Lights alive Firefly ff-511 User manual

FireFly FF-511

Lightning years ahead of the competition.

OWNERS MANUAL

Lights Alive

8206 Rockville Road, #186

Indianapolis, IN 46214

317-244-2250

www.Lights-Alive.com

PLEASE READ BEFORE CONNECTING FIREFLY!

Congratulations on your purchase of FireFly, the world’s most sophisticated lightning

simulator. For safe operation of your equipment, please pay careful attention to the

following caution statements.

• Do not operate or store in wet locations. Operation in wet locations is hazardous

and water damage is not covered by your warranty.

• Use only with properly grounded 15 or 20 amp, 120 volt outlets. Never use a

ground adapter to avoid grounding this unit. As with most electronic devices, if

using outdoors, a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet or breaker must be

used for your safety.

• FireFly is equipped with an extra long power cord for your convenience. Avoid

using an extension cord if possible. If you must use an extension cord, it should be

a heavy-duty appliance type cord.

• Always use an adequate size grounded cord for connecting your lights sources. If

in doubt about the appropriate size, contact a licensed electrician.

• While connecting FireFly’s power cord to a surge suppressor can protect your

investment from damage due to transient spikes or actual lightning damage, you

must NEVER connect surge protectors to FireFly’s outlets as serious damage to the

unit could occur.

• Replace fuse only with the type and size specied in the manual or on the pack

panel of device. Oversized fuses may damage unit and/or create a re hazard.

• Do not block air vents on the side (FF-501/511) or rear (FF-201/101) of FireFly.

• Use only with approved light sources. Never exceed the maximum rating per

channel or the total rating of the system. Compact uorescent lamps are approved

only for use on the dimmer channel. Using strobes other than those recommended

and sold by Lights Alive is at your own risk. Lights Alive will assume no liability

for damage caused by the use of unapproved strobes.

• FireFly is designed to be connected to line-level or earphone audio jacks. Do not

connect directly to speaker terminals without the use of an approved attenuating

adapter, available from Lights Alive.

(2)

CONNECTING AND OPERATING FIREFLY FF-511

Before using your FireFly lightning simulator, you should test the system by inserting the power cord in

a properly grounded outlet and connecting your light xture(s) to FireFly’s outlet(s). A green indicator

should light in the handle of the power switch when in the ON position. If not, check your outlet.

Internal test - First, set both threshold controls, set and depth all fully clockwise - press test button for

approximately 2 seconds. Channels 1, 2, 3 and 4 will light in succession, then all 4 channels will come

in simultaneously for a couple seconds. The dimming channel will then ramp up to full brightness. This

tests the internal workings of the 511 as well as all connected lights.

Alternate timing mode - Holding the test button while powering up the 511 enacts a second set of

timings for a varied effect. The heartbeat/test light will blink 4 times to acknowledge the alternate set-

ting. The system will remember this setting. To revert back, simply turn off FireFly, then hold the test

button while powering up again. The heartbeat/test light will blink 3 times. If your lights xtures don’t

light when the TEST button is pressed, you have faulty bulbs or light xtures. If the blue ACTIVITY

indicator(s) do not light, replace FireFly’s FUSE.

Heartbeat light - As long as it’s blinking, the microprocessor is operating properly. In the unlikely

event that it is not blinking when the unit is powered on, it should be turned off for a few seconds, then

powered on again. Of course the fuse must be checked to insure power to the system. Keep in mind that

the light in the switch will light, even if the fuse is out. If the fuse is good and the heartbeat still isn’t

ashing, the unit needs to be returned for repairs.

SELECTING LIGHTS

LED lights give the best simulation of lightning. If using incandescent, use GE Reveal or equivalent.

More light is better, but more lower wattage bulbs are preferable, as opposed to a few high wattage.

This insures that the laments will react quickly. The blue case of the Reveal bulbs gives a whiter light-

ning effect. 60 or 75 watt recommended. 100 watt okay, but 2x 60 is better than 1x 100, again because

of the reaction time of the smaller lament.

Incandescent bulbs are best for the dimming channel.

If using mixed lights, put incandescent on one side (i.e., 1&2 OR 3&4). LEDs would be connected to

the other side. The reason is different threshold settings are needed.

LIGHTNING SIMULATION

1. Start with the LEVEL control(s) in the center (12 o’clock) position and the THRESHOLD control

fully counter-clockwise.

2. Connect your stereo sound source (CD player, MP3 player, laptop computer, etc) to the AUDIO IN

3.5mm (1/8”) jack on the front panel. Any line level or headphone jack source will supply the appropri-

ate levels needed. DO NOT connect FireFly directly to speaker terminal without an approved attenuat-

ing adapter. Serious damage WILL occur.

3. Connect amplied speakers or a separate amplier and speakers to the AUDIO OUT jack on the

front panel of FireFly.

4. With the POWER switch in the ON (up) position and lights connected, slowly rotate the THRESH-

OLD control until the light(s) start to glow, then turn the control back slightly until the light just goes

out.

5. Start playing your included Thunder CD through your audio equipment. If using an earphone output

jack on your audio equipment, set the volume at about ½ to ¾ of the full level.

6. Now, adjust the LEVEL control on FireFly for the desired effect. Avoid turning the LEVEL control

(3)

• Continued on Page 6

POWER SWITCH

Flip switch up to the on position to

power the system. A green light on

the switch indicates the system is

receiving power. HEARTBEAT INDICATOR

The heartbeat blinks regularly to

show the internal microprocessor is

operating properly.

MODE

Six positions, 4 mono and 2 stereo, give a variety

of effects. Mono 1: All channels on. Acts like a

single-channel device. Mono 2: Two channels.

1-2 is one and 3-4 is the other. Mono 3: Three

channels. 1-2 is one, 3 is the second, and 4 is the

third. Mono 4: Four channels.

Stereo x1: Left pair (1-2) is one channel; right

pair (3-4) is another. (Looks like Mono 2, but

each side has its own audio.) Stereo x2: Left

pair is two channels with random combinations

of 1, 2, or both; right pair is two channels with

random combinations of 3, 4, or both.

The test button can give alternate tim-

ing to all six modes.

FILTER

The out (Low) position activates a

2-stage lter system designed to pe-

vent FireFly from reacting to sounds

other than thunder. Use this position

when using sound tracks with other

sound effects in addition to thunder.

The in (High) position changes the

ltration so that FireFly will react

to all audible sounds. This position

is appropriate when using a thunder

only sound track or when wanting

FireFly to ash lights to music.

LEVEL

The level control adjusts

FireFly’s sensitivity to the

connected sound source.

Start with the control in the

center position, then adjust

as necessary for the effect

you desire.

AUDIO IN and OUT

Connect your favorite sound

source such as a CD player

or portable MP3 player to the

AUDIO IN jack. This may be

line level sources or it could

be from an earphone output.

DO NOT connect speaker

terminals to this jack without

the use of a proper attenua-

tor or serious damage WILL

occur. The audio out jack is

for connecting your ampli-

ed speakers or other output

system.

TEST BUTTON

Press and hold this button

to test the entire system,

including your connected

lights. Both activity lights

should glow, as should the

connected lights.

The test button, held during

power-on, will activate an

alternate timing setting for

the mode switch settings..

THRESHOLD

This control sets a minimum amount of

voltage to be present at the outlets at all

times. Generally speaking, start with the

control in the fully counterclockwise posi-

tion, then rotate it until your connected

light just starts to glow, then turn it back

just enough that the lights cease to glow.

POWER OUTLET(S)

Connect approved light sources to the

power outlet(s). Be sure not to exceed

the recommended ratings (see instruc-

tions or specications). NEVER connect

anything with a surge suppressor to this

outlet as serious damage WILL occur.

FUSE

Always replace the fuse with the exact

type specied in the instructions and/

or on the specication sheet. NEVER

bypass the fuse by any means.

BACK VIEW

ACTIVITY INDICATORS

The activity indicators light to

show activity on each of the four

lightning channels and the dim-

ming channel.

DIMMING

The set control adjust the threshold

setting for the dedicated dimming

channel on the back. Depth adjusts

how much your lights dim when

triggered.

too high as the lights will simply stay on during intense “lightning” as opposed to properly ashing,

amplitude of the thunder.

7. The FILTER switch will normally be in the “out” or LOW position for lightning simulation. This as-

sures that the advanced lters screen all but the frequencies typically associated with thunder. If you are

using a thunder-only CD, you could experiment with putting the FILTER switch in the “high” position.

FireFly will now respond to all audible sounds.

MODE SWITCH

Mono 1: All channels on. Acts like a single-channel device. No combinations, but gains higher power.

Mono 2: Two channels. 1-2 is one and 3-4 is the other. Three possible combinations.

Mono 3: Three channels. 1-2 is one, 3 is the second, and 4 is the third. Six possible combinations.

Mono 4: Four channels. Fifteen possible combinations.

Stereo x1: Left pair (1-2) is one channel; right pair (3-4) is another. (Looks like Mono 2, but each side

has its own audio.) No combinations.

Stereo x2: Left pair is two channels with random combinations of 1, 2, or both; right pair is two chan-

nels with random combinations of 3, 4, or both. Three combinations per side for a total of 9 possible

combinations.

DIMMING OR LIGHTNING WITH DIMMING

1. Follow all above instructions.

2. The FF-511 features a dedicated dimming channel. Use the center outlet on the back of your FF-511

to simulate dimming of house lights during a lightning strike.

3) The dimming channel appears more normal with incandescent or halogen bulbs. You can connect

lamps in front of windows, wire your porch light to FireFly or connect any light visible to the outside

to this channel. In the DIMMING channel, those lights will be at full brightness, but during hard “light-

ning strikes”, lights on the DIMMING channel will icker and/or dim to simulate a potential power

outage.

To Set Dimming:: 1. Start with both SET and DEPTH in the 12-o’clock position.

2. Adjust LEVEL so that the thunder peaks give full brilliance on any lightning channel. (This is most

easily done in the Mono 1 mode.)

3. Adjust SET counterclockwise until you begin to get an effect.

4. Adjust DEPTH clockwise to raise the light level.

5. Continue alternating between 3 and 4 until you get an effect you like.

6. Increasing the LEVEL control makes the bright lightning peaks longer but also increases the dim-

ming effect.

7. Operating the FILTER on HIGH gives a much more pronounced effect.

ALL SOUND TO LIGHT

With the lter in the high (in) position, FireFly will react to all sounds. This creates a unique and enter-

taining experience when FireFly “hears” music rather than thunder. It is especially effective with Rock

or Country music. This is a great party effect. Don’t forget, this sound to light effect is stereo, so make

sure you have lights connected to all outlets if you are using a FF-511.

(6)

• Continued from Page 3

CHANNELS

FF-101 has a single channel that can be

used for lightning or dimming. FF-201

offers two channels, one of which can

be either lightning or dimming. FF-511

has four channels of lightning, plus a

dedicated dimming channel.

MAXIMUM RATING

FF-101 handles 1500 watts per channel

for lightning or 750 watts for dimming.

FF-201 supports up to 3000 watts (1500

watts per channel) for lightning or 1500

watts of lightning plus 750 watts dim-

ming. FF-511 handles up to 3000 watts

(including up to 750 watts dimming.)

MODES

Four mono modes, plus two stereo

modes offer six lightning effects. An

alternate timing mode can be acivated

via the Test button, giving an additional

six modes of operation.

FILTER

Low lter causes FireFly to ignore all

but the frequencies associated with

thunder. In the high position, all audible

sounds cause lights to respond. This

creates a unique and highly entertaining

effect with music.

ELECTRICAL ISOLATION

Inductive and optical isolation.

INTERNAL TEST

Test button checks most internal com-

ponents as well as connected lights.

LIGHTS SUPPORTED

Optimized for compatible LED bulbs

and xtures (recommended) Supports

incandescent and Halogen (recom-

mended for dimmer channel). Compact

uorescent (CFL) supported for dim-

mer channel. Supports many common

strobes.

THRESHOLD

Supplies adjustable amount of voltage

to outlets via the threshold control

NOISE SUPPRESSION

Passive LC Network

CONTROL METHOD

Pulse-width phase cutting

UPGRADE PATH

Check with Lights Alive for current de-

tails. There will always be an upgrade

path. FF-511 microprocessor rmware

is upgradable.

AUDIO CONNECTION

3.5mm (1/8”) Stereo audio jacks. Inter-

nal switching provided. Audio is passed

through to your amplier or amplied

speakers. Connect to line-level or ear-

phone source only. DO NOT connect

directly to speaker terminals without

approved attenuator as serious damage

WILL occur.

OVERLOAD PROTECTION

25-amp fast acting fuse

SPECIFICATIONS

(7)

FIREFLY LIMITED FIVE (5) YEAR WARRANTY

FireFly lightning simulators are conditionally warranted to the original purchaser

against defective materials and/or workmanship for a period of ve (5) years from

the date of purchase. Lights-Alive will provide free telephone and/or email techni-

cal support for the life of the product.

Lights Alive, at it’s sole option, will repair or replace, without charge, any FireFly

product found to contain defective materials and/or workmanship within the ve-

year warranty period. The product must be returned, prepaid, to Lights Alive for

service.

This warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear or physical damage caused

by unreasonable use by the consumer. Consult your manual and/or the Lights Alive

website for details on the proper usage and care of FireFly.

FireFly contains no user serviceable parts or adjustments. Opening the case will

expose the user to dangerous and potentially lethal voltages. Opening the case will

immediately void your warranty.

Great care is taken in the design and construction of FireFly and related compo-

nents. However, by using this equipment, you understand and agree that you are

doing so at your own risk. Lights Alive will not be liable for any personal injury,

property damage or consequential damages of any kind due to the use, misuse,

abuse or failure of the product, even if due to our negligence. No other warranty is

expressed or implied.

Revised 8/15/08

FireFly'FF(501'Upgrade'to'FF(511'

•'800%'faster'microprocessor'

Results!in!instant!on!operation,!additional!and!improved!features!

•'More'sophisticated'randomizing'algorithms'

Better!randomization!and!additional!timings!

•'User'selectable'switching'speed'

Toggle!between!normal!and!fast!channel!randomization!

•'Additional'test/setup'routines'

The!test!routine!is!now!instantaneous.!In!addition,!you!may!leave!any!(or!

all)!lights!on!for!testing!as!well!as!positioning.!!

•'Brownout'reset'

The!FFA511!will!now!reset!itself!in!the!event!of!a!brownout!or!power!

failure,!thus!preventing!a!system!lockup.'

Please'follow'all'FF(501'instructions'in'addition'to'the'following.'

Your!FFA511!is!shipped!in!the!standard!timing!mode.!This!mode!is!confirmed!if!the!

heartbeat/test! light! is! blinking! once! per! second.! If! you! prefer! faster! switching!

between!channels!(faster!moving!lightning),!hold!in!the!test!button!when!powering!

on!the!unit.!The!heartbeat/test!light!will!now!blink!twice!per!second.!To!toggle!back!

to! normal,! power! down! the! unit,! then! power! it! back! up! while! holding! the! test!

button.!

Pressing! and! holding! the! test! button! while! running! the! test! mode! will! freeze! that!

operation.!For!instance!if!light!channel!number!#3! is! now! lit! and! you! hold! the! test!

button,! channel! 3! will! remain! on! until! you! release! the! test! button.! It! will! then!

resume!and!complete!the!test!routine.!

Pressing!and!holding!the!test!button!until!the!heartbeat/test!light!goes!out!(about!2!

seconds)!will!allow!you!to!keep!any!light!(or!all!4!lights)!on!for!an!extended!amount!

of!time! for! troubleshooting!or!positioning! lights.! This!feature! is!available!anytime,!

except!when!running!the!test!routine.!Once!the!heartbeat/test!light!goes!off,!release!

the!test!button.!The!heartbeat/test!light!is!now!on!solid.!Pressing!the!test!button!will!

cycle!through!each!of!the!four!channels,!then!turn!all!four!on!simultaneously.!!

The! FFA511! does! include! a! safety! feature! to! prevent! overheating! of! the! system! by!

leaving!lights!on!continuously.!This!lockout!timer!is!activated!between!three!and!six!

minutes!after!entering!this!mode.!If!the!lockout!is!active,!the!heartbeat/test!light!will!

be! blinking! quite! rapidly…!!roughly!six!flashes!per!second.!To!reset,!simply!power!

down! the! unit,! then! power! it! back! up.! The! lockout! timer! will! be! reset! and! you’re!

back!in!operation.!!

A'WORD'OF'CAUTION…!!The!lockout!timer!is!designed!to!prevent!your!FFA511!from!

overheating.!If!you!have!a!large!load!attached!and!it!is! hot!to!the!touch,!allow!it!to!

cool!for!a!few!minutes!after!powering!down!before!you!power!it!up!again.!

Lights'Alive''•'www.Lights/Alive.com'•'317.244.2250'

FireFly'FF(501'Upgrade'to'FF(511!