IGNITE® Firing Systems & Accessories: The Complete Elevated Fireworks™ Guide
IGNITE® Firing Systems & Accessories: The Complete Elevated Fireworks™ Guide
If you’re looking to elevate your fireworks show from “light and hope” to “scripted, synchronized, spectacular,” then the IGNITE® wireless firing system is a fantastic tool in your arsenal. At Elevated Fireworks™, we’ve used and tested systems for backyard boards, large events, and everything in between—and we’ve found that IGNITE combines accessibility, power, and reliability in a way that makes sense for serious shooters.
In this post we’ll walk you through how IGNITE works, the key modules (i18, i36), the accessories (clip-on igniters, breakout boards, testing tools), how to choose the right system for your show size, best practices for wiring and safety, and why Elevated Fireworks™ recommends it to our customers. We’ll also cover limitations, real-user feedback, and how to get started. Grab your notepad—we’re about to ignite!
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Why IGNITE® Matters
If you’ve ever hand-lit fireworks, or run a board with loose timers, you know the chaos: cables, fuses, timing errors, running around during the show, trying to coordinate effects. IGNITE is designed to bring control, repeatability, and safety into the mix.
According to IGNITE’s website, the system is built so that you can “design your show, calculate the proper timing, layout, and connect your fireworks to the system in advance to make the execution of the show flawless and stress-free.” Ignite Firing Systems
Instead of you doing everything at the moment, the work is done ahead of time—then you press one button and let the system fire your cues. That means you get to stand back, watch the show, and spend more time enjoying the moment rather than being the one running around with a torch.
Additionally: IGNITE emphasizes safety. With a wireless module, remote firing, and planned cues, you reduce the number of times you’re near live fireworks during firing. From the website: “Using IGNITE allows you to further improve safety by having distance between yourself and the fireworks as they are firing.” Ignite Firing Systems
In short: IGNITE takes a hobby-style show and gives you pro-style control.
How IGNITE® Works – Step by Step
Here’s a simplified process of how you’ll use the system, as described by IGNITE: download the app, pair your module, connect igniters, fire manually or automate, press one button and go. Ignite Firing Systems+1
Here’s the breakdown:
Step 1: Download and Install the App
IGNITE supports both iOS and Android. (Note: some Amazon Fire/Android-store devices may not be supported) Ignite Firing Systems
Once installed, you’ll run the IGNITE app on your smartphone or tablet.
Step 2: Pair the Modules
Power up your IGNITE module(s), open the app, pair them, and assign each module a unique color or identifier so you can track them easily in the field. Ignite Firing Systems
This helps when you have multiple modules placed around your firing area.
Step 3: Connect the Igniters
Attach IGNITE Clip-On Igniters (or other supported igniters) to your firework fuses, plug them into the module channels, and ensure wiring is correct. Ignite Firing Systems+1
One of the strongest benefits: fewer “walking to light” moments; one push, cues go off.
Step 4: Choose Your Mode – Manual (Free-Shoot) or Automated
- In Free-Shoot mode you can trigger cues manually from the app: select module, press cue button, fire.
Ignite Firing Systems - In Automated mode you import a show script (via their Show Designer or a four-digit show code), then press “Go” and the system fires each cue at the correct time—optionally with music sync. Ignite Firing Systems
Step 5: Press One Button and Watch
Once everything is configured, you hit the start button, step back, enjoy the show. IGNITE calls it “Boom.” Ignite Firing Systems
Your job becomes spectator rather than operator, which is a giant upgrade.
Modules – Choose Your Powerhouse
IGNITE offers at least two primary firing modules that fit different show sizes. Here’s what you need to know.
i18 Firing Module
This is their “flagship” compact module:
- 18 cues per module. Ignite Firing Systems
- Battery: rechargeable LiPo + charger included; good for 20+ hours. help.ignitefiringsystems.com+1
- Range: minimum advertised 50–100 m (~150–300ft+), with many phones exceeding 200m/600ft in real use. Ignite Firing Systems
- Quickplug® igniter connectors (Clip-On Igniters). Ignite Firing Systems+1
- Lifetime warranty. Ignite Firing Systems
This module is ideal for backyard shows, small displays, or as your first step into scripted firing. At Elevated Fireworks™, we often recommend starting with an i18 so you master the process, then scale upward.
i36 Firing Module
For larger shows, IGNITE offers the i36:
- 36 cues per module. Ignite Firing Systems+1
- Same battery, same battery life, same range as i18. help.ignitefiringsystems.com
- With six modules total (mix of i18 + i36 allowed) you can achieve up to 216 cues total. Ignite Firing Systems+1
This is a great step if you’re producing bigger effects, multiple racks, multi-zone firing or music-synchronized shows.
Choosing the Right Module
From IGNITE’s own guidance: “Which IGNITE Module Is Right for Me?” — they break down that for a system of six modules the maximum cues you can control are 108 with all i18s or up to 216 with i36s. help.ignitefiringsystems.com
At Elevated Fireworks™, our practical thinking is:
- 10–30 cues → an i18 is likely sufficient
- 30–70 cues → an i36 or dual i18 may be prudent
- 70+ cues and multi-zone/synchronized/musical effects → consider the i36 + expansions
Also consider your wiring, igniters, setup time, and safety protocols. A bigger module means more wiring, more planning, more logistics—but also more wow.
Accessories & Ecosystem
One of the strong points of IGNITE is its accessory ecosystem—these help you build efficient setups, maintain safety and reliability, and scale your shows.
Clip-On Igniters
These are the primary ignition interface for your fireworks in the IGNITE system. The website explains them as:
“Clip-On igniters are designed to attach directly to standard Visco fuse. … When triggered, they send a current through a tungsten coil that burns through the fuse’s lacquer coating and fiber casing to reach the powder core…” Ignite Firing Systems
Key benefits:
- Quick to install.
- Reliable.
- Single-use, but fairly affordable.
- You can position them further up the fuse to adjust delay, giving you some creative flexibility.
Important note: IGNITE explicitly states that they no longer recommend Fuse-Tube, MJG, or other professional e-match style igniters for the Clip-On system, citing ESD (electrostatic discharge) risks. Ignite Firing Systems+1
At Elevated Fireworks™, we advise you follow this guidance: fewer exotic components means fewer variables on show day.
Breakout Boards & Quickplug Harness
When you want one cue to fire multiple items simultaneously (for example a set of cakes, fan aerials, effects tied together), you’ll want a breakout board + harness. IGNITE lists:
“Breakout Boards are a convenient, re-usable solution for wiring multiple igniters to a single cue. Includes: 1 x Breakout Board; 1 x Quickplug Harness.” Ignite Firing Systems
The accessory page also lists maximum firing specs: for Clip-On Igniters, irrespective of harness length (2 m, 4 m, 6 m) you’re limited to 2 igniters per cue in that breakout board mode. Ignite Firing Systems
This is important: if you overload a cue with too many items you risk misfires or unreliable ignition. As you scale, wiring discipline becomes just as critical as choosing gear.
Quickplug 6-Cue Tester
IGNITE offers a “Quickplug 6-Cue Tester” accessory that visually confirms when a cue is triggered (via labeled blue LEDs). According to the i18 page:
“The Quickplug 6-Cue Tester is an optional accessory for pyrotechnic enthusiasts … allowing the use of up to three testers with the IGNITE i18 module.” Ignite Firing Systems
At Elevated Fireworks™, we recommend using this kind of visual aid for dry-runs. It gives you confidence your cues are ready, igniters are connected, wiring is good—before live show time.
Support & Warranty
IGNITE offers support: their Help Portal shows contact data: email help@ignitefiringsystems.com, phone numbers including a 24/7 emergency support line for onsite issues. help.ignitefiringsystems.com
They also advertise a lifetime warranty on modules. Ignite Firing Systems
That kind of warranty + support is one of the differentiators between systems built for casual use vs systems built for serious deployment.
Best Practices – Setup, Wiring & Safety
Even the best system doesn’t “save the day” if your wiring is sloppy, your layout is poor, or your safety protocols are lax. Elevated Fireworks™ recommends the following for success with IGNITE.
Planning & Pre-Show Design
- Use the Show Designer software ahead of time. Import your fireworks list with durations, lift times, fuse delay, etc.—then assign each to a cue.
- Print labels, wiring reports, and module assignments. One of the biggest time-sinks at show day is “which wire is which cue?” Having color-coded, labelled cues saves minutes (or hours).
- Map out your module placement: where in the field will your module(s) live? How will igniter wires route to cues? Which racks will connect to which cue numbers?
Module Placement & Range
IGNITE’s specs for the i18 show a minimum range of 50–100 m (150–300ft+), and they note that many phones exceed 200 m (600ft+) in practice. Ignite Firing Systems
Their advice: “raise the module off the ground by at least one foot using a platform such as a 5-gallon bucket.” Ignite Firing Systems
We at Elevated Fireworks™ echo that: avoid grounding saturation, avoid burying the module behind heavy objects, try to keep line-of-sight or minimal obstruction between your mobile device and module. The higher you mount the module the more consistent the signal.
Wiring Discipline
- Use proper igniters (Clip-On Igniters recommended by IGNITE).
- If you use breakout boards/harnesses, respect the maximum igniters per cue table. Overloading leads to misfires. Ignite Firing Systems
- Keep wiring organized: bundles, color-coded, labelled. Avoid crossing high-voltage ignition wires with data or power lines.
- Perform continuity checks in the app before showtime. Make sure each channel shows good connection.
- Protect your wiring from moisture, stray sparks, foot traffic, falling debris.
- Place your module on a stable, elevated platform; ensure cables leaving it are protected and not under tension.
- Have spares: extra igniters, extra wiring connectors, extra battery pack.
Battery, Power & Weather
- IGNITE modules are designed with internal rechargeable LiPo batteries (7.4V) in many cases, with 20+ hours of operating life for the i18. help.ignitefiringsystems.com
- Charge fully in advance of your event; avoid very low battery levels during the show.
- In cold weather, battery performance can degrade—have a plan to keep the module warm or have a backup battery.
- If rain or exposure to sparks is likely, provide shelter for the module (a bucket with holes, an elevated stand plus cover). IGNITE specifies “element resistant design” but cautions users to protect in heavier exposure. Ignite Firing Systems
Show Day Execution
- Power on the module, pair with your device, select mode (free-shoot or automated).
- Walk through a dry run (without live fireworks) if you can—verify connectivity, signal strength, battery status.
- Load your igniters, plug in cables, check continuity in the app.
- Position your audience zone, spectator zone, firing zone, racks. Confirm safety distances.
- If using music sync, confirm speaker placement, volume levels, code import.
- Once ready, start show. Step away. Watch, enjoy.
- After show: power down module, remove wires, inspect igniters, store equipment dry for next use.
Safety and Responsibilities
- Using a system like IGNITE doesn’t remove your responsibility for safety. You must still follow local laws/regulations, maintain audience distances, monitor weather/wind/fallout, supervise ignition area.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and clearly mark control zone.
- Do not attempt wiring when the crowd is present; do all setup in a safe, restricted area.
- Label everything clearly—on a complex show, confusion is the number-one source of error.
- At Elevated Fireworks™, we recommend treating each show as a professional production—even if it’s your backyard.
Real-World User Feedback & Considerations
It’s always smart to look at what users are saying, both the praise and the potential drawbacks.
What Users Like
From Reddit:
“I love my 2 i18s. Never had a cue fail (knock on wood) in the 3 years I’ve used them.” Reddit
“Software is easy to use... Great customer service if you have any issues, even while on shoot site.” Reddit
This kind of feedback aligns with what we’ve experienced at Elevated Fireworks™: the combination of solid hardware, software workflow, and responsiveness from the manufacturer matters.
What Users Note as Limitations
From the same forum:
“My one gripe is their proprietary plugs but that can be worked around.” Reddit
“Wish step to next cue etc…” Some users note the system is aimed more at prosumers than the highest-end professional rigs.
Also: The “six modules maximum” limitation (i.e., up to 216 cues) is considered sufficient for many backyard/club shows—but may be limiting for extremely large displays. pyrotalk.com
What We at Elevated Fireworks™ Want You to Know
- IGNITE is powerful, but it isn’t a high-end large-scale professional system used for multi-city municipal displays. If you’re planning 400+ cues, dozens of zones, hundreds of ignition points, you may hit the upper limit.
- Because wiring still matters, this system doesn’t “magically” replace good setup discipline—your wiring, layout, continuity testing still matter.
- Buy enough Clip-On Igniters and spares. The more cues you fire, the more consumables you’ll go through.
- Have backup/redundancy: consider manual ignition contingency or extra module in place.
- The Bluetooth/long-range BLE connection is robust—but in high RF/metal/concrete environments you may face signal issues. Field-test ahead of your show.
Show Planning Examples & Use Cases
Let’s imagine how you might use IGNITE across different show types, drawing from our Elevated Fireworks™ experience.
Backyard Celebration (10-30 cues)
- Equipment: 1× i18 module + ~20 Clip-On Igniters + one breakout board optional.
- Workflow: Use Free-Shoot mode or design a simple 2-minute automated show with music.
- Wiring: One rack left side, one rack right side, one central piece; assign modules/cues accordingly.
- Result: A safe, controlled show where you can watch with guests, press “Go”, and enjoy.
Community Event (40-80 cues)
- Equipment: 1× i36 module or 2× i18 modules (combined).
- Workflow: Use Show Designer; import music; partition cues left/centre/right; maybe add a finale bank of cakes.
- Wiring: Assign zones; breakout boards for multiple items per cue as needed; labels and cable management essential.
- Result: A polished show with real coordination and “drama,” guests impressed, you focused on enjoying rather than running around.
Pyromusical or Advanced Display (100-200 cues)
- Equipment: Multiple modules (up to six total, mix of i18/i36) → up to 216 cues.
- Workflow: Full script, music synced (via companion app or IGNITE integrated code), multiple racks in different zones, multi-item cues, timed effects.
- Wiring: Elevated organisation—zone wiring, spool labels, breakout boards for clusters, redundancies, pre-show dry-run, on-site contingency plan.
- Result: A show where you step back and your system triggers everything—left fan, right fan, mortar volley, mine rain, aerial finale—automatically. You enjoy with the audience.
Why Elevated Fireworks™ Recommends IGNITE®
From our standpoint, there are clear reasons we favour IGNITE when recommending a system to customers:
- User-friendly workflow: The combination of mobile app, Show Designer software, and structured modules means you’re using a system designed for shooters, not just a gimmick.
- Scalability and future growth: You can start small and grow. Many shooters may start with one module and expand later.
- Strong support & warranty: With 24/7 support lines and lifetime warranty, you’re buying with confidence.
- Reliable hardware and range: The i18’s range specs and battery life are solid for the price point.
- Accessory ecosystem: Clip-On Igniters, breakout boards, testers—all fit into the system nicely.
- Safety posture: Remote firing, planned sequences, reduced operator movement—these are all positive for safer shows.
At Elevated Fireworks™, we sell the whole solution—not just modules—but the mindset: plan, prep, wire, test, fire. IGNITE fits that mindset. We also stand behind what we sell. We’ll help you size your system, select accessories, plan your wiring layout, and make sure your show day goes smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions and answers we get when customers ask about IGNITE.
Q: Can I use any igniter with IGNITE?
A: IGNITE recommends using their Clip-On Igniters (with Quickplug connectors) for best compatibility and safety. They no longer recommend Fuse-Tube, MJG or e-match initiators for general consumer use. Ignite Firing Systems
Q: What’s the maximum number of modules and cues?
A: Up to six modules (i18 or i36) can be used by one device, giving up to 216 cues when using i36 modules. Ignite Firing Systems
Q: How far away can I be from the module during the show?
A: IGNITE lists a minimum range of 50-100m (150-300ft+), and many users with phones exceed 200m (600ft+) in practice. Ignite Firing Systems Elevating the module off the ground improves performance.
Q: What battery life do the modules have?
A: The i18 uses a LiPo internal battery; IGNITE lists 20+ hours of operation under nominal conditions. help.ignitefiringsystems.com
Q: Can I reuse the modules year after year?
A: Yes—the modules are designed for reuse. Consumables (igniters, maybe wiring) will be replaced. The hardware (modules) include a lifetime warranty.
Q: Is the system only for pros?
A: Not at all. IGNITE is designed for shooters of varying levels—from backyard enthusiasts to more advanced show makers. Its strength is in bringing professional-style control to broader use. The constraint becomes wiring, show planning and safety rather than capability ceilings (for many shows). That said, for extremely large professional municipal shows you may need higher-end systems.
Final Thoughts – Ready to Ignite Your Show?
If you’re ready to step up your fireworks game, the IGNITE® Firing System offers a compelling balance of usability, power, and scalability. At Elevated Fireworks™, we believe that when you commit to planning, investing in the right gear, wiring carefully, and following safety best practices, your show goes from good to great.
Whether you’re building your first scripted show, scaling to multi-rack effects, or dreaming of a grand pyromusical moment, IGNITE gives you the tools—and we give you the support. We’ll help you choose your module (i18 or i36), pick the right accessories (Clip-On Igniters, Breakout Boards, Testers), and plan your wiring and show timeline.
Imagine: you wire your board, plug in your igniters, tap your phone, press “GO”, step back—and the sky lights up exactly how you planned. That’s what IGNITE enables. That’s what Elevated Fireworks™ wants for you.
Ready to build your next show? Contact us. Let’s script it together.
Thank you for reading, and here’s to fewer mis-fires, tighter timing, bigger “wow” moments—and the best fireworks display you’ve ever run.
— Elevated Fireworks™
Where Quality & Precision Meet.
Ready to Ignite Your Show? | How-To Videos
Introduction to IGNITE
Got 30 seconds? Watch our quick IGNITE introduction video.
Pairing Modules
Learn how to pair your modules to the IGNITE app and view battery life, signal strength and whether igniters are connected to your modules.
My Fireworks
Manage your own personal fireworks database by creating new fireworks or adding from our integrated firework brand catalogs.
Using Clip-on Igniters
Watch this short video on how to properly use IGNITE clip-on igniters.
Free-Shoot
Shoot fireworks manualy by navigating between modules and pressing buttons.
Create an Automated Show
Learn how to create or import an automated show to optional music.
Prepping Your Show
Learn how to successfully prep your show in the field prior to showtime. Make sure all igniters are connected and you have good signal / battery life.
Fire an Automated Show
Learn how to successfully fire an automated show. Press one button, sit back, relax and enjoy your show!
Copyright © 2025 Elevated Fireworks™. All rights reserved. Always follow local regulations, manufacturer instructions, and safety best-practices when planning and executing firework displays.