The 16 and 32 cue firing systems have a one year parts defect warranty. This covers the system, transmitter, and 12 volt battery if purchased. The Seahorse and Pelican cases have a manufacturers lifetime guarantee. Burn marks, scratches, normal wear, and water damage are not covered under the warranty.         

If a voltmeter is purchased it's not covered if the battery polarity is reversed damaging the voltmeter. The voltmeter does have reverse polarity protection for up to 30 seconds.

If a battery charger is purchased it's not covered under the warranty if the charger lead polarity is reversed damaging the charger. 

If a system needs to be sent back for repair under warranty the customer is responsible for the shipping back to the company.

The 16 and 32 cue firing systems can be returned for repair once out of warranty. The system that needs repair is sent back and the customer will be contacted  after the problem is diagnosed. The only part that can not be replaced on a 16 or 32 cue firing system is the faceplate.

In the United States it's required that usage of a transmitter is authorized under FCC rules and regulations. A FCC certification number needs to be on each transmitter. Several remote firing systems imported into the U.S. utilize non-compliant transmitters. These systems are illegal to sell and use in the U.S..

 Over current to an electronic circuit leads to damaged components and reliability issues.

The overload protection Video operates if a wire hooked to a cue is shorted causing a high current draw. The overload protection resets automatically when the transmitter button is no longer transmitting and the circuit opens. It makes the system more reliable for years of hard use.

The circuits in any system will only withstand a certain amount of amperage draw before it is damaged. Here is a Picture of a damaged circuit. In the picture you see what a shorted two meter igniter can do to a unprotected circuit. 

The reliable transmitter range depends on the terrain, obstacles (metal objects, fireworks, tall grass, bushes, trees, vehicles, etc), and any RF interference it's being used around. In ideal conditions, clear line of site between the firing system and the transmitter with no interference issues, the range is 550 feet.

Metal objects between the transmitter and the receiver can absorb the transmitter signal and the receiver will not receive the signal. If signal interference is noticed moving the transmitter to a different location should fix the interference problem.

Note A system placed up off the ground will receive a better transmitter signal then a system placed directly on the ground. When using the transmitter stand don't sit in a chair.

It's a good idea to test the range at the shoot site before using a system, especially if the transmitter will be used at it's maximum range.

If you push a transmitter button for the first cue and nothing ignites move closer to the system. This should solve the problem. If you have three systems controlled from one transmitter, push a transmitter button and one system doesn't respond as it should, move closer to the systems. This should solve the signal problem.

Make sure to install a new 12 volt A23 battery in the transmitter(s) before each show. The transmitter uses more battery power then the transmitters used to control other types of electronics.

If a rechargeable sealed lead acid 12 volt battery is used, either internal or external, the battery charge level needs to be maintained. I test the voltage once a month with a DC volt meter and charge if the batteries fall below 12.50 volts. Video illustrating how to replace the battery.

Click Here for more information about charging SLA batteries.

The system can be cleaned with a damp rag or rubbing alcohol.

If a system is used in wet conditions Video the system should be left open to dry a few days. Open the system and turn it upside down so it looks like a tepee. This will allow water trapped in the case to flow out and dry.

A system should be tested Video before and after each use to make sure everything is working properly. Why after a system is used? If a system needs maintenance it's best to send it in before it's needed again, not test it a day before a system is needed only to find out the system needs repair.

Yes the customer can make a custom jumper wire that connects the 12 volt power supply to the external battery terminals on the faceplate. It is ok to replace the alligator clips on the jumper that is provided with the firing system to a different style connector.

If a custom jumper wire is made use 20 gauge or larger wire and keep the jumper under two feet on length.

The internal battery is convenient. The estimated life of a rechargeable sealed lead acid (sla) battery is three years.  If a customer doesn't feel they can replace the battery themselves the firing system will need to be sent back for battery replacement. Shipping, battery, and labor is estimated at over $60.

Video illustrating how to replace the internal battery. 

If an external battery is used when it comes time to replace the battery another battery is purchased.

 A good power source is very important.

The firing systems are designed so they can be used with an external 12 volt power source. There are many stores and websites that sell 12 volt sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries and 12 volt trickle chargers. Customers use bike batteries, lawn mower batteries, or a 12 volt auto starter pack.

Two 6 volt lantern batteries connected in series to produce 12 volts can be used with but do have limitations. The lantern batteries should only be used for one show and no more then three igniters per cue. If more power is needed purchase a 12 volt 2.2ah SLA rechargeable battery or larger.

A 12 volt trickle charger, 500mah to 1ah, should be used to charge a SLA battery.

Yes an external 12 volt power source can be hooked to a system if the system has an internal power source. If the internal battery is bad the internal battery will need to be disconnected before hooking up an external battery to the fifing system.

In cold weather conditions a battery only has 50% or less ampacity. In cold weather I prefer to use an external battery keeping the battery warm until it is needed to fire a show. A good axample is your vehicle battery in cold conditions. The vehicle doesn't turn over as fast in cold conditions compared to warmer conditions.

The voltmeter is a nice option. It's a quality meter. The voltmeter can be added to a system using an internal or external battery. A hand held multimeter set on 20 volts DC can also be used to test the battery voltage. I encourage everyone to test the battery voltage before use.

The LED voltage monitor is a good digital voltmeter replacement. It will give you the voltage information at a cheaper price.

I make up a cue sheet and tape it to a board. I place velcro on the board and on the back of the transmitter(s). Place the transmitter(s) on the board. PICTURE

This makes it easy to follow a cue sheet and operate the transmitter(s).

The transmitter has been reliable but here is something to think about. A transmitter like any electronics can have problems or can be damaged. A firing system is nothing but a case of parts without a working transmitter.  

The amount of igniters that can be ignited from one cue depends on what igniter is being used and if wire is added to the igniters. Commercial e-matches are the easiest igniter to use and I have had feedback of up to fifteen three meter matches hooked in series from one cue. Add wire to the igniters and the number of igniters that can be ignited per cue goes down.

There is several clip igniters sold. Video illustrating how to install the Talon clip igniters.

The clip igniters require more power usage. I recommend the customer does some testing with a system and clip igniters. The amount of clip igniters that can be ignited from one cue depends on the amount of wire is added to the igniters. The clip igniters should be hooked in parallel. VIDEO of 10 clip igniters on one cue

If the customer plans on using one of the many igniter kits on the market or use homemade nichrome igniters testing needs to be done to see how many igniters can be ignited from one cue. 

The S32 and P32 firing systems operate in the same manner. The difference is the terminal layout and the case.

The Seahorse 520 is a well built quality case. It's size allows room for a four row horizontal terminal design.

The Pelican 1400 is a high quality case with a compact four row vertical terminal design.