SHOWVEN SPARKULAR® miniFALL User Manual
Version: V3.3
Date: 2025/06/16
Introduction
Thank you for choosing SHOWVEN SPARKULAR® miniFALL. This manual provides essential information for operating this product safely and effectively.
Safety Instructions
General Safety:
- Unauthorized repair is prohibited and may cause serious incidents.
- Keep the SPARKULAR® miniFALL dry and do NOT use it in rain or snow.
- Ensure the lid of the feeding hopper is well covered during operation.
- Accidental burning of consumable can only be extinguished with sand.
- Store consumables away from moisture in a dry, sealed environment.
- Regularly check the output nozzle for consumable aggregate before and after each show. Failure to do so may affect firing effects, damage the machine, or cause serious incidents.
- The maximum allowed cascade of SPARKULAR® miniFALL power supply cables is 12 units. Exceeding this limit may result in damage or fire.
- Do not block the air intake and air outlet for proper heat dissipation.
- Do not cover the output nozzle. Ensure no objects or materials block the nozzle before each show.
- Never touch the nozzle, as it poses a burn hazard.
- Never touch the sparks emitted from the nozzle.
- Ensure no staff, audience, or flammable materials are located under the SPARKULAR® miniFALL during operation.
Safety Distance:
- Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5m between the audience/flammable materials and the SPARKULAR® miniFALL.
- Ensure sparks do not touch any objects and maintain a clearance of at least 2m from the maximum effect length.
- Keep humans, animals, and flammable materials away from the underside area when the SPARKULAR® miniFALL is hanging.
- In windy conditions, increase the safety distance based on wind direction and speed.
- When the machine is tilted, adjust the safety zone accordingly, increasing the distance in the direction of the tilt.
- Sparks and consumables can cause serious eye injury. Always wear safety goggles when entering the safety zone.
Description
The SPARKULAR® miniFALL (NEW) is an updated version based on previous models. It utilizes a new spark generation platform and feeding structure for enhanced stability. It is ideal for creating spark waterfall effects for parties, stages, clubs, and studios.
Structure of SPARKULAR® miniFALL
The SPARKULAR® miniFALL consists of the following components:
- 1. Safety Loop
- 2. Clamp
- 3. Feeding Hopper
- 4. Heat Dissipate Area
- 5. DMX OUT
- 6. DMX IN
- 7. LCD Screen
- 8. POWER OUT
- 9. POWER IN
- 10. Fuse
- 11. Power Switch
- 12. Cooling Fan
Schematic Diagram of Top Fixing Hole:
A diagram illustrates the dimensions of the top fixing hole, showing measurements for length, width, and height.
Technical Specifications
- MODEL: BT14
- Dimension: 150×160×240mm
- Hopper capacity: 300g
- Material Consumption: 15g/min
- Weight: 3.6kg
- Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz
- Working Power: 250W
- Working Temperature: -10°C to 50°C
- Casing: Anti-flame ABS
- Fall Length: 3-4m (HC8600 LARGE), 2-3m (HC8600 MEDIUM)
- Interface: 3-pin DMX IN/OUT, Neutrik PowerCON IN/OUT
Operation Panel
1. LED Display Area:
- READY: Flashing indicates preparation; solid light indicates ready to work.
- DMX: Flashing indicates DMX signal connection; OFF indicates no DMX signal.
- FAULT: Solid light indicates an error.
- HEAT: Solid light indicates the system is heating up.
2. Control Button Area:
- MENU: Press to cycle through menus; press and hold for 3 seconds to enter the advanced menu.
- -: Decreases parameters.
- +: Increases parameters.
- ENTER: Confirms and saves parameters.
3. Bottom Indication Light:
- Off: Preheating not activated or machine is firing.
- Quick Flashing: Preheating.
- Long On: Preheated.
- Slow Flashing: Error warning.
- The indication light can be turned off via the menu.
4. RFID Area:
A diagram shows a hand swiping an RFID card on the machine. The RFID card is used to identify parameters and granule types. Each card is disposable and can be used only once.
Interface
1. Main Interface:
- First line: Displays the DMX address (e.g., "1").
- Second line: Displays the inner core temperature and a temperature progress bar, along with remaining time (e.g., 7 minutes and 24 seconds).
2. Error Information:
Error Information | Explanation |
---|---|
E0 System IC | Systematic error |
E2 Temp. Sensor | Temperature sensor was damaged |
E3 P Temp. Over | Chassis temperature is too high to shut down |
E4 Time Remain | Insufficient granules or remaining time; requires swiping time card. |
E5 K Temp. Over | Inner core temperature is too high to shut down |
E6 Heat Fail | Heating failed |
3. Setting Menu:
Press “MENU” to enter the Setting interface. Press “MENU” again to cycle through options.
Options | Range | Default | Explanation |
---|---|---|---|
Set DMX Address | 1-512 | 1 | Sets the DMX address. Address '1' acts as a wireless host, sending DMX signals. |
Wireless Control | ON/OFF | ON | Enables wireless function. Allows matching with a remote controller when set to "ON". |
Manual Fountain | ON/OFF | OFF | Manual fountain switch for testing purposes. |
4. Advanced Menu:
Press and hold “MENU” for 3 seconds to enter the advanced setup interface. Press MENU to cycle through options. Wait 3 seconds to return to the main interface.
Options | Range | Default | Explanation |
---|---|---|---|
Set Temperature | 470-530 | 500 | Sets the inner core temperature. Consult SHOWVEN engineer before changing the default value. |
Auto Heat | ON/OFF | ON | Enables auto preheat function after the machine is turned on. |
Density | 80-100 | 100 | Adjusts spark density. Consult SHOWVEN engineer before changing the default value. |
DMX Mode
Mode Selection | Factory Mode | User Mode | User Mode |
---|---|---|---|
DMX Channel Mode | 2 / 4 DMX Channel | 2 DMX Channel | Factory Mode is for debugging; User Mode is for general use. 2 DMX Channel is standard; 4 DMX Channel is special. |
Default Parameter | Useless | ||
Standby Switch | ON/OFF | OFF | When ON, the machine generates sparks after pre-heating is finished. |
DMX mode details:
Channel | Functions |
---|---|
The First channel | |
0-15 | Firing OFF |
16-255 | Fountain ON |
The second channel | |
60-80 | Clear Material |
20-40 | Emergency Stop |
0-10 | Pre-heat OFF (Disable in Auto-heat) |
240-255 | Pre-heat ON (Disable in Auto-heat) |
Operation Guide
1. Check Output Nozzle:
Carefully inspect the output nozzle of each machine to ensure it is in good condition and free of powder aggregate.
2. Fill SPARKULAR® miniFALL:
- Open powder bags and fill the feeding hopper (capacity: 300g).
- Use only SHOWVEN-approved powder. Other types may clog or damage the machine.
- Choose consumables based on hanging height and safety distance.
- Only use the suggested consumable types.
- Ensure the hopper lid is securely locked after filling.
Fall Length by Model:
Model | Fall length |
---|---|
HC8600 MEDIUM | 3m |
HC8600 LARGE | 4m |
3. Install SPARKULAR® miniFALL:
- Follow the clamp installation diagram.
- The machine must be hung vertically.
- Ensure secure hanging on the truss to prevent falling. An extra safety rope is recommended.
4. Connect Power / DMX Cable:
- Connect the power cable to the POWER IN socket and the other end to the power source. Ensure voltage consistency and proper grounding.
- For sequential connections, use a power link cable from the previous machine's POWER OUT to the next machine's POWER IN.
- The maximum allowed cascade for power supply cables is 12 units. Do not exceed this on a single circuit.
- Power ON all SPARKULAR® miniFALL units.
- Assign a unique DMX address to each unit, especially when using a SHOWVEN host controller or FXcommander.
- For wireless control, set the machine to wireless ON status and match with the remote controller. For DMX cable control, follow steps f to h.
- Connect a DMX cable to the DMX IN socket of the first unit and to your DMX controller.
- Connect the DMX OUT of one machine to the DMX IN of the next in series.
- It is recommended to use a DMX terminator on the last unit's DMX OUT for signal reliability. A signal amplifier may be needed for distances over 200m.
5. Activate SPARKULAR® miniFALL by swipe RFID card:
- Swipe an RFID card. The machine will display the remaining time if read successfully.
- The machine will report error E4 when less than 8 minutes of remaining time.
- Each RFID card with a 50g package HC8600 can add 4 minutes of working time. The maximum recharge time is 30 minutes. Once 30 minutes is reached, the card can no longer be used for recharging.
6. Programming and Firing:
- Program the SPARKULAR® miniFALL by setting firing height and sequences.
- The machine takes approximately 5 minutes to heat up, varying with voltage and temperature.
- Ensure the prescribed safety zone is clear before operation.
- It is recommended to clear material before firing.
- The maximum continuous firing time is 30 seconds to prevent overheating.
- Operators should maintain a clear view of the device for immediate shutdown if danger arises.
- After the show, clear material for 5 seconds to remove residual particles from the heating chamber.
7. Turn off and Clean up:
- Power off the SPARKULAR® miniFALL and allow it to cool down.
- Disconnect all POWER and DMX cables. Carefully remove the machine from the truss.
- Empty the hopper and store any remaining HC8600 in a dry, sealed bottle. Avoid touching the output nozzle when emptying. DANGER OF BURNS!
- Clean the surrounding area to remove powder residues.
Wireless Control Information
1. Wireless Remote Control Mode:
To use wireless remote control, unplug the DMX cable, set Wireless Control to ON, and match the remote controller with the machine.
2. Remote Controller:
- A: OFF / SET. All machine OFF. SET matches the machine with the remote controller.
- B: ON.
- C: ON.
- D: Clear Material.
Note:
- Communication codes can be set manually to prevent interference from other remote controllers in the same area. The remote has 5 communication codes (red, green, blue, yellow, white). Press and hold key A for 3s, then press A to cycle through colors, and press B to confirm. Re-perform code matching after changing the code.
- Replace the remote controller battery when the indicator light weakens.
- If the machine is occasionally unresponsive, interference may be the cause. Press the start button again.
- Wireless control is susceptible to interference. Stay close to the machine and avoid metal shielding.
3. Wireless Host SPARKULAR® miniFALL Mode:
- Using the wireless host mode can avoid interference and ensure stable control, especially in environments with strong interference.
- Set the first SPARKULAR® miniFALL's DMX address to "1++". This unit acts as a wireless host and can output DMX signals.
- Connect all SPARKULAR® miniFALL units using communication cables. The host unit receives signals from the remote controller and transmits them to other units for stable signal transmission.
Maintenance
- Empty the feeding hopper before machine shipment.
- If the machine is not used for an extended period, empty the feeding hopper. In humid environments, empty it after each show.
- Clear material before and after each show.
- Wash or replace the air intake filter every two months.
Warranty Instructions
SHOWVEN offers a one-year warranty. Quality issues within 7 days of shipping can be exchanged for a new unit. Free maintenance is provided for hardware malfunctions (excluding human-caused damage) within the warranty period. Do not repair the machine without factory permission.
Situations NOT covered by warranty:
- Damage from using non-SHOWVEN consumables.
- Damage due to improper transportation, usage, management, maintenance, or human factors.
- Unauthorized disassembly, modification, or repair.
- Damage from external causes (lightning, power surges, etc.).
- Damage from improper installation or use.
Paid service is available for product damage outside the warranty range. An invoice is required for maintenance service applications.