MDG ME2 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. [phone] - Fax [phone]
www.mdgfog.com e-mail : [email protected]om
Operating Guide
Me2, Fog Generator
(Revision A/a, March 2015, © MDG Fog Generators Ltd)

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 2 / 30
Intentionally left blank

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 3 / 30
Table of content
Section Page
Table of content 3
Operating guide 4
How to read this operating guide 4
Qualified Personnel 5
Need a little Help? 5
Copyright Notice 5
Basic description 6
Installing the Me2 8
Working with the Me2 9
The Keyboard 10
LCD Saver 10
Menu Tree 11
Operating instructions 14
DMX Control 17
Bootloader 18
RDM Control 18
Fog fluid 20
Filling the Fluid Reservoir 20
Troubleshooting 21
Accessories 24
Flight Case 24
Portability option 24
Technical specifications 25
Dimensions 26
Warranty 28
Declaration of conformity 29
Notes 30

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 4 / 30
Operating guide
Congratulations! You are now in possession of a MDG Me2 Fog Generator.
We hope this Me2 Fog Generator will bring you long hours of satisfaction.
Please read the following instructions carefully and completely before filling your Fog Generator
with the MDG Neutral Fog Fluid 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 OPERATING 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 Fog Generator.

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 5 / 30
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 our
best efforts, 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: [phone] [phone]
By Fax: [phone]
By e-mail: [email protected]
On the Web: www.mdgfog.com
The QR code on the control panel is linked to the documentation
of the Me2 from our web site.
Do not hesitate to follow the URL (just click on the QR Code).
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.

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 6 / 30
Basic description
The Me2 Fog Generator 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 cycle). This
generator is also equipped, as a standard feature, with the Automatic Purging System™
(APS™). This system purges the heating module after the first heating cycle and after every
emission of fog preventing residual build up and clogging.
The Me2 is a variable output Fog Generator capable of generating large volumes of very dense
fog in a short period of time. It is one of the quietest units on the market.
At the heart of the MDG Me2 is an electronic assembly that keeps the heat exchanger 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 generator 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 generator will stop producing fog until the temperature of the heating module is
back within parameters.
A fourth safety system consists of a pressure relief valve which limits the working pressure and
protects against over-pressure.
The temperature of the heat exchanger is maintained within a narrow margin. If an error occurs
(see FAIL State), the Fog Generator 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 generator back on. If the failure persists, send your
generator back to an authorized service center for verification.
When « Fog On » mode is activated (DMX or Control Menu), the MDG Me2 Generator will
produce fog for as long as the ready level is reached (temperature) and all other control
parameters are within specifications.
When « Fog On » mode is deactivated, the APS™cycle is automatically initiated to clear the
heating module. Never remove the power to a generator 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 both gas and AC line.
Never install above people.
This Me2 Fog Generator 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.

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 7 / 30
MAIN POWER
Switch
VAC Input
100-250 VAC
50/60 Hz
Handle
Fog output
nozzles
XLR-5 DMX/
RDM Connector
LCD
Keyboard
Fog fluid reservoir
CO2or N2Gas input
(50-60 psi)
USB Connector

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 8 / 30
Installing the Me2
Exercise caution when selecting the location to install or use this equipment:
Install the MDG Me2 away from rain, wind, heavy dust or any harsh environment
situations.
Ensure available space for all electrical cable and gas tubing runs,
The MDG Me2 requires 2 m (6.56 ft) of clearance to the front.
Fill the reservoir with MDG Neutral Fog Fluid (see Filling the Fluid Reservoir paragraph).
Connect the gas inlet to a gas bottle equipped with a single or double stage regulator. The gas
inlet is an Oxygen Adaptor (9/16-18 R.H).
Connect the data wiring (Male XLR-5 connector for DMX/RDM) if you are using a DMX or RDM
controller.
Connect the power cord 100-250 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 1415W.
Open the gas bottle, and set the pressure between 50 and 60 psi (3.5 and 4.1 bar, or 350 and
410 kPa).

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 9 / 30
Working with the Me2
The MDG Me2 Fog Generator is quite easy to operate and requires no preventive maintenance.
Switch On the power.
The MDG Me2 will display during four (4) seconds, the following message:
Me2, by
MDG Fog Generators
Testing BootLoad….
These four seconds allow you to connect the generator to your PC, via a USB cable, to update
the firmware of the control board (see BootLoader for further details).
Then, the MDG Me2 will display during one (1) second, the following message:
Me2
by
MDG Fog Generators Ltd
(V: x.xx –F: y.yyy)
where ‘x.xx’ is the version of your generator, 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.

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 10 / 30
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 allows to exit the menu without changing
any value (escape).
‘Enter’ confirms a selection or data value.
This key has the same effect that the key ‘’, when scrolling through the menus.
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 minute 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.

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 11 / 30
MENU TREE
The menu is divided in four (4) main menus:
Status Menu summarizes all the state of the fog generator. None of its sub menus can be
modified.
Control Menu allows the user to control locally the MDG Me2. All its sub menus can be set,
as long as the generator 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 generator.
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

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 12 / 30
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 generator is off
xx% HEAT - the generator is heating, but not ready
PURGE - the generator is purging the heating module
READY - the generator is generator is ready to produce fog
FOG ON - the generator is producing Fog
FAIL - the generator 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
PRESSURE xx.x Current reservoir pressure
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 generator is off
ON - the generator is on
FOG ---- Fog toggle
OFF - the fog is off
ON - the fog is on
SET PRES. xx.x Fog operating pressure (see Units)

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 13 / 30
INTERFACE Network /DMX/RDM Menu
COMM. ---- Communication toggle
AUTO - the generator is controlled by DMX/RDM if a signal is
present, or locally if there is no signal
LOCAL - the generator is controlled by the keyboard ONLY
DMX - the generator 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
1 UNIT yyy Channel #1 value: OFF  50% (128)  ON
2 OUTPUT yyy Channel #2 value: 0% (0) to 100% (255)
3 FOG yyy Channel #3 value: OFF  50% (128)  ON
SETTINGS Settings menu
UNITS ---- Units toggle
PSI/°C - pressure in psi, temperature in Celsius
kPA/°C - pressure in kPa, temperature in Celsius
BAR/°C - pressure in bar, temperature in Celsius
PSI/°F - pressure in psi, 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

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 14 / 30
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The MDG Me2 Fog Generator can be controlled either locally, with the keyboard, via DMX (see
DMX control and RDM Control). This paragraph focuses on local control.
Starting Procedures
When powering up the generator, the control program configures the Input/Output, and loads
the configuration parameters saved in the EEPROM memory.
At this point, the MDG Me2 switches to stand-by mode, and most of the electronic controls are
off.
When the generator is manually switched to «UNIT ON» mode («CONTROLUNITON»), the
program starts the heating cycle («STATUSSTATE = % HEAT»), which will last approximately 7
to 8 minutes.
When the temperature reaches READY level («STATUSSTATE = READY»), the Automatic
Purging System™ (APS™) will be initiated («STATUSSTATE = PURGING»).
After the first purging cycle is completed (approx. time 30 sec.) the generator is ready to produce
fog.
Fog Production
When the generator is manually switched to «FOG ON» mode («CONTROLFOGON»), the
Me2 will start producing fog.
The amount of the fog emission can be controlled by adjusting the pressure
(«CONTROLPRESSUREXX») from 5 psi to 40 psi.
The MDG Me2 will produce fog as long as the control parameters are within specifications, and
the fog fluid reservoir filled.
If a critical problem occurs, the program shuts down automatically the fog generator, and
displays an error message in the State Menu (see Fail State) and the LCD will flash.
When the generator is manually switched to «FOG OFF» mode («CONTROLFOGOFF»), the
Me2 will stop producing haze and initiate the automatic purging cycle.
WARNING
Never power off a generator while it is producing fog –See the shut down
procedure.

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 15 / 30
Shut down procedure
Never shut down the MDG Me2 while making Fog.
Power off the generator observing the following sequence:
Turn off the fog emission,
Wait 30 seconds for the APSTM cycle to complete,
Switch the generator «UNIT OFF» mode («CONTROLUNITOFF»),
Power off the MDG Me2, by switching off the “MAIN POWER SWITCH”.
Switching directly the generator in «UNIT OFF» mode by DMX/RDM will yield the same result as
above. Wait for all the cycles to complete before powering off the generator.
FAIL State
FAIL state mode is initiated if any critical error occurs.
In this state, the MDG Me2 is off, awaiting an action from the user.
A critical error is always displayed in the Status Menu («STATUSERROR»), as well as the five
(5) last critical errors («STATUSLAST 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 generator and restart it.
Check the heating process with the value of the Status («STATUSSTATExx% HEAT»). If
the percent is not increasing, the heater cartridges have failed.
ERROR = P. LOW LAST ERR CODE = 7
This error will occur if the generator is unable to reach the operating pressure within a fixed
time interval.
This may be due to a leaking gas line (between the gas bottle and the generator), a closed or
empty gas bottle, the set pressure of the regulator below 50-60 psi (3.5-4.1 bar, or 350-410
kPa), a ball valve closed on the gas line or a problem with the pressure transducer.
ERROR = P. HIGH LAST ERR CODE = 8
This error will occur if the pressure is too high for a specific regime, while the gas flow inlet is
fully closed.
This may be due to a solenoid valve malfunction (electronic or physical blockage), a problem
with the pressure transducer, the heating module partially clogged or the use of cryogenic
(liquid) gas.

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 16 / 30
ERROR = T. HIGH LAST ERR CODE = 4
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 generator and restart it.
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 generator and
restart it.
ERROR = PCB HIGH LAST ERR CODE = D
This error will occur when the internal temperature of the generator is too high.
This may happen if the external temperature is high. Move the generator in the shade or to a
cooler location. Shut down, wait few minutes, and then restart the generator.
ERROR = WD RST LAST ERR CODE = E
This error will occur if the watchdog (software safety) resets the generator.
This is generally due to software error, an interference or chip problem. Shut down the
generator and restart it.
Please contact an Authorized Service Center if any problem persists.

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 17 / 30
DMX CONTROL
The MDG Me2 can be controlled via a DMX512-A USITT standard protocol.
WARNING
Activating the «DMX» mode («INTERFACE  MODE  DMX»), controls the MDG
Me2 only by DMX signal. If the DMX wire is unplugged or DMX signal is lost, the
generator initiates an automatic shutdown procedure.
Activating the «AUTO» mode («INTERFACE  MODE  AUTO»), controls MDG
Me2 by DMX, only if there is a signal. If the DMX wire is unplugged or DMX signal
is lost, the generator keeps the last DMX values.
WARNING
In «AUTO Mode», DMX commands always take precedence over Local commands.
The MDG Me2 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 generator uses three (3) DMX channels:
Channel 1 0 (0%) UNIT OFF 128 (50%) UNIT ON 255 (100%)
Channel 2 0 (0%) –255 (100%), FOG OUTPUT (from minimum to maximum)
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

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 18 / 30
BOOTLOADER
The MDG Me2 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 Me2.
RDM CONTROL
The MDG Me2 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.

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 19 / 30
The RDM supported parameters implemented in the MDG Me2 Fog Generator 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

White Mineral oil hazer
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
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.

Me2, Fog Generator
Operating Guide, Rev: A/a 20 / 30
Fog fluid
Operate the Me2 Fog generator only with the MDG Neutral
Fog Fluid.
Make sure that no other liquids or particles are mixed or added to
the MDG Fog Fluid.
The MDG Neutral Fog Fluid produces a pure, white, non-toxic
fog.
MDG Neutral Fog Fluid is 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).
FILLING THE FLUID RESERVOIR
WARNING
Use only MDG Neutral Fog Fluid. Not doing so will void the warranty and
may damage the generator.
CAUTION
DISCONNECT UNIT BEFORE ADDING FOG FLUID.
To fill the fluid reservoir, unscrew the brass cap and pour the MDG Neutral Fog Fluid until it
reaches the inside bottom of the opening.
Avoid overfilling, screw back the brass cap and make sure it is tightened.