VEGAELEC Presentation XL314 RUE DE REDON V2.0 Jac D/Vincent B/LJ44460 AVESSAC Sept 2008FRANCE 00 33 299 910 524 www.vegaelec.com

NEW GENERATION OFNEW GENERATION OFDIGITAL F IR ING SYSTEMDIGITAL F IR ING SYSTEM

VEGAELEC Presentation XL314 RUE DE REDON V2.0 Jac D/Vincent B/LJ44460 AVESSAC Sept 2008FRANCE 00 33 299 910 524 www.vegaelec.com

DIGITAL FIRINGDIGITAL FIRINGSYSTEMSYSTEM

Summary Introduction..............................................................................................................................4

1. Functional Characteristics.....................................................................................................5

1.1. XL3 Control Unit...........................................................................................................7

1.2. V-BOXs.........................................................................................................................9

1.3. The V-SPLIT...............................................................................................................11

1.4. The interface V-PC......................................................................................................13

1.5. The interface V-TC......................................................................................................14

2. Extension of the control unit XL3: V-CONTROL..............................................................15

2.1. Presentation of the extension.......................................................................................15

3. The V-SOUND XL3 software.............................................................................................17

3.1. Features........................................................................................................................17

3.2. News : rapid creation of sequences and pyrotechnics waves.......................................18

3.3. News : realisation of a patch for associated V-BOXs.................................................19

3.4. News : using the software directly to firing the display..............................................19

4. Technical specifications......................................................................................................23

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 3

Introduction

During the last decade, pyrotechnic displays have become more complex,

modernized and pyrotechnic delays have disappeared for the benefit of

synchronisation and digital firing. Now the tendency is the repartition of firing points

and multiplication of firing cue. The important number of firing lines, complexity and

cost of wiring (wires, igniters and installation time) make fireworks more and more

difficult with classical firing systems.

We based our research in studying a system who offers the assets of digital

technologies, preserving easy material management and great feature. We

synthesized great existing innovative materials in digital pyrotechnic systems. The

VEGA-XL3 system is, thanks to his technologies, one of the most high-performance

materials on the market. It meets all your expectations as a designer, and brings to

the display crew all the comfort they need on site. It is easy work with, and has

undeniable technological advances:

✗ Stereo Media player with wave quality

✗ External or internal Time code for synchronisation

✗ Both manual and automatic shooting sequences with possible accessto all sequences during the show.

✗ A distance between the Control unit and V-BOX (satellites) neverreached before

✗ A high performance HF communication

✗ Exceptional firing speed

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 4

1. Functional Characteristics

✗ Create your show with V-SOUND-XL3 software or directly on the VEGA-XL3

control unit.

✗ Design firing sequences and pyrotechnic waves in a special dedicated

window.

✗ Make relations between fire cue and data bases of pyrotechnics products.

✗ Synchronize the whole display with your stereo soundtracks.

✗ Program and generate the show file and load it in a memory card: the SD-

card.

✗ Place all V-BOX satellites on the firing site, each one providing 16 outputs for

igniters. Each satellite generates 50 volts of firing power and has a unique

address established by 2 thumbwheel switches.

✗ Communicate via cable and/or HF with V-BOX satellites.

✗ Specifics boxes on site, the V-SPLIT, are in charge of a regenerative

repeater, dispatcher, and HF transmitter-receiver in the case of a radio

frequency communication between the control unit VEGA-XL3 and the

satellites V-BOX.

The whole system communicate via digital links (3 wire cables and/or HF),

allowing to watch the state of each V-BOX and each igniters line. It is possible to

achieve different tests from the control unit. The synchronisation of the firing system

is done with an internal or an external time code (TC) or with SMPTE time code.

The firing resolution is about 40 ms if the TC (time code) is set on 25 frames per

second.

The control unit XL3 has 2 synchronization modes:

✗ It can generate its own TC for the firing sequences and synchronise other

systems: Lights, Laser, and Video…

✗ It can also receive the TC from an external source. In that configuration it is

possible to synchronise many XL3 units together.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 5

✗ At any given time before firing, the system allows the user to add, remove or

filter any line and any V-BOX. For complete safety, the control unit XL3

manages the firing and the audio playback.

V-BOXs have an important asset, they have not internal power. It is supplied

by the control unit, or the V-SPLIT, thought the data cable. The communication is

completely bi-directional though cables or HF. All the functions, programming,

continuity testing and many others are done from the XL3 console

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 6

Illustration 1: working diagram of the VEGAELEC XL3 system.

VBOX VBOX VBOX

VBOX VBOX VBOX

VSPLIT

VBOX VBOX VBOX

VSPLIT

Transmission HF

Régie XL3 "maître"Régie XL3 " esclave"

Synchronisation par TC

VBOX VBOXVBOX

TC vers autre systèmeà synchroniser : laser,machinerie, vidéo ...

VBOX VBOX VBOX VBOX VBOXVBOX VBOXVBOX VBOX

.

.

Répartiteur Répartiteur

VBOX VBOX VBOX VBOX VBOXVBOX VBOX

1.1. XL3 Control Unit

The control unit an aluminium console measuring 18x22x8 inches.

At the front :

✗ a control keyboard (access to different menus)

✗ a 4x40 characters (of 0.2 inch) alphanumeric backlit screen

✗ a HH:MM:SS chronometer

✗ a media memory SDcard reader with an audio player, and audio tools in

option (analog-to-digital conversion and digital-to-analog, SPDIF, AES)

At the back :

✗ all the connections necessary for the operating functions and available

options of the unit

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 7

Illustration 2: smaller version of the control unit XL3

A double power supply, main or storage battery with automatic rechargeable,

allows a complete autonomy everywhere for the system.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 8

Illustration 3: back of the control unit XL3

Illustration 4: Example of the information on the alphanumeric backlit screen

GESTION ALIMENTATION

GESTION DES DATA

TRAITEMENT DE L'AUDIO

SORTIE AUDIO ET HF

CONNECTEUR UPDATE PROG

CONNECTEUR DES LITTLITE

.

.

1.2. V-BOXs

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 9

Illustration 5: V-BOX VEGAELEC, side view

Illustration 6: front of a V-BOX VEGAELEC

The V-BOX is an aluminium case measuring 11x 6 x 3 inches. It is composed

of 16 connections terminal type speaker terminal. Each V-BOX is given its address

by 2 thumbwheel switches. Two Neutrik XLR style audio connectors (male &

female) are allowing a reliable connection between each V-BOX together and with

the control unit XL3, or with the connected V_SPLIT. The V-BOX's power is

supplied from the control unit or from a V-SPLIT, this provides an additional security

for technicians who are working to install the display. The address of a V-BOX is

coded in hexadecimal from 00 to FE, and each line of each V-BOX is numbered

from 0 to F. The V-BOXs are provided with high performance electronic, allowing to

process the digital information coming from the control unit (power on,

programming, continuity testing, power testing, firings...)

RIGHT

THUMBWHEELSWITHE

LEFT

THUMBWHEELSWITHE

0 01 12 23 34 45 56 67 78 89 9A AB BC CD DE EF F

There is 255 possible address from 00 to FE. The cue number follows the

same logic. So a cue called « AC2 » is connected to the V-BOX in connector

number 2a. Each individually addressed V-BOX can send to the control unit XL3 the

statut ot its own cues, the voltage level on its data cable, the program uploaded,

and by doing so allowing a total control of the satellites receptos from the control

unit.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 10

1.3. The V-SPLIT

The V-SPLIT is a box used on site which functions are* :

✗ HF transmitter/receiver, also usable with cables.

✗ 5 data outputs to connect the V-BOXs

✗ In wire mode, its a repeater of the information frame coming from the

control unit XL3, refreshing the input signal, and sending it to 5

outputs. It is also a power-booster generating the necessary power to

supply the V-BOXs in case of long data cable distances.

✗ In wireless mode (HF), it provides power supply to V-BOXs and allows

the transmission of all informations coming from the control unit to V-

BOXs and vice versa.

✗ Tests from the control unit allow the technicians to check its good

operation (status of batteries, frequency changes, address of each V-

SPLIT ...). Its ;particular sophisticated electronic allows a two way

communication

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 11

Illustration 7: V-SPLIT VEGAELEC

✗ Bright information indicators informs you of the state of the V-SPLIT

(green led for power on, red led for frequency changes and weak

batteries).

✗ The V-SPLIT has 2 rechargeable batteries which provide the

necessary supply to the V-BOXs connected.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 12

Illustration 8: Working diagram of the V-SPLIT VEGAELEC

1.4. The interface V-PC

The interface V-PC allows a direct connection with a PC. Offering the

possibility to fully control the firing system. In parallel with the XL3 or in total

autonomy, it allows the transmission of data's between the software and all the

different components of the system. Its connections are identical to the V-SPLIT's

with an USB socket to connect a PC (via USB port).

The VSOUND XL3 software allows the complete management of a show

from a PC.

The interface V-PV has its own internals rechargeable batteries for complete

autonomy.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 13

Illustration 9: Interface V-PC XL3 system VEGAELEC

1.5. The interface V-TC

The interface V-TC is an electronic case which converting SMPTE signal

Time Code recorded on an audio support (Compact Disk, audio software, DAT,

minidisk …) in a time code signal directly understood by the control unit XL3. It also

adapts output audio level (from headphone, line out) to normalized VEGALELEC

Time Code protocol.

If the control unit is programmed in slave mode (Time Code receiver), it

becomes synchronized with external audio support. In this case, with commands of

audio player, FWD RTN pause, the control unit is automatically re-synchronising on

the audio signal. The three protocols (24, 25 & 30 frames per sec) are all

recognized by the interface V-TC and the control unit XL3. So many control units

could be connected on this interface and they will be synchronized together on a

unique signal.

Most of audio software like Samplitude® can generates an audio SMPTE

signal Time Code in one audio track, it becomes easy creating a track of

synchronisation.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 14

Illustration 10: Interface V-TC Time code converter SMPTE > VEGAELEC TC

2. Extension of the control unit XL3: V-CONTROL

2.1. Presentation of the extension

The extension of the control unit advantages many possibility to

operate during the running of the display, Your creativity makes you operating

during the display, to shoot manuals sequences according to your inspiration, or to

shoot in manual automatics sequences that you want to anticipate,

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 15

Illustration 11: Extension XL3 V-CONTROL

Illustration 12: Backlit screen of the V-CONTROL

Several LCD backlit screens display the running of your display

During the firing design via the software or by modifications of the file

uploaded in the control unit, you can choose to set in manual mode sequences or

pyrotechnics waves for your show. At shooting time, all theses informations are

released on the backlit screens You have in front of you a complete view of the

progress of the display.

On each backlit screen of the V-CONTROL there are following informations :

✗ number of the next sequence

✗ number of satellites box and number of firing cue

✗ firing timing (HH:MM:SS:Frame)

✗ type of the pyrotechnics product fired

Each associated activate button allows the user to fire the displayed

sequence which been programmed in manual or automatic. If yon don't activate the

firing of a manual sequence, in displayed timing, this sequence move to a special

whole of 4 backlit screens that you can activate when you want.

The display system advances and sights new sequences according to the

running of the spectacle.

4 spares lines are provided every time to compensate for the fails of a firing

cue.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 16

3. The V-SOUND XL3 software

3.1. FeaturesThe VEGASOUND XL3 software is the soft created and adapted to program

friendly the control unit XL3. The soft, in the complete version allows you to fire

directly the display designed.

The soft allows to design some pyro-musical displays and complex

sequenced shows. 1600 firing sequences can be programmed in the pyrotechnics

wave mode. The display is gauged on arguments of the Vegaelec timecode (hour,

minute, second, frame). You can program a whole string of buttons « SPARES »,

you can firing these spare lines in manual during the progress of your display.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 17

Illustration 13: VEGAELEC VSOUND XL3

You can also create your data base of pyrotechnics products,

This software resume features of the first VEGA SOUND software, but many

functions have been added.

3.2. News : rapid creation of sequences andpyrotechnics waves

The soft VEGASOUND XL3 is designed to create complexes shows with

rapid and varied sequences, allowing a several number of V-BOXs. A special

window is used to program friendly the creations of pyrotechnics waves and rapid

sequences. In this window it is possible to choose following features :

✗ the time of the beginning of the wave

✗ the delay between each cue

✗ the number of V-BOXs constituent the wave

✗ the number of cues used on each V-BOX

✗ the direction of firing

It is possible to use this windows several times, every time it is needed for the

design of the spectacle, to the point of 1600 sequences.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 18

Illustration 14: Automatic creation of pyrotechnics waves VEGAELEC VEGASOUND XL3 software

3.3. News : realisation of a patch for associatedV-BOXs

The patch is an essential part for the firing design, during a fixed sequence, it

allows to fire simultaneous cues on several V-BOX. It is possible to firing 20 cues

shared on 20 V-BOXs, at a given time and a given frame in a perfect

synchronization.

3.4. News : using the software directly to firingthe display

In the case where the soft is used alone without control unit, two windows in

the test menu allow to perform a complete control of the whole firing system.

The “Start BOX” window allows powering on of the V-BOXs, continuity

testing, programming and firing mode.

The “Show View” window allows a complete firing progress during the show.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 19

Illustration 15: Sight of the V-BOX patch VEGASOUND Software

This window is done of 6 parts :

✗ BOX PLANE : presence of V-BOXs constituents the display.

✗ POWER BOX : power on for V-BOXs

✗ PROG BOX : programming/erasing/reading the V-BOXs

✗ LINE : Shutting off some programmed cues

✗ STATE BOX : downloading the status of programmed V-BOXs in the display.

✗ FIRE LINE : firing a test cue for example.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 20

Illustration 16: Start Box window VEGASOUND Software

The window “TEST BOX” allows to have a whole view of V-BOXs connected

for the display.

With different colours, it is very easy to see if a V-BOX or a line are missing.

Maintenance testing is possible to control the good running of V-BOXs.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 21

Illustration 17: TEST BOX window, VEGASOUND software

Illustration 18: Resume of continuitytesting for V-BOXs

The “Show View” window to control the progress of the display.

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 22

Illustration 19: Show View window VEGASOUND XL3 software VEGAELEC

Illustration 20: Main Graph View VEGA SOUND XL3 Software

4. Technical specifications

VEGAELEC – VEGA XL3 _____________________________________________________ 23

CONTROL UNIT XL3Firing Mode Manual , Alf Auto , Automatic mode, Pyrotechnics w ave, Sequences

Cables communication Up to 3 miles (100 VBOX max, 250 VBOX if utilisation of V-SPLIT or 2 control unit XL3)

Wireless communicationUp to 4.5 miles, it depends of antenna or suivant antennes and environment

Programming Directly on the control unit or by uploading Vegasound's XL3 file w ith SDcard

Modulation Controol unit alone / Or w ith V-Control interface

Sticking up LCD 4x40, 0.2 inch characters. Backlit screens & Chronometer HH:MM:SS

Autonomy Main supply or integrated bateeries (10 hours of autonomy

Delay between 2 shots Up to the Time Code frame (24, 25, 30 shoots per second)

Audio WAVE integrated Audio player, Digital SPDIF output, headphone output, +4dB symetric output

Time Code/SMPTE internal TC generator, or external TC synchronization. TC IN/OUT à 24, 25, 30 frames / sec

Uploading support Sdcard SANDISK, to upload the display firing file and Audio Stéréo file

Tests V-BOX, V-SPLIT, HF Communication., Batteries, Firing file, Box Prog …...

Dimensions 18x22x8 inches, aluminium box

V-CONTROLFeature Manual firing interface /View of the display and SPARES lines

Sticking up 24 backlit's screens 2x16 characters

Informations Sight if firing sequences : Time, cue, Auto/Manual,Pyrotechnics product...

Command 24 momentary activate buttons for manuals firing sequences

Firing management displaying system advances and sights new sequences according to the running of the showDimensions 24X22X8 inches aluminium box

V-BOXFeature Firing satellites

Number of cue 16 outputs connectors type speaker connectors

Power supply Running w ithout internal pow er, pow er supplied bydata cables or V-SPLIT

Connections Neutrik XLR Connectors 3 points ( 1 mâle et 1 femelle )

Adress 2 hexadecimal thumbw hell's sw itches ( 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F )

Firing power Generation of high voltage (50 V)

Firing timing 1 shot per frame on each V-BOX (24,25,30 shoots per seconde)

Communication Bi-directionnal (request from the control unit, answ ers from each boxes)

Control unit testing V-BOX presence testing, continuity testing, supply testing, uploaded program testing

Dimensions 11x6x3 inches, aluminium box

V-SPLITFeature bidirectional w ireless communication console

Power supply 2 integrated batteries of 12 V, autonomy around 10 heures

Communication Wireless &/or cable mode. HFrecepters & transmitters, booster, répeater, data dispatcher

Control unit testing Internal battery testing, V-BOX testing connected to the V-SPLIT

In/out 1 input & 5 XLR data outputs, battery rechargeable connector

Dimensions 10X4X7 inches

V-TCFeature SMPTE > TC converter for XL3 from external audio support

Power supply 2 integarted battery oy 9 V

Inputs 3 pts XLR connectors, Speaker connectors, RCA ,symetric & asymetric smpte input

Outputs 2 BNC for XL3, 5V level , 2 BNC for distribution of TC 75 ohms