DMX Flame Machine - Fuel Duration & Height Tests

[@thepropgarageinc4867]

Thank you for putting this video together. You gave some really great information.

[@Crash_Bang1065]

How many flame machines can be controlled by a single dmx-512 controller?

[@ignite9550]

In theory, there is no specific limit - depending on how you assign channels in the DMX Universe. However, some more basic understanding of DMX is probably needed. Each DMX device uses a number of channels. Some may only use two channels, but others may use nineteen or more. Unless the controller is limited, a single DMX Universe can control 512 individual channels. So if you wanted individual control of each device, you would have to assign them different channels. But if you wanted all the devices to be the same you just set them to the sam channel - much like what I did in this video. The left two were both on Channel 1 and 2 and the right two were both on channel 10 and 11. Or you could put them all on the same channel. Then it becomes a question of cable length and signal strength.

[@Crash_Bang1065]

@@ignite9550 oh ok thanks :) That really helps a lot.

[@amsfireworkdisplays]

This video was extremely helpful I'm shooting my 1st pyromusical this 4th and adding flame projectors so seeing this is so useful answered alot of questions I was wondering!!

[@ignite9550]

Glad it helped - that was the whole point of the posting this. Have fun - be safe.

[@amsfireworkdisplays]

@@ignite9550 appreciate cant wait to see your show this year

[@Nazzguk]

Thanks!! I was wondering what you where using for your flame effects when I was watching your shows AND I was wondering what they used for fuel! This was super helpful

[@ignite9550]

Thanks for the comment - I was hoping this would be helpful to others.

[@rberto1975]

I have this same machine, however I can’t even get the cans to seal and not get them to fire. Using the same fuel type you have. Is there a trick to installing the cans?

[@JesseMarvin-e8v]

I can’t get Mine to Fire either. Do I need the DMX machine?

[@ignite9550]

I'll try to post something soon, but it appears many of the cans have changed their nozzle diameter - the straw has gotten smaller. Some people have swapped out the o-rings on the solenoids.

[@hangar4avs]

Have you found that one brand of fluid being better than others when used in this application? Duration? Cost? Pressure?

[@ignite9550]

That was kind of the idea, with using different brands, but it turns out they were manufactured in the same location. For the most part, I haven't noticed any difference between 11oz can brands, but I not done any additional testing. I suppose there is variations in filling at the manufacture and we probably need to watch out for shrinkflation these days. I wouldn't be surprised if the cans volumes start getting smaller.

[@hangar4avs]

@@ignite9550 Right. But in my shop experience in using such chemicals, it's not really about the volume itself of the can, but the brand can make a big difference in duration and pressure (height). Even QC plays a factor. You're only showing two brands and there are many more out there. I'd even go to say more prevalent brands used by auto techs. Was just curious because I'll be in that fire spraying arena pretty soon! Appreciate your insight buddy. Solid stuff. You're the FireTEK spokesman aren't ya?

[@ignite9550]

@@hangar4avs There certainly can be differences, but I think this gives you a good idea of what you can do. Just don't push it to the limit. FWIW, I have been typically using using the Walmart Super Tech brand due to cost, but I have used many of the other brands - other than CRC which is typically twice the price at retail. One issue that has come up lately is that some of the straws are different diameters and the smaller ones won't seal against the o-rings at the solenoids and it doesn't seem to be brand specific - based on last year. Anyways, I hope it was helpful and I do like my fireTEK system 😁

[@hangar4avs]

@@ignite9550 Wow. I never thought of that. Straw differences! lol FireTEK is nice for sure. Laurian hooked me up with a system. Fantastic guy with immediate support. We talked about you a bit as well. :) Thanks for your help bud.

[@jasonmarshall360]

Question with these flame machines. Once you purchased them outside of the fuel we’re any additional things you needed to buy or did they come ready to go? Cables, Etc?

[@ignite9550]

They came ready to go. Just be familiar with DMX and have a DMX controller. Be safe and practice. They are not high end units, but the once I have have worked fairly well for the past 4-5 years. I know some that have had to change out the o-rings that the fuel nozzle pushes up into. I have not had to do that... yet.

[@jeremy7923]

Nice job

[@ignite9550]

Thank you. Initially I had just filmed it for my own use, but figured others might have similar questions and curiosities.

[@13ghosts31]

I need one of these to hook up to a propane tank. I would be using it for a home Halloween haunt and don’t want to be constantly going out to change cans.

[@ignite9550]

Do be careful. We set these up well away from people and have them on a larger base board for stability. Audience is behind a rope so even if they were to fall sideways, the flame is far away from anyeon. I have seen people modify these for propane. They remove the valve going into the solenoid and have had to change or make their own nozzles. Also, propane won't give you the same type of flame - propane out of a 20lb tank is a bit more "softer". Also with propane and hoses, you have the potential for leaks and fires - as have happened on even some high end equipment. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5-cnnZplMirfacsi=-YLQnMJ5Ltl3pkhB

[@13ghosts31]

@@ignite9550 thanks for the info. People don’t get to walk through my haunt (yard) due to too many cords laying in the grass and don’t want anyone tripping. And trick or treaters only have one path to walk to get their candy.

[@johngicanteiii586]

Thanks for the info! What brand flame machine are you using?

[@ignite9550]

One of the "brands" is shown in the final image, but essentially they are al ebay purchases from different sellers and most have no specific brand - they are all similar, but not identical. For example, I have a few that are single channel controlled, but most are dual channel controlled. Some have better heat insulation on some of the wires others don't - with all the ebay sellers, it is a roll of the dice. Other than ebay, there are few other brands out there you can by directly from, but they are a different construction and more expensive.

[@danpastrick6100]

When mine goes to shoot flame out, it only goes about 6-10 inches up. It seems as though the tip on the starter fluid can is not being pressed enough to shoot gas up. Any advice?

[@ignite9550]

I don't know, I've not had any issues like that with mine. The force on those spring loaded plates are pretty high - at least on all of mine. Are you using starting fluid? It may be something with the solenoid or orifice. The solenoid not opening enough or the orifice is blocked with debris. Not that anyone want's to start taking it apart, but you could check that the orifice in the nozzle is clear.

[@FunGuyFruits]

How do you connect the dmx to a pc?

[@ignite9550]

I ran the DMX from the fireTEK modules. The script can be loaded off a USB drive. Although it can be done, I've never needed to run DMX from a PC. If that is what you are after, you'll need to do some searches - there are DMX dongles and SW out there.

[@FunGuyFruits]

@@ignite9550 thanks. I’m gonna try soundswitch. I just wanna party with friends and go nuts

[@benspeakman2623]

what flame machines are they?

[@ignite9550]

they are various brands of generic DMX machines you can find on ebay - some are labeled "Spray with Fire"

[@blackgaurdsmash]

Where do you get your fuel???

[@ignite9550]

Fuel is shown at 0:30. You can pick these and similar brands up at auto part stores or Walmart.

[@kevlarith101]

i just bought 5 of these and 4 triple headers. where is the best place to make myself informed on the safest most showfull way to use them?

[@ignite9550]

Make sure you understand DMX - there is lots of info on the web. The safest thing - like most, is space. I also try to keep them unplugged from power until I'm ready to use them. Some of these have what some call a "burn your face off" switch - you can set them to fire when powered. You can also dry fire them to test - this is best when you are trying to figure them out. here is a video I did to test them out a few years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmqTZ6Nth5xko9U

[@lukasgmeiner4859]

Where can I buy these

[@ignite9550]

The flame projectors? They are mainly sold on ebay - shipped from China.

[@lukasgmeiner4859]

@@ignite9550 Are they really safe? For using them on small stages

[@ignite9550]

@@lukasgmeiner4859 I only use them outside synchronized to pre-recorded music. - no stage - no live performance.

[@ExtremeCrewFL]

Good morning, I went to PM you on PT and don’t recall what your user name is, we have chatted on the forum but I never sent a PM and I can’t find it anywhere ... if you don’t wish to post on here that’s ok ... all ask Tampa Rick too see if he knows

[@ignite9550]

Hi Charles. I think I just sent you a PM on PT. If they are general questions regarding this video and they may help others, feel free to ask here or on the PT posts. Have a good day.

[@tylerj.c.3235]

@@ignite9550 is PT a Pyro group?