Spectrum Pyrotechnics

[999]

Spectrum Pyrotechnics was the first demo of Monday night, August 7th. This company came out to showcase the unique products that they build right here in the USA.

First off: this demo on film does not do it justice. You needed to be there to see this one. The mines and comets they shot were very large & powerful. Many of the comets seemed to reach as high as a normal 5-6" ball shell would travel. They were the largest size comets & mines that I can remember seeing. Additionally, all of the colors were very pure, the greens standing out the most.

The shells were different than most, appearing as a double petal with an extremely large inner petal. Imagine a 10" shell with a 9" inner petal (if that's possible) and thats what these shells looked like to me. It could have just been two layers of different color stars on top of eachother. They broke very hard and got the job done. Two thumbs up from me! :w



Download link:
Spectrum Pyrotechnics

 

[T-sec]

999,

Like you said/mean; the cam takes away the feeling and sight you can not reproduce, you just have to be there...

About the 10" Petal with an inner Petal of probalby 9"; it's truely a work of art. Only people like Shimuzu used to be emperor of the multi Petals, up till the last PGI convention. ;-)
Making a shell with an inner Petal as close to the outer Petal size as possible is not that hard if you know how. It's even possible to insert multiple Petals in your bigger shells. It's just a matter of making the right layers of stars, pulverone and burst charge.

 

[crossette]

You will be surprised to find out that the comets and mines were all 2" or under. I am not kidding here. Richard Bland of Spectrum Pyrotechnics has these things down perfect. They are very hard hitting and close to the audience in respect to the 6" shells he was shooting. He also has the purest colors you can produce using chemicals not often saught after due to there complexity in use. You are correct in your assumption that the inner petal stars reside just inside the outer petal stars.

 

[999]

All the shells were maximum 6"??? The comets maximum 2"???

Being there, I find that hard to believe (not that I don't believe your word, I am just suprised!!). The comets were amazing, I would have thought 3" and larger (they went so high with great density!).

Were you on the field at the time of setup, or did you get a complete list of product fired? I figured that the comets and mines were probably mostly between 3-4 inches with a few 5's throughout - and the shells a mix of 6's and 8's.. the green and purple peonys I thought might have even been 10's that just didn't open as wide as some other 10's. Flash bursted, I would guess.. they popped open so FAST and loud... It was certainly a different breed of fireworks compared to the normal Chinese work.

 

[crossette]

Yes, on the field and I know Richard personally. I have seen his operation and shot a bit of his product. Even seeing him load the little guns in person I find it hard to believe! I will check on the shells. I was there when we were dropping the 6" shells, but he may of had larger. I'll ask him and report back. An effect he uses that you hardly see any more is the zinc stars in both shells and mines. Of course, the subtle color just doesn't come through on video.

 

[crossette]

All the shells were maximum 6"??? The comets maximum 2"???

Being there, I find that hard to believe (not that I don't believe your word, I am just suprised!!). The comets were amazing, I would have thought 3" and larger (they went so high with great density!).

OK, Talked with Richard.
The largest Mines were 3". The Smallest mines and comets were 1.5"!!!!
Bulk of the shells were 4" with a few 5" and 6" being the largest he shot that night.
I participate in the competitions at the PGI and have bugged him for his formulas and techniques for a couple years now. I know he is not going to hand them over, but it is now just a running joke when I see him.
Just phenominal stuff.

www.spectrumpyrotechnics.com

 

[999]

From Michigan - you must be in the MPAG guild. I wonder if I might have met you?

R.S
F.H
R.R
doubtful... A.E??

You guys have some great builders in Michigan. Awesome stuff put into competition this year! Thanks for the inside information on the Spectrum display.

I wish he had more product demo or display videos available for download. I've love to see the larger shells and comets!

 

[crossette]

Yes, I am the Safety Officer for the Michigan Pyrotechnics Arts Guild.
Michael F. I was very proud of MPAG's efforts this year. Competition as a whole was just spectacular this year. 50% Ned 50% everyone else!

I may be building with FH this weekend or the next. We have a club shoot coming up and have a friendly 6" multibreak competition in the works. I completely expect FH to leave me in the dust, but oh what fun it is!
Shall I say hello? Ron may be there as well.
I do have some videos of Club made items if you would like me to post them?
michael

 

[999]

I'd love to see them!

I have met you actually. You're always hangin' with Kyle Kepley and you've made some of the passfire articles. I didn't know you were with MPAG or from Mi.. I just assumed you were from Fla. with Kyle. It's great that you've found your way over to this board finally. There isn't a lot of us speaking English on here, so I feel a bit more at home now.

Yes, FH has quite a talent with his cylinder shell building. I wouldn't expect to compete with him either. I think RR could give him a run for his money in the smaller cylinders, and perhaps Kolin K in the large.. I don't know for sure, but I think KK is from Michigan. (awesome Maltese cylinders). Other than those guys, I can't think of anyone else to hang with FH with those telephone poles. Look in my pictures directory here on FPM and you'll find a bunch of pictures I took of FH dropping his cylinders.

I knew about your meeting coming up in early Oct. Very sadly it conflicts with the date of the Tri-State meeting where I will be. I was bummed bigtime to say the least, when I found that MPAG had a shoot the same day and very few (if any) members would be coming. I love seeing the builders of MPAG.. you guys have so many good ones. It'll be a shame to miss all of you guys.

One thing I'd love to have is the formula for RS's 16's at PGI.. I think they were called willow diadems.. They were stunning, and possibly the best crowns I've ever seen. If he will give me that formula, I would be extremely pleased!! I realize that he may want to keep it a secret (it's so good) but ask him for me at the next meet if you could. If it's somthing that he will pass on freely, I'd love to see the formula.

Thanks.

 

[crossette]

With your handle, I can't place you. I meet so many people at these conventions. We were saddened to find out that the tri-state was the same weekend as well. We are going to try and cross post to other groups in the future to avoid this problem again.
FH taught me how to build the cans in his style and I just am hooked big time! I hope to move on to Aerial Level 5 next year. When I found out who was in A4 this year, I got quite nervous, but it all worked out in the end

Unfortunately the Willow Diadem is under lock and key. I could tell you but....

I'll send you a private message so that I can send you the videos. Unless there is somewhere I can post them here? (doubt it).
michael

 

[mkp]

Hi how are you? I just wanted to let you know that I personally KNOW that there were NO comets and mines that were 4 or 5" in his show! All of them WERE 3" and smaller going down to as small as 1.5" I am ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE on this and the following info as well. As far as the shells go they ranged as small as 4" and up to 6". I know Richard personally and have worked with him as well. Talk with you later. Take care!