IGNITE Firing Systems Best Practices: Essential Tips for a Stress-Free 4th of July Fireworks Display

As the summer heats up, Spirit of ’76 and the IGNITE Firing Systems team wanted to share some best practices to help ensure your fireworks display goes off without a hitch. Follow these tips for a smooth, stress-free show and make this season unforgettable.  

Topics included in this post:

• Dry Run Your Show
• Playing Audio To Your Audience
• Module Colors Matter
• Free-Shooting
• 9V Battery (Use for Emergencies Only)
• Raise Module Off Ground
• Confirm Signal Strength
• Clip Igniter Onto Fuse
• Firing Your Show Out-Of-Range
• Update Your App
• Join the IGNITE FB Community
• Keep Fireworks Safety In Mind

Interested in shooting your show easily and from a safe distance away with your smartphone? Check out IGNITE Firing Systems modules and our pre-designed fireworks display kits.

Dry Run Your Show

Prior to the day of your shoot, take your module to the shoot site and place it where you intend to during your show. No igniters should be connected at this point. Fire your show and watch the module and make sure the burst turns white when a cue fires. No need to watch every cue fire, but rather make sure your modules stay connected and everything feels normal during your show including any audio you plan to play.

Additionally, simplify your setup check by using our Quickplug 6-Cue Tester. This compact tool quickly verifies cue activation and ensures your module’s readiness for a seamless show.

Playing Audio to Your Audience

We understand that many of our users utilize Bluetooth audio for their shows. While IGNITE fully supports this feature, we do not recommend connecting to multiple Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously, as this can impact reliability and performance.

As an alternative, for a seamless and reliable audio experience, we recommend using Pyrocast, our robust audio broadcasting tool designed specifically for synchronization during your shows. It is an excellent alternative to sending audio via Bluetooth.

Module Colors Matter

When scripting your show with multiple colors, ensure you actually use these colors on your modules. If you script a color but don’t use it, the system will try to fire effects on non-existent modules, causing missed cues. Stick to your script’s color plan for smooth execution.

Free-Shooting

To manually fire cues, you must use the free-shoot screen. Firing from the modules screen is not possible.

9V Battery – Use for Emergencies Only

When using the Emergency 9V Backup Harness, please keep the following in mind:

• Use the 9V battery as a backup for emergencies only when your LiPo battery is fully drained.
• The 9V battery won’t fit in the LiPo battery compartment, so the door won’t close properly.
• For optimal results, use Energizer or Duracell 9V batteries.
• The 9V battery isn’t “more powerful” than a LiPo battery. The module fires based on current, not voltage, so even though the LiPo battery is 7.4V and the 9V battery is 9V, the LiPo battery is the appropriate choice when available.

Raise Module Off Ground

Raise your module using a five-gallon bucket or other platform. This will help maintain line of sight and reliable communication. Always maintain phone line of sight during shows.

Confirm Signal Strength

Stand at the desired shooting distance from your modules. Connect to the modules using the app and from the modules section, confirm at least two signal bars for each module.

Clip Igniter Onto Fuse

Always clamp the mouth of the igniter head on the fuse like a clothespin on a clothesline. This will ensure optimal filament contact with the fuse.

Firing Your Show Out-Of-Range

Before starting a show, you have the option to select if you would like the module to continue firing if it goes out of range. 

Update Your App

To ensure you have the best experience with your IGNITE firing system, we highly recommend updating your app to the latest version. App updates bring valuable improvements, bug fixes, and new features that enhance the functionality and performance of your firing system.

Join The IGNITE FB Community

Join the IGNITE Facebook group to connect with like-minded fireworks enthusiasts, share experiences, and gain valuable insights. Engage in lively discussions about fireworks techniques, learn from industry experts, and stay updated on the latest trends. Share your own tips, showcase stunning firework displays, and receive feedback from a supportive community.

Keep Fireworks Safety In Mind

In addition to the above Best Practices, please keep fireworks safety in mind when testing and setting up your show. When you are armed or arming, treat your module as a loaded gun. Do not place your body over the trajectory of any fireworks, and treat them as if they could fire at any time. When you are performing continuity checks, announce this to your crew and allow them to move clear of any product. Click here for printable safety tips!

Best regards,

Spirit of ’76 Fireworks in partnership with Team IGNITE