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We've compiled a list of answers to the most common questions.
Evaporative Snow® FAQs
These are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions received by Global Special Effects about our Evaporative Snow® product line. Click each topic below to view its corresponding answer.
Evaporative Snow® by Global Special Effects is a laboratory formulated foam based solution that makes the brightest looking evaporative snow product. It is 98 percent water and two percent surfactant. Surfactants are elastic chemicals that make the hollow flakes. This solution, used in our snow machines, creates a realistic looking snowfall. The solution is air aerated at 1/10,000. The water starts to evaporate within seconds making the flakes become smaller and lighter until they disappear. The surfactant chemical becomes microscopic particles. The surfactants used in our Evaporative Snow® formulation are of the highest cosmetic grade possible. They are non-allergenic, biodegradable, non-toxic and non-staining.
When the machines are used properly, they leave no moisture. For years we have been making it snow on millions of visitors in theme parks, and we have never received one compliant of staining. If the flakes are made very large, they can hold some moisture, which can remove the pigment of silk and lacquer surfaces like a baby grand. In these cases, the flake size has to be adjusted to a quick evaporative flake size.
The product, used with the right settings, can be run continually without causing any slippery surfaces. This can be achieved by setting the flake size to evaporate before it hits the ground.
We are the only snow provider that tests snow fluid for wetness – slippage on various floor surfaces, a coefficient of friction meter testing. We had several independent coefficients of friction measurement slip tests with major theme park clients and passed with flying colors. We also provide coefficients of friction measurement slip tests for our clients when requested.
A 0.50 COF or above has been recognized as providing non-hazardous walkway surfaces which is accepted industry standards as adopted by UL and the ASTM. OSHA sets many requirements of safe floors under 29 CFR-1910 referring to providing floors of anti-slip surfaces or maintaining surfaces in non-slip conditions in commercial building. It is generally considered in the industry that a walkway surface with a coefficient of friction higher than 0.50 is non-hazardous. In all cases, the coefficient of friction increased after the snow fell with Global Special Effects Evaporative Snow® fluid brand.
Our snow fluid test results found that floor surfaces are rated drier by 0.20+ after we ran snow for a long duration of cycles over time and tested the same surfaces when dry. No particle-accumulated weight on the surface either. That’s why you only see Evaporative Snow® machines and Evaporative Snow® fluid brand used in theme parks worldwide.
Many caters and event planners use this product as part of a display, entrance ways to a party or as a “wow” effect as guests sit to have a full course meal. It is also used for many weddings as the bride and groom cut the cake. It is even kosher.
No, it has no odor or taste.
Yes, it is a water-based product, but will not set off a sprinkler system.
Yes, it can be stored up to 2 years without being opened.
FG-100 is a premixed formulation ready to use in a snow machine. FG-100C is the concentrated formulation that is not ready to use. It must be added to 120 ounces of water to be ready to use. FG-100C is made to save on shipping cost. A gallon weight is 8 pounds, and an 8 oz. bottle of FG-100C weighs under one pound.
De-ionized water is the base of all our premixed formulations. This form of water has no minerals, hard properties or chlorine. De-ionized water is the base ingredient in our formulation because it makes the best foam and leaves no water stains. It was originally used for the movie industry so that if the snow landed on a camera lens it would not leave a water ring. Since this formulation has no chemical, it dries and leaves no film.
If your event does not require the use of a movie camera or will not land on glass, it can be used. Be aware that if the tap water you are using has any hard agent, it can make poor looking snow. In this case, order FG-100 premix.
Please read before mixing this product with water. Mixing instructions are 8 oz concentrate to 120 oz of de-ionized water. De-ionized water is not available in grocery stores and can only be found at medical supply companies.
The use of tap water, city water or well water can be used with the following warnings: Certain tap waters contain high mineral content and will produce a minimal amount of snow. These minerals will not produce a bright white flake. If de-ionized water is not available, use distilled water. Make sure you adhere to the mixing proportions.
We have seen that happen only in rooms that have very bad ventilation. The evaporative snowflakes are evaporating so fast that small snowflakes are landing on the back of your throat and causing you to cough. Simply moving the air in the room usually solves the problem. Turning on the air conditioning unit or applying a fan may also work. If that does not work, then just increase the size of the snowflakes. This will make the flakes heaver and fall faster to the ground and not into your mouth.
This product is available in a premixed ready-to-use form. Ask for FG-100 premix. If you have any questions, please call our sales office or our tech support 24 hours a day at 256-229-5551.
Evaporative Snow™ Machines FAQs
These machines can be run on 50 hertz or 60 hertz. Since our snow machines are used all over the world, the hertz were a design factor in the initial requirements given to our engineers.
Snow machines can be left outdoors as long as they have a weather cover.
Yes, as long as you keep the solution warmer than 32 degrees. You can use a heating blanket or a battery warmer.
It depends if you want it to totally evaporate. If the floor is non-porous then you have to watch the flake size. If it is a porous floor then you can use a larger flake.
The best way to color the snow is by lighting it the color you choose. If you add a dye to the snow, it can stain.
Faux Snow FAQs
It is very easy to use by adding ordinary water to a powdery substance. Within a matter of seconds, the water is absorbed by the faux snow powder and turned into snowflakes. There are many applications for faux snow — cover the yard, steps, window ledges, tree branches, roof, automobiles, back deck…the possibilities are endless!
It is the most realistic fake snow available on the market. For the past few years, photographers and the movie industry have been using this product instead of shaved ice.
Faux snow can be shaped and mounded. Even snowmen and snowball fights are possible with this product. Footprints and snow angels show up really well in faux snow.
Yes, you can even ski in it.
Yes, but it is not recommended due to possible staining.
Faux snow, once used, can be mixed with potting soil. This mixture makes for a great space-aged moisture holding soil.
When faux snow is used indoors, it can be simply vacuumed up with a shopvac or shoveled into a garbage receptacle. It is extremely simple to clean up. When used outdoors, it can be raked into a pile and tossed into the garbage.
Nothing at all.
Since faux snow is a polymer based, expanding powder, it is always best to try to avoid direct contact with the eyes or mouth. If it does come in contact with your eyes or mouth, rinse thoroughly with water.
Faux snow can last for weeks or even months, as long as water is added regularly (use a spray bottle) and it is fluffed up.
Faux snow is designed to break down once it is exposed to direct sunlight. The breakdown process begins after twenty-four hours. It can be rejuvenated by adding more Faux Snow.
After use outside, faux snow should be raked up as best as possible. If a small amount is left on the ground, the grass should be fine.
Faux snow is easily cleaned up. Once removed, the area should be wiped down with a damp cloth or sprayed with a garden hose in case small granules were left behind.
It is a perfect illusion. People say it feels cold. In reality it is only a few degrees below room temperature.
Yes, since it is water based, it will freeze.
Amazing Snowman FAQs
Since thousands of snowmen have been sold over the years, these are the common issues people have experienced throughout the years and their corresponding resolutions.
This is normally caused when the pump becomes disconnected from the solution line. Simply take the pump into your hand and check to see if the solution line is connected to the pump. If the solution line is disconnected, place the solution line into the pump.
Take the remote control and place it on its back. Remove the black tab and try the remote. That black tab connects the batteries to the remote. Do not replace the tab.
This is normally caused by foam building up in the pump and the solution line. This is simple to fix by two methods.
1. Just let the snowman sit off for 15 minutes and the foam will turn back to liquid.
2. Take the solution line out of the pump and blow air to remove the foam. Install the solution line back to the pump and try again.
You can buy it from Global Special Effects directly. Please call our sales office at (256) 229-5551.
Auto Refill System FAQs
The Automatic Fluid Refill Station System maintains the fluid levels in small machine reservoirs by refilling them automatically from a bulk storage container. It is especially useful for extended machine operations or in installations that make reservoir refilling difficult.
The Auto Refill Station is designed for one devise to be refilled of fluid. If you need more than one devise, use multiple Auto Refill Stations.
We have tested 200 feet, but in theory it should work up to 1000 feet.
We have pumped 75 feet but in theory it should work up to 200 feet.
Because this item has wearable parts such as the values in the pump, we can only warranty them for 30 days. If the pump is run dry the warranty is voided.
First, the warranty is voided. After 10 minutes on dry use, a thermal switch will actuate and shut down the auto refill station. It will require a cool down period of 20 minutes.
It is best that you set the pumping station and snow machine on the ground first to set up the unit and make sure the pump is primed. The pumping station needs a drop of fluid to prime. A dry pump will not move the fluid. You may need to blow fluid into the intake stem. This could be done with a bulb or syringe. You need to squirt fluid through the pump while the pump is turned on. If the pumping station is making a loud noise, the odds are that it needs this process done. Make sure the inlet hose at the receiving bottle is below the flotation device. Remember that if you disconnect the hose from the pump on top of the machine, the fluid in the house will run down the hose including some of the fluid in the bottle. Make sure the pumping station is a short distance from the bulk fluid. Make sure the hose is on the bottom at the bottom of the bulk fluid container. You should wire tie a bolt to the end as a good anchor.
No greater than 6 feet.
Fog, bubble fluid, water, haze and snow fluids. This unit is not intended for corrosive/explosive fluids.
DMX-512 Protocol FAQs
DMX-512 is a standard protocol which allows lighting, controllers, and control desks to communicate with other lighting equipment. It was designed to allow equipment from different companies to be used together easily.
The first dimmers/fixture functions were actually controlled by levers on the dimmers/fixtures themselves. During a show, it could take several people to move these levers and someone else to coordinate them. This kind of control was quite cumbersome. Later, control wires were run from each dimmer/fixture function to a control console. If you had 300 dimmers/fixtures, you had to have 300 control wires!! To improve this, manufacturers started using digital signals sent down one control cable. At first each manufacturer used their own protocols, meaning that different manufacturer’s equipment could not be combined. Finally, DMX-512 was adopted as the standard lighting control protocol.
Standard DMX is based on 512 individual channels, which can be set to a level between 0 and 255. If a dimmer/function was addressed to be on channel 1, and the level of channel 1 was brought up to 255 (100%), the dimmer/function would be sending out at full power. Therefore, a color/gobo or other functions are assigned a number from 0 to 255.
Example:
| Channel 1 (GOBO) 0 = Blackout 10-20 = GOBO 1 20-30 = GOBO 2 30-40 = GOBO 3 This means anywhere Between level 10-20 GOBO 1 would be visible. |
DMX-512 – 512 represents the number of channels one DMX cable can carry. It requires only 3 pins. Older systems, known as 5-core DMX, may be seen (two pins will not be used and are reserved for a 2nd data link). The data is sent serially to 2 pins (the third is the ground pin) known as positive phase or hot and negative phase or cold. Pins 4 & 5 are reserved for a 2nd data signal or talkback. At the console end, the channels are fed into a multiplexer (MUX) which takes the individual channels data and encodes it into a format suitable for sending down the DMX line with all the other channels’ data. At the dimmer/fixture end, the data is fed into a demultiplexer (DEMUX) and split up again into the individual channels to be fed to their respective circuits. In practice, the MUX & DEMUX will be incorporated into the console and dimmers respectively, though standalone MUX & DEMUX units are available to convert analog systems into DMX.
DMX is advantageous because the DMX cable is less bulky, cheaper, and less cumbersome than a 48 conductor cable. If the cable were to run long distances, any repeaters/amplifiers would only have to amplify 2 signals instead of 48. DMX also allows control of many different pieces of DMX equipment, such as smoke machines, scanners, dimmers, etc. from a central location.
The DMX-512 standard (actually USITT DMX-512 – 1990) is published by the U.S.I.T.T. and is now maintained by ESTA. For more information on standards, go to ESTA.com
DMX-512 is RS485 serial at 250K baud, as such any installation must meet the requirements of EIA-485. In particular, use of suitable good quality cable is important (we would not recommend mic cable for a permanent install, although we have found a good quality mic cable is suitable for mobile use).
Pin Out (Go to DMX Index)
DMX-512 3 PIN:
Pin Function
1 ground
2 – DMX data
3 + DMX data
DMX-512 5 PIN:
Pin Function
1 ground
2 – data
3 + data
4 nc
5 nc
The DMX-512 standard (actually USITT DMX-512 – 1990) is published by the U.S.I.T.T. and is now maintained by ESTA. For more information on standards, go to ESTA.com
All DMX lines must be correctly terminated if reliable operation is to be obtained. If not, signal loss can occur. Some fixtures have a switchable line-terminating resistor built in. In these cases, make sure that only the last fixture in the chain has the terminating switch set to the on position. If the last item (farthest from the data source) does not have a terminating switch, then an external line-terminator is needed. To make one you will need the following parts:
1 Male 3 Pin XLR
1 110 ohm 0.5W Resistor
To make the line terminator, solder the resistor across pins 2 & 3 of the XLR. You may want to back fill the XLR with epoxy resin to provide protection. Line termination will not correct a bad cable or interference from running a DMX cable next to an electrical cable. High power electrical lines will cause interference.
Because the DMX protocol is so basic, each intelligent light’s range of controlling DMX channels must be set manually. Each light’s DMX address corresponds to the first of the light’s channels.
For Example:
You have two intelligent lights that use five channels each.
You set the DMX address of the first light to 1, and the DMX address of the second light to 6. The reason for this is because the first light is using channels 1,2,3,4 and 5 – so therefore the second light starts on channel 6. You may also have to set up your intelligent light console for the type of lights you have and their DMX address before you can control them.
You may want to do a little planning before you start addressing your lights. Put all of your lights in a logical order; it will help you figure out which light is which later. Next, find out how many DMX channels each light uses – the lights manual should tell you this. Now that you know what channel to start addressing your lights at, you can figure each light’s DMX address (except when your controller banks channels, see Controllers). Take the first light’s DMX address, add the number of channels it uses, and you have the second light’s DMX address. Then, take the second light’s DMX address, add the number of channels it uses, and you have the third light’s DMX address. Do this until you have all the DMX addresses for your lights written down.
Some controllers give you settings automatically and some controllers use banks of channels. Whether your fixture uses 4 DMX channels or 10 DMX channels, it will still require you to set up your fixtures based on it’s banks.
Example:
CX-5 banks all fixtures in 14 channel intervals so your first fixture will always start on channel 1, and your second fixture will always start on channel 15. DMX-40 banks all fixtures in 16 channel intervals so your first fixture will always start on channel 1 and fixture 2 will always start on channel 17. Show Xpress allows you to use all the channels.
Read your fixture’s manual to find out how to address your light. Many intelligent lights use binary dip switches, while other lights may use a small display and buttons to set the DMX address. There is always a minimum of 9 dipswitches if your fixture uses them (there may be 10, but the last one is used for a standalone/self-test/focus/invert/etc.) Each dip switch has a corresponding value.
If you have a light that needs a DMX address of 1, then your dip switches will be set with only 1 in the ‘on’ position. If you have a light that needs a DMX address of 40, then your dip switches will be set with 4 & 6 in the ‘on’ position. If you have a light that needs a DMX address of 393, then your dipswitches will be set with 1,4,8,9 in the ‘on’ position.
The exception to the above is if you have a controller which banks channels, if so, see the controller section above.
DMX Pin Settings
DMX pins for all snow machines are as follows:
| 1. | Screen | Interference screen, and ground reference |
| 2. | Black | DMX512 Data -ve |
| 3. | White | DMX512 Date +ve |
| 4. | Green | No Connection |
| 5. | Red | +25V DC |
Foam FAQs
These are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions received by Global Special Effects about our FoamMasters™ product line. Click each question to view its answer.
No, it has the same viscosity as water. It does not have soap-like qualities.
Yes, it has water, and water will make your floor wet. Our solutions are the driest foam in the industry. If some say their foam is dry foam, it is untrue. You cannot have foam without water.
They get damp but not soaking wet. It also depends if they sit in the foam vs. stand in the foam.
It all depends on how many people play in the foam. As more people play in the foam, they break the bubbles. But usually, if foam is untouched, it can last for hours.
If you let the foam dry out, it will turn to a powder that can be swept up. It does not leave any sticky residue. Depending on the amount of water and foam you use, you can have leftover water on the floor, which can be mopped up.
The foam has hypoallergenic cosmetic grade chemicals that will not hurt your eyes or skin. Our foam solutions also have a moisturizer for the skin. It is important to note that, if the floors have been cleaned with bleach, it can react with the foam.
One gallon of HDF (High Dissolution Foam) mixes with 50 gallons of water whereas one gallon of FG-1080 mixes with 10 gallons of water. Either mixture can be used for the X-Stream Foam Cannon, but the HDF mixture is the preferred one.
The HDF or High dilution foam is much drier than the Value Foam and has more skin moisturizer. Either mixture can be used with either the Foam Cannon X-Stream or the X-Stream II Foam Machine.
The Foam Cannon X-Stream’s output, on average, will last about 40 minutes. The Cannon X-Stream produces 4,000 to 4,800 cubic feet of foam in 8 to 10 minutes. The X-Stream II Foam Machine, on average, will last about 50 minutes, and produces 6,000 to 8,000 cubic ft of foam in 8 to 10 minutes. Both machines have a solution consumption rate of 1.2 gallons per minute.
Yes, we have many different scents such as bubble gum, cherry, and more. Foam can also be tinted blue, green, yellow, and pink.
You can call our 24-hour tech support line at 888-391-7669. You will be able to speak to a live tech.
There are many ways to contain the foam: inflatable pits, construction of a containment area, using a dance floor or just by using a suitable grassy area.
Foam can be used at church events, children’s parties, camps, night clubs, and even fund raisers. Every one of all ages loves to play in foam.
All our foam solutions are biodegradable and do not harm any living thing.
We have been manufacturing foam for the past decade, and we have not found a city ordnance that requires any kind of permit. If you are concerned, please check with your local municipality.
You can find them on the Fluids page.
No, aside from just washing the machines, it is low to no maintenance.
Yes, our HDF does work in most hanging foam machines (like the foam dome or the foam faucet) that require a premixed solution. Our FG-1080 works in the Strong Cannon.
Fog / Cryo FAQs
These are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions received by Global Special Effects about our FogMasters™ product line. Click each question to view its answer.
You need one of two tanks:
1) A 50 pound pressure siphon tube tank. Make sure the tank has a liquid siphon tube with the pipe that drops to the bottom of the tank to get the liquid CO2.
2) A Dewar tank which is a low pressure refrigerated tank.
CO2 is available almost anywhere. Air Gas is a national chain that provides welding products.
High pressure has 1.5 minutes of effect. Dewar tank has 10 minutes of effect. The average blast is 2 seconds.
Yes, 25-40% when the effect is running.
Best at 20-30 foot hose. Not more than 50 feet long.
Yes. Global Special Effects® can custom manufacture a hose to a specific size at a price of $8.95 per foot.
They are effected by humidity. The more humidity, the better the white cloud of fog. Normally at least 20 feet to 30 feet.
Yes, we can custom make almost any voltage. Contact our tech support 256-229-5551 for details.
No, as Liquid Nitrogen, LN2, requires a special hose with metal braiding.
ECO-Scent FAQs
These are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions received by Global Special Effects about our Eco-Scent product line. Click each question to view its answer.
A portable machine (The ScentZone 100) that treats up to 2,500 square feet, a medium-size machine (The ES-1100) which can scent up to 5,000 square feet, and a large HVAC unit (The AromaStat 1) that introduces scent directly into your A/C system, treating your entire facility, up to 10,000 square feet.
Scent cartridges last 360 hours on average. Customers can opt to replace them from one to three months, depending upon how frequent their machine is programmed to run.
Our scents are made from natural materials and the cartridge is 100% recyclable.
We have a unique variety of scent options in stock. Eco-Scent can also produce an unlimited number of signature scents, as well as custom scents.
Cruise lines, hotels & resorts, major theme parks, funeral homes, universities, theaters, restaurants, and most recently The Golden Globes — as well as many, many more. We also sell our machines for use in numerous private homes all across the globe! Any business environment can enhance productivity, sales, and customer satisfaction with scent. The brain forges a link between scent and memory that can identify your product, service, or place of business.
Our machines deliver scent without spritzing oils, aerosols, or propellant, that can cause harmful build-up from damp mists which collect dust.
All of our products have a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Eco-Scent provides this 24/7 live technical support number: 256-229-5551.
The ES1100 is preprogrammed for your specific time zone. On the LED panel, you may easily adjust fan speed, duration, and operation hours according to your needs. The machine offers two custom timers for your convenience, as well as preset configuration timers.
Contact us at info@eco-scent.com for more information. Shipping not included.
FLOGOS™ - Floating Logos FAQs
These are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions received by Global Special Effects about our FLOGOS™ product line. Click each question to view its answer.
Flogos™ are synthesized from proprietary surfactant (soap) based foam formulations and lighter-than-air gases such as helium.
Flogos™ are designed to last for as long as their visual impact is needed. Specific formulations are available to provide a life expectancy of a few minutes to an hour or so. The visual impact also greatly depends on atmospheric conditions such as wind and relative humidity. On average, Flogos™ last for 30 to 40 minutes.
Our certified Flogo tech will place the Flogo machine in the optimum location. Flogos™ travel with the direction of the current wind flow, and the winds can change at higher altitudes. Flogos™, however, are highly visible as they take flight to hundreds, even thousands, of feet and then travel for miles before evaporating.
Flogos™ can travel from 1 to 30 miles and float as high as 5,000 feet. They fly slowly, so they are visible for a long period of time.
Our designers use Flogo software to develop and test custom shapes. The Flogo machines are available in 24, 36 and 48-inch versions. The larger the Flogo machine, the more complex the logo can be.
Our in-house Flogo art department will develop your Flogo stencil usually on the same day your order is placed.
Flogos™ are Green and 100% environmentally safe (please refer to our MSDS information in the Flogo Information section).
Flogos™ are currently available in white, but we have been successively testing color Flogos™. For an additional charge, we can produce Flogos™ in a limited number of colors.
With each Flogo machine, on average, one Flogo will be produced every 15 to 50 seconds, depending on the machine size and desired thickness. We recommend at least two machines for events, so Flogos™ will fly approximately every 7 to 25 seconds, again, depending on the machine size and desired thickness.
Currently, available sizes are the 12-inch, 24-inch, 36-inch and 48-inch models. Because of the negative space sometimes required to successfully fly the Flogo (to hold it together), its final shape may be smaller in some cases. However, Flogos™ are also dimensional (thick). In the near future, we will have a custom 72 inch Flogo machine available.
Due to the fact that Flogos™ have minimal mass and are made out of 99% air, they do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). It is a standard Flogo policy, however, that if a Flogo event is taking place within 5 miles of an airport, we notify the tower that we will be flying Flogos™ nearby.
We have performed hundreds of Flogo events for many big name clients. We have done events such as parades, festivals, grand openings, concerts, and sporting events. The sky is not the limit anymore!
Due to the size and weight of the machines, they are transported by trailer. Each machine rolls on large air tires for easy movement.
Each Flogo machine requires a minimum of one 20 amp circuit. Every Flogo trailer is equipped with generator power for remote Flogo events.
Yes, Flogos™ can be used inside with very entertaining results. Generally, the higher the ceiling, the better the effect.
Flogo machines have been designed for the event industry so they are built into functional road cases. Set up and break down are both less than 30 minutes when performed by trained Flogo technicians.
Yes, stencils can be changed out as many times as the client requests. We have performed events with multiple sponsors where several different custom Flogos™ have been flown concurrently. At these events, the stencils were typically switched out every 15 minutes, but we will accommodate your particular need. We also have several standard shapes available for your event along with your custom Flogo(s).
We offer an open invitation to our corporate office in Lexington, Alabama, which is in the northern part of the state. Also, you may call us to see if we are performing any events in your area.
Yes, we can design a program using Flogos™ to work with your current advertising campaign.
Flogos™ are protected by U.S. and international intellectual property rights, patent, copyright and trademark laws which vary by country. Mere usage of a trademark may be a violation if unauthorized. Federal law provides severe penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, exhibition, alteration, modification or other appropriation, in whole or in part, of copyrighted materials. Unauthorized violation of such rights will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.