I am curious...

For you. Wich sons can make the better displays.

If you can make your own in montreal, what are the soundtrack you'll use ?

Ac-Dc: ye salute you


Tybob

Hi Paul.

I did my own vertion of the pyrodigital we saw at Valencia.
20 quid. We did a small test in the Uk last month, I shall give it a ful
bash over the summer.

It uses Revelution Electronics "Picaxe18X" it is a field programmable
Pic with BASIC interprator.

I can answer the pop music question. It is 126 beats a minute.
not 128. I set the PicAxe to 470 ms and it will keep perfect time.

Steve.

Hi Steve,

your firing system sounds interesting. I have a couple of questions though. Do the firing modules store the firing program or are they slaves to a master control unit? If they do store the sequence, is there any way to interrupt the firing once it has been initiated? This feature is essential if your unit is to ever be used commercially since most of the safety regulations I'm aware of require a "dead man's handle" for electronically sequenced shows so that they can be stopped in the case of a catastrophic event.

Cheers,

Paul.

Hi
I did not know I was on this forum. I just did a search for PicAxe18X
and ohla. I have two prototype units ready to take to Valencia to
test. Let me explain the concept. There is no central processor each
unit is the same and controlles 8 time independent firework Q´s.

Each unit connects serialy to the next by XLR cable. The units are hard coded but it only takes a minute to reprogram them.
The idea is not to have long musical sequences but bursts of
exactly timed effects, You will recall Vicente Caballer mascalates.

The first unit cannot be the same as the rest of the chain. So
we could send an abort code but if the data line breaks but the
power stays on I not sure at this moment how to stop the line.

ideas are welcome

Steve

U2 : vertigo

jerome

I was actually thinking about Madonna's new song (Hung Up) for a finale. After listening and seeing the performance at the Grammy's opening ceremony, I think it would make a scary finale.

Trav.

Interesting topic.

- Carmina Burana (instead of ending with a finale, why not start with a finale and then work your way up!)

- Baba O'Riley - the who

- Toss the feathers - the corrs (Full blown finale with salutes (a la panzera), mascelatas, 5 x 12 inch shells every second, whizzers, exploding nautic shells, multi break shells ebery second, ending with Ipon's massive salutes(forgot actual name lampon... something like that))

ANyways, a man can dream, no?

Dan

Hi Dan,

That's a great scenario you propose in leading up to a finale. For me, in the last 5 minutes of the show, I think there should be 2 fast paced soundtracks (but starting off slow and then building) so this way the last part of the display can be broken down into 2 parts, consisting of a faux finale and a the real finale, like Spain 2001.

In the real finale, it should start off with about 3 sets of shell of shells with different colors. The shell of shells should keep going, but there could also be some continuous mines and fountains below that crackle loudly. Accompanied by these are salutes at the bottom along with those brilliant red flares on each side (being near the Ferris wheel and where La Vampire are).

And of course, at the very end, a scary launch of massive barrages of salutes, while massive shells of many bright colors (mixed in with blinding silver kamuros) are exploding at the top. Also, while these are going, I would also like those photoflashes to kick in, like what a few competitors did last year.

Oh yes, I'd like the finale barrages of salutes to be extremely loud, like the set we heard during Panzera last year, which was sometime after the beginning. That was the loudest I've ever heard in a long time.

Final remarks? I want longetvity, like 3+ mins, I want every color in the book, many long lasting effects i.e. hearts, triple rings, those shapes that look like this: "@", etc. I want lots of noise and gradual build up. I also want a faux finale that's so intense that you'd think it's the real thing (Spain 2001). And yes, I don't want to see that ferris wheel come on so soon! In other words, I want satisfaction!

Some songs I had in mind that were ideal for this were:

-"Self-Control" by Laura Branigan.
-"BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM" by Venga Boys.
-"Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" by Micheal Jackson. (I like the name for a fireworks ending LOL)
-"We're in Heaven" by Brian Adams.
-"Rains Down in Africa" by Toto.
-"Saturday Night" by Ta Gana.

^^^And many more!

And yes, a man can dream, huh, Dan?

Trav.

Hi Trav,

Wow, you pretty much have your show set up and ready to go! I completely agree with you, a finale can never be too long. Unfortunately, last year was not the year of the finale. Even though they work good, they either were too short, too incomplete, or defective. Hopefully, things will change this year.

BTW, your perfect finale looks very much like the one from tarragona. You should definitely watch that display (you have to search the pyrofreaks forums to find it). It has an incredible finale (a bit short but fantastic none the less!). ANyways, can't wait for the summer to come!!!!

Dan

Hey Dan,

Yes, I suppose it can be interpreted that way. I've always wanted to see a finale like that, though I suspect that I'm asking for too much.

Indeed, last year was a disappointment with finales. In fact, I think, since I've been attending the competition since 1990, 2005 was the year with the most poorest finales I've ever witnessed. Even Panzera was probably the weakest one yet. However, 2005 was one of the best years in terms of creativity. There was so much to see and report on that sometimes it was difficult for me to keep track of what was trying to be expoited, which is a good thing.

The Portuguese display was amazing with the dome and the ring, though I found the ring slightly redundant because it has been used before, which was back in 2002. But it still was very creative on its part. Spain also took on a different approach that took place with so many colors at the bottom with many mines and candles, as well as fountains. The creativity used with synchronization was excellent and the way the color was supported was outstanding. U.S.A was also somewhat unique because of their frequent use of those photoflashes in respect to the music. Who could forget Sweden? There was so much use of color, as well. But unfortunately, they had to suffer because of the remnants of Cindy. But they had a very artistic display.

So, you see, last year, many firms did a terrific job with using many aspects to their advantage. Color was a popular factor. There was so much color in many displays that even some rare colors were introduced to us, like those bright oranges. In fact, in my opinion, when the colors were being shown to us from many displays, they were being mixed in with others to give astonishing effects. There were many shells of swirls, not to mention many serpents! Nautical effects were also well implemented.

The choice of music was enjoyable to many of us, though the narration used in some displays made it tedious at times. Last year, there was always that sense anti-climax at both the beginning and end, but especially the beginning. Really, the audience always gets a different impression depending on how the show starts, which, as one can argue, is the most important part of a show. It's the way it's first delivered to us. Personally, a slow start with almost 5 minutes into the show with nothing in the sky leads to frustration, well, for those of us on Notre-Dame and on the bridge.

Anyhow, if I keep writing, it will end up like my fireworks reviews! All I can say is that only about 33% of the finales were crazy. which are:

France
Sweden
U.S.A
Portugal (Somewhat, but was way too short.)

It's also a shame that Sweden had the difficulties. I heard that they're ending was supposed to be bigger. Can you imagine? I think the same held true for Canada. But as was mentioned several times by you and others, you can only judge what was seen, not what could have been. (That rhymes ) The type of finales I really don't like as much are those big weeping willows or silver kamuros, which is so redundant. It may be frequent and noisy, but no variations.

As for Summer, well, I don't want it to come too fast mainly because from March to May is "anticipation" time before Summer, since it is beautiful and we can all think about gardening and those warmer days. Kind of like a finale! The Spring months building in to the expoding beautiful Summer days! When June gets here, I kind of feel depressed because, I say to myself "It's already June???" But yes, you're right, I can't wait for Summer, too. There's so much to think about. Personally, May, June and July are my favorite months, but they are also the fastest months, especially July. Oh yes, I'll try to find that video you're talking about. Thank you for the suggestion!

Well, Dan, I wanted to ask you. Are you going to be a judge this year again?

Take care!

Trav.

Hi Trav,

As much as I want to be a judge this year, the truth is that I can't.
You see, once you become a judge, you have to wait 3 years to reapply. Also, you can be a judge only twice. Therefore, two more years before I can reapply. If you get the chance, go for it and apply. It's a blast. You'll get to walk on the firing ramps, get to see the firing console and firing computer (black structure on the lake), and most of all, get to handle a REAL 12 inch shell! Anways, 4 more months to go.

Dan

Hi Dan,

First, let me apologize for those silly spelling errors back there! It's just that when I type fast, I make lots of mistakes, like that "they're" instead of "their". I also noticed that in "exploding" and "exploiting", the "l" is missing.

Anyways, thanks for the clarifications on the judge applications. I was actually thinking about being a judge because of your experience and feedback mostly, and I thus was intrigued by it. However, I'm sort of bounded by constraints since I always go to the displays with my family. So, in that respect, it would be hard for me. And you know, Dan, I remember when you said several months back that since you were a judge, you can never watch a fireworks display the same way. For me, although I've never been a judge, ever since I've been on this forum, I can never watch a typical display normally! Should I ever decide to become a judge one year, I would probably see fireworks displays like poetry in motion.

On the other hand, I've always wanted to take a tour around the entire site and see all the ramps and the equipment, as well as the firing modules. That's one thing I've been dying to see! It's very fascinating to me in respect to how things are set up and the mere fact that I can actually grasp different types of things, like the 12 inch shell you mentioned, for example.

In any case, judging that you can only be a judge twice and can only apply in a 3 year interval, it would seem best that you should make your last chance count!

Btw, Dan, where do you watch the displays from?

Trav.

Hi Trav,

Well, depending on the firms and the weather, I switch between La Ronde and Notre Dame. There is a specific spot on notre dame street (in the parking lot close to the harbour) so that your're right in the middle of the firing ramps. I'm usually there with my brother sitting on chairs. However, whenever Italy comes (btw, I'm Italian), I make sure that I'm at La Ronde (especially Ipon and Soldi, great firms). I remember my first display at La Ronde. It was the Italian display in 1995. I was bugging my father to buy lots of home fireworks from BEM (which is located next to my country place) and he suggested we go to La Ronde. At first I was disappointed, since no fireworks for me. But after that display (which won bronze) I was hooked for life. Sometimes my father says "I should have never brought you to La Ronde" since I always commenting whenever I see a display (even more now after being a judge ). I seem to destroy ever display I see at my near by park

Anyways Trav, the point is that after you become a judge, no fireworks display can ever be considered perfect. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy them

Also, are you planning on going to the fireworks tonight? I want to, but I just had my wisdom teeth removed ( ) and I'm not sure if I'm going .

Dan

Hi Dan,

Unfortunately, no, I won't be able to make it mainly because no one feels like going, so it's inevitably 3 vs 1. I see also that Paul is in California and enjoying 21 Celsius.

As interesting story you told me, Dan! Thanks for sharing it with me! I also remember my first display back in 1990. Although I wasn't even 6 yet (which was in a month), I was really scared of the noise, especially France of 1993! My first show was also at La Ronde and we were right up front. I remember the ending being very strong, too. I believe it was Germany, but I'm not sure. Anyways, we spent the day at the park and it was my uncle who mentioned the fireworks to us. After that first display, my entire family was so taken up by it that it we went to every show after that. We did find out spot on Notre-Dame then on. Since then, Notre-Dame has always been my spot. However, we don't really view the shows near the fence up front like we used to, but we're now near that traffic light on the De Lorimier and Notre-Dame intersection, which is since 2000-2001. Also, it's unfortunate that most of my family doesn't go anymore, which has been the case since 2000. So now, it's just me, my parents and brother who go, not to mention a friend of my mom's. We all bring our chairs and stuff to keep us occupied for about 2 hours. We park under the bridge, btw, which is on De Lorimier street.

In any case, it's good to know that you alternate at Notre-Dame, too. It makes me feel good to know that someone else is close by! And trust me, I'm sure everyone in the audience are huge fans of Italy, as well as Spain! They are my 2 top favorites. I'm hoping we get a neat ending from them this year. Their performance in 2004 was amazing and I remember their ending from then and also back in 1998. In 1994, however, they were in trouble because of a heavy thunderstorm. We were under the bridge taking cover and I remember the show started off early with tons of red shells launching at about 9:30. I think it was weather related, though. It was lightning vs fireworks that night!

And you're right, even though you we view fireworks differently now, that doesn't mean we can let that alter our emotions on what really causes each and everyone of us to enjoy a particular show.

As for your wisdom teeth, well, oh boy, that brings back bad memories. It's funny, I had mine removed just over a year ago. It was terrible!

Well, March is almost here and yet again, another month is gone. Imagine, 7 months almost gone since last July. I can't believe it, too. This is going to be my 17th year at the competition.

Trav.