 gauge wire, allowing each terminal to act as a splitter for maximum flexibility in the system layout.

REAR PANEL

The rear panel features a 36 pin Centronics-style connector. Its sole purpose is to connect the firing module to the pyrotechnic connection device. The connection device provides convenient terminal connections for the electric matches. When the control panel sends a firing signal to the module, that signal is then passed on to the connection rail in order to ignite the electric match and fire the device.

Additionally, the rear panel has two mounting holes that provide threaded attachment points for FireOne’s MicroRail connection device.

2-WIRE TECHNOLOGY

The 2-Wire system was conceived, invented and perfected by FireOne in 1999, and incrementally and continually improved year after year. This digital system is the default communications scheme for all FireOne control panels, transceivers, and field (firing) modules. This proprietary design operates with two-conductor lamp cord, speaker wire, or even blasting wire, effectively eliminating the need for purchasing expensive cables and connectors. This paradigm shift has dramatically lowered overall system cost and maintenance while increasing hardware operability, reliability and functionality.

FireOne’s engineering design provides for a maximum of twenty 2-Wire firing modules to be paralleled (daisy-chained) together on up to 0.8 km (0.5 miles) of wire for each output of the control panel. When using all 32 available field module cues, a single control panel output can fire up to 640 cues (20 modules per output x 32 cues per module = 640 cues). Taking into account that every FireOne control panel has multiple independent outputs, and that each firing cue can support up to 10 electric matches, a single panel could be used to ignite between 12,800 and 25,600 shells.

The advanced 2-Wire technology also enables the main cable run, from the control panel to the first module, to be very long (over 3.2 km or 2 miles) with no operational degradation. This allows the modules to be as close to the pyrotechnic product as possible, minimizing the electric match wiring requirements and thereby increasing the system’s reliability.

POWER DISTRIBUTION

All FireOne control panels are designed to effectively power a maximum of 20 wired firing modules on each output. This is a designated limit due to power distribution. An operator could, therefore, connect 20 modules to each output for a total of 40 firing modules connected to a 2-Output control panel and 80 connected to a 4-Output control panel. (Note that the number of membrane buttons on a control panel may limit the number of unique addresses).  The maximum length of cable that can be used varies depending upon the number of modules connected to the panel. The following graph shows the relationship between the maximum numbers of modules by various cable lengths:

Please note that the graph above assumes the worst case scenario where all modules are connected at the far end of the cable, and the cable used is stranded 18 gauge (1.0mm²). The design of FireOne’s 2‐Wire system provides the operator with the ability to utilize extremely long “main runs” or “home runs”. Viewing the graph above indicates that a display layout could incorporate a full complement of 20 modules on one output and those modules could be a phenomenal distance of 0.8 km (0.5 miles) from the operator!

Wireless modules, connected to the control panel via a transceiver, are exempt from this limit as they draw no power directly from the control panel.

CDS TECHNOLOGY

With the FireOne system, all of the energy required to fire the electric matches is stored internally in the firing module’s capacitive discharge system (CDS). This advanced CDS technology utilizes a proprietary digitally controlled capacitor storage system. The CDS is energized the moment the system is armed via the 2-Wire interface to the control panel. This allows the firing modules to operate at extremely low power levels at exceptionally long distances from the operator. As an added safety measure, the CDS is completely and immediately discharged when the system is shut off.

BENEFITS

• Firing energy is not reliant on an internal battery or any type of maintenance intensive storage device (No batteries to charge or change!)
• Firing energy is not reliant on the load capacity of the control panel’s battery, located a long distance away
• Eliminates the cost of booster boxes needed for firing at long distances
• CDS stores enough current and voltage to fire 10-15 e-matches per cue, regardless of distance from control panel

What the CDS technology has ultimately done is to place the firing module as close to the pyrotechnic product as possible while eliminating the question of whether or not there will be enough energy to ignite all of the connected e-matches. The operator can prepare for a show with the full confidence that the IFMx-32Q will be able to consistently provide 24 volts and 5 amperes to each cue. This is enough power to fire over 10 e-matches per firing cue. The module can even be counted on to fire all 32 cues and the respective e-matches simultaneously with no measurable time difference between each cue.

FM-32Q EXAMPLES

A very basic FireOne System consists of three pieces:  a control panel; one field module; and one connection device for the pyrotechnic product. This basic system can ignite 32 individual cues (or lines).

To expand the system to control more than 32 cues, add field modules by simply paralleling the modules across the control cable line. In this example the system will control 160 cues (32 cues per module x 5 modules = 160 cues)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

General

Display

Connections

Power

Firing Data

Physical

DOWNLOADS

No downloads available