Page 1
X2-Series Manual 2.0 As of November 2016 explo GmbH – Völkermarkterstrasse 240, 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Österreich wwww.explo.at office@explo.at +43(0)463/3224...
Page 2
PREAMBLE Dear Explo Customer, Please read through these sets of instructions carefully, before using your devices. It contains many Informations which are to help you getting to know your system. We ask you to follow the safety and usage notes carefully.
Page 3
The following manual describes the bidirectional transmitters TX2-70K and TX2-Stage, as well as the receivers RX2-70K and RX2-30K, and is split into these chapters. General Overview of the Explo X2-Series Function of the Explo-ignition system. Description of transmitters and receivers of the X2-Series...
INDEX 1 General overview of the Explo-ignition system ..................7 1.1 Function of the ignition system ...................... 7 1.1.1 Systemaddress ........................7 1.1.2 Security Key / Frequency ......................7 1.1.3 Boxnumber ..........................8 1.1.4 channelnumber ........................8 1.2 difference of Devicenumber / BoxnumbeR ..................8 2 transmitter TX2-70K and TX2-stage .....................
Page 5
3.2.3 submenu View Stepper Sequenz ..................49 3.2.4 submenu Edit RECEIVER settings ..................52 3.3 Errorcodes of the receivers ......................54 3.4 Usage of splitboxes ........................55 3.5 Special symbols receiverdisplay ....................56 4 guideline to usage of the devices ....................... 57 4.1 conept creation ..........................
1 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE EXPLO-IGNITION SYSTEM This part of the manual is meant to teach you some basic words of the Explo X2-series, and give you a better understanding into the function and usage of the ignition system. 1.1 FUNCTION OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM To provide the user of the system with the maximum security and pinpoint every ignition channel exactly, the X2 system features multiple settings that encode the address of every device.
same frequency can communicate with eachother. Important: When changing the frequency, a new security key is being used automatically. 1.1.3 BOXNUMBER The boxnumber is primarily used next to the channelnumber to address a specific ignition channel. Every receiver can be set to a boxnumber of 1-99, with which he can be directly controlled. Boxnumbers can be assigned mutliple times, should multiple receivers need to ignite at the same time.
2 TRANSMITTER TX2-70K AND TX2-STAGE 2.1 COMPONENTS OF TRANSMITTERS 2.1.1 OVERVIEW TX2-70K FRONT PANEL Components of the TX2-70K Front panel Connector for the goose neck lamp Display Fuse holder and key switch Spare buttons Usage buttons New built of the TX2-70K...
2.1.2 OVERVIEW TX2-70K SIDE PANEL Components of the TX2-70K side panel Programing- and charging socket FSK-Time Code-Interface BNC-Antenna socket RS232-Interface...
2.1.3 OVERVIEW OF THETX2-STAGE Components of the TX2-Stage Key switch BNC-Antenna socket Display Usage buttons and armed button Programing- and charging socket...
2.1.4 DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS 2.1.4.1 CONNECTOR FOR THE GOOSE NECK LAMP (TX2-70K) This XLR-socket allows you to connect the goose neck mapl included with the TX2-70K. It is used to light your work space near the TX2-70K, and will only be lit when the device is switched on. 2.1.4.2 DISPLAY All relevant data, like the menu structure and results of receiver tests are shown in the display.
Page 13
The TX2-70K features an additional cover for the socket, to protect it from moisture or dirt. 2.1.4.10 FSK-TIMECODE-INTERFACE (TX2-70K) This socket is used to connect a FSK-Timecode, and synchronize your explo system with other devices / systems. 2.1.4.11 RS232-INTERFACE (TX2-70K) The RS232-Interface can be used alternatively to the programing socket for data transmissions for shows and the control via the PC.
2.2 TRANSMITTERMENU By pressing the Mode / OK button, the menu of the transmitter can be opened. 2.2.1 MAIN MENU Bat.Status 0-100% Receivers Auto Mode ON/OFF TX Settings Receiver-Mode (Versionnumber) Start PC MODE Start STICK MODE 2.2.1.1 BAT.STATUS This shows the status of the internal battery in steps of 0-100%. The battery should be charged before and after every show, as well as every three months during storage.
2.2.1.8 START STICK MODE This menu item starts a mode in which the transmitter works like an Explo Stick. Should this mode be active, the transmitter can be used instead of an Expli Stick in conjunction with the AutoShow X2 Software.
Page 16
The following device types are currently being supported: Device type RX70K RX2-70K, RX2-30K Splitt RXDMX RX2-DMX-Modul RX30K RX2-30K EXPLO Custom made RXMP3 RX2-MP3-Player RXWAV RX2-WAVE-Player MASTM RX2-Mastermodule FLAME Power Flame...
Page 17
ID-NUMBER OF THE DEVICE The ID-number is a number individual to every receiver. It is used to identify a device and is thusly only assigned once. BATTERYSTATUS Should the receiver be switched on, you can see the current batterystatus in percent (%). We generally recommend charging all your devices before the show to 100%.
Page 18
Immediately afterwards, the next receiver can be added. Please note that in the receiversettings, radioprog is set to ON. If the receiver is already saved onto the transmitter, the following error screen will appear after step 4: Hint: When adding a receiver the second time, it will still adopt the transmitters settings. This can be used if a receiver has been lent away, an should be learned onto the transmitter again, even though it is already in the device list.
Page 19
DELETE This menu item is used to delete the receiver that is in the last slot of the device list, or delete the complete device list. DELETING THE LAST ENTRY After selectingDeletethe following screen appears, where # is the number of the last entry: Step Transmitter Confirm with Mode / OK to delete last entry.
Page 20
When deleting, the device will be deleted at which you have pressed the Plus button. When adding, the new device will be added to the place at which you pressed the Plus button. The device that was already in the list and all others following behind, will be pushed one number back. AUTO UPDATE The automatic update is used if you wish to automatically activate or deactivate all devices in the list, no matter whether they are switched on or off, and renumber them according to the devicelist.
Time SbS generate Delete EXPLO TC ON/OFF 2.2.3.1 AUTO MODE ON / OFF Here you can switch the automatic mode on or off. When on, no manual ignitions can be made (except for the spare buttons). Activating this setting is neccessary for the automatic mode (Auto Mode) as well as the semiautomatic mode (SbS Mode).
Page 22
The ignition time can be freely edited. A minimal line distance between two lines is not neccessary with the X2 series. The total length of the show may not be longer than 100 minutes. The ignition time can not be set higher or lower than the times of the lines next to it.
Page 23
The channelnumber of the ignition. This can be freely set from 1-70. SPECIAL FIELD Here you can set whether a certain line should ignite or not. This is espcially useful, if you wish to deactivate certain ignitions shortly before a show. Changing and transmitting the show anew onto all receivers and the transmitter is most times not feasible.
Page 24
EDITING A LINE To edit a line, the following steps must be taken: Information Step Transmitter Open menu item Edit File. Select the line you wish to edit using Plus and Minus. Using Mode / OK open the panel for edits.
Page 25
ADDING A NEW LINE To add a new line at the end of a show, the following steps must be taken: Information Step Transmitter Open menu item Edit File . Using Plus, go to the last line. Press Plus. Confirm with Mode / OK. Press Mode / Ok.
Page 26
2.2.3.4 LOAD FILE This menu item allows you to load a show onto the transmitter. A detailed description can be found in the corresponding chapter about preparing your devices for a show. 2.2.3.5 DELETE FILE When selecting this menu item, the show will be deleted from the transmitter. To delete the show from the receiver however, the menu item RX delete show must be used.
Page 27
2.2.3.7 RX SEND SHOW This menu item is used to transmit a show from the transmitter onto the receivers. It is neccessary that the correct show has been loaded onto the transmitter, and all boxes need are switched on. Detailed information about preparing your devices for a show transmission can be found in the corresponding chapter.
Page 28
Here you can see the quality of the external FSKTime Codey from 0-100%. Reading of a TC by the Explo TC Modem When reading a Timecode from the explo TC Modem, instead the time of the read timecode is shown 2.2.3.11 SETTINGS...
Page 29
SMPTE Here you can activate the SMPTE-Mode (ON) or deactivate it (OFF). This is used with external Modems (e.g. Alpermann+Velte ) but not with the Explo TC Modem. If the SMPTE-Mode is activated, no external FSK-Timer Code can be read.
Page 30
Channels that are further apart won't be grouped together. EXPLO TC This Menu item is needed for the use of the Explo SMPTE/MIDI Time Code Modems. This Menu can be set to either OFF, READ or SEND depending on it’s use.
2.2.4 SUBMENUTX SETTINGS Start Box: # Sound ON/OFF Show Sys ON/OFF Clock ON/OFF Box-Select PC: BOX / CH oder TIMECODE Restore Default Receive Clone Clone Transmitt. Send Clone Box Nr. Secure Key Box Programming Freq / Power Test sort: DEV/BOX Konfetti ON/OFF Backup ON/OFF security update...
Page 32
2.2.4.2 SOUND Here the Buttonsounds can be turnd on or off. The Standardsetting is ON. 2.2.4.3 SHOW SYS Here you can set if the systemaddress of the Receiver should be shown or hidden during the time the system is switched on. If this Menu item is turned OFF, the systemaddress will be shown as xxx. The Standardsetting is: ON 2.2.4.4 CLOCK Here you can set a clock that will start during the manual Launchmode.This clock can ease the...
Page 33
This Menuitem is used to reset the Transmitter-Settings to their default state. The Systemaddress and the Show-File are not changed. After the reset, the transmitter has to be restartet. 2.2.4.8 CLONE TRANSMITTER This Menuitem enables the quick copying of all Transmittersettings, as well as the Device-List and the Show-Files onto a second Transmitter.
Page 34
Restart. If there is an error at Step 9, it’s possible that there is a connectivity problem between Transmitter 1 and 2. It’s imperative that you check if the TX-Programmingcable is correctly connected to both Transmitters. 2.2.4.9 BOX PROGRAMMING Here you can change and transfer the Security Key, the Frequency and Power of the Transmitter to the Receiver.
Page 35
Step Transmitter Receiver Press Mode / OK. Press Mode / OK. Switch on receiver. Wait till the below screen appears. Switch on the next receiver. 2.2.4.10 TEST SORT Here you can select if the testresults of the Receiver should be sorted via Box or Device number. Test sort Sort results by device number.
Page 36
Backup-Mode (Preparation) Load Show-File onto main and backup transmitter (same File!) Activate Backup-Mode on both. Activate AutoMod on both. Backup-Mode (Showstart) Switch main transmitter to armed and backup to test. When starting the show, start both simultaniously (Hint: external trigger). Backup-Mode (Behaviour during show failing) Switch backup transmitter armed.
2.2.5 SUBMENU RECEIVER-MODE send Armed send Disarmed send Sleep send OFF send Lock send unlock send ** reset send renumber send Group 2.2.5.1 SEND ARMED Allows you to turn all receivers armed. 2.2.5.2 SEND DISARMED Allows you to set all receivers into testmode from armed mode. 2.2.5.3 SEND SLEEP This allows you to set the receivers into sleep mode.
Page 38
Allows you to send the current numbering as saved on the transmitter to all receivers that are switched This function may also be used to create a new devicelist in conjunction with the AutoShow software and Explo Stick. 2.2.5.9 SEND GROUP Allows you to activate and deactivate device groups and ignition groups.
3 RECEIVERS RX2-70K AND RX2-30K 3.1 COMPONENTS OF THE RECEIVERS 3.1.1 OVERVIEW RX2-70K FRONT PANEL Components of the RX2-70K Front panel Display and buttons Fuse holder and key switch Ignition clamps...
3.1.2 OVERVIEW RX2-70K SIDE PANEL Components of the RX2-70K side panel Programing- and charging socket Activation-button BNC-Antenna socket Signal LED...
3.1.4 OVERVIEW RX2-30K SIDE PANEL Components of the RX2-30K side panel Programming and charging socket Activation button BNC-Antenna socket Signal LED...
The key switch is used to disconnect the power from the internal electronics. Contrary to the older versions of explo devices, it is not used by itself to switch on the devices. To connect the power, the key must be turned a quarter clockwise. To activate the device, you also need to push the activation button on the side panel.
Page 44
3.1.5.4 IGNITION CLAMPS Clamp build up Channel number and connection LED Push-Button. Ignition clamp opening. CHANNEL NUMBER AND CONNECTION LED Shows the standard number of the channel. The channelnumbers can be freely edited, and thus mustn't always be in the correct order. The connection LED shows whether the corresponding clamp has a connectivity (LED lit).
Page 45
3.1.5.6 BNC-ANTENNA SOCKET An antenna socket in the BNC standard, to connect the antenna delivered with the device. The receivers also feature a covering for the socket to prevent moisture or dirt from entering. 3.1.5.7 SIGNAL LED This LED shows you after the devices activation, multiple informations by different ways of flashing. It is mainly used as an optical feedback about the receiving of test or ignition signals.
3.2 RECEIVER MENU By pushing and holding the Mode / OK button, you can open the menu. 3.2.1 MAIN MENU ID / BOX TYP / SHOW CHECK / LINES CAP / LIMIT SEC-KEY / FREQ POWER / TIMEOUT BATT / DEEP Konfetti / Cues View AUTOSHOW list View STEPPER sequenz...
Page 47
3.2.1.3 CHECK / LINES Shows the checksum (line one) and the number of ignitions used in the show (line two). 3.2.1.4 CAP / LIMIT Shows the total capacity of the capacitor in volt (line one), as well as the set upper limit for the ohm measurement (line two).
3.2.2 SUBMENU VIEW AUTOSHOW LIST Lines / Checksum 1) Info first line 2) Info second line #) Info last line 3.2.2.1 LINES / CHECKSUM Shows the total number of lines used on this receiver. The checksum must be checked against the checksum on the receiver to find potential problems.
3.2.3 SUBMENU VIEW STEPPER SEQUENZ Change Stepper Channel info channels 1-70 / 1-30 Change Cue / Box Change Waitingtime 3.2.3.1 CHANNEL INFO Shows all 30 or 70 channels of the receiver, and theor most important informations. Channel information Standard channelnumber Programmed channelnumber Boxnumber Special programming...
Page 50
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING Shows if a waiting time (Wait) or a stepper (Stepp) has been programmed on the channel. 3.2.3.2 CHANGE STEPPER Allows you to enter a steppsequence from a starting channel to a certain ending channel. Important: the sequence can only be started by igniting the starting channel, and won't react to manual ignitions of the channels in between or the ending channel.
Page 51
3.2.3.3 CHANGE WAITINGTIME Allows you to add a waitingtime to a channel. This is an ignition delay. Should you set a waitingtime of two seconds, this channel will ignite 2 seconds after the initial ignition command. Important: This function is only applicable for manual ignitions with the transmitter, and is automatically deactivated when using the AutoShow.
3.2.4 SUBMENU EDIT RECEIVER SETTINGS TEST MODUS ARMED SLEEP SOUND SEC-KEY FREQUENCY Radio POWER Radio CAPACITY TIMEOUT Ω LIMIT CALIBRATE ZERO Ω MEASURE FIREMODE LOCK Konfetti Konfetti Kanäle SYSTEM check Status DELETE (restore default) Radio prog...
Page 53
3.2.4.1 MODUS Allows you to set the receiver into Test-, armed- or sleep mode. 3.2.4.2 SOUND All acoustic signals of the receiver can be turned on or off here. 3.2.4.3 BOX Allows you to set the boxnumber from 1-99. 3.2.4.4 SEC-KEY Allows you to change the security key (Standard 139) 3.2.4.5 FREQUENCY RADIO Allows you to change the radio modules frequency (Standard 6)
3.2.4.11 FIREMODE Allows you to set the receiver into the manual firing mode. This makes it possible to ignite channels directly from the receiver. Careful: This mode should only be used if a large enough safety distance to the effects connected to the receiver is ensured. 3.2.4.12 LOCK Allows you to lock the receiver menu and set the code to unlock.
Errorcode ARMED / TEST switching Safety circuitry Capacitor charging Capacitor discharging Systemtest made? Short circuit on lines Short cicuit on case Defect Plus-Line 3.4 USAGE OF SPLITBOXES The Splitbox SP2-20K is used to reel out the channels of a receiver from the deivce itself. Up to 60 channels can be drawn to the splittboxes, using so calles splittbox cables.
3.5 SPECIAL SYMBOLS RECEIVERDISPLAY According to the programming made on the receiver, the following symbols can appear in the upper right corner: Special symbols Confettimode activated AutoShow saved Steppsequence saved Changed channels on the receiver...
4 GUIDELINE TO USAGE OF THE DEVICES This guideline will show you how to best create a show, and fire it using the explo X2-system. Concept creation Programming the show Loading the show onto the transmitter Sending the show to the receivers...
Testing of show and receivers.Programming the show will take the longest. Using a suitable software (eg.: Explo ShowCreator or AutoShow) you can create an automatic or semiautomatic show.Special care must be taken to place your ignitions at the right times, for the right look of the show.
4.3 LOADING THE SHOW ONTO THE TRANSMITTER After checking the show, it can be loaded onto the transmitter. Simply open the show with the explo AutoShow Software (for the X2 series). You can find the software and all needed drivers on our homepage.
3.) After setting the COM port, switch on the transmitter, and set "Auto Mode" from "OFF" to "ON" in the menu. Now select "Load File". The transmitter display should now read "connect PC or press OK". 4.) You can now select "Transmit show" in the AutoShow software. The transmitter display should now read "PC connected, waiting...".
4.5 TESTING THE SHOW AND RECEIVERS After transmitting the show, its function as well as the one of the receivers should be checked. This should prevent faulty programming and errors. Every error encountered beforehand saves valuable time during the setup or the day of the show! To test the programming and the devices, you should do the test that is recommended after transmitting the show.
4.6 TRANSPORTING THE DEVICES Before transport, all devices should be fully charged. This can often be problematic at the firing site. When using the NiMH chargers, please unplug them once after connecting them to a new device. If all batteries are charged, you can get the device ready for transport. Depending on the size of the show, take note of which devices you will use.
Information Step Transmitter By pressing Test/ESC, the test is started. Afterwards, you can see how many of the receivers used in the show have gotten the test signal, and whether the correct show is loaded. Should an error be shown in the second line, you should find the faulty receiver, and check it for problems.
4.8.1.1 DEVICE NUMBER The device number of the receiver, according to its number in the transmitters devicelist. 4.8.1.2 BOXNNUMBER The receivers boxnumber. 4.8.1.3 DEVICE TYPE The receivers device type. 4.8.1.4 PROGRAMMING Shows whether the correct show has been saved on the receiver. PRG means that it is. If an ERR is in its stead, the wrong show has been saved on the receiver.
4.8.2.2 NUMBER OF USED LINES Shows the number of lines connected on the receiver. 4.8.2.3 NUMBER OF LINES USED IN THE SHOW Shows the total number of connected lines, that are also used in the show. This can be lower that the number shown in point 2.
Page 66
Evaluation of rangetest symbols Signal is sent and evaluated. The first signal has been received and been sent back successfully. Only the second signal has been received and sent back. The receiver did not receive any signal. Check the connectivity. Afterwards, this symbol might change to one of the following ones after a new test.
Page 67
No connection at the clamp, however this channel is used in the show, so it should be connected. Number If a number is shown, this is the resistance value. 1↓ Connectivity is given, however the value is below one. If XX is shown, a defect at the plus line has ocurred. In this case, please contact the manufacturer.
4.9 STARTING THE SHOW 4.9.1 TESTING IN ARMED-MODE In armed mode, a quick test should be made. Simply press and hold the Test/ESC button after the device has been turned armed. This test should be done with automated and manual shows. Information Step Transmitter...
The following will be shown as an error: 1.) Line Error (Problems at one or multiple clamps, like a short circuit) 2.) Prog Error (Wrong or missing AutoShow on one or more devices) 3.) System Error (Systeminternal error on a receiver) 4.) A device is not armed.
Page 70
4.9.3.1 PREPARATION To start an automatic show, you must activate the AutoMode, have the show file on the transmitter and all receivers. The ignition mode in the AutoMode menu must be set to "automatic" and not to "StepbyStep". In test mode, no ignition signals can be sent. The transmitter must first be switched to armed mode. This is done on the TX2-70K by turning the key switch a quarter clockwise, and by pressing and holding the ARMED button on the TX2-Stage.
The following buttons can be used: Information Button Transmitter Pause the show. Pressing it again will resume the show. Pressing it longer will Minus reset the show. The next channel will be skip. Can be canceled by pressing again. Plus next channel willimmediately...
Automated shows can synchronized using an external Time Code (FSK, SMPTE or MIDI). While the FSK-TC can be plugged directly into the transmitter, a special module is needed for SMPTE and MIDI (eg.: Explo SMPTE/MIDI TC Modem). 4.9.5.1 PREPARATION To start an automated show, the AutoMode must be activated, and a show file be loaded onto all devices.
TC-giver / TC-Modem must be connected to the transmitter. For the correct setup and use of the Explo TC Modem, read through its instructions. In test mode, no ignition signals can be sent. The transmitter must first be switched to armed mode.
4.9.6.2 USING THE SPARE FUNCTIONS (ONLY TX2-70K) IGNITING A BOX AND CHANNEL The main function of a spare button is to ignite a certain box and channel at any time. Allows you to ignite a spare effect during a show, if another fails to launch. Can also be useful at smaller manually ignited fireworks to ignite certain channels immediately.
4.9.7.3 IGNTING IN EASY-MODUS After switching to armed mode, ignitions can only be made using the spare buttons. The following should be seen on the display: Easy-Mode (Armed Mode) Active channels Active box Last ignition. ACTIVE CHANNELS Shows which channels are currently ignitable using the spare buttons.1-10 means that the spare buttons will ignite channels 1-10.
5.2.1.1 ABOUT RADIO WAVES: Radio waves are electromagnetic waves that expand with near lightspeed (~300.000km/s). Radiowaves are unhindered in a vacuum and air, but can be reflected by metal or be absorbed by natural materials like wood or water. 5.2.1.2 POSITIONING YOUR DEVICES: Ideally, you should place the transmitter and receiver in a way that no objects are placed between them, and you have free line of sight.
Page 77
5.2.2.2 CLEANING THE DEVICES After use, all devices should be cleaned thoroughly. Ideally by doing the following: 1.) Remove all igniter pieces from the clamps. (Please use the Push button!) 2.) Cleaning the devices with pressurized air. Especially the charging and antenna socket, as well as the clamps should be blown out.
5.3 TECHNICAL DATA Here you can find the technical data for transmitters and receivers:: Transmitter TX2-Stage Measurements 85 x 170 x 50 mm Weight 300g Case Plastic Case Radio range 400m Stand-By 24 hours 1x NiMH-Battery Power supply 12VDC Transmitter TX2-70K Measurements 335 x 290 x 155 mm Weight...
Page 79
(R&TTE) Declaration of Conformity appropriate to the law of radio and telecom terminal equipment (FTEG) and Directive 1999/5/EC (R&TTE) Hersteller / Verantwortliche Person: Explo Zündtechnik, Völkermarkterstraße 240, 9020 Klagenfurt am Manufacturer / responsibleperson: Wörthersee, Österreich (AUT) Erklärt, dass das Produkt: Funkzündanlage...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the X2 Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers