DMX fire machine.

Internal examination and demo of a typical Chinese fireball and flame jet type of effect that I bought purely to take to bits. Note that I used a can of air freshener as the fuel source inside the unit and this is not endorsed in any way by the manufacturer of the unit or indeed the air freshener. :) The official fuel cannisters are probably either butane/propane with or without added flame colourants. I used the can of air freshener because it was a handy can of butane with a dip-tube that goes to the bottom of the can so that a mist of fuel is sprayed from the nozzle. While it would be nice to be able to use standard cans of butane refill gas, they only produce a small blue flame because the amount of gas coming from the jet is much lower than could be achieved with the mist of a dip-tube can. The resultant small flame mixes more thoroughly with the available air producing a low intensity blue flame.
Most standard cans of air freshener are quite tall and may not fit in some units without a hack on the spring loaded base. The one I used was actually too short and I had to use an inverted metal chutney dish to centre it and raise it to a good height. The short stubby aerosol air fresheners used in timed release units are no good because of the single shot dosing valve built into them. Not all air fresheners use combustible propellants. The Puresse range by Ambi Pur make excellent fireballs. Keep in mind that any ingredient in the freshener will be incinerated and may be toxic. But then, they were probably toxic before they got burnt anyway.
Do not use air fresheners in this way and never do anything like this indoors as everyone in the vicinity may die etc....

[@efari]

"i strongly recommend buying one actually, just for fun" solid advice there! no need for the 'do not try at home, indoor' bullshit. Fun is Fun!

[@bigclivedotcom]

These machines are really only suited for use outdoors in dry weather or in big open spaces with proper supervision. They don't have any failsafe system and it's entirely possible for them to crash or lock-up mechanically with the gas jet active. In that instance it would just burn continuously until it was disconnected or the gas cylinder removed (quite dodgy to do while burning), or until the gas ran out. Its only small gas canisters these use, but still enough to set fire to a building

[@bigclivedotcom]

I tried silk flames but was disappointed with the burn time and found that once lit, the fan tended to blow shreds of blazing fabric all over the place.

[@randomisoty422]

Because if there's anything better than controlling fire with a protocol with zero acknowledgement, it's shooting that fire from a very Chinese device with air freshener

[@bigclivedotcom]

It's a total win situation.

[@johnberner2012]

Lol I need to review stuff like that on my KZbin channel! WOW!

[@tonycheyne8004]

Try ether based engine start

[@bigclivedotcom]

At work we use gas canons that use a large receiver with a dump valve on the front and an offset pilot torch. It takes a lot of gas to fill them, so they are only used for paid shots. I'm not usually in a position to film them when they're being used.

[@dash8brj]

The more advanced version of a cigarette lighter in front of an aerosol can - love it! Pyro on demand. :)

[@bigclivedotcom]

@tiaqa DMX is certainly not a suitable protocol for pyro effects unless it has safety codes built in. I wouldn't recommend them for use in a public indoor venue.

[@bigclivedotcom]

Have you listened to your own videos? It sounds like a small child squeaking into a dollar store microphone mounted inside a coke can.

[@treecap2575]

ok

[@GrimkellTheViking]

I have just had a very similar one arrive from China, having found a recommendation elsewhere I fired it up with a can of Easy Start as fuel. It fits perfectly and delivers an awesome flame, and if anyone cares about safety (in which case why are they buying one of these!) then the data sheet lists the only harmful combustion products as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, both of which are unavoidable for anything producing big yellow flames. I don't think the same can necessarily be said of air freshener, but at least any unburnt fuel smells better when using that :)

[@bigclivedotcom]

You could use a small lighting controller or even just a foot pedal. It all depends on the context of how you're using them in your show. A custom controller with a low voltage foot pedal switching the power to the units via a custom built relay box would be fairly failsafe.

[@bigclivedotcom]

@lightninglloyds I doubt you'll find a manual since they use a generic Chinese decoder board. It may be a case of testing your desk with another device to see that you are actively controlling channel one, then set the fire unit to address one and try it with or without the gas fitted. To be quite honest, it's safer just controlling it manually anyway, since plain DMX does not have error detection in the standard and can get garbled.

[@bigclivedotcom]

The machine is at my workshop right now, so I can't give an exact indication of the size of the orifice, but it's probably around 0.5mm in diameter

[@bigclivedotcom]

Yes. Just set it to manual and it runs when you turn the power on to it. I was controlling it with an in-line switch.

[@rogertopful]

This could possibly be used as a burner for a remote controlled hot air balloon.

[@RFC3514]

+rogertopful - Steampunk drone?

[@rogertopful]

RFC3514 That would be pretty cool.

[@peter_smyth]

That would work if used with a battery bank, and wireless controls.

[@brokeboisentertainment8525]

If you do make this, I will watch your career rise with high interest

[@bigclivedotcom]

It was an ebay seller called tinybearshop, but as usual with ebay, when they discover anything "dangerous" being sold they remove the listings. You could always try contacting them through ebay and asking about the availability of the DMX fire machines.

[@bigclivedotcom]

@sct0702 You can currently still find the Ambi Pur stuff if you look around the generic bargain-chem type shops. I've tried various others by simply buying a can and trying to light the spray. Not all work, but some do. It's finding what is readily available locally.

[@DETRIVNI]

you can mount this on your arm right?

[@extreamemineing]

+Oriole Alventa ask Colin furze

[@kiwipryo]

They are great, but watch the little "o" ring that the fuel seats on as these perish and you can end up with an uncontrolled fire as the fuel canister empties (been there). Fuels with additives, such as air freshener, can crystalise in the solenoid and prevent the solenoid from closing causing an uncontrolled jet.

[@The15311531]

would u happen to know the size or where u can buy the rubber grommet ( o-ring) ???

[@stridermt2k]

Damn that's cool! Strap this to the back of your car for insta-batmobile.

[@bigclivedotcom]

If you were to assume that they would lock up and empty their entire cartridge in one continuous jet of flame, and place them accordingly where nobody could interfere with them or pull them over, then yes. With any pyro equipment you always have to plan based on the worst case scenario.

[@bigclivedotcom]

Yes it's fyre hazed big time not gud idee yooz air freshner I look at you videos you have nun yoo tozzpot cheepskate.

[@dellawrence4323]

11ft ceilings? in Scotland? you may need one of these in each room in the Winter.

[@bigclivedotcom]

+Del Lawrence You're not kidding. All the heat goes up there.

[@spikeydapikey1483]

+bigclivedotcom Solar powered ceiling fans to recirculate the heat? ;)

[@bigclivedotcom]

+Spikey DaPikey That would require sunshine. I do have a central ceiling fan that circulates the air though.

[@Anvilshock]

I've briefly lived in one of those awful converted Victorian villas in Brighton. The concept was rather cute. The flat consisted of a big cube, with a smaller cube inside that contained the bathroom. Alas, it was built, converted, and maintained at that horrible British building standard called "That'll do", which took pretty much all of the cuteness out of it. Mind, when I moved in, it even had a coin-operated electricity meter. Charming.

[@shayamaddex996]

Anvilshock A coin-operated meter?

[@bigclivedotcom]

The flame burns the aroma chemicals and probably turns them into deadly carcinogens. Or maybe it actually makes deadly air freshener safe. I know that when I tried the conveniently sized Dettol antiseptic spray in it, it made a rather wet messy flame and set off the smoke detector.

[@lloydevans2900]

While ordinary butane "lighter-refill" cans don't have a dip-tube, they will dispense liquid butane if held upside-down, hence why you have to invert the can while filling a lighter. Even a can with a dip-tube wouldn't be able to fill a lighter if not inverted, since the liquid butane would just flow out of the lighter and back into the can once the pressure between lighter and can was equalised. However, you could mount one of these flame-units upside down hanging from the ceiling or from an outside hanging-basket fixture, something like that. Then you could use a normal lighter-refill can as the fuel source. Mounted outside somewhere next to a bright white light-bulb, this would make an excellent moth-incinerating device!

[@Elfnetdesigns]

Nice man lol you can play with fire and make your home smell like tulips!

[@noaht7703]

Can you do another new video on this! i would love to see this in your new better quality cammera?!

[@Woogoo336]

But did it smell nice?

[@colinpye1430]

I’d suggest saving and refilling a dip-tube can. To make it easier, keep the can in your freezer, to lower the pressure in the can. The same technique can also be used for woosher canisters, but since they have a metered valve, it needs a bit more effort.

[@bigclivedotcom]

Although not recommended for the equipment, most air fresheners are based on aroma oils dissolved in the butane propellant (which is an excellent solvent). As such, they are unlikely to build up in the valve, although they could react with internal seals or diaphragms if the added chemicals were reactive with them. The byproducts of their combustion is a different matter.....

[@jamesward408]

Great video! this inspired me to make a home made version and it cost about £18 in parts plus some scrap I had lying around! I couldn't find any air fresheners that worked (despite dire warnings that they are "highly flammable" none of them would ignite - I think they must have a lot of water content, perhaps for safety reasons). Anyway, if anyone is having the same problem finding a suitable aerosol, I eventually found that Electrical Contact Cleaner works great....

[@bigclivedotcom]

Ebay, but they have removed it. Probably because ebay doesn't officially allow pyro stuff. Look on ebay for tinybearshop and send the owner a message to see if they still sell them.

[@bigclivedotcom]

About $100? Power consumption is low since it's just the control PCB, igniter transformer and solenoid. I'd estimate about 40W.

[@jeremychupp2581]

Young mr Clive you should revisit this in a current video

[@bigclivedotcom]

I showed it again in a livestream recently. Can't remember if it was on BigCliveLive or HVAC overtime.

[@TheRealHusk]

I thought this was a "DMX the rapper" fire machine. I thought it would spit mad raps telling me where the hoods at.

[@TheRealHusk]

EveryThingOld yeah you did babe

[@xDylan25x]

Or how "X Gon Give It To Ya".

[@bgttgb100]

but don't go asking him about electronics "y'all just gon make him lose his mind."

[@bigclivedotcom]

@HarryMatic Yes it does a bit.

[@mfx1]

How well do these Chinese units handle using DMX for firing, DMX shouldn't be used for pyro but it often is the better systems only fire if 2 DMX channels are both within a range of values e.g. 123-133 also if they lose DMX they shut off. I know most Chinese units only use one DMX channel but what happens if (for example) the cable is unplugged while it's firing, will it stick on? (hopefully not!) Of course anyone using these would have a deadmans wired into the mains and not rely on DMX alone.

[@mattperry6612]

Another awesome video. man i need to get one like that they look so fun! thanks BigClive

[@bigclivedotcom]

Scotsman actually thankyouverymuch. Power was not applied until I was well clear.

[@mfx1]

There are way's of using DMX safely for pyro (despite the lack of error correction) however you need to know what you're doing. I don't like it but the industry wants it so best thing is to find ways of doing it safely.

[@hairypaulmm7wab195]

Can't help thinking this could be used as a near perfect doorbell unit for Halloween :-)

[@AThreeDogNight]

Oh Yes, that gives me some great ideas on making some things, especially on those potato guns. Thank you BC.

[@spikeydapikey1483]

NEED ONE!!!! Well, I don't but, erm reasons :D

[@bigclivedotcom]

+Spikey DaPikey Onbe does not need a reason to buy an automated flame thrower.

[@noevilea624]

+bigclivedotcom Hmmm How much and where from ? I bet I have enough here to make one cheaper but I really liked you idea of the fragrance device that had potential to throw out flames. personally I`d like to adapt one of those sensor ones to throw out flames upon detecting movement. I have 2 of the little buggers right here - LOL Might use a product called " Start Ya Bastard " though.

[@MrMartinSchou]

Sounds like a great new doorbell feature.

[@evil244]

+bigclivedotcom that thing is great :D It kind of brings the cave man out in men lol FIRE! I so want 1

[@nomusicrc]

So you're just manually turning the power on and off to it that's pretty cool

[@Masterpj555]

2 channel not 1. The hexagonial ones only have 1 channel and the square one is better in a sense that it doesn't only have short burst mode like the hexagonial but also has a mode where the channel determines how long the fire sprays. *Until you turn the channel down or you have it turned up for a set amount of seconds.

[@ronplucksstrings7112]

Set up in the corner of the living room, that should get the cat's attention!

[@roy00100]

oh and a quick tip, if you get the right cannisters the flames get first of all way higher second of all a lot bigger and stay a litle longer wich really gives it a flameball effect...

[@bigclivedotcom]

@519mac Do a search on ebay for DMX fire machine.

[@bigclivedotcom]

I've never actually done any real tests with DMX on this unit. I would always assume that it was going to misfire or jam on if I did. DMX is totally unsuited to pyro control due to the lack of error detection. I only use it with switched power and no DMX.

[@12799MaDeuce]

Perfect for the Till Lindemann wannabes lol

[@12799MaDeuce]

jacob jones you should NOT have told me that. I am going to get into so much trouble now lol.

[@killer1479]

I heard it is a bad idea to run pyrotechnics from DMX due to potential interference issues causing misfires ? :/

[@ThatGuy-nv2wo]

well that's just more fun

[@killer1479]

That Guy lol

[@randomisoty422]

DMX is a protocol with zero acknowledgement or any other safety features. It's a controller saying: "here's some data, in case someone is listening". It is generally frowned upon, and may be illegal in some areas, to control ANY hazardous device via DMX. At least as a primary means, you can usually have a separate controller that meets the safety requirements AND has a DMX input for timing purposes.

[@pyroboy1080service]

killer1479 you have to have an arm switch at the controller

[@pyroboy1080service]

killer1479 www.76fireworks.com/_store/images/full/2426.png

[@JL-rx6hl]

that could be useful for getting rid of doorstep canvassers in the next few weeks

[@miles11we]

x gon givit to ya

[@roughshaf7321]

video was uploaded 7 years ago.He had the same deep voice as of today

[@mrgeraldbrent]

ALL @ 255 PLEASE "OH SHIT, THE GAFFER'S ON FIRE!"

[@thepartyagain]

Amazing vid…. What controller was you using as not sure what I need Or please share modal / seller so I can purchase :)

[@SagePatrynXX]

Nice Halloween mode :P Do wish I had such ceilings which is just as well. considering the coke can you stuff down a firework. Woulda put a hole in our ceiling

[@obviouslytwo4u]

DMX air freshener to make your nightclub smell beautiful and not of Sloppy fannie

[@bigclivedotcom]

@1a3b5c7d8e ebay of all places! It seems to be a common "copy" product in China at the moment. Be aware that there is no safety circuitry in these things at all, so rogue DMX will result in potential fire damage. Good toy though.

[@macieksoft]

You may ask why they use ambi pur. Its not because its flammable. Its because DMX is not a safe way to trigger flames and when somebody gets hurt you can say that its not a flame effect but air fresher ;-)

[@stuart38]

ha ha ha.funny as fuck.burns that smwll like forest breeze.....

[@paulmarlow7176]

Did you have any issues with it .I have 2 of them neither will spray ? The igniter works fine manually & on dmx mode. I've tried butane air freshener & engine easy start . Is there a way I can force the solenoid to work to try & pin point the issue a little.

[@geofflotton5292]

Now that's a real boy's toy.

[@Android-lk3cq]

a weapon to surpass metal gear!

[@OnionMF]

I'm going to buy an air freshener dispenser now.

[@andygozzo72]

whoah! wish you could get a handheld/gun type portable thing like that! ;-)

[@dalmatianlife]

Can you use it for a flame grilled bbq, and does your sausages taste like lilly of the valley?

[@Purplemagic785]

Honestly I have never thought to upload a video....im currently overseas but will post one up when I get back....would be good to have some feedback as there is no one in my area that knows anything about these cannons....

[@theukuleleist]

i think i just found my new cigarette lighter

[@WELLINGTON20]

You smoke that many cigarettes and you definitely need serious help

[@GenBloodLust]

Clive, Do remember where you purchased and a ballpark price?

[@NovaRoadshow]

Thinking of getting a couple of these for outdoor events to place either side of the stage, do you think the quality is there to make these safe for that use ?? Danny

[@RONCHIFireworks]

Hello, but the the gas spray it's lpg? it's ok gas for camping?butano?

[@Keesz1]

"Arrrròma!"

[@sct0702]

Well I finally managed to get one of these machines, thanks for your advice. The only issue now is getting a suitable canister. Ambi Pur seem to have discontinued the Puresse canister range and deodorant doesn't seem to work. Any tips for suitable size cans with dip tubes for bigger flames?

[@seanreynolds7472]

And you say you don't put the heating on in your house?!

[@hiddenmic1978]

AWESOME BRO I want to use this for one of my music videos. So can I used this just by flipping it on and off?

[@MiloFarms]

How much flame run time or flame bursts do you get per can of air freshener?

[@bigclivedotcom]

I've never tested that.

[@deaultusername]

looks very good for a rubbish burner

[@captgary278]

Clive, just watched this old video. I was wondering why they don't just invert a standard butane refill cylinder in the unit for simplicity and ready availability of fuel.

[@bigclivedotcom]

It's the inverting bit that's the problem.

[@captgary278]

Thanks for the reply. How often do you have to commute to the island? I am also a licensed electrician of nearly 50 years. I enjoy your videos and watching you taking things to bits. Your explanations are great, thanks for taking the time to make educational and fun videos.

[@tledger1716]

Deodorant + lighter = massive fire ball

[@Jeronimous84]

+1 for the crocs.

[@bigclivedotcom]

I'm wearing those same Crocs right now. I didn't realise how old they were! I had to order those from the USA because none of the UK stockists had them in my size.

[@mfx1]

Not some of the old Robbie Williams ones by any chance :-)

[@mattwilliams8360]

is it possible that you could link us to the website that you bought this from? thanks

[@rw2177]

Hey, Ive just got 2 of these but am having a problem with the flame being more blue and small than orange and large . Any help on the correct fuel . Thanks in advance

[@bigclivedotcom]

You're probably using a standard refill style gas cylinder. The proper one has to have a dip tube so it blows out liquid gas.

[@sct0702]

Great vid. I've been searching for a DMX fire machine on eBay but nothing! Have they banned these things? Where could I get one from?

[@garygust4910]

Question, how close are the probes that spark?

[@MuteNoiseOfficial]

Hi, How many watts is this unit and how much does it cost? I looked on alibaba.com, but they have many different units.. please let me know thanks

[@519mac]

Just out of curiosity how much did u pay if I could be so rude?

[@The15311531]

where can i get a replacement for the rubber garment? any ideas?

[@bigclivedotcom]

If you mean the rubber seal where the gas bottle goes in, the one in mine is a standard o-ring with a cross section of 2mm an outer diameter of 6mm and an inner diameter of 2mm. But it may vary between machines.

[@StealthElectronVIP]

Can this be used for cooking purposes?

[@tsltyler]

no

[@Re_Kitty]

+StealthElectronVIP if you want lavender flavored food, yes

[@tsltyler]

Re And 45 seconds of cook time before it auto shuts off. lol I own one. If auto stops after 45 seconds and waits 5 minutes to fire again.

[@aurelienwalker]

Hello, thanks for you video. i just bought one. i want to know if it's possible to use it with a remote controller like remote for smog machine? If i see it correctly, the motorvan and the sparkler work with 220v, if i put just a pusher button between electric plug and motorvan/sparkler, can i command it without pass in the dmx ? thanks

[@bigclivedotcom]

+Aurélien Vadant if the unit is switched to manual mode it will energise when powered externally.

[@djstifler1985]

hi mate what size of nozle is in? thank u very much

[@arturominam]

Hi, please can you help us and upload the user manual of this machine. Many thanks!

[@bigclivedotcom]

Arturo Mina In the true style of generic Chinese products, I don;t think I got a manual with mine. It's straightforward enough though. You load a can in as shown and select whether you want it to run as soon as it's powered or under DMX control. The DMX module is a very common one used in many generic chinese smoke machines. Note that DMX is not actually suited to running a pyrotechnic effect due to lack of error detection.

[@arturominam]

bigclivedotcom Thanks for your quick answer. We just bought one of this used machine but with out user manual and we ask if you know how you can configure the switches 1,2,3...etc...thanks again.

[@bigclivedotcom]

Arturo Mina I've never actually used the DMX function. Mainly because it's not suited to pyrotechnic control.

[@Elfnetdesigns]

Arturo Mina Those are the DMX address assignments, they should be pretty standard.

[@XbotcrusherX]

This ^ DMX is not appoved for any kind of hazardous display because of the (albeit small) chance that interference ( or the fact nobody bothers terminating their dmx lines) could cause it to randomly go off.

[@chrisdickson9613]

Do you get the cable to switch it on with the machine?

[@bigclivedotcom]

It comes with a power cable, but I recommend swapping it for a locally bought one made to local standards.

[@user-tv5xk8tf1c]

Привет друг,прошу совет.Собираюсь купить себе генератор огня как на видео,но есть вопросы по нему.

[@sadmac356]

My thoughts: ...So *that's* how they do pyrotechnics at concerts

[@gorman2001]

Isn't it considered dangerous to control this type of devices with DMX ?!?

[@LPFthings]

+gorman2001 Definitely wouldn't use it for anything other than just for fun - not only is DMX not recommended for pyro, imagine how easy it'd be for someone to accidentally flick the override switch (or knocking it over and bumping the switch), and the thing goes shooting flames the second someone powers it up before a show?

[@gorman2001]

+LPFthings MAGIC SWITCH FOR MAXIMUM EFFECT

[@LPFthings]

+gorman2001 Perfect for "accidental" insurance claims :P

[@DJBUCELLATOSPS]

Hello !!! Where can I find to buy and how much it costs

[@Purplemagic785]

Dude... a 1 year old could have taught himself that.... I have adapted these cannons to work with a 9kg gas bottle under high pressure... come back with a video showing us that....

[@punman5392]

So this isn't DMX the rapper?...

[@tsltyler]

I can't tell if you're trolling or if you're serious. But in case you are serious, it uses dmx512 just like professional stage lighting. go look it up and you'll know what I mean.

[@djstifler1985]

ok :) thank u very much

[@TheMaximilli]

Sweet!