9 replies to this topic

[zookeeper]

Some Chinese shell manufacturers have started the option of shipping "pre-ematched" or "pre-squibed" shells. These Chinese igniters are pasted right into the "paper cup" of the lift charge, and nothing is more upsetting, time consuming or unsafe when you have to change a defective ematch.

I also wonder about the safety of shipping shells that are "pre-ematched".

What are your thoughts about this new trend?

Edited by zookeeper, 13 February 2006 - 04:48 AM.

[RegimentalPyro]

I'm with you zookeeper. I just don't like it.

Electrical Ignitors are friction sensitive, and therefore shipping them pre-ematched will increase risk, although I can see that it will cut down on show preparation time *in the main*

Another problem with this is that these shells will be unable to be handfired without modification.

[sizzle]

I agree with you Regi, it actually causes more problems in the long run. If someone pulled the wire by mistake it could easily ignite the e-match by rubbing up the side of the lift cup, and like you said, it rules-out hand firing.

[pyrotrev]

I'm with you zookeeper. I just don't like it.

Me too. When you consider how little time it takes to fit an igniter with something like the Vulcan E-Link connector, I don't see the point. And I bet they don't have the protective plastic sleeves around the igniter either ...... just think of the fusehead amongst all those sharp powder grains

[zookeeper]

When you consider how little time it takes to fit an igniter with something like the Vulcan E-Link connector, I don't see the point. And I bet they don't have the protective plastic sleeves around the igniter either ...... just think of the fusehead amongst all those sharp powder grains

Vulcan E-Link: FRIGGIN' LOVE EM'!!! I can ematch a show, on site, in a fraction of the time. Almost all of our Vulcan shells, cakes, and Lidu cakes have the connector now, and I am thrilled.

The Chinese ematches, I have seen, DO have a protective sleeve (hard plastic with little 'give') but the leads are not molded together and the whole job becomes a 'rat's nest' of green and red wires, making troubleshooting impossible.

What brand of ematch is everyone using?
I used to use Davey Fire, but now all Davey ematches are made in China. I am using EMAX ematches, from Martinez Specialty (not sure if you have them in UK) now, a very good product.

Edited by zookeeper, 14 February 2006 - 05:35 AM.

[pyrotrev]

Vulcan E-Link: FRIGGIN' LOVE EM'!!! I can ematch a show, on site, in a fraction of the time. Almost all of our Vulcan shells, cakes, and Lidu cakes have the connector now, and I am thrilled.

One little grumble with E-links, they often don't put them on a long enough (IMHO) piece of match, makes it difficult to cut off a misfire sometimes.

[zookeeper]

One little grumble with E-links, they often don't put them on a long enough (IMHO) piece of match, makes it difficult to cut off a misfire sometimes.

Really?!

You can specify how long you want your match to be, Vulcan is usually very good about that.

(actually they should be extra long, for the premium price they charge )

[RegimentalPyro]

I'm afraid I have never come across Vulcan "E-link" - could someone describe the concept please?

[Richard H]

Basically you have your shell or mine, and the traditional match leader, but there is also a much shorter second leader terminating in a hard plastic tube. If you want to bypass the main leader with an electric igniter, you snap one into the connector link on the short leader.

Trying to find a pic!

[Karl]

I've seen them, and heres a pic :



I was watching a video by John Werner, 'How To Make Mines' the other day, and he demonstrated how easy it is to accidentley fire a E-Match, just a little tap on the head of the match makes it pop!