An Inexact Science?

Touched upon in a previous post was the fact there's no exact science to the show (as previously planned), which in hindsight was bothersome. There isn't the level of quality control at the manufacturing level to ensure it, nor the tools commonly available to the consumer to mitigate it. Plastic bases are glued to mortars at off angles, fireworks occasionally come with missing fuses or are complete duds, internal timing of items is plus/minus many seconds, and there is sometimes the odd effect that gets shot out at a wonky angle or a weak misfire. Such is the way with consumer level fireworks, larger margins of error must be acceptable I guess. Only stating this since past posts have been quite specific; perhaps instead of trying to reduce the callow nature of what was being dealt with (in comparison), I'll just conquer it. Alas, I love to learn.

Chinese quality controls are not like Canidian ones.

Adjusting angles on homemade racks and cutting visco runs accurately to ensure desired timing between effects may or may not yield the planned result, so with the proposed electronic ignition I'll try to get as close as possible. This is a sea-change of sorts with the whole plan, but it will be adapted.

Beyond building an ignition system lies the gateway to pro pyro territory. So it makes sense to go as far as possible not only within my knowledge level and skillset, but within legal limits. I'll attempt everything I can that is available to any free adult citizen of Canada (barring local bylaws).

I think it would be fascinating to learn to make my own pyrotechnics, but federal law requires some significant licensing, which is understandable considering the necessary knowledge and the risks involved. Maybe some day. Perhaps before then I'll have the budget to invest in a much larger, music timed extravaganza. Such an effort would require a large swath of private property outside the city, a 50+ cue RF ignition system, miles of wire, a PA setup, many hours of practice and preparation, and three thousand-odd fireworks.

Given I can think of a couple better ways to spend twenty five grand, I don't see this happening any time soon. Here is an excellent example of someone who did though, using only consumer fireworks and some serious skill. I have tremendous respect for the work involved in preparing and executing such a show. Awesome!