Solaris — Outdoor Cold Spark Machine

Why Solaris

Most cold spark machines top out at 16 feet — fine for weddings and small stages. The Solaris doubles that with a 33-foot maximum height, putting it in a different class entirely. This is the machine you use when the venue is large, the stage is wide, and the moment needs to be seen from the back of the crowd.

Built For Big Moments

• Outdoor festivals & concerts — 33-foot spark columns visible from hundreds of feet away. Line multiple units across a stage for curtain effects.
• Sports intros & walkouts — Athletes entering through 33-foot spark fountains. Stadium-class impact.
• Touring productions — Ships in a flight case, aluminum housing survives the road, dual DMX ports daisy-chain into your rig.
• Theme parks & large-scale events — Programmable height via DMX for choreographed sequences synced to music, lighting, or pyro cues.
• Headline performances — Drops, intros, finales, encore openers. The moments the audience remembers.
• Event production companies & rental inventory — Reliable, repeatable output. Self-cleaning mode simplifies maintenance between events.

Cold Spark vs. Traditional Pyro

Traditional pyrotechnics use gunpowder-based charges that produce extreme heat, open flame, smoke, and significant fire risk. Cold spark machines use titanium powder heated by electronically controlled elements — the sparks are approximately 104°F (40°C), smokeless, odorless, and lower-temperature after leaving the machine within moments. The operating profile is dramatically different, which is why many venues and jurisdictions treat cold sparks differently than traditional pyro. That said, regulations vary by location and venue — some jurisdictions still require permits, fire marshal approval, or licensed operators for cold spark effects. Always check local regulations and coordinate with the venue before any event. Cold spark effects are reduced-risk compared with traditional pyrotechnics when planned and operated correctly, but they are still professional equipment that requires trained operation and proper clearance.

Technical Specifications

Powder Consumption

The Solaris holds up to 550g of titanium cold spark powder. Powder is consumed based on spark height and duration — higher sparks consume powder faster. A single 200g pack provides approximately 5–6 minutes of continuous output. For extended shows, load the full 550g capacity or keep additional packs on hand for quick reloads between cues.

Use SurgeFX Outdoor Cold Spark Powder for best results. Indoor and outdoor formulas are different — always use the correct formula for your environment.

In the Box

Ships in a protective flight case (84.9 lbs gross weight with case).

Complete Solaris Setup

How high do the sparks actually go?

Adjustable from 13 feet to 33 feet, controlled via DMX. At full output, you're looking at three-story-tall spark columns. Height is set from the console, so you can program different heights for different cues — lower for verse, higher for the drop.

What clearance is required near people?

The sparks are approximately 104°F (40°C) — significantly lower-temperature than traditional pyrotechnics, smokeless, and odorless. They're lower-temperature within moments of leaving the nozzle. That said, this is professional equipment producing 33-foot spark columns. Maintain proper clearance, keep the area above the machine clear of overhead obstructions, fabrics, and combustible materials, and operate with trained personnel.

Can I use it indoors?

The Solaris is designed for outdoor use. Its 33-foot maximum height exceeds most indoor ceiling clearances. For indoor cold spark effects, see the SurgeFX indoor cold spark machines which have lower height ranges appropriate for enclosed venues.

How long does the powder last?

Each 200g powder pack provides approximately 5–6 minutes of continuous output. The machine holds up to 550g total. Runtime depends on spark height — full 33-foot output consumes powder faster than lower settings. For a typical show, most operators pre-load the full 550g and use DMX to trigger bursts at specific moments rather than running continuously.

Do I need a pyrotechnic license?

It depends on your jurisdiction and venue. Many locations classify cold spark machines separately from traditional pyrotechnics, but some jurisdictions still require permits, fire marshal approval, or licensed operators — even for cold spark effects. Always check local regulations, coordinate with the venue, and have a safety plan in place before any event. This is professional equipment and should be treated accordingly.

Can I run multiple units together?

Yes. The Solaris has dual DMX ports (in/out), allowing you to daisy-chain multiple units across a stage on a single DMX run. Each unit uses only 2 DMX channels, so even a large array stays well within a single DMX universe. Program synchronized curtain effects, alternating patterns, or staggered heights from the console.

What's the difference between this and the Solaris Jet?

The Solaris (this machine) is the outdoor model — 1700W, 33-foot max height, built for festivals, stadiums, and large outdoor stages. The Solaris Jet is the indoor model with a lower height range appropriate for enclosed venues. Different machines, different use cases. Use the right one for your environment.

How does the self-cleaning mode work?

The Solaris has a built-in self-cleaning function that clears residual powder from the internal heating chamber after use. Run the self-cleaning cycle after every event to prevent buildup, maintain consistent output, and extend the machine's lifespan. It takes just a few minutes — do it during load-out while packing other gear.

How heavy is it?

50.7 lbs for the machine alone. In its flight case, the total gross weight is 84.9 lbs. It's a two-person lift into the case, but manageable for professional load-in crews.

Use Outdoor Formula Powder Only

Indoor and outdoor cold spark powders are formulated differently. The Solaris is an outdoor machine — use SurgeFX Outdoor Cold Spark Powder for correct performance, proper operation, and warranty compliance. Using indoor powder in an outdoor machine (or vice versa) affects spark quality and can damage the heating element.

Control Height from DMX, Not Powder Load

Spark height is adjusted via the 2-channel DMX profile — not by how much powder you load. Load the full 550g capacity for maximum runtime, then control height from the console. This gives you the flexibility to program different heights for different cues throughout the show.

Check Clearance — Every Time

33 feet is three stories. Before every event, verify there is nothing above the machine within the full spark range — no trusses, fabric, banners, tree branches, tent ceilings, or overhead structures. Even though the sparks are cool, they are still hot enough to mark or discolor sensitive materials directly overhead.

Run Self-Clean After Every Use

The built-in self-cleaning mode takes a few minutes and prevents powder residue from building up in the heating chamber. Do it during load-out — it's the single best thing you can do to keep the machine running consistently event after event.

Daisy-Chain for Curtain Effects

Line up multiple Solaris units across a stage, connect via the dual DMX ports, and program synchronized or staggered cues for dramatic spark curtain effects. At 2 DMX channels per unit, even 8 machines use only 16 channels — plenty of room in a single universe alongside your lighting rig.

Burst Mode vs. Continuous

For maximum impact, use the Solaris in burst mode — short, timed triggers on drops, intros, and key moments — rather than running it continuously. Bursts are more visually dramatic, conserve powder, and give each cue more impact. Save continuous output for sustained moments like walkout tunnels or finale sequences.

Carry Extra Powder

A 200g pack runs 5–6 minutes continuous. For shows with multiple spark cues, load the full 550g and keep additional packs accessible for quick reloads during set breaks. Running out of powder mid-show is preventable — plan your consumption based on your cue count and expected burst durations.

Pair With Your SurgeFX Rig

• Outdoor Cold Spark Powder — Titanium powder (sold separately, required)
• Fog FX — Sparks through fog = dramatic volumetric effect
• Haze FX — Haze makes spark columns glow and linger
• CO₂ FX — Cryo jets + cold sparks for impact combos
• Confetti FX — Confetti cannons + spark fountains for finales
• Stage Lighting — Light the spark columns with color for enhanced visibility