The SG-1700/3100 Smoke Generator is a powerful fog machine designed to produce copious amounts of water-based artificial fog. It utilizes classic accumulating evaporators, allowing for the generation of both large volumes of fog and very small fog clouds. The SG-3100 model further enhances versatility with an alternating nozzle system, offering a choice between a wide-jet nozzle and a noise-reducing nozzle. The device is equipped with diverse control options, making it suitable for a wide variety of scenarios.
Function Description:
The SG-1700/3100 operates by heating a fluid to create artificial fog. After plugging in the power cord, the machine heats its heating element, a process that takes between 8 and 12 minutes depending on the specific model. Once ready, the machine can be operated in several modes: stand-alone, DMX512/RDM, Modbus RTU, cable remote control, radio remote control (optional), and via an internal timer. The pump value, which controls the fog output, can be finely adjusted between 1% and 100%. The device's OLED display and membrane keypad provide an intuitive interface for selecting menus, changing values, and confirming settings.
In stand-alone mode, the user sets the desired pump value and presses the confirmation key to start fogging. The fogging process can be stopped by pressing the confirmation key again. The pump value can also be adjusted during operation.
For DMX512/RDM operation, the XLR input must be set to DMX. The DMX address can be changed via the menu. A valid DMX signal is indicated on the display, and the machine starts fogging when the received pump value is greater than zero, stopping when it returns to zero. RDM allows for configuration (DMX address), reading of error or temperature data, and firmware updates.
Modbus RTU operation requires setting the XLR input to Modbus. Communication parameters such as device address, baud rate, data width, parity, and stop bits can be configured in the Modbus submenu. The interface is designed as an RS485 half-duplex connection.
Cable remote control involves setting the XLR input to "Remote." The SG-1700/3100 automatically recognizes the analog cable remote control, which typically includes an on switch and a potentiometer for pump value adjustment.
For radio remote control (optional), the XLR input is also set to "Remote." The machine detects the radio remote control once plugged in. Up to 60 different handheld transmitters can be programmed via the "Remote" submenu, allowing for channel selection, adding new transmitters, and deleting existing ones.
The internal timer allows for scheduled fogging. In the "Timer" submenu, the pump value, waiting time (in 0.1-minute steps), and fogging time (in second steps) can be set. The timer is activated or deactivated by pressing the confirmation key for either the waiting or fogging time.
The "Options" menu tab provides further customization, including setting pump characteristics (full power, max. time, non-stop) and selecting the communication protocol for the XLR sockets (DMX/RDM, Modbus, Remote).
Important Technical Specifications:
SG-1700 - 115V:
- Device type: Water Based Smoke Generator
- Power: 115V~, 60 Hz, 1700 W (PowerCON TRUE1)
- Heating time: Approximately 12 minutes
- Fluid consumption: Up to 240 ml/min (full power mode), up to 40 ml/min with continuous mist
- Tank capacity: 5 liters
- Operation: 1.3" OLED display, membrane keypad
- Interfaces: 5pin XLR In/Out
- Fog output: Adjustable 1-100% in 1% steps
- Ejection distance: Up to 15 m
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 480 x 212 x 240 mm (height with tank holder 388mm)
- Weight: 14 kg
- Supported protocols: DMX512, RDM, Modbus RTU, JT-Remote
- Control: DMX/RDM, cable remote control, radio remote control, integrated timer, stand alone
- Accessories (option): Radio remote control, cable remote control
- Fog Time: Up to 20 sec. at full power mode, up to 50 sec. in Full-Time mode, Permanent fog with non-stop mode
- Fluid types: TS-XD (high density, whiteout), TS-FR (long lasting medium density), TS-Q (very fast dissolving high density)
SG-3100 - 230V:
- Device type: Water Based Smoke Generator
- Power: 230V~, 50 Hz, 3100 W (PowerCON TRUE1)
- Heating time: Approximately 8 minutes
- Fluid consumption: Up to 300 ml/min (full power mode, wide jet nozzle), up to 70 ml/min with continuous fog
- Tank capacity: 5 liters
- Operation: 1.3" OLED display, membrane keypad
- Interfaces: 5pin XLR In/Out
- Fog nozzles (changeable): Wide jet nozzle, Noise reduction nozzle
- Fog output: Adjustable 1-100% in 1% steps
- Ejection distance: Up to 20 m with wide jet nozzle, Up to 15 m with noise-reducing nozzle
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 480 x 212 x 240 mm (height with tank holder 388mm)
- Weight: 14 kg
- Supported protocols: DMX512, RDM, Modbus RTU, JT-Remote
- Control: DMX/RDM, cable remote control, radio remote control, integrated timer, stand alone
- Accessories (option): Radio remote control, cable remote control
- Fog Time: Up to 20 sec. at full power mode, up to 50 sec. in Full-Time mode, Permanent fog with non-stop mode
- Fluid types: TS-XD (high density, whiteout), TS-FR (long lasting medium density), TS-Q (very fast dissolving high density)
Usage Features:
- Site Selection: The machine should be operated in a well-ventilated, dry, vibration and shock-free area with a non-flammable footprint. It must be kept at least 60 cm away from flammable objects and 1.5 m from heat-sensitive objects. The ambient temperature should be between 5 °C and 45 °C, with relative humidity below 80%. A safety distance of 3m from the fog outlet nozzle is recommended due to potential hot fluid droplets.
- Fluid Canister Change: The canister is changed by releasing the plug-in nozzle, removing the canister lock, taking out the canister, unscrewing the cap from the empty canister and screwing it onto a new/full one, then reinserting and locking the canister, and finally reattaching the plug-in nozzle.
- Ducting Adapter: The device is equipped with a 100 mm ducting adapter. Only hoses capable of withstanding the temperatures should be used, pushed a maximum of 50 mm onto the adapter to ensure sufficient fresh and cold air around the fog nozzle.
- Interchangeable Nozzle (SG-3100 Only): The SG-3100 features an interchangeable nozzle system. Nozzles should only be changed when the heating element is cold to avoid burns. This involves unscrewing the current nozzle with a 14 mm nut, ensuring the copper sealing ring is in place, and then screwing on the new nozzle tightly without overtightening.
- Fluid Selection: Three types of fluid are available: TS-XD (high density, whiteout), TS-FR (long-lasting medium density), and TS-Q (very fast dissolving high density).
- Safety Warnings: Very hot steam and occasional hot fluid droplets escape from the mist outlet, posing a burn risk. Never handle the mist outlet during operation. Do not ingest fog fluid; keep away from children. In case of eye contact, rinse with water; for accidental ingestion, consult a doctor. Spilled fluid can cause slipping hazards. Maintain visibility above 2m. The mist can trigger smoke detectors. While artificial fog is generally harmless, individuals with respiratory issues or allergies should avoid contact.
Maintenance Features:
- Fluid Management: Avoid running the machine without fluid to prevent pump damage. Regularly check the suction strainer in the tank for contamination and clean or replace it as needed. Rinse fluid canisters thoroughly before refilling with fresh fluid to prevent contamination. Ensure the fluid hose and connector are tight.
- Cleaning: Wipe up any leaked fluid immediately. Clean the device's surface with a suitable, solvent-free cleaning agent.
- Ventilation: Ensure ventilation slots are not clogged with dust and are cleaned if necessary. The machine requires sufficient mist-free cooling air to prevent moisture damage inside.
- Overheating: Avoid overheating the device from direct sunlight or spotlights.
- Vaporizer: IMPORTANT: The vaporizer does NOT need to be cleaned. Using cleaning liquids marketed for vaporizers can damage the unit and void the warranty.
- Tank Holder: The tank holder can be unscrewed for permanent installation. Note that the external canister should not be more than 1.5 meters higher than the machine, or the pump may not be able to suck in fluid.
Troubleshooting:
- No Fog: Check external control, power source, fluid quantity, and tightness of the connection at the fluid tank.
- Loud Humming: Refill fluid, check if the pump is running dry (avoid this), and ensure the hose and coupling are engaged correctly.
- "Machine too hot" error: The internal temperature is too high. The error should disappear after cooling down.
- "Thermocouple broken" error: One of the thermocouples is broken, causing the machine to shut down for safety.