Programming
The Flex 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 Flex.
If you'd like to program in real-time, the Director Connect dongle will allow you to connect your PC to the Flex so Director can animate it live.
Flexible Storage
The Flex can use either its internal memory or an SD card for animation and MP3 storage. The internal 16MB flash chip has enough memory for most props. For more demanding props, pop in an SD card and it’ll use that instead.
Behaviors
You can now 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 Flex can be purchased in 2, 4, or 8 output models. All outputs are solid-state so they can control 12 or 24VDC loads without wear and tear. Each output is protected from shorts and overloads and capable of handling 1.5 amps of current. To control high voltage or current loads a relay must be used.
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 Flex, 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 Flex 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.
Two Dimmable Outputs
On the 8 output model, the last two 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 Flex at 12 volts, or use 24 volts and our LED resistors to reduce the voltage at the LED.
Audio
No need to waste valuable outputs triggering an external audio device. The Flex’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 Flex 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 Flex to our BooTunes using the DMX connector so you don't waste any outputs.
Trigger Inputs
The Flex has two 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.
The FlexMax 2 is expandable to a total of 10 inputs by linking a supported slave device.
Mounting Options
The Flex enclosure has sturdy mounting flanges for easy mounting to control boards or cabinets. You can also purchase a DIN Rail bracket that screws to the back of the Flex for sturdy mounting to DIN Rail.
DMX Lighting
The Flex with DMX Output can output DMX to control popular stage lighting, strobes, and foggers. The Flex makes it easy to control all of them while keeping them in sync with your prop’s animation and sound. Adding DMX devices doesn't use up any of your solid-state outputs. To connect the Flex 2 to a DMX fixture you'll need a CAT5e/6A Cable and this RJ45 to XLR Adapter.
The Flex with DMX Output can handle up to 128 DMX channels. The DMX Output option, as well as support for up to 256 and 512 DMX channels, can be added in place after purchase using the Director software.
DMX Capture
The Flex 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.
Power Supply
The Flex can be powered by a 12 or 24 volt DC power supply. The voltage you choose to power your Flex is the voltage it will send out of its solid-state outputs.
For more information on selecting a power supply please read here.
Flex 2 Improvements
How does the Flex 2 compare to the previous generation?
- 16MB vs 4MB of internal flash memory.
- RGB status LED for clearer indication of current state.
- DMX input and output now available on RJ45 jacks following the DMX wiring standard.
- Improved power supply filtering.
