FLAPPER FAQs
So what's new with The Flapper MKII? Why so many changes?
When we originally designed The Flapper, we realized that there was nothing like it in the world. There weren't any textbook designs to copy. Much of the inspiration for the device came from local technicians. So, we designed a product that met their needs. And it did.
In fact, it met them so well that the first batch of Flappers sold remarkably quickly.
As we prepared to manufacture a second batch, we wanted to improve the existing design and save our customers some money at the same time.
Here's what we came up with:
[click image to enlarge]
A Different Display
We really liked the vacuum fluorescent display used in the first batch. It was crisp, cool, and very easy to read. Unfortunately, even in large quantities, these displays are amazingly expensive.
Mounting the display on the roof of the unit worked well, but the manufacturing costs were also increased.
So we found a nifty little backlit LCD display, and were delighted to learn that all the essential information we were showing on the larger display could still be shown. Plus, we saved thousands of dollars over the entire production run by changing displays.
No DMX Output
Unfortunately, moving the display to the front panel of the unit took up just enough space that there wasn't room for a DMX 'through' jack. We spoke to several of our existing customers, and many commented that they didn't really use that jack anyway. So we made the change.
For those who still need to daisy-chain multiple Flappers or other DMX units together, we offer a T-Cable (see below for more information).
In a few months, we will also offer an isolated DMX splitter with one input, a through jack, and several optically and galvanically isolated outputs.
Manual Speed & Position Control
We're pleased to announce that the Manual Controller Module (photo) can run the Flapper MKII with nearly the same precision and control as a standard DMX console.
Here's why:
In the previous firmware, activating the manual switch would move the flap back and forth between the unit's two extremes of motion. This change would take place as fast as physically possible.
This worked well, but a few of our customers mentioned that the motor noise was at times objectionable. Also, they really didn't need more than a 20-30 degrees of motor travel. To answer their requests, The Flapper MKII features user selectable motor speeds (bump, medium and slow) as well as assignable manual stop positions.
Basically, the flap's approximately 120 degrees of travel is divided into 100 equal chunks. Manual Position #1 can be any position between [1 ... 49]. Manual Position #2 can be any position between [50 ... 100]. Naturally, these position settings are stored in memory when the unit is powered off.
Further, the speed with which the flap moves between Position 1 & 2 can be (1) as fast as possible, (2) a one-second motion, or (3) a two-second motion.
All of these settings can easily be edited.
A Lower Price
Well, we saved a bunch of money in the manufacturing process. Why not pass it along to you, our friendly customers? The base price of The Flapper MKII is nearly $100 less than the original version.
Also, the firmware is more advanced. How can you possibly go wrong?
Is the black Motex powder-coated flap as sexy as it looks in pictures?
Yes. It's good at absorbing excess light bounce, too.
The new Manual Controller Module looks really sturdy and easy to use. Is this too good to be true?
No. (Here's a photo, if you didn't see it already)
But I already own a Flapper with the older firmware!
No problem!
In fact, firmware upgrades are free to all existing Flapper owners. Simply package your Flapper base unit securely (no need to include the power supply or flap) and ship it to the address listed here.
Make certain that the unit is surrounded by plenty of styrofoam peanuts or other packing material. You pay for shipping to our office, and we'll perform the upgrade and return your equipment via UPS ground at no additional cost.
But I really, really need to daisy-chain my Flapper with other DMX gear.
Again, no problem. Just ask for one of our 5-pin DMX T-Adapters. You'll find them in the store.
[click to enlarge]
But isn't the use of these T-Cables in blatant violation of the DMX512-1990 spec?
Not really. They can be used, but only if two criteria are tightly adhered to. First, the 'base' of the T must be exceedingly short. Second, the base must be connected to the device receiving the DMX signal. One 'arm' of the T must be connected upstream (either to the DMX source, or a device earlier in the chain. The other 'arm' is connected to downstream equipment.
Of course, the last unit in the chain should be terminated. The Flapper MKII contains a switchable terminator.
Here's some ASCII art to help you out:
Note that the use of a DMX 'Y' cable is strongly not recommended. If one source feeds two or more downstream lines, the ends of which are more than a few inches away, electrical reflections, impedance mismatches and general misery will plague your system.