FAQ
About MuuxBRD
Who is muuxBRD, LLC
Founder of muuxBRD, LLC is C. J. Jurczak. He is a circuit board designer by day, and shooting displays for 25+ years. This combination lead him to start designing his own slats because what he wanted wasn't available. Now muuxBRD brings that creativity to your next display!
How do you pronounce muuxBRD?
I know, muuxBRD isn’t exactly intuitive to pronounce. So much so it’s become a bit of an insider industry joke. The correct pronunciation is “mux-board”.
If I meet you out and about and you say “mux-bird” you owe me a beer. Not my rules!
Does muuxBRD have a quality policy?
muuxBRD is a small business, but that doesn’t mean we take quality lightly.
In short muuxBRD strives for quality through:
- Staying pyrotechnician focused.
- Continuous improvement.
- When in doubt INNOVATE!
- Create partnerships big and small.
- Strive for ZERO defects.
Quality isn’t a binary on/off, yes/no, it’s a continuous process that can never be ignored or take a back seat.
muuxBRD has chosen to follow IPC standards developed by electronics manufacturing industry.
muuxBRD builds and inspects all electronic assemblies to meet or exceed IPC Class 2. Learn more about IPC Class 2 in the following FAQ entry.
What is IPC Class 2?
muuxBRD has chosen to use IPC Class 2 to ensure quality of the slats, breakout boards, that you use in your displays. So what is IPC Class 2?
IPC has three criteria for inspecting electronics, depending on how they are going to be used.
- Class 1: General consumer electronics with a limited life cycle and where function is the primary requirement, but reliability is less critical.
- Class 2: Dedicated service electronics that require extended service life and good performance but are not mission-critical.
- Class 3: High-reliability electronics designed for continuous performance is critical, and harsh environments. Typical in aerospace, national defense, and life support applications.
IPC Class 2 is in medical devices, automotive safety systems, power grid control systems, etc. I want muuxBRD products to be built to meet those same standards.
Orders
Where is my order?
The nature of muuxBRD is a high mix of products that are low volume. This means some items are built to order. In stock orders usually ship in less than 48 hours. Products built to order usually ship in 5 days or less. Lead times on high volume or custom orders will be quotes on a case by case basis.
Can I cancel or change my order?
If you need to make a change to your order, Contact us as soon as possible!
Changes to orders that haven’t shipped will be accommodated as resources allow without additional charge.
Changes to orders that have already shipped will be eligible for return or exchange within 15 days of purchase, and in new condition. Charges for shipping are final and non-refundable.
Sales of long lead time or custom products are final.
What can I do if my order is being shipped to the wrong address?
Please double check your address when entering your shipping instructions at checkout. Once an order has been placed, we only have a small window of time to amend an address. If your package has already been dispatched, we are unable to change your shipping address for you.
If you find that you have entered the incorrect address, please Contact Us with your order details and your correct address information. We will try to help you as much as possible!
My order arrived with a missing or incorrect item, what do I do?
I try to hard to ensure your order ships compete and without error. But mistakes do happen. Take a photo of the contents of your order and contact us for next steps.
Products
Why choose muuxBRD slats?
Choose muuxBRD slats because you want an alternative to the norm. Every muuxBRD product offers something the competition doesn’t. Whether it be design, value, or flexibility.
muuxBRD designs come with professional PCB design by an industry veteran. No AI powered amateur hour, our products are designed for manufacture, and assembled and inspected per IPC (Institute for Printed Circuits) standards.
What are QuickConnect/QuickPlug ematches?
QuickPlug/QuickConnect ematches are an industry innovation that makes electric matches easier and quicker.
These ematches use a small connector installed place of the traditional flying leads.
If you want to land more ematches in less time consider QuickConnect ematches. If you want to stretch your labor force further and shoot more shows consider QuickPlug ematches. If you want to train your technicians less and spend less time reworking field connections you need QuickPlugs ematches.
What are QuickLeverPRO connectors?
If you are still using traditional flying leads ematches you should consider QuickLeverPRO slats! If you have been using speaker terminal slats and you’re ready for something different try QuickLeverPRO slats.
If you want easier to use connectors with superior gripping force on wires consider QuickLeverPRO slats. These connectors remain open until closed, making it easier and faster to insert and extract wires when making connections.
What is the QuickSplit breakout board?
QuickSplit breakout boards are the original breakout boards for use with both QuickConnect and QuickPlug ematches.
QuickSplits allow you to easily and quickly connect multiple QuickPlug ematches to a single cue. It does this without any cutting, stripping, twisting or taping wires. It’s the best way to keep the Quick in QuickPlug!
QuickSplits come in many shapes and sizes, but you have the option of series or parallel wiring configurations.
What is the difference between series and parallel?
Ematches have two wire leads, similarity pyros have two hands (most of them anyway). In a parallel circuit everyone’s holding all their left hands together, and their right hands together. In a series circuit everyone is standing in a circle holding their neighbors hands.
In a series circuit there is only one path for current flow, and that single path goes through each and every ematch in the circuit.
In a parallel circuit every ematch makes its own path to the terminals on your firing system.
What are the pros and cons of series wiring electric matches?
PROs
• Low Current: Only requires enough current to fire one electric match. The same current flows through every match.
• Distance Friendly: Because the total current needed is low, you can use thinner, longer wires without losing much voltage.
• Effective Testing: A simple continuity check ensures all connections are good. If the light is on, every match is connected.
CONs
• The "Christmas Light" Effect: If a single match is broken, or a single connection is loose, none of the matches will fire.
• Voltage Hungry: Each additional match raises the required voltage needed to create enough current in the whole string of electric matches.
What are the pros and cons of parallel wiring electric matches?
PROs
• Independent Survival: If one match is a dud or has a broken wire, it doesn't matter. The electricity simply bypasses it and fires all the other matches on the cue.
• Lower Total Resistance: Adding more matches lowers the overall resistance of the circuit. Lower resistance means you don’t need as much voltage from your firing system.
CONs
• Current Hog: Each additional match increases the current required from your firing system. If your system can’t supplied the required current you can get inconsistent results
• Deceptive Testing: A continuity test only tells you that at least one match is connected. You could have 9 broken matches and 1 good one, and your tester will still say "OK."
• Enemy’s w/Distance: Because parallel requires higher current, that also increases voltage drop. That voltage drop will get worse with every extra foot of wire between your firing system and your ematches.
IGNITE
What do I need to get started with IGNITE?
Before you get started, you'll need a few things:
- A phone/table with the IGNITE mobile app. Both Android and iOS are supported
- Atleast one IGNITE module, up to 6 modules are supported per mobile device.
- Ignitors to convert the electrical signals of the IGNITE module to heat/fire that launch your fireworks.
- Finally, fireworks! And when you think you have enough, go buy more!
Which module should I buy?
IGNITE modules come in two sizes, the i18 and i36 with 18 & 36 cues respectively. Each cue allows you to ignite your fireworks at the specified time during your display.
IGNITE supports up to six modules at a time. Doesn't matter if they are six i18s, i36s or a mix of both.
What are the module colors?
During setup each module is assigned a color. This is how you will keep them organized, and identify them both in the app and in the field.
What all do I get with my IGNITE Module
In the box you'll get a module as well as the following accessories
- 1x LiPo rechargeable battery
- 1x USB battery charger
- 1x Antenna
- 1x Emergency 9V battery harness
Does it come with ignitors?
No, the modules don't include ignitors. Ignitors are one time use, and will need to be purchased separately.
How many ignitors can my module fire?
Good question, you might think the i18 can only fire 18 ignitors, and the i36 only 36. But you'd be wrong! While each module can only fire 18 or 36 cues, each cue can fire multiple ignitors simultaneously.
So if you want to launch multiple shells or cakes at the same time you only need ONE cue!
Here's the trick, you need an easy way to connect multiple ignitors to a single cue. That's where the muuxBRD QuickSplit comes in. The QuickSplit-4P and 12P are best suited for the IGNITE modules. They will allow you to connect up to 4 or 12 ignitors to a single cue. But don't get to excited there are a couple of caveats.
IGNITE modules can fire two different types of ignitors, Clip On (aka Talon) ignitors or electric match (aka Initiators).
IGNITE modules can only fire 2x Clip On or Talon ignitors at the same time. Or up to 10x electric match or initiators at the same time.
So what that means is with a few QuickSplit boards you can fire way more fireworks from your IGNITE system!
Should I use Clip On ignitors or electric match?
IGNITE recommends Clip On ignitors. They are user friendly, and contain no pyrotechnic material.
More advanced users may choose to use electric match, fuse-tube, firewire, ematch, initiators. While they go by many names they are similar in that they do contain a small amount of pyrotechnic material.
Because electric matches contain some pyrotechnic material they come with some extra precautions and risk. But they also offer some benefits.
Electric matches offer superior instant firing of your fireworks when properly installed. Also, your IGNITE module can fire an INCREDIBLE 10x electric matches simultaneously from a SINGLE cue!
How do I design my fireworks display?
Included in the purchase of your IGNITE firing system is FREE web based show design software.
IGNITE Show Designer
The show designer software will allow you to add fireworks, music and more to a timeline. You can spend as much or as little time as you want tweaking and perfecting your show. If you want more details checkout this video tutorial.
I designed my show, now what?
Congrats! When your first display is all perfectly laid out on the timeline you're ready for the next step. You need to get your design from the computer, to your IGNITE app.
From the Shows screen on your IGNITE mobile app you can press SYNC to fetch your latest design and download to your device for show day.
Did you know you can also share your display or use pre-programmed shows from your friends or fireworks vendor?
On the Shows screen of the mobile app you can click Import Show and it will allow you to scan a QR code of the display being shared with you.
What if I don't wanna design my own display?
No problem! You can use pre-programmed shows from friends, social media, IGNITE dealers, and fireworks vendors.
Why put in the time if someone else has already perfected a show design. Shows are shared using QR codes, to import a show go to Shows screen in your mobile app. Instead of Sync, click Import Show, and you'll be able to scan the QR code with your devices camera.
And just like that you have a fully scripted display ready to fire!
Customization
Can I get a custom slat design?
Yes, muuxBRD has always done custom designs to meet your needs.
Want a custom color, company logo no problem. Want a new design from the ground up, contact us for details.
Custom projects are available when the work load allows (don’t bet on getting your custom slat in June). Details and timelines will be determined at the time of order.
How long does it take?
Custom slats or breakout boards typically take 4-6 weeks. In expedited cases 2-3 weeks may be possible.
Depending on work load wait times may be longer.
What is the minimum order (MOQ) for a custom order?
I have done custom designs of only 1, to over 1000.
Can I get a sample of my custom designs?
Yes, samples or first articles can be provided. Sometimes you just want to hold it in your hand and see if with your own eyes before committing.
First articles can be built into pricing of the project or ala carte.
Can I get a custom enclosure as well?
Yes, get an enclosure that best suits your custom slats!
How much does it cost?
Unfortunately, the only way to answer this question is with a resounding, “It depends.”
Logo customization usually requires 50% payment in order to place an order. Some custom designs will require full payment at the time of order.
What kind of cables can I use with IGNITE adapter plates?
The IGNITE adapter plates from muuxBRD allow you to connect slats to your IGNITE module using CAT5, CAT5E or CAT6 cables.
Recommended cables should be 23 or 24 AWG 100% copper cable. Internal muuxBRD testing was performed with 50ft cables on all IGNITE adapter plates. Longer cables may be used, but user testing should be performed.
Inexpensive cables can be found that use CCA (copper clad aluminum) wire instead of traditional 100% copper. These cables are not recommended for uses in pyro or any muuxBRD products. CCA cables are less conductive and less durable than 100% copper cables.
What length of cables can I use with IGNITE adapter plates?
The IGNITE adapter plates from muuxBRD have all been tested with 24 AWG 100% copper cables that are 50ft long.
Longer cables may be used In some circumstances, but user testing should be performed.
Inexpensive cables can be found that use CCA (copper clad aluminum) wire instead of traditional 100% copper. These cables are not recommended for uses in pyro or any muuxBRD products. CCA cables are less conductive and less durable than 100% copper cables.
Do IGNITE adapter plates or slats require shunts/jumpers?
Shunts/jumpers are not required for the IGNITE adapter plates or slats. The IGNITE adapter plates are all parallel configuration. Parallel does not require shunts to function.
RemoteFiringSystems.com
What happened to remotefiringsystems.com?
The founder of RemoteFiringSystems.com has retired, and has ceased operations.
I wish Duane nothing but the best, and I hope to be a good steward of his well established domain name.
Can I still place an order?
Unfortunately all inventory from Remote Firing Systems [dot] com has been liquidated.
I investigated possibly importing more firing systems, but have determined that the current market won’t sufficiently support these systems.