Phoenix Sound Systems Thunderstorm User manual

3514 West Liberty Road
Ann Arbor MI 48103
www.phoenixsound.co
phone: [phone]
fax: [phone]
e- ail: [email protected]
©2015 Phoenix Sound Syste s, Inc.

Exploring your kit
The Thunderstor basic kit includes: the Thunderstor controller and
power plug with screw ter inals, a strobe unit, a length of EL wire, the EL wire
power inverter with extension cable, a 3.5 trigger cable and a speaker. An
optional xenon flash unit and trigger cable are also available.
Below is a diagra detailing the connection points on the Thunderstor
controller.
1 Event Button 5 Speaker Posts
2 Volu e Level 6 Flash Out
3 Power Jack 7 EL Wire Out
4 Audio Line Out 8 12V Relay Out
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12
3
4
7
865

Setting up the system
There are four ain co ponents, and one optional, to be installed in the
space you plan on using the co plete Thunderstor syste . These are the EL
Wire, the LED strobe light, the flash unit (optional), a speaker and the controller
itself.
The control unit should be placed in a central, easily accessible location.
The controller can be powered by 12-30V DC or AC. The unit is provided with a
plug and bare leads to ake connection to an existing transfor er a si ple
atter.
The EL wire creates the effect of a bolt of lightning. We reco end
suspending this fro the ceiling in the location you wish the lightning to
originate. The wire is quite flexible and ay be bent, twisted and/or curved to
create a shape that eets with your approval. You ay ount the EL wire fro
either end, but be aware that only one end can have the power inverter
connected. We suggest ounting the wire with the inverter connection on the
ground since you would not then need to run the control line into the air or
across the ceiling. Once the EL Wire is ounted, plug the connector fro the
wire into the atching connector on the EL Inverter, using the extension if
necessary. Insert the 3.5 plug fro the inverter into the EL output of the
control odule.
The flash screws into one of the supplied la p sockets which can then be
plugged into a standard 120V household power outlet. If you prefer, the flash
unit can be screwed into any standard ediu screw base light fixture. Next,
using one of the included 3.5 cables, plug one end into the jack on the side
of the flash near the red trigger button; the other end plugs into the flash output
jack on the Thunderstor odule.
The strobe light includes a bracket to assist in ounting the unit. The strobe
aybe hung or floor ounted as necessitated by your layout. Plug the strobe
light into a standard household outlet. Connect the re aining 3.5 cable
between the 12V input of the strobe light and the 12V output of the
Thunderstor controller.
Mount the speaker in an unobtrusive location and wire it to the binding post
speaker connections on the control unit.
The Phoenix Thunderstor is equipped with a line level audio output if you
wish to run the syste into an external a plified syste . This output akes it
possible to add a subwoofer to the syste and another level of realis to the
ru ble and crack of the thunder.
Operating the system
Once power is applied the Thunderstor begins a rando sequence which
will continue as long as the syste is powered. Pressing the Event Button will
cause a clap of thunder and all lighting outputs to be triggered si ultaneously.
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Tips and Tricks
“The Bolt” EL Wire
In our experience the EL Wire is ost effective when ounted fro the
ceiling as close to the background scenic ele ent of the layout as possible. We
also suggest ounting with the inverter unit on the botto end where it will be
easier to hide. When ounted in this fashion the wire ore readily blends in and
'disappears' into the background when not energized.
The wire is quite flexible and can be bent, twisted and curved as desired to
achieve a ore realistic lightning bolt effect.
“The Flash” Xenon Flash nit
Power for the strobe is US household standard 110-120V AC. The unit
power connection is a ediu screw base, typical for a co on light bulb. You
can screw the unit into any standard light socket overhead or plug it into a
extension cord or wall outlet using the provided adapter.
For the ost realistic effect the flash unit should be ounted above the
display area ai ed downward, this enhances the effect of the lightning flash
originating fro the sky. If this is not practical in the space available the unit
will still provide an exciting experience if ounted low and ai ed upwards.
No atter where you ount the flash be sure to place the unit out of
obvious sight lines. The less obvious the origin of the flash the ore realistic the
i pression will be.
“The Strobe” LED Strobe Light
Many of the sa e tips apply to the LED strobe light source as the xenon
flash unit. Higher is better, hidden is reco ended. Note that the strobe units
has two controls on it, a power switch and a rate adjust ent. Please ake sure
that you leave the power switch in the on position and the rate knob set to the
fastest setting, this will render the ost realistic effect.
Audio Line Out
The line level output of the Thunderstor can be used in in conjunction
with or in place of the speaker output. A powered subwoofer or powered speaker
syste can easily be connected to the line out. We have found a truly i pressive
experience can be achieved using a 2.1 channel (left, right & subwoofer)
powered co puter speaker set.
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General Connection Diagram
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Warranty
The Thunderstor electronic syste is anufactured to the highest
standards using the latest asse bly technology and quality, conservatively rated
parts.
The aterials and operation of the Thunderstor electronic odule and
associated syste kit co ponents supplied by Phoenix are guaranteed to
perfor correctly for one year when installed and operated according to the
instruction anual. In the unlikely event that your syste fails, please call or
e ail us so that we ay evaluate the situation and save any unnecessary
shipping. We prefer to pre-evaluate returns because frequently there is a si ple
explanation for any perceived proble you ay be experiencing. Repairs and or
replace ents covered by this warranty are at no cost. However, return shipping
ay be charged, especially if you return your syste in an engine, tender, box
car or the like. A service fee ay be assessed if it is deter ined that the failure
was not due to any Phoenix supplied co ponents.
Phoenix Sound Syste s, Inc. cannot be liable for da age to the syste
during shipping to our facilities due to ishandling, inadequate packaging or
si ilar circu stances beyond our control. Please be sure to package the
Thunderstor in a secure, static safe anner.
When returning your odule to Phoenix for service please be sure to
include your contact infor ation (na e, address and phone or e ail) and a brief
description of the trouble. Please be specific, “Does not work” or “Just quit”
does not provide any useful infor ation and will not assist in deter ining what
has happened and appropriate corrective actions.
Please read the handbook and any included installation notes prior to
installation and operation of your syste . Contact us if you have questions or
are unsure about any aspect of installation or operation.
Physical odification of the odule or associated co ponents in any
fashion voids this warranty. Physical odifications include but are not li ited
to:
•Opening the odule and re oving the printed circuit boards for any
purpose.
•Re oval, replace ent or odification of any connectors or individual
co ponent pieces.
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