@FrankBroughton "Hmmm" you say. If you've perused other videos on my channel, you will see, as a hobbyist, I'm a
big supporter of fireTEK and have spent some time trying to get the word out on this system (My full time professional job is in systems and controls). I've also had the fun opportunity to helped out at some of the trade shows at PGI.
I realize "those admins" haven't pinned down strict forum rules on posting prices and advertising etc. but I'm still going to refrain from any
specific price comparisons with other system. There are a lot of good systems out there and many of us have preferences. For me, I think I think fireTEK has some really great features. I do
encourage people to do some research on their own. And if your curious about fireTEK, there are a lot of organised fireTEK playlists on my humble little you tube channel (I'll warn you, I try to be more instructional than entertaining so you might wan't some caffeine).
Cost per cue does not always have a simple answer. The short answer is it compares very well with other systems. And then I might add it provides a lot of cool features and options that you might not find elsewhere.
However, this wouldn't be a discussion forum with short answers, so I apologize this is a bit longer than probably expected,
but there is some good information.
I figure there are three categories when talking about cost/cue and I did a little research and comparison for all three categories when I was looking at systems:
1) Beginning Hobbyist/"Backyarder" with 32-48 cues,
2) Serious Hobbyist/"Backyarder"/Small Company (128-144 cues,
and probably bigger in some cases)
3) Large Company - or out of control hobbyist (which there are
plenty of)
There are also various options: TC, GPS, 2-wire, Audio, Cases, etc. There are also various sales and discounts at times, but I’ll just stick with the "base trim package" at current list prices. I will also
assume the criteria is scripting and audio control for a pyromusical - if even a small one.
We'll just get into Category 1 for now, but the cost/cue only gets better as you add more modules.
If someone was looking for a
bare bones setup to get started that could be scripted and fired by a computer or Android Device, either to music - like I have shown in this video, it’s
one base FTH-48Fx module. That lists a $699 or
~$14.50/cue with included internal lipo battery, charger, rails, SW for computer and Android (assuming the shooter has a PC computer or Android device). That gives someone control of a 48-cue show.
With all the cables it's probably just over $15/cue (USB cables, OTG Cable, RJ45 Extender).
I think it is still an additional $50 for the Time Code option and you could control the FTH-48Fx field module by TC from just about anything that plays music (I did a video showing how to control the script via TC and also provide Audio with a small MP3 player).
You could also
manually fire the field module with the USB setup shown in the video
but connected to a computer.
Eventually we all want the convenience of a handheld remote or or similar compact controller which starts at ~$399 for a base FTM-99Sx handheld remote. With a Computer or Android device attached to the remote you have audio control from the firing position (My remote has the
extra option of an
internal hard drive and USB reader
with internal Audio Player - my remote can provide stand-alone audio control without any other equipment). So if someone starts with a
one base FTH-48Fx module and base FTM-99Sx remote, that is
~$22.90/cue. I don't think there are many comparable systems out there at this price range that get you 48 scriptable cues and audio
with a remote. And of course you can expand the year after year (even the older discontinued FTH-48E modules I have are fully 2-way functional with the current devices).
Besides the cost per cue, the flexibility of the system provides some additional options for your setup. You can use a slaved remote or even a slaved field module connected to an Android Device as a dedicated "AudioBox." You can add external batteries or plug the charger in on the fly if the internal battery is low and still fire. Any remote or field module can be set up as The Master to establish the wireless network and control a scripted show. And
the base field modules can be used as a pre-programmed sequencer for any other system (On that point a FTH-48Fx field module could be added as 48-cue sequencer and with an Android device connected
provide audio to even a cheap e-bay system). I also have had fun tinkering with the various other options that have been available for the past years: TC, GPS, DMX, 2-wire, etc.
Sorry if that was winded. Like I said, I'm a big supporter of fireTEK and like
the discussion.
