Electronic Ignition

The plan is to use the Mystical 'Predator' firing system to start each act in the show, and it is time to test it out. While this item seems idiot-proof given there is only green and red buttons on the transmitter, and a single on/off button on the receiver, my first test doesn't go so well. The instructions are easy to follow, but I don't get the desired result.

After several attempts, I refer to the "replace battery" section of the instruction guide, and decide it is probably wise to replace the junky looking, lightweight "Raymax" batteries and the little watch battery, even though the LEDs lit up as they were supposed to. As with most portable powered items made in China, the included batteries leave much desired.

The purpose of this kit is to pre-wire up to five fireworks / sets, or 'cues', and be able to retreat to seated comfort a distance away and remotely ignite the cues at the press of a button. On this device, the green button provides instant ignition (in numbered order on each e-match), while the red resets the whole program.

I'm using one inch strips of visco as the test subjects attached to the e-matches, since fireworks ignition runs against local bylaws today.

In the second attempt, there is some progress; though no visco ignites. I see light inside each e-match during every subsequent press of the button, which is more encouraging than take 1. Furthermore, the LED inside the transmitter stays on for a couple of seconds instead of a flash.

Closer inspection of each clip reveals some signs of combustion inside, but the lack of visco ignition is troubling.

For the third try - and using my second set of 5-gang e-matches - I tie in alternating quick-fuse and regular visco, thinking there might be a difference. At this point I discover that the e-match clips snap in when depressed with some force.

Take three worked out well. Didn't matter whether the visco was quick or regular, the problem was definitely with the locking clip position. I wish this was mentioned in the instructions, wouldn't have wasted a whole bank of e-matches. However, success is here so overall I'm pleased.

The plan for the show is to have three acts, though I'm now thinking the more it is divided, the greater the insurance policy that the show will go as planned. Five cues making five acts may be the better way to go.