How to plan and visualize shows with Explo Wave Flamer

FWsim is an easy-to-use fireworks visualization and show design software, helping you take your creativity to the next level. In addition to pyrotechnics of all kinds, FWsim also supports flamejets and other devices. These devices can be controlled via DMX or via channels on your firing system.

Here you will learn how to plan and visualize shows with the Explo Wave Flamer.

This is a remarkable device: it features a moving head and uses inexpensive fuel. The wave flamer can be controlled in a variety of ways:

  1. Using the Explo firing system and predefined sequences
  2. Using DMX and predefined sequences
  3. Using DMX and manual control. In this mode you directly control the head movement without relying on the inbuilt sequences
  4. Finally there is also an “Easy DMX” mode with fewer channels.

FWsim supports 1 and 2. Both of them will be explained here.

Option 1: Using the X2 Waveflamers with the Explo Firing System

When you control a Waveflamer with the Explo system, the Waveflamer 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 Waveflamer 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 Waveflamer 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.

Customizable Opening Time

For some sequences, you can customize the opening time. This option is only available when controlling your Waveflamers 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 Waveflamer via the Explo system, and you have selected one of the following supported sequences:

Option 2: Using Waveflamers with another DMX-capable firing system

You might want to control Explo Waveflamers 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 Waveflamer. It will be controlled via DMX. We create one cue with a sequence.

Keep in mind that in DMX mode, the Waveflamer 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”.