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DIGITAL PYROTECHNIC FIRING SYSTEMS
DIGITAL PYROTECHNIC FIRING SYSTEMS
FIREONE FM-i8Q
Wired/Wireless Special Effects Module – 8 Firing Cues
The FM-i8Q is FireOne’s™ wireless 8-cue firing module. Its compact size and matte-black finish make it ideal for stage performances and other applications where a low profile is desired. It can even be strapped directly to a performer or prop. Despite its small size, the FM-i8Q is fully equipped with FireOne’s military grade wireless technology, in addition to 2-Wire capabilities. FireOne’s advanced wireless communication technology enables the FM-i8Q to operate in even the harshest environments, while the 2-Wire capabilities provide the option of wired operation. When generating a theatrical or pyrotechnic effect that requires a low-profile, wireless module, the FM-i8Q is the number one choice. Featuring FireOne’s proprietary CDS energy system, the FM-i8Q has similar capabilities as the larger 32 cue module with operational distances exceeding 6.5 kilometers (4 miles).
KEY FEATURES
- Features FireOne’s long range, military grade wireless technology
- Engineered for extreme environments with a waterproof rating of IP68
- Designed to operate in extreme temperatures
- Provides outstanding flexibility by providing both wireless or 2-Wire operation
- 99 unique addresses controlled by touch-sensitive LCD screens
- Firing energy supplied by FireOne’s advanced CDS technology
- Firing energy and communications controlled by advanced microprocessor digital encoding
- Compact design and matte-black finish are ideal for stage and theatrical applications
- Sturdy aluminum housing withstands extreme conditions and rough handling
DESIGN SUMMARY
The FM-i8Q was designed to offer all the features of the larger 32 cue modules in a compact case that is easier to conceal. This makes the FM-i8Q the ideal device for stage, theatrical productions and special effects applications.
The FM-i8Q design incorporates state-of-the-art proprietary circuitry with advanced components that provide unrivaled performance in an extremely robust package. FireOne’s dependable wireless digital communication echnology, excellent battery life and advanced CDS (capacitive discharge system) energy storage system enables the FM-i8Q to consistently meet the needs of the world’s most complex pyrotechnic displays.
After the Safe-Sense© power up sequence, each module becomes an intelligent microprocessor controlled local power source that is capable of firing all 8 (lines) cues at any timed interval including simultaneously (literally zero time latency).
The military grade wireless protocol and excellent battery life, paired with FireOne’s advanced communications and CDS technology, make the FM-i8Q an extremely versatile firing module. The FM-i8Q was designed to offer a high-reliability, wireless firing module that fully maintains the capabilities and performance of a wired unit.
The ability to operate effortlessly in either wireless or wired modes makes the FM-i8Q the perfect firing module for challenging designs. 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 FM-i8Q consists of a 2 digit LCD display, two 2-Wire connection posts, two push-button address switches, as well as diagnostic LEDs. The 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 16 pin detachable connector to interface the field module to the pyrotechnic e-match wires. The 16 pin detachable connector provides a quick method to attached pyrotechnic material without large external connection devices. When the control panel sends a firing signal to the module, that signal is then passed to the rear terminals in order to ignite the electric match and fire the device.
Additionally, the rear panel features a charger input port, a power On-Off switch and an antenna connector. The FMi8Q is truly an all encompassed small footprint firing device.
2-WIRE TECHNOLOGY
The flexible design of all FireOne wireless modules allows them to be operated as standard 2-Wire modules, as needed.
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 8 available field module cues, a single control panel output can fire up to 160 cues (20 modules per output x 8 cues per module = 160 cues). Taking into account that every FireOne control panel has multiple independent outputs, a single panel utilizing a full count of FM-i8Q field modules could be used to ignite 320 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 firing modules on each output. This is a designated limit due to power distribution. 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. 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 TECHNOLOGY
FireOne’s wireless communications system was conceived, invented and perfected by FireOne in 1999 and incrementally and continually improved year after year. The wireless construct of the communications system replaces the need for 2-Wire physical wiring with a proprietary military grade wireless link that provides identical functionality as the wired version. The wireless modules are fully compatible with all other devices within the FireOne system. Operational range is exceptional, exceeding 6.0 kilometers (4 miles).
FireOne’s engineering design provides for an unlimited quantity of wireless field modules to be operated from any output of a control panel. Effectively, thousands of cues can be controlled from a single control panel output. (All control panels have multiple outputs.) FireOne’s advanced system technology enables wireless modules to be kilometers and miles away from the control location with no operational degradation; wherein competitive systems can only measure operational distance in feet. FireOne’s design criteria always places the field modules as close to the pyrotechnic product as possible, minimizing the electric match wiring requirements and thereby increasing the system reliability.
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 rechargeable 7-cell Li-Ion battery. As an added safety measure, the CDS is completely and immediately discharged when the system is shut off.
BENEFITS
- Firing energy is provided by a rechargeable 7-cell Li-Ion battery
- CDS eliminates the dependence on the load capacity of the battery for firing energy
- Each module is capable of firing all 8 cues simultaneously
What the CDS technology has ultimately done is to eliminate 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 FM-i32Q 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 8 cues and the respective e-matches simultaneously with no measurable time difference between each cue.
EXAMPLES
A very basic Wireless FireOne System consists of four pieces: a control panel; a Wireless Transceiver; one field module; and one connection device for the pyrotechnic product. This basic system can ignite 8 individual cues (or lines).
The FireOne System provides the flexibility to control both wired and wireless modules simultaneously with the addition of a Wireless Transceiver.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
General
| Data Handling | Microprocessor controlled |
| Firing Energy | Capacitive Discharge System |
| Battery Backup | Yes |
| Internal Memory | Yes, Address Permanence .FIR File Show Data |
| Connection Methods | Wireless or 2-Wire |
Display
| Display Type | Transflective LCD |
| Diagnostics | Multi-Colored LED’s |
| Address Cycling | Push Buttons |
| Number of Addresses | 99 |
Connections
| 2-Wire | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Radio Type | Military grade wireless link |
| Cables Accepted | Lamp cord Speaker wire Blasting cord, etc. |
| Wiring Limit | 18 Gauge Wire x3 |
| Terminal Material | Nickel Plated Brass |
| Output Connector | 8-Cue Block Connector |
Power
| Wireless Battery | 7-cell NiMH |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Run Time per Charge | 15-24 Hours |
| Battery Lifetime | 2-5 Years |
| Alternate Power Sources | 2-Wire Terminals AC Charger |
Firing Data
| Number of Cues | 8 |
| Voltage per Cue | 24 Volts |
| Current per Cue | 5 Amperes |
| Firing Duration | 30 ms (Adjustable to 20-1,000ms with software) |
| Firing Resolution per Cue | 1/1,000 seconds |
| Maximum Firing Rate | Unlimited |
| UltraFire Capable | Yes |
Physical
| Dimensions | 7” L x 3.7” W x 1.65” H (17.8 x 9.5 x 4.2 cm) |
| Weight | 1.65 lbs (0.75 kg) |
| Case Material | Extruded Aluminum |
| Water/Dust Tolerance | IP68 |
| Operating Temperatures | -60°F (-50° C) to 225°F (107° C) |
DOWNLOADS
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KEY FEATURES
- Features FireOne’s long range, military grade wireless technology
- Engineered for extreme environments with a waterproof rating of IP68
- Designed to operate in extreme temperatures
- Provides outstanding flexibility by providing both wireless or 2-Wire operation
- 99 unique addresses controlled by touch-sensitive LCD screens
- Firing energy supplied by FireOne’s advanced CDS technology
- Firing energy and communications controlled by advanced microprocessor digital encoding
- Compact design and matte-black finish are ideal for stage and theatrical applications
- Sturdy aluminum housing withstands extreme conditions and rough handling
DESIGN SUMMARY
The FM-i8Q was designed to offer all the features of the larger 32 cue modules in a compact case that is easier to conceal. This makes the FM-i8Q the ideal device for stage, theatrical productions and special effects applications.
The FM-i8Q design incorporates state-of-the-art proprietary circuitry with advanced components that provide unrivaled performance in an extremely robust package. FireOne’s dependable wireless digital communication echnology, excellent battery life and advanced CDS (capacitive discharge system) energy storage system enables the FM-i8Q to consistently meet the needs of the world’s most complex pyrotechnic displays.
After the Safe-Sense© power up sequence, each module becomes an intelligent microprocessor controlled local power source that is capable of firing all 8 (lines) cues at any timed interval including simultaneously (literally zero time latency).
The military grade wireless protocol and excellent battery life, paired with FireOne’s advanced communications and CDS technology, make the FM-i8Q an extremely versatile firing module. The FM-i8Q was designed to offer a high-reliability, wireless firing module that fully maintains the capabilities and performance of a wired unit.
The ability to operate effortlessly in either wireless or wired modes makes the FM-i8Q the perfect firing module for challenging designs. 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 FM-i8Q consists of a 2 digit LCD display, two 2-Wire connection posts, two push-button address switches, as well as diagnostic LEDs. The 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 16 pin detachable connector to interface the field module to the pyrotechnic e-match wires. The 16 pin detachable connector provides a quick method to attached pyrotechnic material without large external connection devices. When the control panel sends a firing signal to the module, that signal is then passed to the rear terminals in order to ignite the electric match and fire the device.
Additionally, the rear panel features a charger input port, a power On-Off switch and an antenna connector. The FMi8Q is truly an all encompassed small footprint firing device.
2-WIRE TECHNOLOGY
The flexible design of all FireOne wireless modules allows them to be operated as standard 2-Wire modules, as needed.
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 8 available field module cues, a single control panel output can fire up to 160 cues (20 modules per output x 8 cues per module = 160 cues). Taking into account that every FireOne control panel has multiple independent outputs, a single panel utilizing a full count of FM-i8Q field modules could be used to ignite 320 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 firing modules on each output. This is a designated limit due to power distribution. 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. 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 TECHNOLOGY
FireOne’s wireless communications system was conceived, invented and perfected by FireOne in 1999 and incrementally and continually improved year after year. The wireless construct of the communications system replaces the need for 2-Wire physical wiring with a proprietary military grade wireless link that provides identical functionality as the wired version. The wireless modules are fully compatible with all other devices within the FireOne system. Operational range is exceptional, exceeding 6.0 kilometers (4 miles).
FireOne’s engineering design provides for an unlimited quantity of wireless field modules to be operated from any output of a control panel. Effectively, thousands of cues can be controlled from a single control panel output. (All control panels have multiple outputs.) FireOne’s advanced system technology enables wireless modules to be kilometers and miles away from the control location with no operational degradation; wherein competitive systems can only measure operational distance in feet. FireOne’s design criteria always places the field modules as close to the pyrotechnic product as possible, minimizing the electric match wiring requirements and thereby increasing the system reliability.
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 rechargeable 7-cell Li-Ion battery. As an added safety measure, the CDS is completely and immediately discharged when the system is shut off.
BENEFITS
- Firing energy is provided by a rechargeable 7-cell Li-Ion battery
- CDS eliminates the dependence on the load capacity of the battery for firing energy
- Each module is capable of firing all 8 cues simultaneously
What the CDS technology has ultimately done is to eliminate 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 FM-i32Q 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 8 cues and the respective e-matches simultaneously with no measurable time difference between each cue.
EXAMPLES
A very basic Wireless FireOne System consists of four pieces: a control panel; a Wireless Transceiver; one field module; and one connection device for the pyrotechnic product. This basic system can ignite 8 individual cues (or lines).
The FireOne System provides the flexibility to control both wired and wireless modules simultaneously with the addition of a Wireless Transceiver.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
General
| Data Handling | Microprocessor controlled |
| Firing Energy | Capacitive Discharge System |
| Battery Backup | Yes |
| Internal Memory | Yes, Address Permanence .FIR File Show Data |
| Connection Methods | Wireless or 2-Wire |
Display
| Display Type | Transflective LCD |
| Diagnostics | Multi-Colored LED’s |
| Address Cycling | Push Buttons |
| Number of Addresses | 99 |
Connections
| 2-Wire | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Radio Type | Military grade wireless link |
| Cables Accepted | Lamp cord Speaker wire Blasting cord, etc. |
| Wiring Limit | 18 Gauge Wire x3 |
| Terminal Material | Nickel Plated Brass |
| Output Connector | 8-Cue Block Connector |
Power
| Wireless Battery | 7-cell NiMH |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Run Time per Charge | 15-24 Hours |
| Battery Lifetime | 2-5 Years |
| Alternate Power Sources | 2-Wire Terminals AC Charger |
Firing Data
| Number of Cues | 8 |
| Voltage per Cue | 24 Volts |
| Current per Cue | 5 Amperes |
| Firing Duration | 30 ms (Adjustable to 20-1,000ms with software) |
| Firing Resolution per Cue | 1/1,000 seconds |
| Maximum Firing Rate | Unlimited |
| UltraFire Capable | Yes |
Physical
| Dimensions | 7” L x 3.7” W x 1.65” H (17.8 x 9.5 x 4.2 cm) |
| Weight | 1.65 lbs (0.75 kg) |
| Case Material | Extruded Aluminum |
| Water/Dust Tolerance | IP68 |
| Operating Temperatures | -60°F (-50° C) to 225°F (107° C) |