flowtoys High Performance Modular System User Guide
- June 4, 2024
- flowtoys
Table of Contents
High-Performance Modular System
User Guide
features operating instructions troubleshooting inspiration
high-performance modular system – endless possibilities for flow
Combining versatile flowtoys LED light units – the flowlight and the capsule
light – and a series of click-in caps, screw connectors, and tubes that are
interchangeable, the modular system enables the creation of almost any
illuminated prop imaginable. Gone are the days of wondering how to check in
our 5’ staffs for travel, or deciding which flow toys to bring to an event.
Now with just a few lights, tubes, caps, and various housings, you can have 4’
double staffs that transform into a contact staff, a couple of 3’ staffs, poi,
chucks and more, and everything fits in a backpack! The world just became a
little more awesome for us, because of the versatility, creativity, and fun
the Flowtoys Modular System enables. We hope that it will bring more flow and
more awesome to your life!
QUICK START GUIDE: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLOW
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Do not use glowsticks or WD-40 with tubing. While polycarbonate is very strong, it breaks down in the presence of certain esters, including those produced by chemical glowsticks, mineral spirits, and WD-40. Do NOT put chemical glowsticks into the tubes, otherwise, they can become brittle and shatter. We recommend lubricating the ends of your tubes with a touch of petroleum jelly.
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Be careful when using your flowtoys in the presence of sand or grit! Sand and grit can get inside your caps and connectors and make them difficult to use. If you’re using
flow toys in a sandy area, blow out/clean your caps and connectors of sand before attaching them to the tubing. If your caps and tubes feel gritty, clean them and apply a bit of vaseline for lubrication. Make sure all caps and connectors are fully secured before use! Check that the buttons in your caps and connectors are fully clicked into the holes of the tubes. -
Cleaning your flow toys. If your flow caps, pod shells, crystal cases, or flow mass get dirty after hours of practice in the park, flowing in the forest or rockin’ it on a dancefloor, clean them with soap and warm water, or put them in the wash with your laundry: air-dry, no heat!
FOREVER FLOW LIFETIME WARRANTY
Flowtoys are designed to last you a lifetime, but nothing is indestructible, so we provide this warranty to enable you to freely find your flow*. If you manage to break a flowtoys product, we offer free replacements on defective or non-working parts due to intended use, and 50% credit for products in any condition at any time. Capsule battery depletion is normal wear & tear and covered for free in the first 2 years and half-price/capsule after. If you need warranty support, please contact us at [email protected].
- Please check flowtoys.com for full warranty details. Flowtoys reserves the right to refuse coverage to anyone abusing this warranty. Please contact us before sending in your product, or it may be returned to the sender.
flowtoys MODULAR SYSTEM – INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIGHTS
Modular system props are compatible with both flowlights and capsule lights
– instructions for your lights are included in a separate manual with your
prop.
CAPS:: FLOW CAP Flowcaps are compatible with all flow toys light engines
(flowlights, capsules, and vision), and securely click into any flowtoys 1”
polycarbonate tubes.
DETACHING/ATTACHING FLOW CAPS TO TUBES :
- To detach, twist firmly to release the buttons and pull.
- To attach, place a cap over the tube, push and twist until snap-buttons click into the holes.
ATTACHING/DETACHING FLOWLIGHTS TO FLOW CAPS:
- Push the narrow “head” of the flowlight into the adaptor, then insert the flowlight+adaptor into the flow cap.
- Twist until the adaptor clicks into place. The sides of the light should align with the buttons in the cap.
- To remove the flowlight with the adaptor attached, push the center of the cap while twisting the light.
- To leave the adaptor in the cap, pull the light out while gripping the cap.
ATTACHING CAPSULES TO FLOW CAPS:
Insert capsule into flow cap, button side in. Twist and push until it
settles. The seams of the capsule must be aligned with the buttons inside the
cap for it to fit in the tube.
CAPS: POD SHELL
Pod shells are intended for use with capsule lights only. Can be used as
caps for staff ends. Pod shells provide great rotational inertia for staffs
and baton ends, but are not recommended for other props like poi, rope darts,
chucks, and swinging clubs.
INSERTING CAPSULES INTO POD SHELLS:
Capsules MUST have their C-ring installed before inserting into the pod shell.
Insert capsule with C-ring into the bottom of the pod shell firmly. Check the
button for normal operation. If the button is difficult to press, check that
the capsule is all the way inside the shell and the C-ring is properly
installed on the capsule. Also, check that there is not a C-ring already in
the pod!
ATTACHING POD SHELL ONTO TUBE:
The pod shell attaches to the tube with a friction fit. Push the pod shell
over the tube firmly, ensuring the plastic tube is between the capsule and the
silicone tube inside the pod that holds the capsule in place.
Be aware – the tube must be clean and the edge of the silicone that holds
the capsule must cover the holes in the tube for a secure fit. Silicone does
not stretch out, warp, or relax like other plastics, and as long as it is
installed correctly the pod cannot fly off during use. You have been warned.
We will not replace parts that go flying due to inadequate connection!
INSTALLING FLOW MASS
Flowmass is slightly tapered with more material on one end— make sure the
heavier end is installed at the far end of your prop, where it counts.
Adding mass to a crystal case: Thread leash through the mass. Hold the
leash with one hand and pull the mass down the length of the case with your
other hand until the mass is in place.
Adding mass to tubes: Apply a little bit of vaseline/petroleum jelly to
the inside surface of the mass and slide the tube through it. Ensure there is
enough clearance at the top for your flow caps to click in properly and
securely.
CAPSULE LINK: CONNECT 2 CAPSULE LIGHTS
The capsule link is a little 3D-printed part that can connect 2 capsule lights
together.
- Remove the o-rings from the leash-port (battery side) of two capsules.
- Pry open one shell enough to insert the capsule link then reinstall the O-ring.
- Roll the second capsule’s O-ring over the first’s, then connect the second capsule to the link and roll the O-ring onto it.
It is also possible to install and remove the link by prying and holding the
capsule open with the O-rings in place – if you have strong fingers! Only two
capsules can be connected – both buttons should face out.
CONNECTING 2 FLOWLIGHTS
If you have two or more flowlights in one tube, you will need to attach the
opposite ends of the flowlight to each other for the lights to fit properly
and slide in and out of the tubes conveniently. Be sure to click them
together and apart sideways (laterally as shown in the picture), NOT up and
down in the direction of the pivot (vertically), as this can cause splitting
at the seam and loosen the connection.
TUBE CONNECTORS: CONNECT 2 TUBES
Tube connectors need some lubrication to avoid getting stuck inside tubes. We
lubricate tubes with a tiny bit of vaseline, but you can use almost any greasy
substance, e.g. lip balm, or coconut oil. Apply some lubricant with your
finger or tissue and wipe the inside of the tube – you only need a slight film
– wipe away any excess that may hold dirt. Repeat as needed for maintenance
(when you feel the connector beginning to bind in the tube).
- To attach, insert the 3D-printed tube connector into the clear tube, line the buttons on the connector with the holes in the clear tube, and push and click in to secure.
- To detach, twist the tubes in opposite directions to disengage the buttons from the holes then pull. The buttons are not directional 🙂 but the fit might be very snug.
LINKED CORD CONNECTORS:
Enable a removable, strong, and flexible connection between two flowtoys 1”
clear tubes.
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Lay the 2 separated cord connectors side-by-side.
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Slide the loop over each connector.
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Pull the connectors to create a secure connection.
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You can shorten the length of your loop by shifting the knot inside the connector. Cut off the excess cord, and melt the ends of the knot.
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To melt: use a small flame, melt the end of the cord until it reaches the surface of the knot, and uses a flat metal surface to press the melted end into the side of the knot, fusing it together and ensuring it cannot come undone! (the side of a lighter works great 🙂
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To install: Use your finger to apply a very small film of petroleum jelly or any other safe grease (lip balm, hand lotion, etc.) to the inside of the tube.
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Line up the screw holes on the connector with the holes in your tube. Insert the connector into your lubed tube. Install the 2.5mm hex head screws in the two holes in ach tube. Be sure not to strip the threads by over-tightening!!!
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Note: Holes are intentionally aligned off-center (towards the cord) to create tension + ensure a snug fit.
FLOWTOYS MODULAR SYSTEM – COMPONENTS
FLOWLIGHT-FS: World’s most revolutionary LED glowstick. Beautifully
sculpted polycarbonate shell refracts full spectrum LEDs. 40 adjustable modes
with many bright and beautiful color and pattern options, kinetic awareness,
accelerometer response, battery and charge level indicators and more. 1
rechargeable AAA provides 3-27 hours runtime. Connect as many as you like to
fill your tubes with lights.
CAPSULE 2: Amazing capsule light with over 60 adjustable modes, up to 60 programmable modes, wireless connectivity, USB rechargeable, custom high-temp super bright LEDs, adjustable brightness, accelerometer, motion responsive modes, USB firmware updateable with more features to come.
CAPSULE LINK: Tiny but tough, this link fits inside leash ports of 2
capsules to link them securely inside tubes. Leaves both buttons accessible.
1” CLEAR TUBES: Highest quality polycarbonate extrusion, transparent yet
virtually bulletproof, connects to caps and connectors via snap-button holes.
Available in a variety f interchangeable lengths for instant reconfiguration.
TUBE CONNECTOR : New ultra-secure and snug 3D-printed connectors with a rigid carbon fiber core and integrated snap buttons that securely connect 2 tubes. Plus its highly-engineered structural design looks so cool.
CORD CONNECTORS & LEASHES: Cord connectors enable a strong and reliable connection between your flowtoys tubes and leash cord. Screw holes align with holes in the tubing for a very secure connection. Features unique anti-pinch tapered top. Used with poi, chucks, and darts.
FLOW CAP & ADAPTORS: Thick, soft, durable silicone body. Inner polycarbonate snap-cap buttons snap securely onto tubes and release with a firm twist. Built-in button compatible with capsule lights; connects to flow light and vision core with adaptors.
POD SHELL: Beautiful, thick, super-soft, and durable silicone, built-in button compatible with capsule lights, strategic internal petal ribs provide structure and focus mass at the bottom for great rotational inertia. Possible to connect to lowlights but not recommended. Pod shells attach to tubes with a friction fit – please read instructions and use caution.
FLOWMASS: These translucent crystalline-looking weights add more inertia to your flow and optimize the balance of your flowtoy. They can be added to crystal cases and flowtoys1” tubing. Add two or more if you like your tools heavy!
KNOB-LEASH: Adjustable integrated leash with knob handle and minimal hardware. Highest quality for durability, affordability, comfort & endless hours of fun-filled flow!
LINKED CORD CONNECTOR: Two cord connectors linked by a user-adjustable cord that forms a flexible connection between 2 tubes. Allows you to create chucks, tri- sectionals, cubes, tetrahedrons, flails, and more.
****More modular system components, details and info are available onwww.flowtoys.com/parts
References
- flowtoys :: world's favorite LED props for flow arts, juggling, festivals, performance & play
- flowtoys :: world's favorite LED props for flow arts, juggling, festivals, performance & play