DMX Fire thrower

[Xtrememachines]

Does anyone use these in regular backyard shows, not pyro musicals? It looks like a nice addition to a show just wondering how to incorporate it?

Next question is how to control it, I saw cobra makes a dmx kit but I would need to buy a 36m.

[PyroFL]

DMX lighting can absolutely be integrated into backyard shows even if you’re not doing a full pyromusical. It’s a solid way to enhance the visual atmosphere especially for pre-show ambiance, segment transitions or to punch up your finale. Add some PAR lights for static color washes, strobes or synchronized fades can all add depth without needing full music sync. In fact, that’s the way a lot of us started.

To control DMX via Cobra, you’ll need a 36M or a 72M module paired with their DMX upgrade kit. The 36M acts as the DMX controller and the kit includes the DMX output cable to connect directly to your first fixture. From there, it’s standard DMX daisy chaining. Just make sure your lighting gear is properly addressed and your cues are mapped in Cobra Show Creator.

If you’re not using a 36M or want more flexibility, a standalone DMX controller or software (like LightKey or ShowXpress) can be a good entry point, but then you’re working separate from Cobra unless you sync manually or via timecode.

If you end up pulling the trigger on it, post again and there’s plenty of us on here that can help you program to get you started.

I recommend the MOKA product line. Yes, they cost more up front, but you get what you pay for. The cheaper DMX gear you’ll find on eBay or Amazon might get you through a couple seasons, but reliability drops fast especially if you’re not a component-level person who can repair boards or trace faults. That extra money you think you’re saving usually ends up going into replacements assuming you can even find the parts

Start with quality fixtures, test thoroughly and you’ll get a lot more mileage out of your setup. I’ve had mine for 6 years and I use them a few times per year with no problems.

[PyroFL]

Quick clarification …

In the event world, it’s really common for anything running on DMX lights, fire machines, foggers, CO2 jets to get grouped under the term “lighting,” even if it doesn’t emit light. It’s just a habit that comes from 30+ years of routing everything through the same DMX chain or lighting console. So when we say “DMX lighting,” we often mean anything DMX controlled, not just LEDs or movers. So above when I say DMX lighting or lights that means controlled via of DMX.

Now on to the fire machines:

To run them through Cobra, you’ll need the 36M module and the DMX upgrade kit.

The 36M acts as the basic controller and outputs a DMX signal to your first device just like you would with lighting gear. From there, it’s a standard DMX daisy chain setup. As long as your fire machine accepts standard DMX protocol (most do) it’s fully controllable through Cobra cues.

I recommend the MOKA product line for fire machines. They’re more expensive, but the build quality and reliability are worth it. The cheaper Amazon/eBay units might get you through a couple seasons, but unless you’re comfortable with component level repairs they’re more trouble than they’re worth. You end up spending the savings on replacements if you can even get the parts.

So yes, DMX fire gear is a great addition even in backyard shows. Just make sure your equipment is compatible and built to last.

One other tip … don’t waste money on branded DMX cables for simple setups. Just buy standard 3 pin XLR mic cables they’ll do the job just fine. Technically, DMX cables are 110 ohm impedance and optimized for faster data transmission, but when you’re triggering basic on/off commands or color changes, the difference is negligible.

For simple fire machines and lighting effects there’s no need to overspend unless you’re running a complex show or high-speed pixel mapping with many moving head lights and so on …

Hope that helps

[jguinn]

If you’re not using a 36M or want more flexibility, a standalone DMX controller or software (like LightKey or ShowXpress) can be a good entry point, but then you’re working separate from Cobra unless you sync manually or via timecode.


I recommend the MOKA product line. Yes, they cost more up front, but you get what you pay for. The cheaper DMX gear you’ll find on eBay or Amazon might get you through a couple seasons, but reliability drops fast especially if you’re not a component-level person who can repair boards or trace faults. That extra money you think you’re saving usually ends up going into replacements assuming you can even find the parts

Start with quality fixtures, test thoroughly and you’ll get a lot more mileage out of your setup. I’ve had mine for 6 years and I use them a few times per year with no problems.

Absolutely agree with PyroFL on all of this. I went with Firelinx for my firing system, but intend to run all my shows with LTC driving cue timing. So much flexibility if you do use LTC - you can pick your favorite DMX gear, your favorite pyro firing gear, and even sync up your audio cues with Ableton. Heck, for that matter, almost all the modern professional mixing consoles from SSL, DiGiCo, and Allen & Heath all have native support for LTC, too. Tons of automation flexibility that really expands your universe when you get into triggering different systems to fire cues by using synchronized timecode.

Also completely agree with the recommendation to not buy the dirt cheap DMX gear (including cables - please don't use XLR microphone cables for DMX interconnects!). You'll just save yourself a ton of time and frustration by not having to constantly tech issues and rule out whether the problem is in your programming or your hardware.