Fireworks/Pyrotechnics Blog

This is a question I receive quite often through email.  The answer is: it depends.  Ask yourself these questions:

1) Do I have the time (alot) it will take to actually build one?

2) Assuming I have schematics to a trust worthy design, do I have the neccessary soldering/fabrication skills needed?

3) Am I willing to spend the money to purchase all the components and hardware?

4) Why do I want my own system?

Now, a little explaination on each of the questions.  For number one, yes, it takes an enormous amount of time to fabricate a firing system.  We are talking about your average 400 cue analog firing system.  Think about it.  That is a minimum of 400 wires you will have to solder.  Depending on the type of system, it could be double the number of cues you have.  That doesn’t even include the drilling, mounting, painting, etc. that might also be involved.  Number two is pretty self explanitory.  First make sure you have a schematic of good value.  If you don’t have a sound design, very bad things can happen.  Also, if you don’t know how to solder properly, your solder joints will be inadequate, which will lower the life of your system, as well as add unneccessary resistance to it.  Three, they can get expensive when all is said and done.  The most expensive part is purchasing all of your own firing cables.  Four, do you really need your own system when most display companies provide you with a system for your show?  I built mine for a couple reasons.  One, I’m an engineer, so we always think we can come up with something one step better.  We are always trying to improve stuff [doesn't always turn out that way :)].  It also adds to the satisfaction of accomplishment at the end of a show.  So, take all of these issues into consideration when planning to build your own system.