FWsim supports two Explo flame devices: the GX2 Flamejet and the Wave Flame (X2). Both can be controlled through the Explo firing system.
The Explo GX2 is a flamejet that is controlled via the Explo firing system. You can configure the height of the flame and the look (gas or liquid). FWsim lets you place GX2 devices in your show, create choreographies with individual shots and built-in sequences, and export the data to Explo ShowCreator.
Click the “Devices” icon in the lower right corner of the screen to open the device setup. Add an Explo GX2, controlled via the Explo firing system. Assign a module and pin number — for example, if module 1 is already used for pyrotechnic shots, put the GX2 on module 2, pin 1. Place the shot in the timeline and click in the 3D view to set its location.
Repeat the process for additional GX2 devices, each on a different pin. For example, five GX2 devices on positions 1 through 5, all on module 2 with pins 1 through 5.
Select your placed GX2 shots and use the multi-selection rectangle to adjust their timing — for example, spreading them evenly across an interval to create a stepper sequence from left to right.
Using copy and paste, you can quickly build interesting arrangements: reverse the timing for a right-to-left run, or create asymmetric patterns where specific devices fire together.
When the GX2 is controlled via the Explo firing system, it has a number of predefined sequences that can be triggered. To use them, create a new device — “GX2 Sequence Control” — and put it on the same channel as your GX2 devices.
This device lets you trigger sequences across all GX2 devices that share the same box number, giving you access to complex flame patterns without having to choreograph each device individually.
When your show is ready, use the Export menu to create ShowCreator files. Select an empty folder for the export. In Explo ShowCreator, use the “Load Playlist” button to open the show.
Here you will learn how to plan and visualize shows with the Explo Wave Flame.
This is a remarkable device: it features a moving head and uses inexpensive fuel. The wave flame can be controlled in a variety of ways:
FWsim supports 1 and 2. Both of them will be explained here.
When you control a Waveflame with the Explo system, the Waveflame acts like a firing system module. Each “pin” in the firing system data represents a different sequence that can be played.
To get started, we create a new show. Select the “Explo X2” firing system. Then, we load a Google Earth 3D Location.
Click on “Device”. A device setup window will open. We add three Wave Flame devices, controlled via the Explo Firing System. For each device, we select a different channel.
Select the first device from the list, click OK and place several shots into the timeline.
For each of these shots, we select a different sequence in the sidebar. We now have several firing events on the same device.
To change the location of the device, move it in the 3D window or select a different position in the drop-down.
Now we want to replicate the same firing sequence on another device. Select all cues, copy and paste them below. Select them, and click “change device ‘in the sidebar.
You will now have the same sequences playing on 3 different devices.
There needs to be a certain pause between two sequences, so the head can move to the new location. If you move two Wave Flame cues too close together, FWsim will warn you.
When you’re done, export your show to the Explo system. You can load this data with Explo X2 ShowCreator.
For some sequences, you can customize the opening time. This option is only available when controlling your Waveflames via the Explo system. It is not available when controlling through DMX.
An “opening time” dropdown will appear in the sidebar if you control your Waveflame via the Explo system, and you have selected one of the following supported sequences:
You might want to control Explo Waveflame with DMX data.
Before doing that, you need to consider which firing system you are using. To generate DMX signals in the field, most of our users use pyrotechnic firing systems with included DMX capability. Others will use a lighting control desk, PC, or other DMX playback systems.
Please have a look at the data export page to find out if your system is supported.
Is your system included in the list? Then go ahead and export the data. If your system is not included, please send us a message.
Create a new show and select your system. Then, open the Device setup window and create a Waveflame. It will be controlled via DMX. We create one cue with a sequence.
Keep in mind that in DMX mode, the Waveflame needs at least 10 seconds of warmup. Therefore, avoid placing cues in the first ten seconds of your show.
When you’re ready to export your show, use the Export menu.
To visualize the DMX data that is being sent, use the new option “Export DMX Data to Excel”.