Stairville SF-3000 Fog Machine, Remote cotroller wanted  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Aheld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2025, 03:04:41 pm
content: Hello Forum,I have a Stairville SF-3000 fog machine for service on my desk.The main issue was, that the wires of the power transformer has been broken, so this system didn't do anything.Unfortunately the remote controll unit is missing, so I'm not able to switch it into manual mode or DMX mode.Is there anybode who can help me with schematics or other information, how to start this device (maybe from an external DMX controller)?ThanksAxel

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2025, 03:44:08 pm
content: Have you tried a DMX signal into the machine,often that overrides the remote,the only issue might be finding what address its on.

author: Aheld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2025, 05:32:33 pm
content: There is a DMX transceiver chip, translating the differential DMX signal into TX and RX signal for the microcontroller.This chip seems to be configured as Transmitter by default. So my DMX controller isn't able to send any commands to the µC of the fog machine.My hope is that I can switch then µC into receiving mode with the remote control? Or any other trick?Finding the address is another story :-)

author: Simmed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2025, 05:46:49 pm
content: helloim unfamiliar with this model butDMX >> heater control >> AC relay/transistor ? >> heater ??kWDMX >> some mcu maybe ? + remote ctrl ? >> fluid motor pump control >> pump smoke fluid into heater blocksome heater power ctrl is ctrl by mcu, some are "stupid" on direct ACthe above is a basic block descriptioni think it gives some idea how to check the machine. ie : AC power supply ? motor supply ?if the heater is self regulating, you may want to try direct power to heater (ie find that thermostat ?)then check if motor pump power line can be found and energized on its own 2 cablesome models i know of they use 12v on the pump, some are not so im not sure what is yoursand there you may be able to bypass the entire DMX (i think), as in manual checking

author: Aheld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2025, 07:00:10 pm
content: Hmmm, this is the last soulution in my head.The fog machine is not so complicate, so I also already had the idea to kick out the µC and write the application (without DMX) new. An Arduino could do this job easily.But may be I can get the original device up and running, let's see :-)

author: Audiorepair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2025, 11:17:17 pm
content: I suspect you are overcomplicating the problem.The remote control is an option should you want to control it locally, otherwise DMX is the default.You don't need the remote to configure the machine, you seem to be making up your own rules here.I suspect the Mad Hippy is right, you just need to figure out the channels etc so your DMX controller will talk to the fixture.Also, many DMX controllers have a polarity switch you need to set to whatever the fixture is expecting.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2025, 11:41:19 pm
content: QuoteThe quick and dirty way is to output all 512 channels at full

author: timeandfrequency
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2025, 01:23:32 am
content: Hello Aheld,Remote control features a smallLCD display.And the user manuals give some hints about the 4 channels DMX control. Dont forget thebus termination resistor.Quote from: Aheld on April 27, 2025, 05:32:33 pmThat's weird. A fog machine has no reason to act as DMX bus controller. It may just act as anRS422signal repeater towards the next DMX equipement connected to the bus.Provide the chip reference and the measurements you made.Quote from: Aheld on April 27, 2025, 05:32:33 pmActually, the fog machine will respond to theprevious defined DMX address.Quote from: themadhippy on April 27, 2025, 11:41:19 pmThat's right. Or at least anyvalue >=232for the first channel.Fog machines have rather basic guts : fluid tank, pump, heater and a temp sensor.

author: Uunoctium
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2025, 03:04:18 am
content: If the main pcb looks exactly like the picture, the Starville is identical to the Antari Z-3000, so the Z-20 5-pin wired remote could fit. (No warranty!)Reduced price @:https://m-s-v.eu/de/Timer-Controller-fuer-Antari-Z-1500-II-und-Z-3000II-XXL21/Z-20(Picture borrowed from ebay)

author: Mark_M
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 28, 2025, 04:54:29 am
content: It looks like your machine's remote control sets the DMX address - it does not have a control interface or dip switches for a DMX address on the unit itself... (YouTube video).? Some pictures would be helpful.The remote control (from photos I've seen with the machine) looks like a generic remote. Similar to what Jaycar sold on some 1000w fog machines 15 years ago.https://magazinuldemuzica.ro/Stairville-SF-1500-SF-3000-Cable-Remote-_-54143.htmlMost remotes I've come across are a generic protocol over rs485 to the unit. But not at all a DMX protocol.Did you buy the unit, been given it or have been tasked with repairing it?If completing a repair job: Why would you have been given a machine to repair if the owner didn't have a remote themselves? Ask them so you can complete the job.If you have bought/been given the unit: First clue on repairability is if it has a standard 10A plug on it for a 3kW unit. Hint: Cheap China machine if it does, and don't dare to stick your test & tag on it. Should be a 15A plug on it.

author: Aheld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2025, 08:20:17 am
content: Thank you all for your comments, I'll step into more detailed investigation with my machine.The PCB looks a little bit different, but content should be equal. I'll post a picture of it, later.I think, first issue to solve is that the signal of the DMX controller will not be routed to the µC. If this is fixed, I can play with DMX adresses.

author: Aheld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2025, 06:48:39 pm
content: Hi,PCB looks is simple. An Atmel 89S52 controls the system. A SN75176A as Differential Bus Transceiver, but configuration makes no sense.Only data receive (Pin 1) is connected to the µC PIN10 (RX), and the Transceiver is configured to Transmitting mode.The external controller is connected with 5 wires1: VCC2: GND3: µC Pin12 (P3.2 / INT0n)4: µC PIN 25 (P2.4)5: µC PIN 24 (P2.3)The videos showing display communication, I can't imagine how??I'll prepare a breadboard with simple switches and simple Interrupt trigger. Lets see what happens...Any suggestions?

author: timeandfrequency
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2025, 09:24:11 pm
content: Looking at the picture.Using a vanilla screw terminal as socket for a TO-220 thyristor/triac is rather a clever ideaHaven't seen that before.Will give it a try with a TO-252 package that has a wider leg spacing.