Stairville VF-1200 DMX VertiFog CO2 FX Fog Machine User Manual
- June 15, 2024
- STAIRVILLE
Table of Contents
**Stairville VF-1200 DMX VertiFog CO2 FX Fog Machine User Manual
**
General information
This document contains important instructions for the safe operation of the product. Read and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the document for future refer‐ ence. Make sure that it is available to all those using the product. If you sell the product to another user, be sure that they also receive this document.
Our products and documentation are subject to a process of continuous development. They are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the latest version of the documentation, which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.
Symbols and signal words
In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this document.
| Signal word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DANGER! | This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an |
immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if
it is not avoided.
WARNING!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐
sible dangerous situation that can result in death or serious injury if it is
not avoided.
CAUTION!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐
sible dangerous situation that can result in minor injury if it is not
avoided.
NOTICE!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐
sible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage
if it is not avoided.
Warning signs| Type of danger
---|---
| Warning – high-voltage.
| Warning – flammable substances.
| Warning – hot surface.
| Warning – slip hazard.
| Warning – harmful or irritating substances.
| Warning – danger zone.
Safety instructions
Intended use
This device is intended to be used to produce artificial fog by vaporising fog fluid. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating con‐ ditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
Safety
DANGER!
Risk of injury and choking hazard for children!
Children can suffocate on packaging material and small parts. Children can
injure themselves when handling the device. Never allow children to play with
the packaging material and the device. Always store packaging material out of
the reach of babies and small children. Always dispose of packaging material
properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without
supervi‐ sion. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the
device does not shed any small parts (such knobs) that children could play
with.
DANGER!
Danger to life due to electric current!
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Do not use the
device when covers, safety equipment or optical components are missing or
damaged.
DANGER!
Danger to life due to electric current!
A short circuit could lead to a fire hazard and risk of death. Always use proper ready-made insulated triple-core mains cable with a safety plug. Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. In case of isolation damage, disconnect immediately the power supply and arrange repair. If in doubt, seek advice from a qualified electrician.
WARNING!
Risk of burns from flammable liquids!
The use of flammable liquids in the device may cause severe burns and damage to property. Use only approved fog fluids. Never fill flammable liquids into the tank of the device.
WARNING!
Risk of burns on the hot fog nozzle!
The fog generated on the fog nozzle is hot. Occasionally hot fluid drops may
escape from the nozzle. The fog nozzle may be hot for several hours after
switching off the device. Skin contact with hot fog and drops of hot liquid
can lead to burns. Ensure a minimum distance of 50 cm to persons and objects
during operation. Do not touch the fog nozzle during and immediately after
operation.
Before touching the device, always ensure that all surfaces have cooled down
sufficiently.
WARNING!
Slip hazard due to condensate pools!
The fog generated by the fog machine can condense on floors and surfaces. People can slip and injure themselves on pools of con‐ densate. Do not direct the fog to floors or other surfaces that may be stepped on. Regularly check all floors and other surfaces that can be accessed for slipping hazards. If necessary, remove any pools of condensate.
WARNING!
Health hazard when handling fog fluid!
Fog fluid contains glycols. There is a health risk in case of eye contact and
if fluid is swallowed. Keep fog fluid in a safe place and out of the reach of
children. Never ingest fog fluid and avoid contact with eyes. In case of
accidental ingestion of or eye contact with fog fluid: Do not induce vomiting
if swallowed. Thoroughly rinse the eyes with water upon contact. Get immediate
medical attention.
CAUTION!
Possible respiratory problems due to fog fluid!
Fog fluid can lead to respiratory problems in case of prolonged exposure and in certain people. Using unsuitable fluids can generate toxic gases. Do not use any fog fluids other than the ones approved for the device. Any claims for compensation for damages caused by using non-approved fluids are excluded. Do not let the device produce fog in poorly ventilated areas. Do not expose people with health problems (e.g. allergy-related respiratory symptoms, asthma) to artificial fog.
NOTICE!
Risk of fire due to covered vents and neighbouring heat sources!
If the vents of the device are covered or the device is operated in the
immediate vicinity of other heat sources, the device can over‐ heat and burst
into flames. Never cover the device or the vents. Do not install the device in
the immediate vicinity of other heat sources. Never operate the device in the
immediate vicinity of naked flames.
NOTICE!
Damage to the device if operated in unsuitable ambient conditions!
The device can be damaged if it is operated in unsuitable ambient
conditions. Only operate the device indoors within the ambient conditions
specified in the “Technical specifications” chapter of this user manual. Avoid
operating it in environments with direct sun‐ light, heavy dirt and strong
vibrations. Avoid operating it in environments with strong temperature
fluctuations. If temperature fluc‐ tuations cannot be avoided (for example
after transport in low outside temperatures), do not switch on the device
immediately.
Never subject the device to liquids or moisture. Never move the device to
another location while it is in operation. In environments with increased dirt
levels (for example due to dust, smoke, nicotine or mist): Have the device
cleaned by qualified specialists at reg‐ ular intervals to prevent damage due
to overheating and other malfunctions.
NOTICE!
Damage to the device due to high voltages!
The device can be damaged if it is operated with the incorrect voltage or if
high voltage peaks occur. In the worst case, excess vol‐ tages can also cause
a risk of injury and fires. Make sure that the voltage specification on the
device matches the local power grid before plugging in the device. Only
operate the device from professionally installed mains sockets that are
protected by a residual current circuit breaker (FI). As a precaution,
disconnect the device from the power grid when storms are approaching or it
the device will not be used for a longer period.
NOTICE!
Risk of fire due to installation of a wrong fuse!
Using fuses of a different type than compatible with the device may cause a
fire and seriously damage the device. Only use fuses of the same type. Observe
the labelling on the device casing and the information in the “Technical data”
chapter.
NOTICE!
Possible staining due to plasticiser in rubber feet!
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may react with
the coating of the floor and cause permanent dark stains after some time. If
necessary, use a suitable mat or felt slide to prevent direct contact between
the device’s rubber feet and the floor
General information about how to safely operate fog machines and hazers
The device was designed for use in professional event technology and works reliably when used properly. Observe the following information:
- Follow all warnings in these operating instructions.
- Never leave the device running without supervision.
- The device is not suitable for use in private households or as a child’s toy.
- Place the device on a stable, fire-proof basis that is at least twice as large as the device.
- Maintain a safety distance of 1 m to flammable materials.
- The device is not intended for suspended assembly (the so-called “flying operation”).
- During operation, ensure that the visibility in the room does not fall below 2 m so that everyone in the room can still orient themselves safely.
- The fog or haze generated by the device may trigger smoke alarms.
Features
Professional vertical fog machine for producing spectacular fog effects in
clubs, bars, discothe‐ ques and on stages.
Special features of the device:
- Control via DMX-512 (one channel) or via the supplied remote control
- Adjustable fog output volume and intervals
- Suitable for mobile use
- Specially developed pump system for fog output up to five metres
Installation
Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
The device is designed for horizontal or vertical installation on the floor or on even surfaces.
The device requires a 20 cm clearance on the sides and above.
NOTICE!
Possible staining due to plasticiser in rubber feet!
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may react with
the coating of the floor and cause permanent dark stains after some time.
If necessary, use a suitable mat or felt slide to prevent direct contact between the device’s rubber feet and the floor.
Starting up
Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.
NOTICE!
Data transfer errors due to improper wiring!
If the DMX connections are wired incorrectly, this can cause errors during the
data transfer.
Do not connect the DMX input and output to audio devices, e.g. mixers or ampli‐ fiers. Use special DMX cables for the wiring instead of normal microphone cables.
Connections in DMX mode
Connect the DMX input of the device to the DMX output of a DMX controller or another DMX device. Connect the output of the first DMX device to the input of the second one, and so on to form a daisy chain. Always ensure that the output of the last DMX device in the daisy chain is terminated with a resistor (110 Ω, ¼ W).
Connections and controls
Top view
-
Carrying handle
-
Fog fluid container with screw-cap
-
Fog nozzle
Connections
-
[REMOTE CONTROL] | Connection for the receiver of the wireless remote control (available as an option, item no. 464052)
-
[ON | OFF] | Main switch for turning the device on and off.
-
[POWER | FUSE] | Rubber panel plug with fuse holder for the power supply
-
DIP switch for setting the DMX address
-
[WIRE CONTROL] | Connection for the wired remote control
-
[IN] | DMX input, 3-pin
-
[OUT] | DMX output, 3-pin
Remote control
-
[TIMER] | Press this button to turn the timer function on or off. In this mode, the set amount of haze / air is output in certain intervals. The corresponding LED lights up while the function is enabled.
-
[CONT] | Press this button to turn continuous operation on or off. In this mode, the set amount of haze / air is output continuously. The corresponding LED lights up while the function is enabled.
-
[MANUAL] | Press this button to emit the maximum amount of haze; use [DURATION] to regulate the duration of the haze blast. The corresponding LED lights up while the func‐ tion is enabled.
-
[VOLUME] | Rotary control for setting the amount of haze to be emitted
-
[INTERVAL] | Rotary control for setting the interval between two haze blasts
-
[DURATION] | Rotary control for adjusting the duration of a haze blast
Operation
Filling the device
NOTICE!
Damage to the device due to the use of unsuitable fog fluids!
Fog fluids not approved by the manufacturer may permanently damage the unit. Only use the fog fluids listed on www.thomann.de and follow their instructions for use.
First, make sure the device is switched off.
Open the screw cap of the fluid container and fill in the fog fluid. Make sure that no fog fluid is spilled or gets into the device. The easiest way to do so is to use a funnel. The capacity of the container is 2.5 litres.
Screw the cap firmly back on.
If the device is not DMX-controlled, connect the included remote control to the five-pin con‐ nection socket on the device.
Switching on the device
NOTICE!
Risk of undetected fires in the absence of supervision!
There is a general risk of fire when operating the device. If the appliance is left unattended, fires can go undetected and cause great damage.
Never operate the device unattended.
Connect the device to the mains power grid and turn it on with the main switch.
As soon as the required operating temperature is reached, the green LED on the control panel lights up.
Operation
Operation with an empty fluid container can lead to overheating and permanent damage of the pump. When operating, always ensure that there is sufficient fog fluid in the liquid con‐ tainer to avoid no-load running.
Decommissioning the device
Switch off the device using the main switch.
Disconnect the supplied remote control from the five-pin connection socket on the device.
Do not transport the device before it has cooled down completely. To avoid leaking fog fluid during transport, you should transport the device only with empty fluid container.
Remote control functions
-
When the device is not controlled via DMX, it supports the following operating modes that can be selected with the remote control:
-
Manual operation with maximum fog volume
Press the [MANUAL] push button. This mode takes precedence over all others. This means that you don’t have to stop the timer function and continuous operation before you press the button. -
Continuous operation with adjustable fog volume
In this mode, the amount of fog you have set with the [VOLUME] control is emitted contin‐ uously. Press the [CONT] switch to turn the operating mode on or off. -
Timer-controlled operation (timer function) with adjustable fog volume
In this mode, fog is emitted at regular intervals (adjustable with the [INTERVAL] control) in the amount you set using the [VOLUME] control. Press the [TIMER] switch to turn the oper‐ ating mode on or off. The yellow indicator LED is on when the timer function is active. Each fog blast lasts about three seconds.
“DMX” operating mode
Setting the DMX address
Use the DIP switches of the device to set the required DMX address between 1 and 512 (see the following figure).
DMX channel assignment
| Channe l | Value | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 … 255 | No fog output to maximum fog output |
Technical specifications
| Heater power | 1.200 W |
|---|---|
| Warm-up time | approx. 4 min |
| Fluid container capacity | 2.5 l |
| Fluid consumption | approx. 76 ml/min |
| Fog blast duration, max. | 7 s |
| Fog blast capacity | approx. 150 m3/min |
| Charging time between fog blasts | 6 s |
| Fog blast reach | 4 … 5 m |
| Input connections | Power supply |
| DMX control | XLR panel plug, 3-pin |
| Receiver of the wireless remote control (optional) | DIN socket, 5-pin |
| Wired remote control | XLR panel socket, 5-pin |
| Output connections | DMX control |
| Power consumption | max. 1.250 W |
| Supply voltage | 230 V 50 Hz |
| Fuse | 5 mm × 20 mm, 8 A, 250 V, fast blow |
| International Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 305 mm × 170 mm × 390 mm |
| Weight | 6.6 kg |
| Ambient conditions | Temperature range |
| Relative humidity | 20%…80% (non-condensing) |
Further information
| Approved fog fluids | Stairville FAST-FOG (item no. 209054) |
|---|
Stairville E-M Fluid (item no. 121307)
Stairville E Fluid (item no. 105454)
Stairville E-C Fluid (item no. 105455)
Stairville E-HD Fluid (item no. 105456)
DMX control| yes
Battery operation| no
Blast direction| Vertical
Timer remote control included| yes
On/Off remote control included| no
Radio remote control included| no
Light effect included| no
With suspension bracket| no
Troubleshooting
In the following we list a few common problems that may occur during operation. We give you some suggestions for easy troubleshooting:
| Symptom | Remedy |
|---|---|
| The device is not working | Check the mains connection and the main fuse. |
| No response to the DMX controller | 1. Check the DMX connections and cables |
for proper connection.
2. Check the address settings and the DMX polarity.
3. Try using another DMX controller.
4. Check whether the DMX cables run near or parallel to high-voltage cables
that may cause damage or interference to a DMX interface circuit.
No fog output| 1. Check the fill level in the fog fluid container.
2. Switch off the device and check that fluid can flow through the hose that
leads into the fluid con‐ tainer.
3. Check whether the electronic protection circuit has been reset after
tripping.
Cleaning
NOTICE!
Possible damages caused by unsuitable cleaning agents
Cleaners not approved by the manufacturer may permanently damage the unit.
Only use the fog machine cleaners listed on www.thomann.de and follow their instructions for use.
Procedure
Clean the appliance after every 30 operating hours, or if it was not in use
for a longer period of
time.
- Make sure that the device is turned off, disconnected from the mains and completely cooled down.
- Position the unit in a well ventilated place.
- Insert the suction hose of the fog machine into the bottle with the fog machine cleaner.
- Connect the device to the mains power grid and turn it on with the main switch.
- Wait until the unit has reached the required operating temperature.
- Change to continuous operation and let the device produce fog for about 20 seconds.
- Insert the suction hose of the fog machine back into the fog fluid container and let the device again produce fog for about 20 seconds. This will rinse the lines.
The cleaning is completed.
Fan grids
The fan grids of the device must be cleaned of any contamination, such as dust, etc. on a reg‐ ular basis. Before cleaning, switch off the device and disconnect mains-operated devices from the mains. Only use pH-neutral, solvent-free and non-abrasive cleaning agents. Clean the unit with a slightly damp lint-free cloth.
Protecting the environment
Disposal of the packing material
Environmentally friendly materials have been chosen for the packaging. These materials can be sent for normal recycling. Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of in the proper manner.
Do not dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the instructions and markings on the packaging.
Observe the disposal note regarding documentation in France.
Disposal of your old device
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) as amended.
Do not dispose of your old device with your normal household waste; instead,
deliver it for controlled disposal by an approved waste disposal firm or
through your local waste facility.
When disposing of the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply
in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste management facility.
Proper disposal protects the environment as well as the health of your fellow
human beings.
Also note that waste avoidance is a valuable contribution to environmental
protection.
Repairing a device or passing it on to another user is an ecologically
valuable alternative to disposal.
You can return your old device to Thomann GmbH at no charge. Check the current conditions on www.thomann.de.
If your old device contains personal data, delete those data before disposing of it.