FireFly Model FF-501 Overview FireFly | FF-101 | FF-201 | FF-501 FireFly is a state of the art electronic lightning simulator designed for theme parks, commercial haunted houses or theater, yet it is affordable enough for the average home haunt. With it’s solid-state design, multiple modes of operation, high power handling capacity and its support of our high-intensity LED light sources, FireFly is lightning years ahead of the competition. LIGHTING CONTROL CHANNELS FireFly model FF-501 is a premium microprocessor-controlled five-channel lightning simulator which offers four channels of lightning, plus a fifth dedicated dimmer channel. Four channels can be used for a variety of "mono" and “stereo” lightning effects plus one channel can be connected to house lights, porch lights or even a lamp in the window for dimming effects. When there is a close “lightning strike”, not only do you see the lightning flash, but lights connected to the fifth channel will dim and flicker as though power is about to go out. Very realistic! MAXIMUM POWER A maximum of 3,000 watts of lights can be connected to the FF-501. When used with our LED light sources, this is equivalent to a blinding 54,000 watts of conventional incandescent light. MODES The FF-501 can be operated in six different modes, each yielding its own unique effect. There are four "mono" modes, offering a choice of four parallel channels, two pairs of two channels, one pair plus two independent channels, or four randomized channels. The two "stereo" modes give a choice of two parallelled left and right channels from a stereo audio signal, or the two left and two right channels with the lightning randomized via the microprocessor for each channel pair. The fifth channel is dedicated to the dimmer mode and it can be used to dim the house lights or porch light erratically when a “strike” occurs. ELECTRICAL ISOLATION       To protect the user as well as connected equipment, all FireFly models are equipped with both isolation transformers and solid state optical isolation to separate high voltage circuits from audio connections. LIGHTS SUPPORTED FireFly was designed to support all Minions Web Ultrabright LED spot lights and Lights Alive SunSpot units. The intense white light and quick reaction time of these lights is unsurpassed in simulating lighting. FireFly also supports conventional incandescent or Halogen bulbs. Even compact fluorescent bulbs work well with our dimmer feature. THRESHOLD In order to insure that lights fire quickly and offer the appropriate dynamic range, two user adjustable threshold controls are provided for easy end-user optimization. TEST CIRCUIT A front panel test button is provided to confirm proper operation of the FireFly circuitry and connected lights. CONTROL METHOD FireFly uses true pulse-width phase control to dim lights as opposed to the cheaper burst control that provides a much less realistic effect by simply flashing lights. Pulse-width phase control is an absolute must for realistic lightning simulation. WARRANTY Lights Alive provides an unprecedented five (5) year limited warranty on all FireFly models. They will repair or replace (Light Alive option) any unit that fails within five years of the purchase date due to defective materials or workmanship. This warranty will not apply to units that have been modified or that have been subjected to physical abuse. For warranty service, simply call or email Lights Alive for a return authorization number, then return the unit, prepaid, to Lights Alive along with your proof of purchase. Please insure your package as we cannot be responsible for damage incurred during shipping. We will promptly repair or replace your unit and return it by the most economical means. If you prefer expedited shipping, please contact Lights Alive for shipping costs. UPGRADE PATH Regardless of its age, Lights Alive currently offers 50% of your documented purchase price toward the purchase of any higher model FireFly lightning controller. Simply call or email us for details. This offer may be modified or discontinued without notice. AUDIO INPUT FireFly operates with standard line-level audio via a conventional 1/8” stereo jack. A custom audio CD of thunder effects designed for FireFly is included with each unit. Various adapters and cables are available from Minions Web, Lights Alive or through your local electronics store. Please consult us if you have connection questions. AUDIO FILTERS All models of FireFly use both low-pass cutoff filters and active positive-feedback low-frequency enhancement to insure only the frequencies associated with thunder trigger the circuitry, except when in the STL mode. MADE IN AMERICA FireFly is proudly designed and manufactured by Lights Alive in the United States. STACKABLE FireFly is housed in a stackable case, making it easy so stack multiple units into a single neat unit. Soon there will be companion audio products in the same stackable cases.