MDG eMINI User manual

Les Générateurs de Brouillard MDG Ltée / MDG Fog Generators Ltd
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10301 avenue Pelletier, Montréal, Québec, Canada H1H 3R2
Tel. 514-272-6040 / 800-663-3020 - Fax 514-722-3229
www.mdgfog.com e-mail : info@mdgfog.com
User Guide
eMINI Fogger
(Revision A/a, April 2020, © MDG Fog Generators Ltd)

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Intentionally left blank

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TABLE OF CONTENT
Section Page
TABLE OF CONTENT 3
USER’S GUIDE 4
How to read this user’s guide 4
Qualified Personnel 5
Need a little Help? 5
Copyright notice 5
BASIC DESCRIPTION 6
INSTALLATION 8
WORKING WITH THE eMINI 9
The Keyboard 10
Lcd saver 10
The Menu 11
Operating instructions 14
Starting Procedures 14
FAIL State 15
DMX Control 17
Bootloader 18
RDM Control 18
FOG FLUID 20
Replacing the fluid container 20
TROUBLESHOOTING 21
CABLE REQUIREMENTS 23
Connection to the main 23
DMX 512 connection 23
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 24
DIMENSIONS 25
WARRANTY 26
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 27
NOTES 28

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USER’S GUIDE
Congratulations! You are now in possession of a MDG eMINI fogger.
We hope this eMINI fogger will bring you long hours of satisfaction.
Please read the following instructions carefully and completely before filling your fogger with the MDG
Glycol-Based Fog Fluids and turning it on.
CAUTION
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been
given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for
their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the
appliance.
CAUTION
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or
similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.
HOW TO READ THIS USER’S GUIDE
WARNING and CAUTION are used throughout this manual to forewarn of possible danger
to the users if precautions are not observed. As is customary in military and some
commercial manuals, the precautions will always precede the steps to which it refers so that
the users will be aware of any potential danger before performing the task.
WARNING and CAUTION labels are key equipment parts. Do not remove, change or cover
these labels. If the labels are not readable, contact MDG FOG GENERATORS LTD.
BOLD TEXT: Contains important information, cautionary steps and warnings that should be read
and understood prior to installing the unit.
BOLD and ITALIC TEXT: pertains to product names and trademarks, proprietary names and
products made by MDG FOG GENERATORS LTD.
Please read the following instructions carefully and completely before installing, pressurizing and turning
on the fogger.

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QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
MDG Fog Generators Ltd systems will perform as designed but are to be installed, operated, and
serviced by trained personnel. Installation, operation and servicing of this equipment require trained
personnel with technical skills in electrical theory and fluid dynamics. This manual is not a substitute
for qualified technicians or local authorities on electricity, gas, fluid, or engineering, and therefore
does not supersede, amend or void local safety installation practices. Please refer to local authorities
for further information.
NEED A LITTLE HELP?
At MDG, we try our best to provide you with complete information for our products. Despite it all,
sometimes, a little more is required due to the specifics of your project and installation. We’re looking
forward to go that extra mile for you.
Contact us:
By Phone: +1-800-663-3020 +1-514-272-6040
By Fax: +1-514-722-3229
On the Web: www.mdgfog.com
By Mail: MDG Fog Generators Ltd.
10301, Avenue Pelletier
Montréal, QC, H1H 3R2
Canada
Please note that our business hours are from 08h00 to 12h00 and from 12h30 to 17h00 (8:00AM to
12:00PM and 12:30PM 5:00PM), Eastern (GMT -5).
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This User’s Guide (Original Instructions) is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by MDG Fog Generators
Ltd.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of MDG Fog
Generators Ltd.

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BASIC DESCRIPTION
The eMINI fogger was designed with safety and reliability in mind. It is capable of generating pure white,
non-toxic fog for as long as you have fluid (100% duty cycles).
The eMINI is a variable output fogger capable of generating large volume of dense fog in a short period of
time. This fogger must be used in a well-ventilated area.
At the heart of the MDG fogger is an electronic assembly that keeps the heat exchanger(s) at a very stable
temperature, with three different types of fail-safe systems. Those three types of electronic fail-safe systems
are designed to protect against over and under-heating conditions and against component failure. When
an overheating condition is detected, or if the internal temperature of the fogger reaches 60°C (140°F), a
safety circuit is triggered. This circuit removes the power to the heating elements, preventing hazardous
conditions.
When an under-heating condition occurs, the fogger will stop producing fog until the temperature of the
heating module is back within parameters.
The temperature of the heat exchanger is maintained within a narrow margin. If an error occurs (see FAIL
State), the fogger will automatically shut down. When one of the safety systems is activated, the Fail state
will be displayed on the LCD, in the Status Menu. Check the FAIL State and Troubleshooting paragraphs
for diagnostics, then shut down the main power switch, wait 30 seconds, and then switch the fogger back
on. If the failure persists, send your fogger back to an authorized service center for verification.
When « Fog On » mode is activated (DMX or Control Menu), the MDG eMINI fogger will produce fog for
as long as the ready level is reached (temperature) and all other control parameters are within specifications.
Never remove the power to a fogger while it is producing fog –See the Shut down procedure.
WARNING
•When not in use, ALWAYS switch off the power switch located on the back panel and
disconnect the AC line.
•Never install above people.
•This eMINI fogger must be installed in an upright position on a stable and leveled
surface.
•Use in a well-ventilated area.
•Do not operate at less than 2 meters (6.5 ft.) from people.

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MAIN POWER switch
VAC Input
100-250 VAC, 50/60 Hz
1100-1480 W
XLR-5 DMX/ RDM
Connector
LCD
Keyboard
USB Connector
2.5-Litre of MDG
DENSETM Fluid
Fluid Hose
Handle
Fog output
nozzle
Fluid level
indication

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INSTALLATION
Exercise caution when selecting the location to install or use this equipment:
•Install the MDG eMINI away from rain, wind, heavy dust or any harsh environment situations.
•Ensure available space for all electrical cable and DMX cables runs,
•The MDG eMINI requires 2 m (6.56 ft) of clearance to the front.
Install a MDG Glycol-based Fog Fluid bottle in the fogger (see Fog Fluid paragraph).
Connect the data wiring (Male XLR-5 connector for DMX/RDM) if you are using a DMX or RDM controller.
Plug the PowerCON connector.
Connect the power cord 100-250 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 1415W nominal (1100-1480 W).

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WORKING WITH THE EMINI
The MDG eMINI fogger is quite easy to operate and require no preventive maintenance.
Switch On the power.
The MDG eMINI will display during four (4) seconds, the following message:
MDG Fog Generators
BootLoader
Testing: ....
The MDG eMINI will then display during one (1) second, the following message:
eMINI
by
MDG Fog Generators Ltd
(V: x.xx –F: y.yyy)
where ‘x.xx’ is the version of your fogger, and ‘y.yyy’ is the firmware of the program.
The program will load the configuration parameters saved in the EEPROM memory.
Finally, the screen will display the menu.

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THE KEYBOARD
The user can scroll in the menu by using the buttons of the keyboard:
‘Down’ moves the selection to the next menu, or decrease a data value.
•When at the end of a list, the program moves back to the first item of this list.
•If the selected menu is a data input menu, keeping this key pressed will decrease the value
more rapidly.
•In a data input menu, when the value reaches its minimum value, the program continues
with the maximum value.
‘Up’ moves the selection to the previous menu, or increase a data value.
•If the item is the first of a menu, the program moves the selection to the last item of that
menu.
•If the selected menu is a data input menu, keeping this key pressed will increase the value
more rapidly.
•In a data input menu, when the value reaches its maximum value, the program continues
with the minimum value.
‘Mode’ moves the last selection to the upper level
•This key has no effect in the first level.
•In a data input menu, pressing this key permit to exit the menu without changing any value
(escape).
‘Enter’ confirms a selection or data value.
•This key selects the menu.
•In a toggle menu, this key confirms the selection and moves the cursor back to the upper
level menu.
•In a data input menu, this key confirms the value of the data and moves the cursor back
to the upper level menu.
LCD SAVER
The program can automatically switch off the LCD screen (menu display and backlight) if there is no
keyboard activity. The user can choose between a 30 second and a 2 minutes delay in the Settings Menu
(« SETTINGS LCD SAVER »).
When the LCD Saver is activated, just press any key of the keyboard to re-activate the LCD screen functions.
The user can also deactivate the LCD saver by selecting the OFF option.

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THE MENU
The menu is divided in four (4) main menus:
•Status Menu summarizes all the state of the fogger. None of its sub menus can be modified.
•Control Menu allows the user to control locally the MDG eMINI. All its sub menus can be set, as long
as the fogger is not in DMX/RDM mode.
•Interface Menu allows the user to define or verify the communication via DMX/RDM.
•Settings Menu summarizes general configuration of the fogger.
The menu is refreshed every second.
•Items preceded by the « - » character are state messages or parameters, updated by the program. The
user cannot modify them.
•Items preceded by the « > » character are control parameters.
•The user, within specific ranges or choices, can MODIFY them. In user input mode, the value or the
choice is preceded with the « ? » character.
This menu can be
modified by user
This menu cannot be
modified by user
The value is presently
modified by user

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The tree menu architecture is explained below. Items highlighted in blue are state menu (--), and those
highlighted in yellow are control menu ( -- ).
STATUS Status menu
STATE ---- Status State
UNIT OFF - the fogger is off
xx% HEAT - the fogger is heating, but not ready
READY - the fogger is ready to produce fog
FOG ON - the fogger is producing Fog
FAIL - the fogger is off, due to a failure (see diagnostic)
ERROR ---- Error message when State = FAIL (see diagnostic)
TEMP. ---- Temperature status (heating module)
TOO LOW - temperature too low
OK - temperature within specifications (ready)
TOO HIGH - temperature too high
PCB TEMP ---- Temperature of the board (see Units)
RUN TIME xx.x Total Run Time in decimal hours
FOG TIME xx.x Total Fog Time in decimal hours
LAST ERR yyyyy Code for the Last five (5) errors
See Fail State paragraph
CONTROL Control menu
UNIT ---- Unit toggle
OFF - the fogger is off
ON - the fogger is on
« Normal Mode » PERSONALITY
OUTPUT xxx Fog Output, from low (0) to high (255)
« Burst Mode » PERSONALITY
BURST DUR xxx 1/10 sec Burst duration, for 0.5 (0) to 26.0 (255)
FOG xxx Fog Control
OFF - No output
ON
1
- Fog output
PERSO. xxx Personality toggle
NORMAL - Normal Mode (Variable Output)
BURST - Burst Mode (Very High Output, Short Duration)
1
In Burst Mode, the fogger produces a UNIQUE burst of fog. The user must switch back the
menu to OFF to be able to redo another burst of fog.

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INTERFACE Network /DMX/RDM Menu
COMM. ---- Communication toggle
AUTO - the fogger is controlled by DMX/RDM if a signal is present,
or locally if there is no signal
LOCAL - the fogger is controlled by the keyboard ONLY
DMX - the fogger is controlled by DMX/RDM ONLY
DEV LABEL yyyyyy RDM Device Name
DEV ID yyyyyy RDM Device ID
DMX ADDR yyy DMX Address (1 to 510) Network / DMX / RDM
CHAN. 1 yyy DMX channel #1 value (0-255)
CHAN. 2 yyy DMX channel #2 value (0-255)
CHAN. 3 yyy DMX channel #3 value (0-255)
SETTINGS Settings menu
UNITS ---- Units toggle
°C - temperature in Celsius
°F - temperature in Fahrenheit
LCD SAVER ---- LCD Saver Mode
30 s - LCD saver is activated after 30 s
2 mn - LCD saver is activated after 2 min
OFF - LCD Saver is Off
VERSION x.xx Model Version
FIRMWARE x.xx Program Firmware

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The MDG eMINI fogger can be controlled either locally, with the keyboard, via DMX (see DMX control and
RDM Control). This paragraph focuses on local control.
Starting Procedures
Powered up the fogger, the control program configures the Input/Output and loads the configuration
parameters, saved in the EEPROM memory.
At this point, the MDG eMINI switches to stand-by mode, and most of the electronic controls are off.
When the fogger is manually switched to «UNIT ON» mode («UNITON»), the program starts the heating
cycle («STATE = % HEAT»), which will last approximately 7 minutes.
When the temperature reaches its operating level, the eMINI Fogger is ready to produce fog («STATE =
READY»).
NOTES:
Always check that the fog fluid hose and pumps are primed prior using the MDG eMINI fogger.
This is particular critical after you have refilled the fog fluid bottle, or if you have not used the fogger during
a long period.
To prime the eMINI fogger, do a fog burst of approximately 10 sec.
Fog Production
•Normal Mode
The amount of the fog emission can be controlled by adjusting the fog output («CONTROLOUTPUT»),
while the emission is controlled with the Fog menu set to ON («CONTROLFOGON»).
•Burst Mode
When the fog menu is toggle to ON, the MDG eMINI fogger will produce fog at very high output
during a period corresponding to the burst duration («CONTROLBURST DUR»), in 1/10th of seconds
When the burst of fog is finished, the user will need to reset the fog menu to OFF
(«CONTROLFOGOFF») to be able to restart a new burst.
During a fog burst, switching fog menu to OFF will abort the running fog burst.
The MDG eMINI fogger will produce fog as long as the control parameters are within specifications, and
the fog fluid bottle filled.

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If a critical problem occurs, the program shuts down automatically the fogger, and displays an error message
in the State Menu (see Fail State).
WARNING
Never power off a fogger while it is producing fog –See the shut down procedure.
Shut down procedure
Never shut down the MDG eMINI fogger while producing fog.
Power off the fogger observing the following sequence:
•Switch off the fog emission («CONTROLFOGOFF»),
•Switch the fogger «UNIT OFF» mode («CONTROLUNITOFF»),
•Power off the MDG eMINI fogger, by switching off the “MAIN POWER SWITCH”.
Switching directly the fogger in «UNIT OFF» mode by DMX will yield the same result as above. Wait for all
the cycles to complete before powering off the fogger.
FAIL State
FAIL state mode is initiated if any critical error occurs.
In this state, the MDG eMINI is off, awaiting an action from the user.
A critical error is always displayed in the Status Menu («STATUSERROR»), as well as the five (5) last
critical errors («STATUSLAST ERR»).
•ERROR = HEATER LAST ERR CODE = 6
This error will occur if the temperature of the heating module is not increasing with the proper thermal
ramp.
This is generally due to a heater cartridge(s) problem. Shut down the fogger and restart it. Check the
heating process with the value of the Status («STATUSSTATExx% HEAT»). If the percent is not
increasing, the heater cartridges have failed.
•ERROR = T. HIGH LAST ERR CODE = 8
This error will occur if the temperature of the heating module is too high.
This is generally due to an electronic problem. Shut down the fogger and restart it.

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•ERROR = T. SAF LAST ERR CODE = 5
This error will occur if abnormal temperature difference between the two sensors of the heating module
is detected.
This is generally due to an electronic or a sensor problem. Shut down the fogger and restart it.
•ERROR = PCB HIGH LAST ERR CODE = D
This error will occur when the internal temperature of the fogger is too high.
This may happen if the external temperature is high. Clear out the vents and move the fogger in the
shade. Shut down, wait few minutes and restart the fogger.
•ERROR = WD RST LAST ERR CODE = E
This error will occur if the watchdog (software safety) resets the fogger.
This is generally due to software error, an interference or chip problem. Shut down the fogger and
restart it.
Please contact an Authorized Service Center if any problem persists.

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DMX CONTROL
The MDG eMINI can be controlled via a DMX512-A USITT standard protocol.
WARNING
Activating the «DMX» mode («INTERFACE
MODE
DMX»), controls the MDG eMINI
only by DMX signal. If the DMX wire is unplugged or DMX signal is lost, the fogger
initiates an automatic shutdown procedure.
Activating the «AUTO» mode («INTERFACE
MODE
AUTO»), controls MDG eMINI
by DMX, only if there is a signal. If the DMX wire is unplugged or DMX signal is lost, the
fogger keeps the last DMX values.
WARNING
In «AUTO Mode», DMX commands always take precedence over Local commands.
The MDG eMINI provides a simple way to check if there is DMX signal:
The user can change the DMX Start Address in the Interface Menu («DMX Add»), and choose any value
between 1 and 510 (512, last DMX channel).
The user can change the DMX Start Address in the Interface Menu («DMX Add»), and choose any value
between 1 and 511 (512, last DMX channel).
The fogger uses three (3) DMX channels, but has two different personalities:
•Channel 1 0 (0%) UNIT OFF 128 (50%) UNIT ON 255 (100%)
•Channel 2 0 (0%) to 255 (100%), FOG OUTPUT (from minimum to maximum)
OR 0 (0.1 s) to 255 (25.5 s), BURST DURATION
•Channel 3 0 (0%) FOG OFF 128 (50%) FOG ON 255 (100%)
These channels have the same behaviour that the menus of the local interface (see Operating instructions
paragraph).
No DMX Signal
DMX Signal

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BOOTLOADER
The MDG eMINI uses a BootLoader, also called boot manager. This program is a firmware (software
embedded in a hardware device) located into the non-volatile memory of the microcontroller unit (MCU)
that allows in-circuit reprogramming of the device using its USB communication port.
To upgrade the firmware, you will need:
•a computer running under Windows, with a USB 2.0 connector
•special driver for the USB, included in the package,
•a standard USB 2.0 cable, A to B Male/Male type
Contact the MDG Service to have the last package firmware upgrade for the MDG eMINI.
RDM CONTROL
The MDG eMINI can be controlled via a RDM ANSI E1.20 protocol, an intelligent bi-directional
communication utilizing the DMX512 data link.
RDM allows a console or other controlling device to discover and then configure, monitor, and manage
intermediate and end-devices connected through a DMX512 network. RDM provides for intelligent control
of devices on a DMX512 network, which has not been previously available outside of proprietary networks
RDM Control has the same functionalities than the DMX Control (see DMX Control) with bi-directional
functions allowing the user to read or write specific functions.

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The RDM supported parameters implemented in the MDG eMINI are summarized in the following table.
RDM Parameter ID’s
Value
GET
Allowed
SET
Allowed
Comments
DISC_UNIQUE_BRANCH
0x0001
DISC_MUTE
0x0002
DISC_UN_MUTE
0x0003
QUEUED_MESSAGE
0x0020
✓
STATUS_MESSAGES
0x0030
✓
SUPPORTED_PARAMETERS
0x0050
✓
PARAMETER_DESCRIPTION
0x0051
✓
DEVICE_INFO
0x0060
✓
PRODUCT_DETAIL_ID_LIST
0x0070
✓
DEVICE_MODEL_DESCRIPTION
0x0080
✓
eMINI, Fogger
MANUFACTURER_LABEL
0x0081
✓
MDG Fog Generators Ltd
DEVICE_LABEL
0x0082
✓
✓
SOFTWARE_VERSION_LABEL
0x00C0
✓
DMX_PERSONALITY
0x00E0
✓
✓
1
DMX_PERSONALITY_DESCRIPTION
0x00E1
✓
DMX_START_ADDRESS
0x00F0
✓
✓
1 to 510
SLOT_INFO
0x0120
✓
SLOT_DESCRIPTION
0x0121
✓
DEFAULT_SLOT_VALUE
0x0122
✓
IDENTIFY_DEVICE
0x1000
✓
✓
LCD flashes
RESET_DEVICE
0x1001
✓
0x01/0xFF Reset (Warm)
MDG_GENERATOR_STATE
0x8002
✓
ASCII text
(Up to 20 characters)
MDG_LCD_SAVER
0x8004
✓
✓
Unsigned Byte
(0=30 s,1=2 min, 2=Off)
MDG_COM
0x8005
✓
✓
Unsigned Byte
(0=AUTO,1=LOCAL, 2=DMX)
Table 1: RDM Supported Parameters.

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FOG FLUID
Operate the eMINI fogger only with the MDG Glycol-based Fog
Fluids: the MDG DENSETM, the MDG WB2TM or the MDG LOW
FOGTM.
Make sure that no other liquids or particles are mixed or added to
the MDG Glycol-based Fog Fluid.
The MDG Glycol-based Fog Fluids produce a pure, white, non-
toxic fog.
MDG Glycol-based Fog Fluids are available at authorized MDG
distributors or dealers.
Available in 4 L (1 US gallon), 5 L (Europe Only), 20 L (5.3 US
gallon), 205 L (55 US gallon) and 1000 L (264 US gallon).
REPLACING THE FLUID CONTAINER
Verify the fluid level of the bottle by looking through the opening, on the side of the Fogger. If level is
insufficient, change the bottle or refill.
The fluid bottle capacity for the eMINI fogger is 2.5-litre.
To prime the eMINI fogger, do a fog burst of approximately 10 sec.
WARNING
Use only MDG Glycol-based Fog Fluids. Not doing so will void the warranty and may
damage the fogger.
WARNING –DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT FLUID.
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