Overview          Nighthawk

The NightHawk Firing System features cutting edge technology and features that are unavailable in any other firing system made by any company.  It was designed for display companies that needed an extremely flexible system to meet the needs of massively varying displays.

It is the only system that lets you select manual, sequential step, Internal clock timed or computerized firing using Time Code, depending on the needs of the show.

But the real innovative technology is the download computerized firing.  Before the show, you connect your laptop to the controller and transfer the display script.  You then disconnect your computer and store it away.  When the show is ready, you start it from the control panel right on the Nighthawk.

This means you get computerized firing without the risk of a display stopping computer or windows crash.

If your shooters are not comfortable with using computers, the script can be downloaded at the office before the show is packed.  Of course, you also have the option of simply using the system as a manual fire system.  Or the ability to manually capture any program without software by entering cues with the switches.

It also can be configured to use digital, digital wireless (See Digital Nighthawk Page) or analog firing modules in any shooting mode.  If you need the cutting edge convenience of SmartFire style digital or wireless modules, then the Nighthawk is capable of communicating at this level.  For operators on a lower budget, the Nighthawk allows them to purchase inexpensive analog modules or use existing modules they already own. 

This unit can even accept analog modules or rails from other companies or systems.

This system is even flexible enough to allow for an internal rechargeable or Emergency external power source.

If you need a system that can do everything, this is clearly the unit.  If you need extremely reliable computerized firing, this is clearly the unit.  If you want to make use of inexpensive analog modules or cutting edge digital modules, this is clearly the unit! If you want a system that will fire Manual or at many different levels of programmed fire, Wireless, This is clearly the unit!

    NEW!    Velcro Hold Downs

Features

Can be fired using manual pushbutton In manual mode: sequential trigger step fire, Internal clock Timed fire, Sync fire fully computerized scripts with time code.

In manual mode

45 weather and dust resistant push buttons and 12 distribution channels allow for simple manual firing

In sequential mode:

Can be programmed using built in scripting software or by Manual capture mode and fired in Step fire, Prompted Fire, or Timed Fire

Trigger steps through script and fires appropriate cue at your pace

Fully computerized mode:

Uses Nighthawk Scripting and Download software designed for the system.

Internal processors and memory allow for fast script download on two separate script tables.

LCD screen has complete Show data and Battery Status

Firing is accomplished without an attached computer to greatly improve reliability.

Can be used in a wired analog setup.

Compatible with almost any brand of analog modules.

Pyromusical support with FSK time code modem or SMPTE Via Hard disc recorder options.

Accurate and programmable up to 1/10 of a second.

Up to 12 Analog firing Channels of 45 cues each totaling 540 cues

Self contained rechargeable battery power system with SmartCharge

Also can be powered by an external power source.

Time code support allows multiple systems at multiple sites to fire perfectly in sync.

If time code stops being received, the system continues firing the show on its own internal clock.  Therefore, loss of radio station feed does not stop the show mid display.

Rugged design from cases, to connectors, to wires can handle the harsh environment expected at a display

For software features, visit the NightHawk Software information page.

Specifications

NightHawk Computerized Pyrotechnic Firing Controller

Self Contained 2.9 AMP Hour, 24 Volt lead acid rechargeable gel cells Analog Model

Battery Charger can be powered by 120 VAC or 12 VDC car adaptor.

Physical Built in Digital Battery Charge Meter

SmartCharge monitors the battery and modifies its charge rate to charge quickly while also protecting from an overcharge.

Firing Speed and Resolution:

Exact simultaneous firing of multiple cues in different modules (daisy chained only)

1/10 of a second for sequential cues in different modules

1/10 of a second for sequential cues in the same module

Interfaces to computer via RS232 serial or USB cable

32bit solid state microprocessor for reliable operation

LCD screen for, positive communication, power and system state

Dead man switch for emergency show stop and trigger operation

Arming key to comply with NFPA

Output to modules are gold plated industry standard connectors

RS485 Reliable Data Protocol used to communicate with components

Industrial ABS weatherproof case

Windows 98 second edition, 2000, XP compatible

Designed to be controlled by the extremely powerful and flexible NiteTime software.

45 Cue Field Module (FM45)

45 pairs of spring loaded terminals

50 Pin Gold plated Input and Output connectors

Pass through connector included

High Density ABS Weatherproof Case

45 Cue Field Module (FM-45QC)

90 spring-loaded Stainless Steel Quick Clip terminals for termination of igniters.

Gold Plated 50 pin Centronics Input connector.

Gold plated 50 pin Centronics Pass-through output connector

for connecting modules in fronts for multiple site firing.

High Density Polystyrene Weatherproof Case for the ultimate in durability.

Circuit board design for reliability.

Steering diodes on each circuit for Matrix expansion.

System Cables Analog

Gold Plated 50pin connectors

Heavy duty, industry standard, 50wire, 24 Gauge, PVC jacketed cables

Available in a variety of sizes including  25', 50', 100'

Velcro Hold Down Connector

Easy to install on your existing modules.

$6.00 Ea.

Centronics Cable Tester

Tests 50 Pin Centronics for Open, Short , Unreliable operation.

Diagnose all conditions with the push of a button, A must have for your tool box.

Cable Reels

Protect your expensive Cables with these High impact Plastic cable reels,

HDPE plastic reels will accept up to 200' of 50 Conductor cable and provide

a secure and easy way to use and store your cables.

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FSK Wireless Timecode modem for Pyromusicals

5 Mile Range

Allows Unlimited NightHawks to sync the show to music with embedded timecode

Connects directly to Sound source and transmits to multiple receivers.

Timecode enters via RCA jack

Receive Data LED allows you to quickly determine if you are receiving timecode effectively.

Power is controlled via switch with LED

Powered via 12 volt battery or 120v AC adapter

Extruded Aluminum Case

FSK Wireless Timecode Receiver for Pyromusicals

5 Mile Range

Allows Unlimited Systems to sync the show to music with embedded timecode

Connects directly to Firing Panel.

Timecode enters via Wireless Transmission

Receive Data LED allows you to quickly determine if you are receiving timecode effectively.

Power is controlled via switch with LED

Powered via 12 volt battery or 120v AC adapter

Extruded Aluminum Case

Test Lamps Bag of 100-- $95.00

Discount Pricing

Click Configuration Below for Quick Jump:

45 Cue NightHawk System with Wired Analog Modules

540 Cue NightHawk System with Wired Analog Modules

Core System Components

Software

Pyromusical and Time Code Support

Topology Enhancements

Legacy Adapters

Sample Configurations (software sold separately)

Documentation

PDF NightHawk Instruction Manual

PDF NightHawk Quick Start

PDF Wireless Modem

Battery Charging And Maintenence