Artistry In Motion Big Shots Instruction Manual

BIG SHOTS® WIRELESS TRANSMITTER
AND RECEIVER
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Website:www.artistryinmotion.com
Ver 08/20

WARNING
The transmitter and receiver described in this manual is part of a system intended to remotely
actuate the launch of confetti, streamers, or other visual special effects devices, and the
components of this system have been carefully designed to minimize the possibility of
accidental actuation of such devices. The design goal for this system is to ensure that data
communication errors due to radio interference or to insufficient signal strength due to low
battery, exceeding specified range, or conductive objects in the signal path will result in failure
of intentional actuation rather than unintended actuation. Techniques used to achieve this
design goal are described in section 4.0. Though the probability of unintended actuation is
extremely small, it cannot be guaranteed to be zero. Therefore, it is important that the user
not arm the receiver until all persons who might be harmed by accidental actuation are in
a safe area.
As a condition of purchase, the user must acknowledge awareness and agreement that
utilization of this product and participation in activities utilizing confetti, streamers, and other
visual special effects can be a hazardous activity carrying implied and explicit risks of injuries
and damages to the user and to other participants. The user assumes the risk connected with
the utilization of this product and all risks of participation in the activities for which this product is
sold. User acknowledges that he/she/it has the necessary and required skill, expertise, training
and licensing, as may be applicable or necessary by custom, usage, trade or law, to engage
and participate in the activities connected with the use, purchase, transportation, or employment
of this product. User acknowledges that Artistry In Motion, Inc. has not and will not conduct any
investigation into the skill, expertise, training and licensing, as may be applicable or necessary
by custom, usage, trade or law, of the user or of user’s agents, employees and assigns, to
engage and participate in the activities connected with the use, purchase, transportation, or
employment of this product. User specifically agrees that Artistry In Motion, Inc., its officers,
employees, and agents shall not be liable for any claim, demand, cause of action of any kind
whatsoever for, or on account of death, personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind
resulting from or related to user’s or user’s employees’, agents’ or assigns’ use of this product,
and user agrees to indemnify, defend in any action at law, and hold harmless Artistry In Motion,
Inc. from same, whether brought by the user, user’s agent, or assigns, or any third party.
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
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Ver 08/20 Page 2

This manual is divided into four sections. The first is a description of the Receiver system
hardware. The Second is a description of the Transmitter system hardware. The third covers
the recommended operating and maintenance procedures for both the Receiver and the
Transmitter. Section four provides an overview of the design techniques used to reduce
interference and the systems technical specifications.
1.0 RECEIVER HARDWARE DESCRIPTION.
The Big Shots® Wireless Receiver compact single-shot sequential UHF receiver is a
highly sensitive narrow band (superhetrodyne) radio receiver designed to be used for
remote control applications where high reliability is critical. When used with the Big
Shots® Wireless Transmitter, a range of ½ mile (line of sight operation) has been
demonstrated, provided there are no intervening conductive objects such as
automobiles, chain link fences, etc. positioned between the transmitter and the receiver.
Range increases, as the receiver is elevated above earth. The practical range for this
system when used in a typical theater, arena, or stadium environment is 600 feet.
These devices should be tested at each site prior to use to check for adequate
range in the intended installation.
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
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1.0 THE ANTENNA.
A quarter-wave rigid antenna mounted to the top of the Big Shots® Wireless
Receiver enclosure by a threaded connector receives the RF signal. The
antenna may be removed for shipping, but should be installed prior to using this
system. If this Antenna is lost or damaged it must be replaced prior to using the
system.
For maximum range and reliability, the antenna must be positioned at least
twenty-four (24) inches above the ground plane. Additionally, the antenna should
not be surrounded by steel or wire mesh, both of which will reduce the effective
range of the system. (The Big Shots® frame has been designed so as to not
interfere with the wireless signal.) If the firing position of the Big Shots® cannons
Battery Indicator
Fire Indicator
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
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Ver 08/20 Page 4

requires that the antenna be positioned on or near the ground plane, or adjacent
to metal or wire mesh, then the antenna should be replaced with our 6’ antenna
extension. (Under those circumstances, please call Artistry In Motion for
technical support.) The Big Shots® Frame does not interfere with the function of
this system.
1.01 THE POWER, ARM AND CHANNEL SWITCHES.
These toggle switches are located on the topside of the enclosure. The
“POWER” switch turns on and off the battery power to the receiver electronics.
The “ARM” switch has “Safe” and “Armed” positions. In the “Safe” position, the
Big Shots ® Cannon cannot be fired. The “CHANNEL” switch allows the user to
select either “CH A” or “CH B” as the operating channel for the receiver. This
allows for two queues in the standard system. It is recommended that the
receiver always be powered up in “Safe” mode if a device is already
connected to a cannon. The operator can then verify that the green
“BATTERY” light does not indicate that any radio reception is occurring
before arming the receiver.
1.02 THE “BATTERY” INDICATOR.
While the power switch is on, this green indicator, located on the topside of the
enclosure, will flash intermittently in bursts of one, two, or three flashes at a time
if there is sufficient 12V battery voltage input to power the receiver. If no flashing
occurs, the battery must be replaced or recharged before the receiver can be
used reliably. Three flashes per burst indicate that the battery has full capacity;
two flashes indicate that its capacity is beginning to diminish, and one flash
indicates that it is near minimum charge, in which case it should be replaced or
recharged immediately after the current use.
The green “BATTERY” indicator will light while a signal is being received that
matches the selected digital address and system firing code. This feature is
useful for warning of reception of firing signals before the arm switch is turned on.
1.03 CONNECTION TO THE BIG SHOTS® SOLENOID VALVE.
Connection to the Big Shots® solenoid valve is achieved through the three-pin
connector located at the top of the enclosure. A dust cap protects this connector.
The connector is keyed, so there is only one way to insert the plug into the
receptacle. After insertion, the locking nut on the plug should be rotated
clockwise 180 degrees to lock the plug into the receptacle.
1.04 THE POWER SOURCE.
All power is supplied from an internal 12VDC power source. The power source
used is a sealed lead acid battery. This battery should only be recharged using
the battery charger sold with this system. Using other battery charges could
result in over charging the battery that could result in destruction of the Wireless
Big Shots® Receiver.
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Website:www.artistryinmotion.com
Ver 08/20 Page 5

Lead acid batteries slowly discharge over time. If the Big Shots® Wireless
Receiver is not charged every six months, the batteries may fully discharge. If
this were to occur, the battery may be damaged and require replacement.
During extended periods of non-use, the Big Shots® Wireless Receiver needs to
be recharged at least once each six-month period to prevent battery damage
from excessive discharge.
The Big Shots® Wireless Receiver is equipped with a battery protection circuit
which will disable the receiver any time the battery voltage drops below 10.5
volts. This circuit is designed to prevent the inadvertent total discharge of the
battery.
1.05 Battery Charging.
To charge the battery, set the on/off switch to “Off” and the armed/safe switch to
“Armed”. Unplug the connector attached to the Big Shots® solenoid, and using
the same plug receptacle, plug in the connector from the Big Shots® Wireless
Battery Charger. The Battery Charger is equipped with two lights, one is red and
the other is green. When the Big Shots® Wireless Receiver battery is charging,
the red light on the Battery Charger will be illuminated. When the battery is fully
charged, the red light will turn off, and the green light will illuminate. A fully
discharged battery will require approximately 8 hours to fully recharge. When
using the Big Shots Wireless Battery Charger it is impossible to over charge the
battery. The charger has a built in circuit to detect when the battery is fully
charged. When attached to a fully charged battery, the charger shifts into a float
charge so as not to damage the battery.
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Website:www.artistryinmotion.com
Ver 08/20 Page 6

2.0 TRANSMITTER HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
The Big Shots® Wireless Transmitter is a low power two channel, guarded
toggle switch, hand-held remote control transmitter with a range of 600 feet (line
of sight operation) when used with the Big Shots® Wireless Receivers. All
inscriptions on the transmitter panel are luminescent to facilitate use of the
transmitter in a dark environment. The panel will continue to glow for two to three
hours after being exposed to a bright light source. The transmitter’s two
channels are digitally encoded and amplitude modulated on a single carrier
frequency of 418 MHz. No alignment or tuning procedures are ever required to
maintain optimum performance. The modulated RF output occurs for one
second or continuously while one of the two momentary transmit buttons is
depressed, which ever is longer.
Tranmit indicator
Armed indicator
I
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
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Ver 08/20 Page 7

2.1
2.2
2.3
THE ANTENNA
The RF signal is radiated by a quarter-wave flexible whip antenna which screws
onto the top end of the transmitter box. The transmitter should never be
operated without the antenna in place, as damage to the RF components
could result. Such operation will void the warranty.
Be careful not to over tighten the antenna when screwing it on, as this could
cause its mating connector to rotate and break its internal connection. Rotation
could also occur, with the same result, when subsequent removal of an over
tightened antenna is attempted. The recommended way to install the antenna is
to grasp it by its small diameter upper part and rotate gently in a clockwise
direction until increased resistance is felt. It need not be tight to achieve a good
electrical connection. When removing the antenna for storage, observe the base
of the mating connector to ensure that it is not rotating. If the antenna is so tight
that rotation is occurring, grasp the hex base of the mating connector with long
nose pliers, and then unscrew the antenna.
THE SAFETY LOCKING SWITCH
The guarded toggle switch with two positions, “Safe” and “Armed”. In the “Safe”
position no RF output occurs even if a button is pressed. In the “Armed” position
modulated RF output occurs continuously while a button is pressed. Whether
transmitting or not, a green warning indicator near the switch flashes whenever
the switch is in its “Armed” position and the battery voltage is above the low
battery detect threshold. Approximately 1 milliamp is drained continuously from
the battery while the transmitter is “Armed” and not transmitting. So this switch
should always be turned to the “Safe” position while the transmitter is not being
used. The key may only be removed from the switch in “Safe” position. Keys are
interchangeable, as all Big Shots® Wireless Transmitters are keyed the same.
THE “ARMED” INDICATOR
This green lamp, located at the “Armed” position of the toggle switch, warns the
user that transmission will occur when a button is pressed, and that battery drain
is occurring. It also verifies that battery voltage is adequate to transmit a signal
over the specified range.
When the transmitter is turned on (transmitter “Armed”) with the toggle switch,
the battery status is indicated by the flashing of the green lamp. It is of
sufficiently high intensity to be visible in direct sunlight and will flash
intermittently in bursts of one, two, or three flashes at a time if the battery has
enough capacity to power the transmitter. If no flashing occurs, the battery must
be replaced before the transmitter can be used reliably. Three flashes per burst
indicate that the battery has full capacity; two flashes indicate that its capacity is
beginning to diminish, and one flash indicates that it is near the end of its useful
lifetime in which case it should be replaced immediately after the current use.
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Website:www.artistryinmotion.com
Ver 08/20 Page 8

2.4 THE FIRE BUTTONS
These buttons are snap action dome switches under a sealed overlay, labeled
“Fire CH A” and “Fire CH B”, respectively. They have a high spring constant
which requires a firm depression for actuation, decreasing the likelihood of
accidental depression.
The transmitter is idle while no buttons are pressed. Continuous transmission
occurs while “Fire CH A” or “Fire CH B” is pressed
Output firing pulses are stretched to a minimum duration of 1 second to ensure
that all cues fire reliably, even when the “Fire CH A” button is pressed for a
shorter period of time. Note that it is not necessary to wait for the completion of
the 1-second firing pulse period before firing subsequent cues. They can be fired
as fast as the operator can press the button, provided that each button
depression lasts at least 0.1 second.
2.5 THE TRANSMIT INDICATOR.
This is a high intensity red indicator, visible in direct sunlight, which lights
continuously while the transmitter is generating RF output. It is located between
the two buttons. It will light even if the battery voltage is below the low battery
detect threshold.
2.6 THE BATTERY.
Power is supplied from an alkaline 9-volt battery, accessible beneath a slide-out
door on the backside of the transmitter. This battery should be replaced when
required by conditions described in section 2.3 above. In order to prevent the
possibility of damage due to battery leakage, the battery should always be
removed if the transmitter is to be stored for a prolonged period. Damage due to
battery leakage is not covered under the warranty.
3.0 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.
This section describes the recommended operating procedure and maintenance for the
transmitter-receiver system.
3.1 OPERATION.
3.1.1 PRE TEST: Before connecting the Big Shots® solenoid valve to the
receiver perform a reception test by observing the receiver battery light
while pressing the transmitter button. Be sure that the receiver is in the
“Safe” mode, and select Channel A on the channel select switch. Turn
the key on the Wireless Big Shots® Transmitter to “Armed” and press the
“Fire CH A” button. The receiver battery light will illuminate a solid green
when the transmit button is depressed. An assistant may be needed for
this test. If the receiver location will be fixed, determine the limits of the
range in the current environment, and position the transmitter and
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
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receiver so that their separation does not exceed ¾ of this maximum
range. Verify that the input voltage is adequate by observing the flashing
green “BATTERY” and “ARMED” lights on the receiver and transmitter,
respectively. Operation of these indicators is as described in section 1.3
above. Turn the transmitter lock switch back to “Safe” position, and turn
off the receiver.
3.1.2 ARM: Connect the Wireless Big Shots® Receiver connector to the Big
3.13
3.14
Shots® solenoid valve plug as described in section 1.4 above. With the
“ARM” switch turned off, turn on the receiver power switch. The red
indicator should remain off. Check that the green “BATTERY” indicator is
only flashing in bursts of one, two or three to indicate input voltage status.
If this indicator exhibits continuous or erratic behavior, there is a
signal being received, which will cause firing when the “ARM”
switch is turned on.Determine the source of the interference before
attempting to use the system.
CHECK: Verify that the Big Shots® accumulator tank has not been
pressurized and that the barrels have not been filled with confetti or
streamers. Verify that the “Battery” indicator does not show reception of
firing signals. Now, move the “ARM/SAFE” toggle from “SAFE” to “ARM”.
FIRE: Turn the transmitter toggle switch to its “Armed” position, and
press the “FIRE CH A” button to actuate the receiver output. The “FIRE”
and the “BATTERY” lights on the receiver should both light up red. You
should hear the solenoid valve in the Big Shots® Cannon click as it
opens and closes. If the “Fire” and “Battery” lights flash red, but you do
not hear the solenoid click, you should verify that the solenoid plug is
completely seated in the receiver receptacle, and that the solenoid is fully
seated on the valve stem. Repeat this test until you are certain of the
continuity of your system. When you are satisfied with the continuity of
your system, return the transmitter and the receiver to the “SAFE”
positions. You are now ready to fill the Big Shots® accumulator tank and
load the confetti or streamers in the barrels.
Please note: The “Fire” buttons must be depressed for at least 100
milliseconds to produce a transmitter output. The transmitter should be
held with the antenna in the same orientation as the Receiver Antenna,
away from the body and other conductive objects to achieve maximum
range and communication reliability. Generally, the higher the transmitter
is held, the greater the range.
3.1.5 STORE: When finished turn off the receiver “ON/OFF” switch to the
“OFF” position and “ARM/SAFE” switch to the “SAFE” position. You also
should turn the transmitter lock switch back to its “SAFE” position. These
actions will stop further drain of the power sources. If the receiver is to be
stored for a prolonged period, charge its batteries as described in section
1.5 above.
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Website:www.artistryinmotion.com
Ver 08/20 Page 10

You may remove the transmitter and receiver antenna(s) to make it easier
to store the units..
Be careful not to over tighten the transmitter antenna when screwing it on,
as this could cause its mating connector to rotate and break its internal
connection. Rotation could also occur, with the same result, when
subsequent removal of an over tightened antenna is attempted. The
recommended way to install the antenna is to grasp it by its small
diameter upper part and rotate gently in a clockwise direction until
increased resistance is felt. It need not be tight to achieve a good
electrical connection. When removing the antenna for storage, observe
the base of the mating connector to ensure that it is not rotating. If the
antenna is so tight that rotation is occurring, grasp the hex base of the
mating connector with long nose pliers, and then unscrew the antenna.
4.0 MAINTENANCE.
Since there are no calibration or tuning adjustments in the units, the only
maintenance required is periodic replacement of the transmitter battery and the
periodic charging of the receiver battery. The transmitter battery should be
replaced at least once per year, or at the next opportunity if the battery indicator
fails to flash at least twice per burst while transmitter power is switched on.
5.0 RADIO INTERFERENCE REDUCTION.
For safety reasons, the design goal for this equipment was to ensure that data
communication errors due to radio interference or to insufficient signal strength
due to low battery, exceeding specified range, or conductive objects in the signal
path will result in failure of intentional actuation rather than unintended actuation.
This goal is achieved by transmitting a 72-bit code repeatedly while a transmitter
button is depressed. 70 of these bits must match the pattern expected by the
receiver, and the other two bits select which channel (A or B) is to be actuated.
Two successive received 72-bit patterns must be identical before an actuation
can occur. Though this probability of unintended actuation is extremely small, it
cannot be guaranteedto be zero. Therefore, it is important that the user not
arm the receiver until all persons who might be harmed by accidental
actuation are in a safe area.
Additional protection is offered by use of a non-repetitive bit pattern for the
internally programmed firing code that cannot produce a match in the receiver if a
synchronization error occurs (as can occur with a "0101010101" pattern, for
example), and by selection of 418 MHz as the operating frequency. This
frequency is sparsely used, and when utilized it is used only by low power
transmitters with a maximum range of approximately 100 yards. Auto security
systems, garage door openers, radio control models, cordless or cellular
telephones, wireless microphones, or two-way communications equipment does
not commonly use 418 MHZ. Because this system operates in the UHF region,
interference from lamp dimmers, electrical discharges, and other natural sources
is also minimal.
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Website:www.artistryinmotion.com
Ver 08/20 Page 11

The technology in this system has been tested and used extensively since its
introduction in 1999 in public fireworks displays, commercial blasting, theatrical
and movie special effects, and amateur rocket launches, and no instances of
false triggering have ever been reported to date.
4.1 SPECIFICATIONS.
Parameter
Minimum
Typical
Maximum
Carrier Frequency, MHz.
417.96
418.02
418.08
Range
600 feet
Delay from start of transmission to receiver output
75 msec
Input power drain, (Rcvr switch on)
Input power drain, (Rcvr switch off)
8 mA
9 mA
0 mA
Receiver Supply Voltage
10.1 V
Low Supply Detect Threshold
11.3 V
Supply Input Voltage
10.1 V
12 V
13.0 V
Output Fire Pulse Duration
1 sec
Output Fire Current, (Armed)
5 amp
Output Fire Current, (Safe)
200 uamp
Height of box
2.00 in
Width of box
3.00 in
Length of box
6.00 in
Weight of receiver + bracket
1 lb. 14.4 oz.
If further information or service is required, contact:
Artistry In Motion, Inc.
19411 Londelius Street
Northridge, CA 91324
818.994.7388
Artistry In Motion, Inc.19411 Londelius Street, Northridge, CA 91324
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Website:www.artistryinmotion.com
Ver 08/20 Page 12