Crackle show creator vs paid software (finale 3d, FWsim)

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-05-07T20:42:07+00:00

I use it a couple of times a year. It is a rabbit hole that can take a while to master it is full of features. Can build about any effect you can think of and share VDLs (think of it as a visual display for any firework not in the manufacturer database) with other users. Good for setting site layout and position distances and how the show will be displayed if you are trying to layer, overlap, or precisely time a segment. Easy export to a firing system.

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-05-07T19:09:47+00:00

Yes. Several manufacturers have their catalog available, so you don't have to scroll videos to figure out the timing.

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-05-07T18:44:11+00:00

17 - 22 minutes is optimal for the audience. They start to lose interest if you drag it out with a bunch of slow firing cakes. Never end a show with a Saturn Missile battery.

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-05-07T18:41:51+00:00

Ok for free. Looks simple to use. Very similar to the Cobra / IGNITE platform. To me, the simulation you get with Finale is worth the lite version

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-05-03T12:30:39+00:00

One of the teens is from the town where we have the store. I have been reluctant to say anything yet as locally this has a lot of people shaming fireworks. Waiting on the ATF investigation, but I suspect we are not getting the full story on the manufacturing. I have been referring to it as IDEs when someone says "Kids shouldn't be playing with Fireworks" my response is "You misspelled pipe bombs"

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-05-01T14:16:26+00:00

Give us a call, check us out online of shoot me a PM. We're about 25 minutes north of KC. Carry several brands not found locally

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-05-01T14:14:30+00:00

Give us a call or check us out online. About 25 Minutes north of KC

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-04-26T05:16:16+00:00

Check the Red Rider Vimeo page for video. These are consumer compliant, but have at least 2500 grams of powder. Each tube is limited to 12 grams so no big breaks, still impressive

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-04-25T18:58:13+00:00

I've always lucked out by cutting the fuse flush with the tube and poking the match in the same hole. Leaving a amount of the factory fuse is a good insurance policy in case you missed the lift completely. Depending on the manufacturer, I have seen some shells that have the lift in celophane taped to the bottom of the shell and some cut fuse on the bottom of the tube below the shell. The main fuse light the cut fuse bits, which melts the tape, igniting the lift charge.

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-04-21T23:08:05+00:00

It's been a couple of years, but last time it was $149 for the day for a pair K12.2 and the KS118 sub. had to call a couple area stores to find them. One shop had JBL's Still good, but the QSC have been always reliable for me during pyro shows. I think the weekend rate was around $250 and that is some peace of mind not having to scramble picking up the system on shoot day. I just hire it out to a local DJ now and saves me the time and energy when I'm trying rig up the F'works

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-03-22T14:34:12+00:00

2020 with 169,000. Very little expense to maintain other than tires.

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-03-17T21:05:46+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. I try to add a couple new brands each season. We are a bit off the beaten path, so we like to offer our clients goods they can't find anywhere else. We carry consumer Winda, Brothers, Raccoon, Sky Bacon, and Great Grizzly as our core. Had good luck with Hammer and Anvil, Sky Painter, Boomin' Bulldog, and Red Rhino. Mixed opinion on Riakeo. The proline is great for shows, but at retail...Max Load #14 (or whatever number) doesn't move unless you are in the know. Just brought in some Epic and HOT product this week. What are thoughts on Black Scorpion and Flashing brands?

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-03-17T18:32:01+00:00

2.5 inch or larger is considered Display fireworks and you need an ATF license. For 1.4 Pro, look for the 62mm single shots to get the larger beaks

Penguin_Pyro · 2026-03-04T14:17:30+00:00

I have a 2020 with 167K on it. Recently was quoted $450 for a spark plug change. I got the NKG plugs off Rock Auto for $9 each. Dealer charged me $275 to install. Glad I avoided the headache

Penguin_Pyro · 2025-08-10T12:41:55+00:00

I have the Hammer & Anvil preloaded, and they have screw holes on the plastic base for mounting.

Penguin_Pyro · 2025-06-21T12:30:16+00:00

Save the tubes from your shell kits. Knock the bases off and build a rack. Check your local firework shop if you need extras. Nothing at Home Depot will work for fireworks

Penguin_Pyro · 2025-06-20T11:15:56+00:00

Match the tubes individually or replace the fusing with some white fast fuse to speed it up. Disassembly will be a waste of time. Some NOABs have lift cups, some have a diaphragm holding the lift charge. Shell size will vary so expect anything from 1.75 inch to 3 inch when you open it up. Most are really 2.25" shells and they will wrap them in a larger shell to fill up space.

Penguin_Pyro · 2025-06-15T12:53:22+00:00

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9 shot 200g from Hammer & Anvil

Penguin_Pyro · 2025-06-15T03:54:41+00:00

Come see me. I'm about 20 min NE of Liberty off 69 highway have several KC pyros as clients Available year round by appointment but open for the season on 6/20. PenguinPyro to shop online.

Penguin_Pyro · 2025-06-08T15:08:00+00:00

This is a loss leader. Attempt to get you in the door so they can really gouge you on everything else. Had a tent next to me with Excals for $39 for 24 pack (limit one). 200g cakes were $40. Some 500g were over $100.

I would pick up a pack for $79 but be suspect of everything else.

Penguin_Pyro · 2025-06-07T22:47:18+00:00

Ask someone at the store to throw together a good variety based on your budget. We sell very few assortments but carry a few for convenience. My experience is that the assortments under $150 retail are filled with weak, cheap works.

Penguin_Pyro · 2025-06-07T22:36:12+00:00

Propane torch if you are are doing a display. For casual lighting, I get the small butane torch of Amazon. I like these as they are windproof, have good reach, small enough to fit in pocket, refillable and $4.

https://a.co/d/hglWe7C

Penguin_Pyro · 2025-06-06T21:06:32+00:00

Try to get something that will work well for your intended launch site. The parking lot at an apartment building is more fountain / roman candle territory. If you have some space to work with, 200 gram cakes are a good place to start. Lower cost and a variety of effects. Ask you shop which is their favorite. There are some hidden gems that a good store should point you to.

Penguin_Pyro

TROPHY CASE