Frequently Asked Questions

Does PyroNext replace my firing controller?

No. PyroNext works downstream of your existing firing system. Instead of connecting your controller's outputs directly to your igniters, you connect them to the Connect Module. Connect reads the electrical trigger pulse your controller already produces — the same pulse it would use to fire an igniter — and differentiates between a continuity check pulse and a fire pulse, reacting accordingly. Your controller doesn't need to change, and it doesn't need to know PyroNext is there.

What controllers does PyroNext work with?

Any controller that outputs standard electrical pulses for fire and continuity. We have tested with COBRA and Ignite and are actively testing with additional systems. Cable harnesses are available in ferrule-terminated ends (similar to bare wire but designed for long-term durability) and quick-plug configurations.

Does Connect fire pyrotechnics by itself?

No. Connect does not initiate firing on its own. It requires a trigger input from your existing controller and passes through the full safety gate sequence before any output is activated.

What happens if Connect loses power mid-show?

Connect fails safe. On power loss, all firing outputs are immediately disconnected and shunted by hardware relays — no software involved, no delay. The system must be powered, re-armed, and pass all pre-fire checks before any output can be activated again.

Do IQ Slats need their own battery or power supply?

No. IQ Slats are powered entirely through the Smart Slat Link cable from Connect. No separate power source, no batteries to charge or replace at the rack.

What does "per-igniter continuity" mean in practice?

Traditional systems check continuity at the cue level — and when igniters are wired in parallel, a single good igniter can mask failed ones on the same chain. The whole chain shows as good even if others are bad. IQ Slats measure continuity at every individual connection point independently. Before you arm, you can see exactly which connection needs attention — not just which cue has a problem.

How does the Studio App connect to the hardware?

Studio runs in a web browser on any device. You design your show, configure routing, and run pre-show checks in Studio, then export a verified show file that loads directly into Connect via USB. No wireless connection to the firing hardware is required.

What is the current development status?

The Studio App is functional with core workflow capabilities and additional phases in active development. Connect Module and IQ Slat PCBAs are in manufacturing with prototype units expected shortly. End-to-end system testing begins once prototypes are in hand.

Is PyroNext designed to meet safety standards?

Yes — PyroNext is designed to support workflows aligned with NFPA and ATF requirements, including NFPA 1123-style separation distance and fallout zone planning built directly into the Studio App.

Beyond compliance, the system includes safety features that go well beyond what regulations require:

• →Knock detection on every IQ Slat — if a slat detects an impact during a show, it can automatically shunt that rack position without stopping the rest of the show.
• →Manual shunt toggle on each slat — any rack position can be shunted manually without cutting power to the system. No tools, no rewiring, no show interruption.
• →Separate power domains for firing and continuity — continuity scanning runs on a completely separate, current-limited circuit that cannot ignite a pyrotechnic device.
• →Hardware shunt relays that fail safe — all outputs are shunted by default. Power loss, unexpected behavior, or an E-STOP all drive the system to the same known-safe state automatically.
• →Wet-chain detection — if moisture is detected on a firing chain, arming is blocked and the condition is latched until cleared by an operator.
• →12-condition pre-fire gate — Connect must pass twelve independent hardware and software checks before any output is activated.

Safety in PyroNext is implemented in hardware first. No software bug alone can cause an unsafe firing event.

How many igniters can one system support?

One Connect Module supports up to 12 IQ Slats, each with 90 igniter connections — 1,080 connections per system. Multiple Connect Modules can be deployed on larger shows.

Where can I get early access?

We are currently in pre-launch. Use the contact form to introduce yourself and tell us about your workflow. We are prioritizing professional crews, SFX operators, and distributors for early access conversations.