Watch it in action on YouTubeFM-A Firing Module
The Connection from Network to Pyrotechnic Effect
At a Glance
The FM-A Firing Module connects the electric matches used to ignite fireworks and pyrotechnic effects to the Pyrodigital firing system. It provides 16 individually addressed firing outputs and an integrated three-way network splitter. Local energy storage supports firing performance, while resin-encapsulated electronics and the included flame-resistant cover help protect the module in show environments.
Included Equipment
- FM-A Firing Module
- Flame-Resistant Cover
Operational Role
Connect modules along the firing network and branch the network through each FM-A’s three outputs. Two rotary switches select the module address. The 16 spring-clamp terminals provide direct connections for electric matches, while additional capacitors store energy locally to support firing in large networks and rapid sequences.
A mechanical I/O switch connects and disconnects the firing circuitry from the network power. Resin encapsulation protects the electronics and address unit against environmental exposure.
System Compatibility
- Field controllers: FC-A, FC-E Raptor, and legacy Pyrodigital controllers FC3
- Network extensions: WB-E Falcon, DB-A Dragon, and FiberCON, connected through the PD Network
- Mixed networks: Compatible with legacy Pyrodigital firing modules FM1 to FM8
Manuals & Documentation
Technical Specifications
Firing outputs
- Electric-match terminals
- 16
- Terminal numbering
- Hexadecimal, 0-9 and A-F
- Terminal hardware
- Spring clamps
- Continuity test current
- 0.5 mA, applied for approximately 200 microseconds per test
- Parallel firing
- Set multiple FM-As to the same address to fire them in parallel
Addressing
- Address range
- 00-7F hexadecimal (128 addresses)
- Address selection
- Two rotary hexadecimal switches on the address unit
- Address unit
- Resin-encapsulated
Network
- Network input
- 1 x 3-pin XLR socket, male
- Network outputs
- 3 x 3-pin XLR socket, female (integrated active 3-way network splitter)
- Rated voltage
- 24 VDC
- Rated power consumption
- <0.5 W
Energy buffer
- Local capacitors
- Additional capacitors enhance firing performance
- Charging
- Capacitors charge locally during operation
- Benefit
- Supports firing in large networks and during fast firing
- Discharge
- Stored capacitor energy is discharged when network power is removed
Safety
- IO switch
- Mechanical safety switch that physically connects (I) or disconnects (O) the power line from all firing circuitry
- Behavior in O position
- Firing circuitry disconnected; module ignores fire commands and reports terminals open
- Message integrity
- Additional frame checking of network messages
- Check-status safety
- Intelligent context interpretation of network messages
Physical
- Dimensions
- 30.0 x 14.5 x 7.5 cm (11.8 x 5.70 x 2.95 in)
- Weight
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)
- Mounting points
- 4
- Safety cable notches
- 2
- Encapsulation
- Electronics and address unit resin-encapsulated for protection against environmental exposure
- Cover
- Flame-resistant cover included
Quality and compliance
- Marking
- CE and RoHS
- Inventory
- Serial-number barcode for warehousing
- Quality checks
- Automated camera inspection and functional testing of every circuit board; automated final test of each completed FM-A