Magicfx SPARXTAR SPARK FX Operating manual

SPARXTAR.
®
SPARK FX
PART01213
rev 01-01
USER AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
ENGLISH

2 MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual
DISCLAIMER
WARNING Read this manual carefully before installing and/or using this
product. Failure to read the manual and to follow the printed
instructions may lead to personal injury and/or damage to the
product.
© 2019 MAGICFX®
All rights reserved.
Nothing from this publication may be copied, reproduced and/or published by
means of printing, photocopying or by any other means, without the prior written
approval of MAGIC FX.
MAGIC FX reserves the right to modify specications stated in this manual.
TRADEMARKS
Any brand names mentioned in this manual are registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
LIABILITY
MAGIC FX accepts no liability for claims from third parties arising from unauthorised
use, use other than that stated in this manual, and use other than in accordance with
the General Conditions registered at the Chamber of Commerce.
Refer further to the General Conditions. These are available on request, free of
charge.
Although considerable care has been taken to ensure a correct and suitably
comprehensive description of all relevant components, the manual may nonetheless
contain errors and inaccuracies.
Should you detect any errors or inaccuracies in the manual, we would be grateful if
you would inform us. This helps us to further improve our documentation.

MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Disclaimer 2
Trademarks 2
Liability 2
Foreword 4
Language 4
Revision table 4
1 Meet the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR! 5
1.1 Main parts 5
1.2 SPARXTAR Powder 5
1.3 Technical data 6
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
2.2 Rigging 11
2.3 Noise level 11
  
  
3 Let’s spark! 14
  
3.2 Mount on a truss 15
  
  
  
3.6 Let’s spark! 22
  
  
5 Maintenance 24
6 Correct disposal 25
  

4 MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual
FOREWORD
Congratulations! You have bought a great new product from MAGIC FX.
This manual contains all information required for the intended use of the equipment.
Deviation from the described intended use can result in a hazardous situation and/or
property damage.
This manual includes notes and warnings on safe operation of the equipment. These
notes and warnings are accompanied by the following icons. Read them attentively!
DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most
extreme situations.
WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result
in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE Indicates information considered important, but not hazard-
related (e.g. messages relating to property damage).
LANGUAGE
This document contains the original instructions in English. In case you require other
languages please contact MAGIC FX.
REVISION TABLE
 Revision Date Description  
PART01213 01-00 8-1-2019 Initial release TFR TvA
PART01213 01-01 26-3-2019 Soware
update
TFR TvA

MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual 5
1 MEET THE MAGICFX®SPARXTAR!
The MAGICFX® SPARXTAR is a special eects machine for controlled emission of sparks
into the air.
The machine transports MAGICFX®SPARXTAR Powder from the hopper through an
internal heater and blows the resulting sparks upwards through the output pipe.
The maximum continuous duration of the eect is 40 seconds. Aer this period the
eect will stop automatically. With a full hopper a MAGICFX®SPARXTAR can deliver
sparks for a total duration of 9 up to 17 minutes (depending on the set eect height).
The MAGICFX® SPARXTAR is outtted for operation:
• with DMX and RDM;
• in sequence with multiple machines.
1.1 MAIN PARTS
FX LED INDICATOR
OUTPUT PIPE
DISPLAY AND BUTTONS
POWER INPUT & OUTPUT
(220-250Vac)
SAFETY EYE
DMX INPUT & OUTPUT
(5-POLE)
POWDER HOPPER
Main parts
1.2 SPARXTAR POWDER
The MAGICFX®SPARXTAR uses MAGICFX® SPARXTAR Powder to create the eect. Fill the
powder hopper of the machine with powder (maximum of two bags).
NOTICE The powder is packed in vacuum bags. Do not open the bags
until right before use. This will prevent degradation and
malfunctioning of the powder.

6 MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual
CAUTION Do not ll the hopper with anything else than the prescribed
powder. Use of any other powder or substance could lead to
injuries and damage.
Code 
MFX5101 MAGICFX®SPARXTAR Powder
Type of powder
1.3 TECHNICAL DATA
Product Product Name MAGICFX®SPARXTAR
Product Code MFX5001
Product Type SPARK FX
Main

Length (mm/in.) 300 11.8
Width (mm/in.) 318 12.5
Height (mm/in.) 243 9.6
Weight Empty weight (kg/lb.) 11.7 25.8
Package Length (mm/in.) 416 16.4
Width (mm/in.) 416 16.4
Height (mm/in.) 333 13.1
Packaged weight (kg/lb.) 12.5 27.6
 Minimum Temperature (ºC/ºF) -10 14
Maximum Temperature (ºC/ºF) 50 122
Humidity (Relative) 20% to 90% (non condensing)
Electrical Voltage Input (Vac) 220-250Vac
Voltage Frequency 50-60Hz
Power Consumption (Vac) 350W
Power Connector (Vac) Neutrik®powerCON TRUE1 (in&out)
Controlling Control Options DMX
Control Protocols DMX512-A (ANSI E1.11)
RDM (ANSI E1.20)
Control Connectors Neutrik®5-pole male/ female XLR
 Congure Options On Device & RDM
Usage Consumable(s) MAGICFX®SPARXTAR Powder
Consumable Consumption < 20 g/min
Technical data

MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual
1.4 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Type plate
1.5 ACCESSORIES
Code Product
MFX0305 MAGICFX® BASEPLATE II
MFX3103 Twenty Clamp (20kg) M10
SPR00119 Safety Steel
MFX5002 Powder Removal Funnel
Accessories
Please contact MAGIC FX for additional possibilities.
1.6 DMX CONTROL
The MAGICFX®SPARXTAR is controlled with 1 safety address and 2 operational
addresses:
DMX Address Address range Control
Safety address 1 - 512 Device enable/disable
Start address 1 - 511 Eect height
Start address + 1 2 - 512 Eect trigger
DMX addresses
The safety address cannot be the same as (one of) the operational address(es).
Operating of these addresses results in the following:

   —User and Installation Manual
DMX Address  Result
Safety address 0 99 Device disabled
100 154 Device enabled
155 255 Device disabled
Start address
(Eect height)
0 255 Eect height (2 to 4.5 m)
Start address + 1
(Eect trigger)
0 63 No output
64 127 Empty heater (only when previously
set to ‘no output’ and aer a delay of
10 seconds)
128 255 Output eect at set height
Operation of the DMX addresses
NOTICE The maximum continuous duration of the eect is 40 seconds.
Aer this period the eect will stop automatically. To start the
eect again you must disable and re-enable the Eect trigger.
NOTICE Always plug in a DMX Terminator into the DMX output of the nal
unit in the control sequence. Using a DMX Terminator improves
signal reliability.
 DISPLAY PANEL
MAIN MENU
DMX/RDM SETTINGS
BACK PREV NEXT
SELECT
Display panel
The display panel is located on the backside of the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR. Check the
following menu structure for all options in the menu. Use the buttons for navigation
and selection. The le-hand LED blinks red when DMX is active. The right-hand LED
continuously lights red when an error is present.

MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual 9
Idle Display
Main Menu
DMX Start Address (1 - 511)
DMX Safety Address (1 - 512)
DMX Footprint (Fixed)
Output Height (200 - 450 (cm))
Display Dimmer (ON/OFF)
(dims aer 30 seconds of button inactivity)
Factory Defaults (YES/NO)
Purge Powder (ON/OFF)
(blows powder out of the output pipe)
Unique ID
Bootloader CRC
Serial Number
Build Date
Lock/Unlock Controller
(press and hold for 5 seconds)
Reset Errors
DMX/RDM Settings
Error History
Configuration
Information
RDM (ON/OFF)
Type (Alarm/Error)
Soware Version
Soware CRC
Uptime (DDDD:HH:MM:SS)
Effect Time (DDDD:HH:MM:SS)
Menu structure

   —User and Installation Manual
 RDM CAPABILITY
Remote Device Management Protocol (RDM) is an enhancement of the DMX512
communication protocol. RDM can be used for conguration and status monitoring
while DMX512 takes care of the default controlling.
For RDM you will need a RDM compatible controller.
The following RDM parameters are supported by the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR.
  GET SET
DISC_UNIQUE_BRANCH X
DISC_MUTE X
DISC_UN_MUTE X
DEVICE_INFO X
SUPPORTED_PARAMETERS X
SOFTWARE_VERSION_LABEL X
DEVICE_MODEL_DESCRIPTION X
MANUFACTURER_LABEL X
SLOT_DESCRIPTION X
DMX_PERSONALITY_DESCRIPTION X
SENSOR_DEFINITION X
SENSOR_VALUE X
DMX_START_ADDRESS X X
IDENTIFY_DEVICE X X
DEVICE_LABEL X X
FACTORY_DEFAULTS X X
DMX_PERSONALITY X X
RESET_DEVICE X
RDM parameters
RDM parameters are subject of change due to soware updates. Contact MAGIC FX
for the latest information and updates.

MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual 11
2 SPARK SAFELY!
The MAGICFX®SPARXTAR has been designed and constructed in such a manner that
it can be used safely. This applies to the use, the circumstances and the regulations
as described in this documentation. Reading this documentation and following the
instructions are therefore necessary for everyone who is authorised to work with the
MAGICFX®SPARXTAR.
The MAGICFX® SPARXTAR must be used in surroundings that preferably:
• Have a reasonably stable temperature of between -10 and 50°C.
• Have a relative humidity degree between 20% and 90% (non condensing).
• Are reasonably free of dust, corrosive gases and high concentrations of
organic vapours.
• Are not situated in the vicinity of a source of vibration.
2.1 GENERAL SAFETY RULES
• Only authorised persons may work with the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR.
• Do not use the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR if there are people or animals in the direct
output.
• Make sure that children, unauthorised people and animals do not obtain
access to the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR.
• Do not connect more units to a single electrical circuit than the installed fuse
is able to handle. (Calculate the summed load with the electrical data from
Chapter 1)
• Do not remove any safeguards, safety caps and safety symbols.
• All required safety devices must be in good condition and function properly.
• Ensure sucient lighting of the surroundings.
• Keep the workplace clean.
2.2 RIGGING
Please follow the European and national guidelines for safe rigging and trussing.
2.3 NOISE LEVEL
The measured maximum noise levels of the product are 72 dB(A) at 1 m and 65
dB(A) at 5 m distance away. Please follow the European and national guidelines
regarding hearing protection.

12 MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual
2.4 SAFETY SYMBOLS
 Meaning Position
Read the manual carefully before use! Front of the machine
Warning: Hot Surface! Do not touch. Top of the machine, near
the output pipe.
Safety symbols
2.5 SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING Eye contact with ying sparks and hot particles from the machine
can lead to serious eye injury. Always wear safety goggles when
you enter the safety zone.
WARNING Always follow the safety instructions from the powder packaging
when handling and working with the powder. Consult the MSDS
from our website for detailed safety instructions.
WARNING Make sure there are no objects near the machine and within the
output distance that can be damaged or catch re by the
emitted powder and sparks from the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR.
WARNING Make sure there are no substances or gasses present that can be
ignited by the emitted powder and sparks from the MAGICFX®
SPARXTAR.
WARNING Using a damaged or an improper installed machine can lead to
death, serious injury or property damage. Always inspect the
machine thoroughly before operation.
WARNING Stop operating the machine immediately when the emitted
particles catch re or remain glowing. Extinguish any burning or
glowing particles with sand or foam. Consult the MSDS from our
website for detailed safety instructions.

MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual 13
WARNING Always create a safety zone with a distance of 3 m around the
eect of the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR. Furthermore, keep a clearance
of 2 m from the set eect height.
Note that the zone shis accordingly when the machine is
installed in a tilted position.
Note that overlap of safety zones in a setup with multiple
machines is allowed, as long the air inlets are not obstructed.
3 m
top view
WARNING Missing or obscured safety symbols on the machine can lead to
death or serious injury. Make sure all safety symbols are correctly
in place, see section 2.4.
CAUTION The output pipe heats up during operation and causes burns
when touched. Do not touch the output pipe of a (recently)
powered machine.
CAUTION Any material that blocks the output pipe can result in injuries, re
and damage to the machine when the machine is used. Always
inspect the output pipe before operating and remove any
obstructing material.
CAUTION Only open the hopper lid when the machine is not powered.
CAUTION Do not obscure the air inlets on the side of the machine.
Obscured air inlets can result in injuries, re and damage to the
machine when the machine is used.
NOTICE Always keep the machine dry and do not let any liquids such as
rain or snow wet the machine.

14 MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual
3 LET’S SPARK!
NOTICE The MAGICFX®SPARXTAR will also remain functioning correctly
when angled sideways at a maximum of 45° or -45°. However the
greater the angle becomes, the more powder will remain
unused in the hopper. Therefore level installation is preferred.
0°
45°
-45°
front view
≠ 0°= 0°
side view
3.1 INSTALL THE MACHINE
1 Install the MAGICFX® SPARXTAR on a rm and preferably level surface.
2 Inspect the machine and remove any foreign objects and material that will block
or obscure the output pipe or the air inlets of the machine during operation.
3 Take the necessary safety precautions, including:
a) Creating a safety zone with a distance of 3 m around the eect of the
MAGICFX® SPARXTAR and a clearance of 2 m from the set eect height.
b) Making sure that the direct output will be free from persons and animals.
c) Making sure there are no objects near the machine and within the output
distance that can be damaged or catch re by the emitted powder and
sparks from the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR.

MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual 15
3.2 MOUNT ON A TRUSS
NOTICE Use a MAGICFX®BASEPLATE II for mounting on top of an upright
truss, see the User and Installation manual of the MAGICFX®
BASEPLATE II (PART01575).
1 Screw two clamps into threaded holes on the bottom of the machine. Use two
M10 twenty clamps for truss mounting (product code MFX3103) and place the
pair in x or in y direction.
Y
Z
X
Y
Z
X

16 MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual
2 Mount the clamps rmly on a truss.
3 Secure the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR onto the truss.

MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual
4 Inspect if the MAGICFX® SPARXTAR is mounted rmly and secured correctly.
5 Inspect the machine and remove any foreign objects and material that will
block or obscure the output pipe or the air inlets of the machine during
operation.
6 Take the necessary safety precautions, including:
a) Creating a safety zone with a distance of 3 m around the eect of the
MAGICFX® SPARXTAR and a clearance of 2 m from the set eect height.
b) Making sure that the direct output will be free from persons and animals.
c) Making sure there are no objects near the machine and within the output
distance that can be damaged or catch re by the emitted powder and
sparks from the MAGICFX®SPARXTAR.

   —User and Installation Manual
3.3 
WARNING Always make sure that the safety address is not activated (FX LED
indicator on the machine is dimmed) when you approach a
machine.
WARNING Eye contact with ying sparks and hot particles from the machine
can lead to serious eye injury. Always wear eye protection when
you come near a powered machine.
CAUTION The output pipe heats up during operation and causes burns
when touched. Do not touch the output pipe of an installed or
recently operated machine.
1 Disconnect the machine from the power supply.
2 Unlock and open the lid of the hopper.
NOTICE Make sure that the hopper interior is dry and free from foreign
material at all times. Do not use the machine when the hopper
interior is wet. Remove any moist and/or clumped powder.
Remove any foreign material.

MAGICFX® SPARXTAR —User and Installation Manual 19
3 Open the powder bag(s) and ll the hopper with powder (maximum of two
bags).
4 Close and lock the lid of the hopper.

   —User and Installation Manual
3.4 CONNECT POWER AND SETUP DMX
PowerCon TRUE1 female
POWER
5-pole female
DMX
POWER IN POWER OUT
DMX IN DMX OUT
1. Connect a power cable with a PowerCon TRUE1 female connector to the power
input.
2. Connect the other end of the power cable to a 220-250Vac (50-60Hz) power
source. The machine starts heating and the fan starts blowing.
3. Connect the female connector of a 5-pole DMX cable in the DMX input.
4. Connect the other end of the DMX cable to your DMX controller.
5. Use the display and buttons or a RDM controller to assign DMX addresses, see
Chapter 1.
6. Optionally see Section 3.5 for adding more machines to the same sequence.
NOTICE Always plug in a DMX Terminator into the DMX output. Using a
DMX Terminator improves signal reliability.