LiveSpark FirePixel Operation manual

LiveSpark, Inc. •telephone: [phone] •email: [email protected] • www.livesparkfire.com
FirePixel
| Installation & User Guide |
|FirePixel Flame Effect |
|LiveSpark Controller |
|Stage3D |
Patents Pending
LiveSpark, Inc.
150 Las Vegas Blvd N #2114
!Las Vegas, NV 89101

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Table&of&Contents!
Safety Information 2
Introduction 3
System Components 4
Description of Components 6
System Diagram 8
Fuel Requirements 9
Operating Pressure 9
Fuel Consumption 10
Hardware Setup Instructions 10
FirePixel Operation 14
LiveSpark Controller Feature Summary 16
DMX Control 16
MIDI Control 17
Ethernet Control via Ableton Live 17
Stage3D Setup Instructions 19
Frequently Asked Questions 24
Troubleshooting 26
Plumbing Diagram 28

LiveSpark FirePixel & Controller
Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
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Important)Safety)Information!
The$FirePixel$flame$effect$is$designed$for$operation$by$experienced$special$effect$professionals$
only.$$It$is$required$that$installers$and$operators$follow$all$local$codes,$laws$and$regulations$and$
consult$with$relevant$local$authorities$having$jurisdiction$before$use$in$any$private$or$public$
environment.$$Possible$codes$and$standards$that$may$apply$in$your$jurisdiction$of$use$include$
NFPA$160,$“Standard$for$Flame$Effects$Before$an$Audience,”$NFPA$58,$“Liquified$Petroleum$Gas$
Code,”$or$others.$$$
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Prior$to$installation$or$use,$carefully$consult$the$LiveSpark$Flame$Effect$and$Operation$Document$
for$details$that$will$aid$in$obtaining$operating$permits$in$your$area.$

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Introduction!
Congratulations on purchasing your new LiveSpark FirePixel flame effect system. This guide will introduce you to its safe
operation, the FirePixel’s unique features, and provide pointers on how you can get the most out of your FirePixel for
installations, stage shows, and other productions.
The FirePixel offers precision-level control over flame height: ranging from one-inch candle up to 4 foot flame. The FirePixel and
Controller are compliant with NFPA 160 and have been permitted for use in many jurisdictions and circumstances. The system
offers an array of features to ensure performer and audience safety, including relight, flame sensing, water and obstruction
detection, auto-calibration, a physical shutoff/ignition key, and three layers of emergency stop protection.
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LiveSpark FirePixel & Controller
Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
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System'Components!
#"
Component"
Purpose"
1!
LiveSpark!Controller!
Powers!and!controls!FirePixel!chain!
2!
FirePixel!
Flame!effect!
3!
LiveSpark!Cable!
Delivers!power!and!data!to!FirePixels!&!Controller!
4!
Propane!Regulator!
Regulates!propane!fuel!to!low!pressure!
Not included:
- Mounting hardware
- Propane gas canisters
- iPad/PC (to access the LiveSpark Stage3D app)
- DMX/MIDI cables

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LiveSpark Controller
LiveSpark Cable
FirePixel
Propane Fuel Regulator

LiveSpark FirePixel & Controller
Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
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Description+of+Components!
1. FirePixel Flame Effect: Propane-fueled, self-igniting, auto-calibrating flame effects that produce a highly luminous,
virtually smoke-free, soot-free and wind resistant flame. The FirePixel’s low latency flame reactivity and variable flame
height can deliver a wide range of visual effects.
The FirePixel is a specialized flame effect that receives data from the LiveSpark Controller and creates a single
column of flame, up to 4 feet in height. Up to twenty-five LiveSpark FirePixels can be daisy-chained together (up to
256 with external power), from the Controller via the LiveSpark Cable, to create a visualization performance.
Fuel is supplied from any propane gas canister (not included) with a compatible disposable propane cylinder adapter,
through propane fuel regulators, and is ignited when signaled. It is also possible to fuel FirePixels via a hose and
manifold system. The FirePixel offers several key features to support special effects applications and performances:
•Fuel Efficiency: The FirePixel burns fuel at an efficient rate with a maximum fuel flow rate of 50 LPM at full
flame height, which consumes less than 3G of propane per hour. One standard, 16.4oz propane gas canister
can last 4-6 hours with a FirePixel operating at a typical duty cycle.
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•Auto-Calibration: The FirePixel automatically calibrates the height of the flame based on the wind conditions
and relights if the wind extinguishes it.
•Rapid Response: The FirePixel responds quickly to commands (eg. ignite, adjust flame height, extinguish)—
within 6 milliseconds.
•Monitor & Control: The FirePixel can be controlled and monitored in conjunction with the LiveSpark Controller
and Stage3D iPad app, indicating ignition, water condition, physical obstruction on the burner, and network
connectivity issues.
2. Stage 3D:A complete visual rendering and monitoring software app that visualizes the expected behavior of a
FirePixel installation. The 3D environment presents a virtual stage to the user, allowing you to accurately position and
identify each FirePixel in your performance system.

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The address and real-time status of each FirePixel is displayed in 3D against the backdrop of any user-created photo.
Nominal performance visualization are represented graphically as 3D blocks, or fire particle system simulation.
Any FirePixel error condition that may occur such as failure to ignite, water condition, obstruction is highlighted
graphically and textually on the display as it occurs. Visual error indication lets you quickly spot which FirePixel is
having a problem, so easily identify where to direct attention.
3. LiveSpark Controller: The Controller is a 2U 19” rack-mount device powered by a standard 110V AC connection.
FirePixels may be directly powered and controlled by the LiveSpark Controller.
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The LiveSpark Controller also accept inputs from other industry standard performance control systems such as DMX
light boards, MIDI devices, and music production software such as Ableton Live.
The LiveSpark Controller communicates with and receives status from each FirePixel via a dedicated bi-directional
command protocol. To further increase safety, the Controller features four levels of shutoff including nominal
operation off button, data key lock, operator presence control, and an emergency stop (E-Stop) switch.
The 3-pin DMX port accepts signals from any standard DMX interface such as a light board or DMX console.
The Midi port accepts signals from any standard MIDI device such as a MIDI controller, keyboard, drum trigger, drum
machine, touch pad, wind controller, MIDI guitar, etc.
An Ethernet port accepts control commands from any external network broadcaster, such as the Ableton Live FirePixel
plugin provided by LiveSpark. Additional application plugins to extend the range of authoring environments is planned
for future release by LiveSpark and partners.
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LiveSpark FirePixel & Controller
Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
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Fuel%Requirements!
FirePixels are compatible with propane fuel only. Propane may be delivered to the FirePixel from any UL, CSA or other certified
storage tank. Propane supplied may contain some portion of butane and up to 5% propylene, per the ASTM’s and GPA’s HD-5
standard. Most US suppliers provide HD-5 propane under the name “propane,” which is compatible with FirePixels.
FirePixels are not compatible with natural gas, methane, pure butane or any other flammable or non-flammable fuel. FirePixels
are not compatible with any liquid fuel. Using a non-compatible fuel may damage FirePixels and void their warranty. Propane
must be fully vaporized prior to conveyance into the FirePixel fuel inlet. Do not supply FirePixels from a propane tank designed to
distribute propane in liquid form, such as tanks with bottom-or side-outlet valves. Do not supply additional fuel to the FirePixel
flame output.
Operating*Pressure!
FirePixels are designed to operate with propane fuel regulated to a pressure of 25PSI +/-3PSI at the fuel inlet. It is important to
use an appropriate regulator that can deliver fuel at the correct operating pressure. A +/-3PSI variation of pressure inlet pressure
is acceptable.
WARNING! Exceeding regulated fuel supply pressure above 25PSI may cause fuel to leak and damage FirePixel hardware. Never
SET REGULATED PRESSURE TO exceed 25PSI.
FirePixels are factory-calibrated to operate at 25PSI. Exceeding this pressure may cause the FirePixels internal valve to leak and
create a dangerous condition. Supplying FirePixels with fuel at pressures below 25PSI is also not recommended. FirePixels
operated at lower pressures may fail to ignite, and create undesirable flame perceptual effects. Low pressure operation may also
release small amounts of uncombusted fuel to the atmosphere due to repeated ignition attempts, though the FirePixel will enter
the Locked state if ignition fails repeatedly (see Stage3D documentation for monitoring errors).
Because propane cools as it expands from its liquid pressure (120PSI at 72F) to its vaporized usage pressure, it is possible for
the output pressure of the propane supply tank to fall below 25PSI. During this condition FirePixels should be extinguished and
no further fuel should be supplied until a suitable operating pressure can be obtained, either after absorbing sufficient heat from

LiveSpark FirePixel & Controller
Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
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the atmosphere, via a propane heating or vaporization system certified for such use, or by replacing the fuel supply.
Fuel%Consumption!
The maximum fuel flow rate at 25PSI of a FirePixel at maximum flame value is 50LPM. Fuel consumption at maximum setting
is 3G per hour. Setting the FirePixel to lower average flame heights will consume considerably less fuel, especially if flame height
is varied. In common practice, a FirePixel varying its height continuously should be expected to perform for 2-6 hours on a 1LB
LPG cylinder.
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Hardware'Setup&Instructions!
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** NOTE:The LiveSpark FirePixel and Controller must be installed and operated by experienced and licensed professionals only.
Improper installation or operation of flame effects can result in property damage, physical injury, or death. Follow all local codes
and ordinances.
Install"in"a"suitable"location"
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Identify the location of the LiveSpark FirePixelsper your stage or environment requirements. Please exercise caution when
installing LiveSpark FirePixels–consult the Flame Effect Compliance and Operation document for minimum distances to
flammable and other materials.Refer to mounting instructions if mounting the LiveSpark FirePixelsto truss, pipeor other

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fixtures.
Mounting"
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Each FirePixel may be securely mounted to a variety of set structures such as truss, pipe, plate, or secured stand all by attaching
a suitable mounting system to the FirePixel’s mounting provisions (the rounded corners of the FirePixel’s aluminum enclosure).
The corners of the FirePixel enclosure have a 0.188” radius and are clear of cooling fins for 0.281” along each side to the
enclosure’s first cooling fin. A suitable mounting provision is a slip-fit sleeve fabricated from two 90-degree L material, such
1/4”x1/4” steel angle iron. It is recommended to coat mounting brackets in a suitable plastic, rubber or other protective material
that will not damage the finish on the aluminum enclosure.
The FirePixel may also be mounted with any clamp capable of attaching to its enclosure.
FirePixels are designed to be perform optimally at angles of up to 45° from vertical. In still air environments the FirePixel may be
mounted as low as horizontally, but no lower. Even though a FirePixel may appear to operate acceptably at lower angles, air
currents or convection may direct flame into the FirePixel, causing overheating or other damage to burner components or wiring
and is not recommended.
Recommended Mounting Angle
Fuel"Connection"
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1. Attach a 16.4 oz or other disposable propane fuel cylinder to one propane regulator.
2. Attach the included pressure gauge to the regulator’s output by pulling back the regulator’s socket sleeve and securely
attaching it to the male plug on the gauge. Adjust the regulator by turning its knob until the gauge displays the
recommended 25PSI pressure. Once the regulator has been adjusted to the correct pressure disconnect the gauge.

LiveSpark FirePixel & Controller
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3. Connect the regulator output socket to the fuel inlet plug located on the bottom of the LiveSpark FirePixel. Ensure the
canister and fuel regulator are securely fastened to the gas inlet valve and there are no leaks. A suitable leak-check
solution may be brushed on to plumbing fittings to ensure a leak-free connection.
4. Repeat the process for additional FirePixels.
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The LiveSpark Cable contains a total of 4 18 gauge conductors consisting of 2 conductors for power and 2 for data. FirePixels
operate at 18VDC and consume a maximum of 12W each. The power supply included in the LiveSpark Controller is rated for
350W, capable of supplying at least 25 FirePixels directly. Additional FirePixels may be powered by attaching external power
supplies.
Each FirePixel has 2 wire “pigtails” with one female connector and one male connector attached. The male connector on each
FirePixel is its data output. The female connector is its data input.
Be sure to plan your FirePixel system layout so that each output connects to the next FirePixel’s input, forming a daisy chain
pattern. The order of connection is important, since that is the order in which your FirePixels will be numerically addressed.
The LiveSpark Controller’s FirePixel input and output connectors are of a different type from the FirePixels themselves. Male and
female adapter cables are provided to connect the Controller to the FirePixel chain.
1. Connect the male pigtail of the LiveSpark cable to the female pigtail at the bottom of the first FirePixel in your
FirePixel daisy chain. Ensure the connection is properly fastened by applying even pressure on both connectors until
they click and lock together. Connect the other side of the cable to the LiveSpark Controller’s adapter cable.

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2. Continue the connections by daisy-chaining another LiveSpark Cable to the remaining pigtail on the first LiveSpark
FirePixel to the next FirePixel in your FirePixel chain. Repeat this step for all remaining FirePixels. Attach no more
than 25 FirePixels directly to the Controller power supply (if more FirePixels are to be used in a single chain,
external power is required).
3. The final FirePixel in the daisy chain should be connected to the Controller via the remaining adapter cable. The
male connector on the FirePixel sends its output via the adapter cable to the Controller. This connection is
important so the Controller can receive the number of FirePixels as well as any errors they may transmit along the
chain. Without this return connection from the final FirePixel in the chain to the Controller, Stage3D will not
properly display the operation of the FirePixel system.
Connect"Controller"Power"and"Accessories"
To complete the set up of the LiveSpark Controller, connect its power cord and accessories.

LiveSpark FirePixel & Controller
Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
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1. Connect the Controller power cord to a standard 110VAC outlet and turn on the power switch on the rear panel.
The LED light located at the front of the Controller will illuminate to indicate the unit is powered on. In about
30 seconds, the Controller is ready for use when the IGNITE button illuminates.
2. Attach the Wi-Fi antenna on to the Wi-Fi mounting screw on the rear panel of the Controller
3. If using a compatible Operator Presence Control (OPC) device such as a dead-man switch, attach it to the OPC
XLR connection on the rear panel of the Controller.
*** NOTE: If not using an Operator Presence Control device, you must then attach the provided OPC Bypass to
the XLR socket. FirePixel power flows through the OPC XLR connector via pins 2 and 3. Without this connection
your FirePixels will not operate.
4. Insert the key (provided) into the key lock switch on the front panel of the Controller.
FirePixel(Operation!
Ignition"
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Once the LiveSpark system is properly configured and all local codes and requirements have been met, ignite the FirePixels by
following this procedure.
1. Power on the LiveSpark Controller and wait until the Ignite switch is illuminated.
2. Be sure a compatible Operator Presence Control (dead-man switch) or the provided OPC Bypass is connected.
3. Insert the Controller key and twist it to the UNLOCK position.
4. Flip the E-Stop switch cover up.
5. Turn the E-Stop switch to the UP/ON position.
6. Press the IGNITE button.
THIS WILL CAUSE THE CONNECTED CHAIN OF FIREPIXELS TO IGNITE.

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If you are having problems with ignition, please refer to the Troubleshooting section of this Guide.
Extinguishing Flames
IN AN EMERGENCY Flip the E-Stop switch DOWN/OFF.
To turn flames off in a non-emergency situation, press the OFF button on the Controller.
You may also turn the flames off by twisting the key lock switch to the LOCK position or by disconnecting / deactivating an
attached Operator Presence Control.
FirePixels operate using normally closed valves, which stops the flow of fuel to the burner when power is disconnected.
Automatic Calibration
After powering up and ignition the FirePixels begin an automatic calibration sequence which takes 10-30 seconds under normal
conditions. During calibration flame heights will vary based on factory settings and operating environmental conditions. FirePixels
should reach their minimum flame height in 10-30 seconds at which point they can be turned off by pressing the OFF button.
Calibration is retained as long as the FirePixels are powered.
FirePixel"Demo"
After you have installed your hardware and configured Stage3D, you can test the FirePixels using the on-board Demo.
*** Note: The on-board Demo is a pre-programmed flame sequence that demonstrates some of the unique features of the
FirePixel flame effect. It is 4 minutes long, timed to music and authored for 5 FirePixels. Additional connected FirePixels will not
be controlled when playing the demo.
1. To hear the music accompanying the demo, you will need to connect a pair of speakers or amplifier to the audio output
jack on the rear panel of the LiveSpark Controller.
2. Follow the ignition procedure above to ignite the connected FirePixel chain.
3. To play the demo, press the PLAY button. The demonstration consists of a 4 minute demonstration of fire sequences
timed to music, visualized both on the FirePixels and on the Stage3D app.
4. At any time (during or including while the Demo is playing) you can press and hold the MAX button to set all connected
FirePixels to their maximum flame height.

LiveSpark FirePixel & Controller
Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
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LiveSpark*Controller*Feature*Summary!
Action
Function
Steps
Power On
Boots up the LiveSpark
Controller and FirePixels
into a Standby state.
1. Connect LiveSpark Controller Power Adapter to the Controller
2. Lift E-Stop switch cover
3. Flip Ignition Switch into the ON position
4. Wait 15-20 seconds for LED light to indicate Controller is in
Standby
Power Off
Cut off power to LiveSpark
Controller and FirePixels
1. Flip E-Stop to OFF position or
2. Turn off Controller or
3. De-activated Operator Presence Controller
Ignite FirePixels
Ignites FirePixels, calibrates
to minimum flame height,
FirePixels ready to receive
data.
1. Ensure the LiveSpark Controller is powered on.
2. Turn Key Lock Switch into the Unlock position.
3. Ensure OPC or OPC Bypass is connected.
4. Wait for IGNITE button to illuminate.
5. Press the IGNITE button.
6. Wait 10-30 seconds to complete calibration (minimum flame height)
Off Button
Extinguishes all flame on
FirePixel. Locks functionality
to other buttons on the
Controller
1. Press the OFF button. FirePixels extinguish.
Play / Stop
Demo Mode
Initializes onboard Demo
sequence
1. Ignite FirePixels
2. Press the PLAY button. Ensure it is lit
3. Demo plays for 2-3 minutes or until Demo button is pressed again
Max
Overrides existing
DMX/MIDI/Ethernet data
stream and raises flame
height to 100%
1. Press and hold the MAX button to set all FirePixels to 100%
2. Release the blast button to return flame to 0% or previous control
state.
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DMX$Control!
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Any standard DMX equipment such as a DMX light board, console, or other device that complies with the DMX protocol may be
used with the LiveSpark Controller to author and control a FirePixel flame performance.
A single DMX channel controls one FirePixel.

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The first DMX channel in the connected DMX Universe controls the first FirePixel in the chain, the second channel controls the
second FirePixel and so on.
1. Connect the DMX device’s output to the DMX input (3-pin XLR) connection on the rear panel of the LiveSpark
Controller using a DMX cable and 5-pin to 3-pin adapter if necessary (not provided).
2. Follow the ignition procedure above to ignite the connected FirePixel chain.
3. Operate your DMX device to control the flame heights of the connected FirePixel chain.
4. When finished press the OFF button on the Controller or follow the appropriate procedure in the “Extinguishing
Flames” section above.
MIDI$Control!
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Any standard MIDI device such as a Midi controller, keyboard, drum trigger, drum machine, touch pad, wind controller, MIDI
guitar, or other MIDI -compatible interface may be used with the LiveSpark Controller to author and control a FirePixel flame
performance.
Because the MIDI protocol has a narrower communication bandwidth, it is recommended that no more than 6 FirePixel values be
continuously modified at one time. For faster control, use the ethernet port as described in the “Ethernet Control” section below.
One MIDI pitch corresponds to the address of one FirePixel, starting with MIDI not zero, which in MIDI terminology is commonly
referred to as “C-2”, or MIDI value 0 (the note ‘C’ 2 octaves below middle ‘C’). The MIDI velocity controls flame height. The
MIDI velocity range is 0-127: so a velocity of 0 produces a minimum flame height, a velocity of 64 produces a medium flame
height and a velocity of 127 produces a maximum flame height.
Playing a MIDI note C-2 at a velocity of 64 sets the first FirePixel in the chain to a middle flame height.
Ethernet'Control&via&Ableton&Live!
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Because FirePixels are capable of a high dynamic range of flame heights that can each be rapidly addressed, you can create
incredibly rich visual experiences with this system. To author these performances, a system capable of precise timing,
synchronization with music, and powerful sequencing, looping and triggering features is essential. Ableton Live provides such an
authoring environment, and LiveSpark offers a Live plugin to easily transmit this data to the LiveSpark Controller via ethernet.

LiveSpark FirePixel & Controller
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Requirements"
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Live is a music production studio software produced by Ableton and available online at: www.ableton.com. To control FirePixels
using this software, Max 6 must also be installed, and is available from: www.cycling74.com. Follow instructions accompanying
Ableton Live 9 Suite and Max 6 to correctly install, authorize and configure these packages on your computer. Both software
packages are available for Mac OS and Windows operating systems.
Plugin"Installation"
Once Ableton Live 9 Suite and Max 6 are installed and configured, download the LiveSpark Plugin for Ableton Live from:
www.livesparkfire.com/blog/downloads/firepixelableton.amxd
Drag and drop the firepixelableton.amxd into the MIDI instruments section of any Live MIDI track. This enables your MIDI track
to send data to the LiveSpark Controller and control your FirePixel chain.
For a demonstration of how to author rich performances using Live, download a FirePixel demonstration Live project from:
http://www.livesparkfire.com/downloads/AbletonLiveFirePixelDemo.zip
Similar to MIDI control (see “MIDI Control” section of this Guide), note C-2 in the Live MIDI track corresponds to the first
FirePixel in your connected FirePixel chain. Each MIDI note and its associated velocity tells a FirePixel how high to adjust its
flame and for how long.
The overall Gain may be adjusted by dragging up or down on the Gain knob in the FirePixel plugin pane, and this adjustment can
be recorded and automated just like any other Live Automated Parameter.
A FirePixel simulation is also displayed to show the flame heights your Live project will create as it plays.
Many other Ableton Live features may be used in conjunction with your FirePixel system and are beyond the scope of this Guide.
Please consult the Ableton Live manual and online tutorials to get the most from this powerful authoring software.

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Ableton Live with FirePixel Plugin
Stage3D!Setup!Instructions!
Stage3D is available from LiveSpark for iPad from the iTunes app store. It allows real-time performance visualization and error
monitoring for your connected FirePixel chain.
Controller"Wi@Fi"Network"Setup"
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The LiveSpark Controller broadcasts its own private and secure Wi-Fi Network. To monitor your FirePixels you first need to
connect to this Wi-Fi network before launching Stage3D.
1. On youriPad, navigate to the “Settings” app
2. On the Settings screen, touch the “Wi-Fi”item to setup your Wi-Fi Network.