FlexMax 2
As low as $379.99
356 In stock
- Supports If This Then That logic
- MP3 audio / 50 Watt Amplifier
- High current solid-state outputs
- 4, 8, or 16 output models
- 4 outputs can dim LEDs or small bulbs
- 8 trigger inputs (link multiple units for more)
- 128MB internal memory
- 4 jitter-free RC servo outputs
- Up to 512 channels of DMX for lighting / expansion
Programming
The FlexMax is easily programmed using our free Director software. Create even the most complex shows with just your mouse and keyboard. Director will save your show to an SD card so it can be uploaded to the FlexMax.
If you'd like to program in real-time, the Director Connect dongle will allow you to connect your PC to the FlexMax so Director can animate it live.
The FlexMax can use either its internal memory or an SD card for animation and MP3 storage. The internal 128MB flash chip has enough memory for many applications. For more demanding setups, pop in an SD card and it'll use that instead.
Behaviors
You can setup global and scene-specific Behaviors to control how the FlexMax responds to inputs, and other events like variable and timer changes. Behaviors can be used to jump to scenes, control outputs, override DMX channels, and more. You can see an example on the left of how Behaviors look in the Director software.
Behavior 'IF' statements can trigger off of input states, output states, variables, timers, and more. Instead of simply triggering immediately when an input is activated, you can add minimum ON times to filter out noise or false inputs.
Behavior 'THEN' statements can control outputs, DMX channels, trigger specific or random scenes, modify variables, control timers, and more.
Flexible Outputs
The FlexMax can be purchased in 4, 8, or 16 output models. All outputs are solid-state so they can control 12 or 24VDC loads without wear and tear. To control high voltage or current loads a relay must be used.
Additional outputs can be added by linking slave devices to the new RJ45 expansion jack.
Dimmable Outputs
On the 16 output model, the last four outputs can optionally be used to dim LEDs or small bulbs. Each output can handle 1.5 amps - that's a lot of LEDs! Create any lighting effect you want using the sliders on our ScareMaster or the virtual sliders in Director. When driving LEDs with these outputs you'll need to run the FlexMax at 12 volts, or use 24 volts and our LED resistors to reduce the voltage at the LED.
Output Accessories
If you want to control more than one or two AC or high-current loads, check out our Output Accessories. We offer relay boards and AC relay packs that start working as soon as you plug them into the expansion port.
Please note that these output accessories do not add more outputs to a FlexMax, they simply offer a convenient way to control different types of loads. For example, output 1 on the expansion port will turn on when output 1 on the FlexMax is activated. You can connect both of the outputs to different devices, as long as you don't mind them both turning on at the same time.
Trigger Inputs
The FlexMax has eight optically-isolated trigger inputs. Inputs can be used to trigger scenes, different length shows for busy nights, or even as emergency stops. Pre and post-delays are also available for each trigger, as well as a timer mode to set the prop off on a recurring schedule.
The most common triggers are PIR motions sensors, beam sensors, hand triggers, and pressure mats. Our selection of triggers can be seen here.
If you need more inputs, up to 3 additional FlexMax or IO Expanders can be linked to the RJ45 expansion jack.
Input / Output Expansion
The new RJ45 Expansion jack can be used to link to slave devices which can add more inputs and outputs. Our upcoming IO Expander adds some of both, and also includes support for an optional RFID reader which can read tags on 8 different antennas. There's no difficult wiring necessary, simply link the devices together using short RJ45 cables.
Currently supported slave devices to add inputs are additional FlexMax 2 and the upcoming IO Expander. Legacy FlexMax devices can also be used to add inputs but they will have to be wired manually as they don't have RJ45 jacks for easy linking. Note that Flexes can be added as slaves but they will NOT add inputs, only outputs. Up to 3 slave devices can currently be added for a maximum of 32 inputs. There is no limit to the number of slaves added for outputs, only the number of DMX channels you have available.
DMX
Set the scene for your high-end props and scenes by adding the ability to control popular stage lighting, strobes, and foggers. The FlexMax makes it easy to control all of them while keeping them in sync with your prop’s animation. To connect the FlexMax 2 to a DMX fixture you'll need a CAT5e/6A Cable and an RJ45 to XLR Adapter.
The FlexMax will initially output up to 128 DMX channels. Support for 256 and 512 DMX channels can be added in place after purchase using the Director software.
The FlexMax 2's dedicated DMX Out jack now only outputs DMX lighting packets. This should make it compatible with nearly all DMX fixtures. The previous generation's DMX traffic also contained input and logging packets which could confuse fixtures that did not properly implement the DMX spec.
DMX Capture
The FlexMax can also be used to capture DMX data from another source. This feature can be used to import animation from another software package or device. The capture can then be used as one of the scenes in your show.
Servo Outputs
Four servo outputs are available to drive standard RC servos. The FlexMax 2 has a separate power input for the servo power so even power-hungry servos can be used. This power input is reverse and over-voltage protected. The FlexMax 2 also uses a new pulse generator which creates jitter-free position pulses.
Standard and wide-range servos are both supported.
Audio
No need to waste valuable outputs triggering an external audio device. The FlexMax's built-in MP3 player lets you playback up to 8 different CD quality audio tracks for each scene. It can also play unlimited ambient audio files, resume the ambient audio after a triggered scene, and fade audio between scenes.
Want the ambient sounds a little quieter than the scare sounds? The FlexMax has independent volume controls for each channel and scene. This allows you to quickly adjust the volume on a scene by scene basis without any sound editing.
Need even more audio channels? Link the FlexMax to our BooTunes using the DMX connector so you don't waste any outputs.
Amplifier & Mixer Input
For maximum sound quality and power efficiency the FlexMax harnesses the power of a 50 watt Class D stereo amplifier. If that's not enough for you, the line-out can be used to connect to even larger amplifiers. The mixer input allows you to take advantage of the internal amplifier for other line-level audio you may need amplified as well.
The amplifier and mix-in volume levels are now controlled digitally using the two buttons. This means a small screwdriver is no longer required to adjust the volume.
To realize the full power of the FlexMax's amplifier, you must use the 24 volt 5 amp power supply. Though this would mean all your outputs must be compatible with 24VDC as well. Not to worry, it's still very loud with a 12VDC power supply if that's what you'd prefer to use.
Mounting Options
The FlexMax enclosure has sturdy mounting flanges for easy mounting to control boards or cabinets. You can also purchase DIN Rail brackets that screw to the back of the FlexMax for sturdy mounting to DIN Rail.
Power Supply
The FlexMax can be powered by a 12 or 24 volt DC power supply. The voltage you choose to power your FlexMax is the voltage it will send out of its solid-state outputs.
For more information on selecting a power supply please read here.
FlexMax 2 Improvements
How does the FlexMax 2 compare to the previous generation?
- 128MB vs 16MB of internal flash memory.
- No more tiny blue volume pots. Amp and Mix In volume levels are now adjusted digitally.
- Servo inputs increased to 4 and now include dedicated power input, over-voltage protection, and no jitter.
- DMX input and output now available on RJ45 jacks following the DMX wiring standard.
- Dedicated DMX output jack transmits only DMX lighting packets. Previous version was mixed with input / logging packets which caused some poorly programmed DMX fixtures to flicker.
- Improved power supply filtering.
| Amplifier | 50 watt Class D |
|---|---|
| Audio Storage | SD Card |
| Audio Quality | MP3 |
| DMX Compatible | Yes |
| Output Capacity | 1.5A Each, 10A Total |
| Output Type | Solid-State |
| Outputs | 16 |
| Inputs | 8 |
| Supply Current | 50mA to 10A |
| Supply Voltage | 9-24 VDC |
