Firelinx
02-09-2023, 11:03 AM
:cool: The software upgrades you’ve been asking for are finally here AND Firelinx would like to introduce the Double-Shot! :cool:
6496 6497 6495 6498
New Product Release!
Firelinx Double-Shot
The New 2-Cue Firing Module with Firelinx Studio (https://www.firelinx.com/product/firelinx-studio/)! A fully functional laptop/desktop App that allows the user to configure the Double-Shot! Also compatible with ematches and talon igniters!
SHOP (https://www.firelinx.com/shop/)
What makes the new Double-Shot Firelinx Firing Module awesome?
Two firing channels compatible with both electric matches and talon igniters
Removable e-match screw terminal connector for fast setup of props and gear
Professional grade safety and reliability of the Firelinx System
USB-C port for fast and easy pre-show configuration
New Firelinx Studio laptop/desktop app is used to configure the Double Shot
Set the radio channel
Join with your Firelinx Command Module
Select the match/igniter type
Powered by a single 9-Volt battery
Optional short antenna makes hiding inside props easier
Software Upgrades
The version 1.4 update for Firelinx has been released! Several small and a few large changes occurred in this update, so here’s a short overview and a longer in-depth review for the larger changes that went into this release.
Command Module
Fixed some graphical inconsistencies in the Manual firing page when moving between modules using the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ buttons.
FEATURE UPDATE: Powering down the unit now requires the power button to be held for 3 seconds. A screen notification will inform the user when it is safe to let go. This is to address issues where the modules were too easy to turn off in certain circumstances.
Fixed an issue on the Module status page, where entering a module number that does not exist could cause the system to become unstable.
Fixed an issue when attempting to perform multiple different firmware updates at once. The CM can now perform several updates after one another without error. Before, attempting to update an FM, then updating an OPN would require a power-cycle to the CM. This is no longer required.
Fixed a potential problem in the Manual Firing page where a key sequence could cause the CM to stop being responsive.
FEATURE ADDED: The 1.4 version of the CM and the FM now support Group Firing. This allows the user to assign any module(s) to a group (up to 63 unique groups possible) to fire their channels simultaneously without needing to write a script for it. Any number of modules can be assigned to the same group. A new firing page, Group Firing, has been added to the CM to support this. Please review the user’s manual for more information on how to use Group Firing.
Fixed an issue in the Disables/Caliber screen where not having any disables could cause the Disables/Caliber pages to be displayed inadvertently.
Added support for the FM2 “Double-Shot” firing module.
Firing Module
FEATURE UPDATE: Continuity coloration on the FM has changed. If NO show is loaded, continuity remains the same, blue denotes no matches found, purple denotes matches connected. When a show IS loaded, blue denotes a match in the choreography is missing, purple denotes all matches detected.
Changed the Continuity ‘Blue’ to more of a ‘Cyan’ for easier viewing at distance at night.
The membrane on the FM is now disabled during a Firmware update. This should prevent users from accidentally interrupting the process.
OPN firmware updates now return the user to the main screen on the FM after it has completed, rather than staying at 100% and requiring a manual restart.
FEATURE UPDATE: Powering down the unit now requires the power button to be held for 3 seconds. A screen notification will inform the user when it is safe to let go. This is to address issues where the modules were too easy to turn off in certain circumstances.
FEATURE ADDED: See Command Module 1.4 Update notes for the new Group Firing feature.
Fixed a potential bug that could have prevent SMPTE and INTERNAL scripts from firing together under the right circumstances.
Increased accuracy of the synchronization system during noisy traffic conditions.
FEATURE ADD: On the FM, a new menu option is available, Match Type. This allows the user to switch an FM from the normal firing system used for e-matches (FAST matches) to a different firing system used for long-term matches (LONG matches) akin to Talon® style matches used for Visco fuse. This setting is remembered between power-on/off cycles.
DOWNLOAD UPDATES (https://www.firelinx.com/downloads/software-updates/)
Feature Details
Both the Command Module (CM) and Firing Module (FM), once updated to 1.4, will require the user to hold down the power button to turn them off, rather than just tapping the button in previous versions. We had a few concerns and comments from customers stating it was too easy to inadvertently turn them off when they were handling them in the field. When you wish to turn off the modules, simply press-and-hold the power button. After 3-5 seconds the screen will display, “Power Down”, at which point you can let go of the button. Powering up has not changed.
On the FM, continuity colors have gotten a slight tweak. First, the traditional ‘blue’ for continuity mode being enabled has been changed to Cyan instead. This was an effort to help some customers when they were running continuity modes after nightfall. The blue, while a Firelinx staple, was harder to see at distance at night. The cyan is much easier to see at distance after nightfall. Additionally, a small change in how the colors are represented has occurred. In the 3rd generation of Firelinx, blue denoted continuity mode was enabled, and purple denoted a match was detected on that module. This is still the same as it ever was when a choreographed show is not loaded. If, however, a choreographed show is loaded, this color change didn’t ‘tell’ anyone anything important. To address that, when a choreography is loaded into the modules, Blue denotes that a match in the choreography is missing on that module. Purple will now reflect that all shots choreographed have been detected – this will allow a quick at-a-glance view of the field to see which modules need to be looked at when a choreography is present. If you normally do not shoot choreographies, nothing will have changed.
Additionally on the FM, we had some customer requests to support Talon style ignitors that require a longer firing pulse than a standard e-match would. This change has been implemented into the FMs in this update. On the FM, pressing MENU and then the down-arrow a few times will scroll users to a new menu screen, with ‘MATCH TYPE’ as one of the entries. Pressing ‘ENTER’ will select that page and will show a user either a Match Type of ‘FAST’ (or by pressing the NEXT button) and ‘LONG’. Pressing ‘ENTER’ again will select the type shown on the screen. The FM will remember the setting after you power it down. The LONG setting is perfect for longer visco type fuses that require a good burn time to get them started. The setting affects all matches attached to that FM. While firing for longer will use more battery life, its not a considerable amount unless you constantly run your FMs on ‘skull-and-crossbones’ level of battery. There is a bit more wear-and-tear, so if you don’t plan on using Talons, there’s no need to change this setting.
Finally, the major addition to the Firelinx system is, by popular request, ‘Group Firing’. This firing mode allows FMs to be grouped into distinct firing groups (up to 63 groups at a time). When you fire a channel within a group, ALL the modules assigned to that group will fire the channel. Up till now, to perform that operation in the 3rd Generation of Firelinx required writing a choreography to do roughly the same thing. In this update, we’ll do it all for you now. On the FMs, once you press the MENU button and scroll down, you’ll find a menu entry for ‘FIRE GROUP’. Pressing ENTER will bring you into the selection. By default, the modules are assigned to group ‘OFF’. By using the UP and DOWN buttons, the user can select which group this FM will be assigned to. If you set it to 1 and press ENTER, and then HOME, you will see the module name on the screen now shows, for instance, 001-1 instead of just 001. This lets you know immediately which firing group this module has been assigned to. You can assign as MANY modules as you want to a single group, or multiple groups (up to 63). On the CM, when you go into SHOW (by arming or pressing the SHOW button) you will be presented with the traditional manual firing screen. Pressing NEXT will scroll you through the modes, from FIRE (Manual) -> SMPTE -> INTRNL (Internal) -> and finally GRP (Group firing). You could also press BACK on the manual firing screen and get there faster. The CM will display, for instance, 1-01 – this is firing group 1, channel 01. Pressing any of the channel buttons on the CM will jump to the firing channel as normal (pressing channel 12 will display 1-12 and will fire all group 1 modules, channel 12, at the same time when the FIRE button is pressed). To change groups, use the Up or Down scrolls, or use the 10-key pad on the CM to quickly type in the group number and press ENTER. Keep in mind, that this firing mode works WITH all the other firing modes at the same time, meaning you can fire a SMPTE show, an Internal show, a firing group, AND a manual channel ALL at the same time – just scroll to the appropriate screen and hit the button!
Make sure to download the updated user manual!
USER MANUALS (https://www.firelinx.com/downloads/user-manual/)
6496 6497 6495 6498
New Product Release!
Firelinx Double-Shot
The New 2-Cue Firing Module with Firelinx Studio (https://www.firelinx.com/product/firelinx-studio/)! A fully functional laptop/desktop App that allows the user to configure the Double-Shot! Also compatible with ematches and talon igniters!
SHOP (https://www.firelinx.com/shop/)
What makes the new Double-Shot Firelinx Firing Module awesome?
Two firing channels compatible with both electric matches and talon igniters
Removable e-match screw terminal connector for fast setup of props and gear
Professional grade safety and reliability of the Firelinx System
USB-C port for fast and easy pre-show configuration
New Firelinx Studio laptop/desktop app is used to configure the Double Shot
Set the radio channel
Join with your Firelinx Command Module
Select the match/igniter type
Powered by a single 9-Volt battery
Optional short antenna makes hiding inside props easier
Software Upgrades
The version 1.4 update for Firelinx has been released! Several small and a few large changes occurred in this update, so here’s a short overview and a longer in-depth review for the larger changes that went into this release.
Command Module
Fixed some graphical inconsistencies in the Manual firing page when moving between modules using the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ buttons.
FEATURE UPDATE: Powering down the unit now requires the power button to be held for 3 seconds. A screen notification will inform the user when it is safe to let go. This is to address issues where the modules were too easy to turn off in certain circumstances.
Fixed an issue on the Module status page, where entering a module number that does not exist could cause the system to become unstable.
Fixed an issue when attempting to perform multiple different firmware updates at once. The CM can now perform several updates after one another without error. Before, attempting to update an FM, then updating an OPN would require a power-cycle to the CM. This is no longer required.
Fixed a potential problem in the Manual Firing page where a key sequence could cause the CM to stop being responsive.
FEATURE ADDED: The 1.4 version of the CM and the FM now support Group Firing. This allows the user to assign any module(s) to a group (up to 63 unique groups possible) to fire their channels simultaneously without needing to write a script for it. Any number of modules can be assigned to the same group. A new firing page, Group Firing, has been added to the CM to support this. Please review the user’s manual for more information on how to use Group Firing.
Fixed an issue in the Disables/Caliber screen where not having any disables could cause the Disables/Caliber pages to be displayed inadvertently.
Added support for the FM2 “Double-Shot” firing module.
Firing Module
FEATURE UPDATE: Continuity coloration on the FM has changed. If NO show is loaded, continuity remains the same, blue denotes no matches found, purple denotes matches connected. When a show IS loaded, blue denotes a match in the choreography is missing, purple denotes all matches detected.
Changed the Continuity ‘Blue’ to more of a ‘Cyan’ for easier viewing at distance at night.
The membrane on the FM is now disabled during a Firmware update. This should prevent users from accidentally interrupting the process.
OPN firmware updates now return the user to the main screen on the FM after it has completed, rather than staying at 100% and requiring a manual restart.
FEATURE UPDATE: Powering down the unit now requires the power button to be held for 3 seconds. A screen notification will inform the user when it is safe to let go. This is to address issues where the modules were too easy to turn off in certain circumstances.
FEATURE ADDED: See Command Module 1.4 Update notes for the new Group Firing feature.
Fixed a potential bug that could have prevent SMPTE and INTERNAL scripts from firing together under the right circumstances.
Increased accuracy of the synchronization system during noisy traffic conditions.
FEATURE ADD: On the FM, a new menu option is available, Match Type. This allows the user to switch an FM from the normal firing system used for e-matches (FAST matches) to a different firing system used for long-term matches (LONG matches) akin to Talon® style matches used for Visco fuse. This setting is remembered between power-on/off cycles.
DOWNLOAD UPDATES (https://www.firelinx.com/downloads/software-updates/)
Feature Details
Both the Command Module (CM) and Firing Module (FM), once updated to 1.4, will require the user to hold down the power button to turn them off, rather than just tapping the button in previous versions. We had a few concerns and comments from customers stating it was too easy to inadvertently turn them off when they were handling them in the field. When you wish to turn off the modules, simply press-and-hold the power button. After 3-5 seconds the screen will display, “Power Down”, at which point you can let go of the button. Powering up has not changed.
On the FM, continuity colors have gotten a slight tweak. First, the traditional ‘blue’ for continuity mode being enabled has been changed to Cyan instead. This was an effort to help some customers when they were running continuity modes after nightfall. The blue, while a Firelinx staple, was harder to see at distance at night. The cyan is much easier to see at distance after nightfall. Additionally, a small change in how the colors are represented has occurred. In the 3rd generation of Firelinx, blue denoted continuity mode was enabled, and purple denoted a match was detected on that module. This is still the same as it ever was when a choreographed show is not loaded. If, however, a choreographed show is loaded, this color change didn’t ‘tell’ anyone anything important. To address that, when a choreography is loaded into the modules, Blue denotes that a match in the choreography is missing on that module. Purple will now reflect that all shots choreographed have been detected – this will allow a quick at-a-glance view of the field to see which modules need to be looked at when a choreography is present. If you normally do not shoot choreographies, nothing will have changed.
Additionally on the FM, we had some customer requests to support Talon style ignitors that require a longer firing pulse than a standard e-match would. This change has been implemented into the FMs in this update. On the FM, pressing MENU and then the down-arrow a few times will scroll users to a new menu screen, with ‘MATCH TYPE’ as one of the entries. Pressing ‘ENTER’ will select that page and will show a user either a Match Type of ‘FAST’ (or by pressing the NEXT button) and ‘LONG’. Pressing ‘ENTER’ again will select the type shown on the screen. The FM will remember the setting after you power it down. The LONG setting is perfect for longer visco type fuses that require a good burn time to get them started. The setting affects all matches attached to that FM. While firing for longer will use more battery life, its not a considerable amount unless you constantly run your FMs on ‘skull-and-crossbones’ level of battery. There is a bit more wear-and-tear, so if you don’t plan on using Talons, there’s no need to change this setting.
Finally, the major addition to the Firelinx system is, by popular request, ‘Group Firing’. This firing mode allows FMs to be grouped into distinct firing groups (up to 63 groups at a time). When you fire a channel within a group, ALL the modules assigned to that group will fire the channel. Up till now, to perform that operation in the 3rd Generation of Firelinx required writing a choreography to do roughly the same thing. In this update, we’ll do it all for you now. On the FMs, once you press the MENU button and scroll down, you’ll find a menu entry for ‘FIRE GROUP’. Pressing ENTER will bring you into the selection. By default, the modules are assigned to group ‘OFF’. By using the UP and DOWN buttons, the user can select which group this FM will be assigned to. If you set it to 1 and press ENTER, and then HOME, you will see the module name on the screen now shows, for instance, 001-1 instead of just 001. This lets you know immediately which firing group this module has been assigned to. You can assign as MANY modules as you want to a single group, or multiple groups (up to 63). On the CM, when you go into SHOW (by arming or pressing the SHOW button) you will be presented with the traditional manual firing screen. Pressing NEXT will scroll you through the modes, from FIRE (Manual) -> SMPTE -> INTRNL (Internal) -> and finally GRP (Group firing). You could also press BACK on the manual firing screen and get there faster. The CM will display, for instance, 1-01 – this is firing group 1, channel 01. Pressing any of the channel buttons on the CM will jump to the firing channel as normal (pressing channel 12 will display 1-12 and will fire all group 1 modules, channel 12, at the same time when the FIRE button is pressed). To change groups, use the Up or Down scrolls, or use the 10-key pad on the CM to quickly type in the group number and press ENTER. Keep in mind, that this firing mode works WITH all the other firing modes at the same time, meaning you can fire a SMPTE show, an Internal show, a firing group, AND a manual channel ALL at the same time – just scroll to the appropriate screen and hit the button!
Make sure to download the updated user manual!
USER MANUALS (https://www.firelinx.com/downloads/user-manual/)