MicroSmartSlave has no internal battery and therefore must be powered by the SuperSlave or the Master FullPower. In both cases, no specific cable is required—just a standard electrical cable or a simple telephone pair, inexpensive and easy to source. For wiring, simply insert one end of the cable into the chrome sockets on the Master panel and the other end into the chrome sockets of the first module, then connect all modules in daisy-chain.
A module without an internal battery offers multiple advantages:
- No need to charge a battery before each show;
- No risk of battery acid leakage;
- Maintenance reduced to a minimum;
- Possibility to pre-assemble the show setup at the factory;
- The module becomes small, lightweight, easy to transport and use.
The new MicroSmartSlave maintains the same circuitry as the SmartSlave, ensuring the reliability of a module already tested and established on the market for years, simply housed in a smaller casing. The internal circuitry is divided between firing circuit and test circuit, preventing accidental ignitions during testing. It is also coated with a protective gel layer to shield it from weather conditions.
MicroSmartSlave Connection Modes
1) Wireless Connection MicroSmartSlave ↔ SuperSlave/Master
Description: cable-free connection between the SuperSlave and the control system (Master).
How it works:
- with integrated radio in the SuperSlave, or
- with an external radio connected to the radio port of the SuperSlave/control unit.
Typical range: up to 3 km in open field with RadioModem DualBand, or 500 m with MiniRTX.
When to use it: fast installations, long distances, sites where cable laying is complex.
Best practices: place antennas high and clear of obstacles, keep distance from metal structures, ensure connectors are secure and protected.
2) Direct Wired Connection between MicroSmartSlave and Master FullPower
Description: 2-core electrical cable supplying power and communication to MicroSmartSlave modules in daisy-chain.
Maximum line length: up to 4 km total per run*.
Capacity: up to 126 MicroSmartSlave on the same backbone.
Recommended cables: 2×1.0–1.5 mm² (outdoor use).
Advantages: maximum stability; power and data on the same cable.
*Indicative values: depend on cable/type/environment.
3) Wired Connection between SuperSlave and Master FullPower
Description: differential RS485 connection between SuperSlave and Master, then continued via 2-core cable to the MicroSmartSlave modules.
Typical use: fully wired connection.
Compatibility and Hybrid Connection
The Wireless and 2-core modes can be used individually or simultaneously in a hybrid configuration.
Typical example: Master ↔ SuperSlave in Wireless and Master ↔ MicroSmartSlave via 2-core cable in daisy-chain.
This allows optimization of distances, installation time and reliability, ensuring full system synchronization.
4) Connection with MiniMasterRTX (Wireless + 2-core)
Description: the MiniMasterRTX communicates wirelessly with the SuperSlave.
From the SuperSlave, the connection continues via 2-core cable in daisy-chain to the MicroSmartSlave modules.
Connection details:
- MiniMasterRTX ↔ SuperSlave:Wireless
- The SuperSlave can use integrated radio or external radio (RadioModem DualBand or MiniRTX).
- SuperSlave ↔ MicroSmartSlave: 2-core cable (power + data) in daisy-chain.
Wireless range (indicative):
- Up to 3 km in open field with RadioModem DualBand.
- Up to 500 m with MiniRTX.
Operational best practices:
- Assign unique IDs to each MicroSmartSlave.
- Place antennas in elevated positions free from obstacles; avoid proximity to metal structures.
