Rather than load you up with tons of family photos, I decided to go back over my pics to gin up a post about how a fireworks display is created. I wish I had thought of this before the weekend started...there are other photos I might've taken.
OK, here goes. Fireworks are shot from tubes. The first step is to examine the tubes to see if there is any deterioration in the tubes or the rack from last year. Here they are, in the driveway waiting to be inspected.
Below you can see the tubes; they're upside down to check out the base which is a circular wooden insert and to remove the remaining paper from last year's charges. You can also see the wood racks into which they are placed.
The next big job is to wire each of these tubes to a central wireless control box. These boxes are controlled from a safe distance from the fireworks to fire each tube separately or in groups.
It's all done by hand each year because the wiring is destroyed when the fireworks go off. Here's a happy wire-er.
It's a big job.
This is what a control box looks like. Multiple control boxes...wires everywhere.
At this point, the tubes are empty. Across the state line in Missouri, fireworks can be sold without restriction. A trip is made to one of the dealers. This shot shows the end of the unloading. I wish I had taken one as the unloading began. There were lots & lots of cartons. I also with I'd taken some shots inside the fireworks store but I didn't. It's amazing; all kinds of fireworks from firecrackers to rockets all over the place. In Arizona no fireworks are legal, not even sparklers.
That's Jim grabbing one of the last boxes. He is the brains and inspiration of this project. And man, it IS a project!
Each fireworks charge is placed in its position on top of the tube. The next step is to wire each charge to the control box.
The wiring phase is under way.
Jim's daughter Rylee is attaching the control box wire to the fireworks fuse assembly.
The fireworks charge is inserted into the tube and placed at the bottom. Because it's been threatening rain all day, an extra step was added...covering all of the tube openings with plastic wrap held by a rubber band.
And here's the finished assembly, out at the farm where the fireworks will be well, fired.
It's not just a family thing. It's a "lots of friends and family" affair, complete with a picnic. The food is beginning to be assembled. I wish I'd taken more food shots...what this blog is known for. Sloppy Joes & pulled-pork sandwiches, baked beans, green beans, salad, chips, beer, soda pop.
Here are a few before-dark crowd shots.
This is the view, a fishpond. The kids have been fishing; mostly little fish are caught but the city kids are thrilled. The fireworks will be fired towards us from the far shore. It had been gloomy & cloudy all day. The tiki torches are lit now but will be put out for the show.
Two happy family occasions occurred during the weekend. One of Jim's nieces is 18 weeks along with her first baby. The gender has been determined and is announced by a mini-fireworks display at Jim & Carole's home. There are two small smoke bombs, one pink and the other blue. The corresponding gender bomb is lit.
IT'S A GIRL!!!!
Mama2B on the left, Daddy2B in the middle. Antie2B on the right and Grandma2B in the back.
Jim's daughter Ashton has been dating a fellow for five years. He wants to propose. A quiet, private offer of marriage? HAIL, NO!!!!
Instead, a fireworks display was built and lit after dark.
It says "MARRY ME ASHTON?"
She said "Yes"!
We've all seen fireworks displays...I'll just toss in three.
I can't stand it! I've gotta throw in some family pics.
Bedtime stories. Grandpa with grandson Noah and Aunt Susanne with granddaughter Sabra.
2 comments:
Wow! That's the most impressive family fireworks show I've ever seen or heard of!
There is one thing however that concerns me (as an old missile engineer): Prior to the wires being connected to the firework, does someone do an electrical test to make sure that the circuit is not "live" do to a setting error or a component fault?
Larry
Good question Larry!. The control boxes are controlled by a key with three positions: OFF, TEST, FIRE. In the TEST position, the box checks for battery level & the integrity of all the internal circuits. That's done in the house before they're connected to anything. Low batteries (9v.) are replaced.
Jim keeps the only key that is used for all boxes. During the "build" phase, the boxes are turned to "OFF" & the key is removed.
I was down with the spectators, so I don't know what he did when preparing to fire, but I assume he & he alone turned the local control boxes on the trailer to FIRE while the Master Control boxes (two of them) back a safe distance away were on "OFF" with the key removed & in his possession.
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