Kompaktowa zadymiarka sieciowa — wymagania v0

To nie jest najnowszy arkusz. Najnowszy: v1.

Archiwalna wersja 1 tej strony. Arkusz zmienił się po publikacji; najnowsza treść: /dd/produkty/zadymiarka/wymagania/v0/.

Zaprojektuj kompaktową zadymiarkę zasilaną z sieci, na płyn wodno-glikolowy, sterowaną przez DMX512 i dołączony pilot radiowy, która daje wydajność jak sprzęt profesjonalny (szybkie nagrzewanie, bez plucia płynem, bez przerw na dogrzewanie) w cenie ze środka rynku i którą można legalnie sprzedawać w UE i w USA.

Status arkusza: wydany — zamrożony; poprawki trafiają do następnej wersji
Data: 30 października 2026
Autor: W3 (agent-derived from market and standards research; not yet corrected by Paweł / Marcin — corrections become v1)
Liczba wymagań: 56
Zdanie dla wariantu (po angielsku): Design a compact mains-powered fog machine for water-based fog fluid, controlled by DMX512 and an included wireless remote, that gives pro-grade output (fast warm-up, no spitting, no reheat pauses) at a mid-market price and can be legally sold in the EU and the US.

Te wymagania widzi każdy wariant i według nich oceniamy projekty. Cel to poziom mocnego projektu, próg to minimum — poniżej progu wymaganie nie jest spełnione.

Wydajność (9)

ZAD-PRF-01 waga 4/5

Warm-up time

From switching on cold (20 °C) to the first full-rate fog output (READY) takes at most this long at nominal voltage; the time at 207 V (-10 %) is also stated.

Cel: ≤ 3 min
Próg: ≤ 5 min
Miara: time from power-on to READY at 230 V, 20 °C ambient
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, plan testów — Heat-up calculation from the masses and specific heats of the heat exchanger (CAD/BOM) and the net heater power; timed warm-up test at 230 V and 207 V in the test plan.

Źródło: market 2-10 min (Chauvet Hurricane 1000 2 min, Antari Z-1000X MK3 6 min, Look Viper NT 7 min) —, chauvetdj.com, thomann.de, looksolutions.com

ZAD-PRF-02 waga 5/5

Continuous output without pauses

The machine sustains this fluid vaporisation rate indefinitely with no pause and no spitting, measured over a 30-minute run after READY.

Cel: ≥ 22 ml/min
Próg: ≥ 15 ml/min
Miara: continuously sustained fluid consumption over 30 min (weigh the tank before and after)
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, plan testów — Energy balance: (heater power - heat losses) / energy per ml of the stated fluid must support the claimed rate; 30-minute weighed run in the test plan.

Źródło: Look Viper NT 35 ml/min continuous at 1.3 kW (~27 ml/min per kW, thermal limit); Hurricane 1000 20 ml/min at 805 W —, looksolutions.com

ZAD-PRF-03 waga 5/5

Output never stops for reheating

With output commanded at 100 % for 30 minutes after READY, fog output never stops; it may derate smoothly to the continuous rate. Budget machines stop for 20-60 s to reheat; this one must not.

Cel: ≤ 0,00 s
Próg: ≤ 10 s
Miara: longest interruption of fog output during a 30-min run at 100 % command
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Control strategy (firmware) shows how pump rate follows the available heat; 30-minute run at 100 % in the test plan with output gaps timed (video or flow log).

Źródło: customer complaints about reheat pauses (research.md §5); pro behaviour: Rosco auto-ramping, JEM automatic level adjustment, Antari NON STOP BURST —, antari.com, hauntforum.com

ZAD-PRF-04 waga 3/5

Peak output from READY

Fluid vaporised in the first 30 seconds at 100 % output, starting from READY, without spitting.

Cel: ≥ 25 ml
Próg: ≥ 12 ml
Miara: fluid vaporised in the first 30 s at 100 % from READY
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, plan testów — Stored-heat calculation (exchanger heat capacity × allowed temperature droop + heater energy in 30 s) vs energy per ml; weighed 30-second burst test.

Źródło: JEM ZR35 50 ml in 30 s at 1.5 kW / 15 kg; Antari Z-1000X MK3 ~60 ml/min; Hurricane 1000 ~10 ml in 30 s —, shop.bmisupply.com, thomann.de

ZAD-PRF-05 waga 2/5

Lowest stable output

The lowest output setting gives a steady thin fog (no visible puffs with gaps longer than 2 s), for haze-like effects in small rooms and on video.

Cel: ≤ 2 ml/min
Próg: ≤ 5 ml/min
Miara: lowest stable fluid rate
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Pump drive and metering resolution in the electronics/firmware; low-output test with a weighed run and a video of the plume.

Źródło: assumption (W3); output control in 1 % steps on Look Viper NT / Smoke Factory Data II —, looksolutions.com

ZAD-PRF-06 waga 3/5

Output stability

At any constant setting up to the continuous rate, the fluid rate stays within this band (1-minute averages over 30 minutes), including at 207 V and 253 V supply.

Cel: ≤ 5 %
Próg: ≤ 15 %
Miara: deviation of 1-minute average fluid rate from its 30-min mean
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Output control method (metering, compensation of supply voltage and back-pressure); 30-minute flow log at three supply voltages in the test plan.

Źródło: assumption (W3); research.md §4 (vibratory pump flow depends on voltage and back-pressure)

ZAD-PRF-07 waga 5/5

No spitting or dripping

No liquid fluid leaves the outlet in normal use: from the first READY, during 30 minutes at 100 % command, and in the 10 minutes after switch-off.

Cel: ≤ 0,00 droplets
Próg: ≤ 3 droplets
Miara: liquid droplets landing on a 1 m × 2 m absorbent sheet in front of and under the outlet during the test
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Fluid-path and control design reviewed for the causes of spitting and dripping; droplet test with an absorbent sheet in the test plan.

Źródło: top customer complaints (spitting, oily slick on the floor) — research.md §5, controlbooth.com (thread 'Fog machine leaving nice slick on stage')

ZAD-PRF-08 waga 3/5

Works with standard fog fluids

Works with commercially available water-based glycol fog fluids made to ANSI E1.5 (standard, quick-dissipating and long-hang types of at least three brands) without hardware changes and without voiding the warranty.

Cel: yes, incl. a fluid-type setting that adapts the temperature
Próg: tak
Miara: compatible fluid types and brands stated, with any setting changes
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Fluid compatibility statement with the temperature window per fluid type and the wetted materials.

Źródło: fluid lock-in is a complaint (Smoke Factory, Ultratec warranties only with own fluid); Antari Z-1200X MK3 has a 4-fluid setting —, tsp.esta.org

ZAD-PRF-09 waga 2/5

Fluid tank capacity

Usable fluid volume of the tank (from full to the low-fluid stop).

Cel: ≥ 1,20 L
Próg: ≥ 1 L
Miara: usable tank volume
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

automatycznie, obliczenie — Internal tank volume from CAD minus the unusable volume below the pick-up.

Źródło: Hurricane 1000 1.0 L in 2.7 kg; Antari Z-1000X MK3 1.7 L —, chauvetdj.com

Wymiary (2)

ZAD-SIZ-01 waga 3/5

Overall volume

Bounding box of the complete product ready to use (feet, handle and controls included; hanging bracket, cables and remote excluded).

Cel: ≤ 12 L
Próg: ≤ 16 L
Miara: bounding-box volume (length × width × height)
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

automatycznie — Bounding box of the top-level assembly in the STEP/CAD file.

Źródło: Hurricane 1000 301 × 225 × 208 mm = 14.1 L; Antari Z-1000X MK3 433 × 198 × 214 mm = 18.3 L —, chauvetdj.com, thomann.de

ZAD-SIZ-02 waga 2/5

Longest side

Longest dimension of the same bounding box (fits a DJ case or a 13-inch laptop bag compartment).

Cel: ≤ 320 mm
Próg: ≤ 380 mm
Miara: longest bounding-box dimension
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

automatycznie — Bounding box of the top-level assembly in the STEP/CAD file.

Źródło: market 300-450 mm for 0.8-1.3 kW units (research.md §2)

Masa (1)

ZAD-WGT-01 waga 3/5

Dry mass

Mass of the product with an empty tank, without the remote, cables and bracket.

Cel: ≤ 3 kg
Próg: ≤ 4 kg
Miara: dry mass
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

automatycznie, obliczenie — CAD mass properties with material densities plus BOM masses of purchased parts; the two must agree within 10 %.

Źródło: Hurricane 1000 2.7 kg (805 W, no DMX); Antari Z-800 II 3.5 kg; DMX units at 1 kW weigh 4.9-7.75 kg —, chauvetdj.com, thomann.de

Zasilanie (4)

ZAD-PWR-01 waga 3/5

Mains variants

Two mains variants share one design - EU 220-240 V~ 50/60 Hz and US 120 V~ 60 Hz; parts that differ (heater, pump, fuse, cord, labels) are listed per variant in the BOM.

Cel: EU and US variants complete in BOM and drawings
Próg: EU and US variants complete in BOM and drawings
Miara: mains variants fully specified
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

automatycznie, sędziowie — BOM contains both variants; electrical calculations are done for both voltages.

Źródło: owner brief (CE and FCC); research.md §6

ZAD-PWR-02 waga 4/5

Rated input power

Rated input power at 230 V (heater + pump + electronics). The 120 V variant must stay at or below 1,440 W (12 A, continuous load on a 15 A US circuit).

Cel: ≤ 1 000 W
Próg: ≤ 1 200 W
Miara: rated input power of the EU variant
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, automatycznie — Heater resistance at operating temperature plus pump and electronics power; heater rating in the BOM.

Źródło: fits shared 10 A lighting circuits; US 15 A circuit × 80 % = 1,440 W (CALCULATION) — research.md §6

ZAD-PWR-03 waga 2/5

Ready-hold power

Average power drawn while READY and not fogging (heat losses of the exchanger) at 25 °C ambient.

Cel: ≤ 80 W
Próg: ≤ 150 W
Miara: average input power while READY, not fogging
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, plan testów — Heat-loss calculation of the insulated exchanger; power-meter measurement over 30 min in the test plan.

Źródło: assumption (W3)

ZAD-PWR-04 waga 1/5

Standby and off power

Off mode at most 0.5 W; standby with the remote receiver and DMX listening at most this value; the heater has a user-configurable idle auto-off.

Cel: ≤ 0,50 W
Próg: ≤ 2 W
Miara: input power in standby (heater off, receiver and DMX active)
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, plan testów — Power budget of the low-voltage supply and electronics in standby; measurement in the test plan.

Źródło: Regulation (EU) 2023/826 (off 0.5 W, standby 0.5/0.8 W, networked standby 2 W; scope for fog machines not verified) —, ul.com

Funkcje (8)

ZAD-FUN-01 waga 4/5

DMX512 control

DMX512-A (ANSI E1.11) input and thru, electrically isolated from mains; at least 2 channels (output level 0-100 %, mode/timer); start address set on the unit (no DIP switches). 5-pin XLR is the standard connector; 3-pin XLR is common in the DJ market.

Cel: 5-pin and 3-pin XLR in + thru, isolated, ≥ 2 channels, display addressing
Próg: 5-pin XLR in + thru (or 3-pin with an included adapter), isolated, ≥ 1 channel, addressing on the unit
Miara: DMX512-A connectors, isolation, channels, addressing
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, automatycznie — Schematic (RS-485 interface, isolation, termination), connectors in the BOM, DMX handling in firmware.

Źródło: ANSI E1.11-2024 (5-pin mandatory, other connectors only with adapter) —, tsp.esta.org

ZAD-FUN-02 waga 2/5

RDM

Remote Device Management (ANSI E1.20) for addressing, status (temperature, fluid, faults) and identification.

Cel: tak
Próg: no (not required)
Miara: RDM support
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — RDM parameter list in the firmware documentation.

Źródło: RDM on Antari MK3, JEM ZR35, MDG ATMe — research.md §2

ZAD-FUN-03 waga 4/5

Wireless remote, range and pairing

A wireless remote is included. It is paired to its machine(s) with a unique ID so neighbouring machines are never triggered; functions: momentary fog, continuous on/off, output level, timer start/stop.

Cel: ≥ 50 m
Próg: ≥ 30 m
Miara: line-of-sight operating range indoors
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, sędziowie, plan testów — Radio choice and link budget with the antenna position in CAD; pairing scheme; range test in a hall.

Źródło: Chauvet FC-W 30.5 m; Eurolite 5 m; fixed-code remotes cross-trigger (research.md §5) —, chauvetdj.com, steinigke.de

ZAD-FUN-04 waga 2/5

Remote status and multiple machines

The remote shows machine state (heating/ready/low fluid/fault) and controls at least 4 machines individually or as a group.

Cel: two-way status on the remote, ≥ 4 machines in groups
Próg: one-way remote, ≥ 2 machines, status visible on the machine from 5 m
Miara: two-way status on the remote; number of machines controllable
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Radio protocol and remote UI description.

Źródło: complaints about multi-unit addressing and no feedback (research.md §5)

ZAD-FUN-05 waga 3/5

Built-in timer

Interval/duration timer with output level, settable on the unit and on the remote, running without any external controller.

Cel: interval 1-600 s, duration 1-120 s, output 1-100 %, on unit and remote
Próg: interval 10-300 s, duration 1-60 s, on the unit
Miara: timer ranges and where they can be set
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Firmware and UI description.

Źródło: timer is usually an extra-cost remote (research.md §2)

ZAD-FUN-06 waga 4/5

Low-fluid protection

Low fluid is detected and the pump stops before air enters the line; this is signalled on the unit (and on the remote/RDM if present); after refilling, fogging resumes without manual priming.

Cel: pump stops before air enters the line; automatic recovery after refill
Próg: pump stops within 10 s of the tank running empty; recovery after one prime cycle started from the unit
Miara: low-fluid detection and pump stop
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Sensing method and placement (CAD), firmware behaviour, empty-tank test in the test plan.

Źródło: pump dry-running is a top failure cause (research.md §4-5)

ZAD-FUN-07 waga 3/5

Controls and display on the unit

A display and buttons/encoder on the unit show state (warm-up progress, READY, faults with codes, low fluid), DMX address, output level and timer; all functions work without the remote; settings survive power-off.

Cel: tak
Próg: tak
Miara: on-unit UI completeness
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — UI drawing (front/back panel) and firmware menu description.

Źródło: assumption (W3)

ZAD-FUN-08 waga 2/5

Mounting and operating angle

Floor use with feet and an included hanging bracket with a safety-cable eyelet; the machine works without spitting or leaking when tilted up or down by at least this angle.

Cel: ≥ 30 deg
Próg: ≥ 15 deg
Miara: operating tilt range (nozzle up/down)
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — CAD of the bracket and of the fluid path at the tilt limits; tilted run in the test plan.

Źródło: Antari F-80Z 15°, JEM ZR35 ±40° (research.md §2)

Obsługa (5)

ZAD-UX-01 waga 3/5

Noise while fogging

A-weighted sound pressure at 1 m in front of the machine while fogging at the continuous rate.

Cel: ≤ 45 dB(A)
Próg: ≤ 55 dB(A)
Miara: sound pressure level LpA at 1 m while fogging
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Pump choice, mounting and outlet design reviewed; sound level measurement in the test plan.

Źródło: theatre/church/escape-room/video buyers ask for quiet machines; vendor guide 35-55 dB(A) at 1 m (research.md §5)

ZAD-UX-02 waga 2/5

Noise when ready

Sound pressure at 1 m while READY and not fogging (no always-on fan noise).

Cel: ≤ 30 dB(A)
Próg: ≤ 40 dB(A)
Miara: sound pressure level LpA at 1 m while READY
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Cooling concept (passive or fan control) reviewed; measurement in the test plan.

Źródło: always-on fan is a named complaint (ADJ Fog Fury Jett reviews, research.md §5)

ZAD-UX-03 waga 2/5

Refilling

The tank is refilled without tools while the machine is hot, without spilling, and its level is visible from 3 m (lit or translucent).

Cel: ≤ 30 s
Próg: ≤ 60 s
Miara: time to refill a full tank
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Tank, cap and access design in CAD.

Źródło: fixed tanks and hard-to-read levels are complaints (research.md §5)

ZAD-UX-04 waga 1/5

Mains connection

Appliance inlet (IEC C14 or equivalent) with a detachable cord of at least this length, a mains switch and a fuse.

Cel: ≥ 3 m
Próg: ≥ 1,80 m
Miara: detachable cord length
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

automatycznie, sędziowie — Inlet, cord and fuse in the BOM.

Źródło: short fixed cords are a complaint (research.md §5)

ZAD-UX-05 waga 2/5

First use without an app

From unboxing to fog needs only the warm-up time plus at most 3 minutes and a one-page quick start; no app, account or internet connection is needed for any function.

Cel: ≤ 2 min
Próg: ≤ 3 min
Miara: setup time beyond warm-up, with the quick-start card only
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Quick-start card and UI flow reviewed.

Źródło: assumption (W3)

Bezpieczeństwo (8)

ZAD-SAF-01 waga 5/5

Single-fault safety

No single fault (sensor open or short, heater switch stuck on, control firmware hung, pump failure, empty tank, blocked outlet) leads to fire, flames, molten material, ejection of hot liquid or enclosure temperatures above the EN 60335-1 abnormal-operation limits.

Cel: yes, with an FMEA and a fault-test list in the test plan
Próg: tak
Miara: fault analysis covering every single fault, with the protective measure for each
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — FMEA of the heater, pump and control circuits; abnormal-operation tests (EN 60335-1 clause 19) in the test plan.

Źródło: EN 60335-1 clause 19 (19.4 tests with the temperature control short-circuited) — research.md §6; SSRs fail short —, omronfs.omron.com

ZAD-SAF-02 waga 4/5

Enclosure temperature

Temperature rise of accessible enclosure surfaces (nozzle guard excepted) in the EN 60335-1 heating test (1.15 × rated input, continuous output); carry handles stay within 30 K (metal) or 50 K (plastic).

Cel: ≤ 20 K
Próg: ≤ 60 K
Miara: maximum temperature rise of accessible enclosure surfaces above ambient
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, plan testów — Thermal estimate of the enclosure (insulation, gaps, ventilation); heating test with thermocouples.

Źródło: EN 60335-1 Table 3 (enclosure 60 K, handles 30 K metal / 50 K moulded); Antari Z-390 test report enclosure 6-10 K —, prostage.no

ZAD-SAF-03 waga 3/5

Hot outlet protection

The nozzle and any surface hotter than 70 °C cannot be touched with the IEC 61032 test probe B from outside; carry handle and controls are at least 150 mm from the outlet; hot surfaces are marked.

Cel: tak
Próg: tak
Miara: hot parts guarded against touch
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, automatycznie — Front geometry in CAD (probe access check), marking in the label drawing.

Źródło: nozzle about 200 °C (Antari manual) — research.md §4

ZAD-SAF-04 waga 3/5

Stability

The machine does not overturn on an incline of this angle in any direction, with full and with empty tank.

Cel: ≥ 20 deg
Próg: ≥ 15 deg
Miara: incline angle without overturning
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, automatycznie — Centre of mass from CAD (full and empty) vs footprint.

Źródło: EN 60335-1 clause 20.1 (15° for appliances with heating elements) — research.md §6

ZAD-SAF-05 waga 3/5

Spill and transport leakage

No fluid reaches live or hot parts when the running machine is tilted 45°, or when the switched-off machine with a full, closed tank lies on any side for 10 minutes.

Cel: no fluid leaves the closed product in any orientation
Próg: no fluid reaches live or hot parts in any orientation
Miara: leakage in tilt and side-lying tests
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Tank sealing, venting and drain paths in CAD; tilt and side-lying tests in the test plan.

Źródło: EN 60335-1 clause 15 (spillage); leaking in transport is a complaint (research.md §4-5)

ZAD-SAF-06 waga 4/5

Electrical safety and leakage current

Class I construction with protective earth bonding (≤ 0.1 Ω) of all accessible metal and the heat exchanger; reinforced insulation between mains and DMX/remote/low-voltage circuits; earth leakage current at 1.06 × rated voltage at most this value.

Cel: ≤ 0,25 mA
Próg: ≤ 0,50 mA
Miara: earth leakage current at operating temperature
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Isolation barrier and earthing in schematic and CAD; hipot, earth continuity and leakage tests.

Źródło: EN 60335-1 cl. 13/16 (0.75 mA Class I portable); UL/CSA 60335-1 6th ed. 0.5 mA; Antari Z-390 measured 0.142 mA —, prostage.no

ZAD-SAF-07 waga 3/5

Stop on loss of control

Output stops within this time when the DMX signal is lost (unless the user selected hold mode); continuous mode started from the remote has an auto-off; no fluid is pumped when the machine is not READY.

Cel: ≤ 2 s
Próg: ≤ 5 s
Miara: time from DMX signal loss to output stop
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Firmware state machine; signal-loss test in the test plan.

Źródło: assumption (W3); FCC 15.231 auto-off 5 s for manually operated transmitters — research.md §6

ZAD-SAF-08 waga 2/5

Safety information

Manual and markings follow ANSI E1.14 and EN 60335-1 clause 7 - smoke detectors and fire alarms, ventilation, slippery residue, minimum distances to people and flammables, hot surfaces, approved fluids (ANSI E1.5) and exposure guidance (E1.5 / E1.23).

Cel: tak
Próg: tak
Miara: required warnings present in manual and on labels
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Manual safety section and label drawings reviewed against the list.

Źródło: ANSI E1.23-2010 3.5-3.7; fog triggered a fire brigade call-out with no manual warning (Thomann AF-40 review) —, tsp.esta.org

Certyfikacja (4)

ZAD-CRT-01 waga 5/5

EU conformity (CE)

A complete EU conformity plan - the directive route (RED 2014/53/EU when a radio is built in, otherwise LVD 2014/35/EU + EMC 2014/30/EU), RoHS, WEEE, REACH, GPSR, ErP where applicable - with the harmonised standards and editions (e.g. EN 60335-1, EN 62233, EN IEC 55014-1/-2, EN 61000-3-2/-3-3, radio and radio-EMC standards, EN 62479, EN IEC 63000), and for each the design measure, the pre-compliance test, the lab test and its cost; a draft Declaration of Conformity and a technical-file outline.

Cel: complete plan with costs and timeline, ready to send to a test lab
Próg: all applicable directives and main standards identified with design measures
Miara: completeness and correctness of the EU conformity plan
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, automatycznie — Compliance document reviewed; presence of the applicable directive and standard ids checked automatically.

Źródło: Antari and JEM EU DoCs cite EN 60335-1 + EN 62233 (no part 2) — research.md §6, prostage.no

ZAD-CRT-02 waga 4/5

US and Canada conformity

FCC Part 15 (Subpart B for the digital electronics; the radio under 15.231 or 15.247 with an FCC ID, a pre-certified module preferred) and an NRTL safety listing (UL, ETL or CSA) to the applicable standard (fog machines are listed to UL 998 / CSA C22.2 No. 104 with ANSI E1.29), with costs and timeline.

Cel: complete plan incl. NRTL standard, test list, cost and timeline
Próg: FCC route and NRTL standard identified with design measures
Miara: completeness and correctness of the US/Canada plan
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, automatycznie — Compliance document reviewed; presence of the FCC rule parts and the NRTL standard checked.

Źródło: JEM ZR45 lists UL 998 and CSA C22.2 No. 104; ANSI E1.29 is based on UL 998 —, adn.harmanpro.com, webstore.ansi.org

ZAD-CRT-03 waga 2/5

Entertainment-industry standards

Conformance to ANSI E1.11 (DMX512-A), E1.20 (RDM, if offered), E1.5 (fluids), E1.14 (fog equipment manuals) and awareness of E1.23 (atmospheric effects) is stated with the design measures.

Cel: tak
Próg: E1.11 and E1.5 addressed
Miara: ESTA/ANSI standards addressed
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Compliance document reviewed.

Źródło: tsp.esta.org

ZAD-CRT-04 waga 4/5

Truthful specification sheet

A one-page customer specification sheet in which every number is backed by a calculation in the design or by a test in the test plan, and is labelled; output in ml/min (volume figures only with their method); no feature or performance the design does not deliver.

Cel: every claim traced to a calculation or a planned test
Próg: every claim traced to a calculation or a planned test
Miara: claims on the spec sheet traceable to evidence
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, automatycznie — Each spec-sheet number cross-checked against the calculations and the test plan.

Źródło: owner brief („zero ściemy”, no VIOLOOP-style overpromising); manufacturer output claims are unreliable (research.md §2)

Koszt (5)

ZAD-CST-01 waga 5/5

Unit cost at 1,000 units

Manufacturing cost per unit at a 1,000-unit batch, EU variant, EXW - all parts, enclosure, assembly, end-of-line test, packaging and remote included; tooling, certification and other one-off costs excluded (see ZAD-CST-04).

Cel: ≤ 60 EUR
Próg: ≤ 85 EUR
Miara: unit cost at 1,000 units, excl. VAT
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

automatycznie, sędziowie — bom.csv quantities × unit prices at 1,000 must sum to the figure in cost.md; prices checked for realism.

Źródło: derived from the retail price target (ZAD-CST-05) with ~40-50 % gross margin in a retail channel (CALCULATION, research.md §7)

ZAD-CST-02 waga 2/5

Unit cost at 100 units

Manufacturing cost per unit at a 100-unit batch (same scope as ZAD-CST-01; low-volume processes allowed).

Cel: ≤ 110 EUR
Próg: ≤ 160 EUR
Miara: unit cost at 100 units, excl. VAT
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

automatycznie, sędziowie — bom.csv at 100 vs cost.md.

Źródło: assumption (W3)

ZAD-CST-03 waga 2/5

Prototype cost

Cost of parts and outside machining for ONE working prototype (engineering labour excluded).

Cel: ≤ 400 EUR
Próg: ≤ 800 EUR
Miara: cost of one prototype, excl. VAT
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

automatycznie, sędziowie — bom.csv at quantity 1 plus prototype processes in cost.md.

Źródło: assumption (W3)

ZAD-CST-04 waga 3/5

One-off costs (tooling and certification)

Tooling (moulds, dies, fixtures), certification tests (EU and US) and other one-off costs needed before the first 1,000 units ship.

Cel: ≤ 30 000 EUR
Próg: ≤ 60 000 EUR
Miara: total one-off cost, excl. VAT
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Itemised one-off cost list in cost.md reviewed for completeness and realism.

Źródło: assumption (W3)

ZAD-CST-05 waga 4/5

Retail price and unit economics

Recommended retail price in the EU including VAT, with a unit-economics table (price, VAT, channel or platform fees, shipping, unit cost, gross margin) for direct sales and for dealer sales.

Cel: ≤ 229 EUR
Próg: ≤ 299 EUR
Miara: recommended retail price incl. VAT
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, sędziowie — Unit-economics table re-computed; margin must be positive in both channels.

Źródło: DJ tier €40-250 (most-reviewed band €87-249); Antari Z-1000X MK3 €346 with DMX/RDM; compact pro €990-1,189 —, thomann.de

Produkcja (3)

ZAD-MFG-01 waga 4/5

Real, purchasable parts

Every BOM line has manufacturer, MPN, supplier, URL and unit prices at 1/100/1,000; purchased parts exist and are orderable; custom parts have a drawing, material, process and cost basis; critical parts (pump, heater/exchanger, thermal cut-out, temperature sensor, power supply, radio) have a second source or a stated single-source risk.

Cel: ≥ 100 %
Próg: ≥ 95 %
Miara: share of BOM lines with complete and valid sourcing data
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

automatycznie, sędziowie — BOM checked line by line (fields present, part exists and is available); second sources reviewed.

Źródło: owner brief (BOM with real parts and prices)

ZAD-MFG-02 waga 2/5

Assembly and test time

Labour time per unit at 1,000 units, final assembly plus end-of-line test.

Cel: ≤ 20 min
Próg: ≤ 35 min
Miara: labour minutes per unit
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Assembly sequence with time estimates per step.

Źródło: assumption (W3)

ZAD-MFG-03 waga 3/5

End-of-line test

Each unit is tested before packing - earth continuity, hipot, leakage, warm-up time, output calibration, fluid-path leak test and remote pairing - with pass limits and test time.

Cel: tak
Próg: tak
Miara: end-of-line test defined with limits
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Production test plan reviewed.

Źródło: dead-on-arrival units are a frequent complaint (research.md §5)

Niezawodność (4)

ZAD-REL-01 waga 3/5

Service life of heater and pump

Fog operating hours before the heater/heat exchanger or the pump needs replacement, with approved fluids and the documented cleaning; supported by component ratings and an endurance test.

Cel: ≥ 2 000 h
Próg: ≥ 1 000 h
Miara: rated fog operating life
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Component ratings (pump duty cycle, heater surface load, cut-out cycles) reviewed; accelerated endurance test.

Źródło: short life is the most frequent complaint (10 sources, research.md §5)

ZAD-REL-02 waga 2/5

Ambient temperature

Highest ambient temperature at which all performance requirements are met (lowest 5 °C); storage -20 to +60 °C.

Cel: ≥ 40 °C
Próg: ≥ 35 °C
Miara: maximum ambient for full performance
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

obliczenie, sędziowie — Internal temperature budget of electronics and pump at that ambient.

Źródło: stage ambient under lights 35-40 °C (assumption W3)

ZAD-REL-03 waga 3/5

Cleaning interval

Fog operating hours between cleanings of the fluid path with approved fluids, without output loss above 10 %.

Cel: ≥ 100 h
Próg: ≥ 30 h
Miara: cleaning interval
Oceniane: od koncepcji

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Fluid-path design (filter, bore, temperatures) reviewed; endurance test with output check.

Źródło: Thomann guide - clean every 30 h; clogging is the main warranty failure (research.md §4)

ZAD-REL-04 waga 2/5

Shipping and storage

The packaged unit survives parcel shipping (ISTA 2A or 3A drop and vibration); a drained unit does not leak; a storage/purge procedure exists.

Cel: tak
Próg: tak
Miara: transport test and storage procedure defined
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie, plan testów — Packaging design and transport test in the test plan.

Źródło: Kickstarter rewards ship by parcel (assumption W3); drain before transport (Antari manual)

Serwis (3)

ZAD-SRV-01 waga 3/5

Replacing wear parts

Pump, heat-exchanger module, thermal cut-out, nozzle, main PCB and inlet filter can each be replaced with standard tools within this time, with no glued or riveted joints on the way; a spare-parts list with prices exists.

Cel: ≤ 15 min
Próg: ≤ 30 min
Miara: longest replacement time of the listed parts
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — CAD (access, fasteners) and service instructions reviewed.

Źródło: machines are scrapped for blocked exchangers and dead pumps (research.md §4-5)

ZAD-SRV-02 waga 2/5

Cleaning procedure

A documented cleaning procedure with a firmware-guided cleaning/purge mode; the inlet filter is reachable without tools.

Cel: tak
Próg: tak
Miara: cleaning procedure and mode defined
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Manual and firmware reviewed.

Źródło: research.md §4

ZAD-SRV-03 waga 2/5

Diagnostics and firmware updates

Fault codes on the display (and remote/RDM if present), an operating-hours and fault log, and a firmware update path in the field (USB or DMX/RDM).

Cel: tak
Próg: fault codes on the display and a service update port
Miara: diagnostics and update path defined
Oceniane: w pełnym projekcie

Jak sprawdzamy i źródło

sędziowie — Firmware documentation reviewed.

Źródło: assumption (W3)

Założenia arkusza

ZAŁOŻENIE Product type A (compact 1 kW-class mains fog machine) is the default until Paweł chooses (OPEN-QUESTIONS.md Q1).
ZAŁOŻENIE Fog fluid = standard water-based glycol fluid per ANSI E1.5 (e.g. 50-57 % water, 38-50 % glycols); energy to vaporise it is about 1.9-2.1 kJ/ml (CALCULATION, research.md §3).
ZAŁOŻENIE Reference conditions unless stated - 230 V 50 Hz, 25 °C ambient, product on the floor, fluid as above.
ZAŁOŻENIE Money in EUR incl. VAT for retail prices and excl. VAT for costs; 1 EUR ≈ 4.3 PLN (ASSUMPTION, rate not checked on 2026-10-30).
ZAŁOŻENIE First production batch 1,000 units after a Kickstarter campaign; markets EU first, US in the same design (120 V variant).

Pytania do Pawła i Marcina

Zadymiarka v0 — pytania do Pawła (i Marcina)

Arkusz v0 jest gotowy i działa na założeniach poniżej, więc kalibracja może ruszyć bez czekania. Wasze odpowiedzi trafią do wersji v1 (v0 zostaje bez zmian, bo kalibracja na nim stoi). Kluczowe problemy, które sami rozwiązaliście (ukryta lista), zbiera osobno orkiestrator — tu ich nie ma.

1. Jaki typ zadymiarki?

Założenie: A — kompaktowa sieciowa ~1 kW z DMX i pilotem (DJ-e, małe kluby, teatry, escape roomy). Inne opcje:

B — bateryjna ręczna do foto/wideo (na Kickstarterze sprawdzona: SmokeNINJA zebrał ok. 640 tys. USD, ale rynek tani i zatłoczony: 75–250 USD),
C — hazer (mgiełka) do teatru i klubu — cichy, pracuje godzinami,
D — mocna 1,5 kW „pro” za ok. 600 € (konkurencja: Look Viper NT, JEM ZR35 za ok. 1100–1200 €).

2. Dla kogo i za ile?

Założenie: cena detaliczna ok. 229 € brutto (ok. 1000 zł), koszt produkcji ≤ 60 € przy 1000 szt. Czy ten segment i ta cena pasują, czy celujemy taniej (ok. 150 €) albo wyżej (pro, ok. 600 €)?

3. Które liczby są dla Was najważniejsze?

Założenia v0: nagrzewanie ≤ 3 min; praca ciągła bez przerw na dogrzewanie ≥ 22 ml płynu/min; zero plucia płynem; głośność ≤ 45 dB(A) z 1 m; waga ≤ 3 kg; zbiornik ≥ 1,2 l. Co poprawić, co dodać (np. wydajność, zasięg dymu, czas zawieszenia mgły)?

4. Sterowanie i rynki

Założenie: DMX (gniazda 5- i 3-pin) + RDM + pilot radiowy z podglądem stanu, bez aplikacji; sprzedaż od razu w UE i w USA (wersja 120 V, FCC i UL/ETL). Czy chcecie też aplikację w telefonie albo Wi-Fi/Art-Net? Czy USA od startu, czy na początek tylko UE?

5. Płyn

Założenie: maszyna działa na zwykłych płynach innych marek (bez blokady na „nasz płyn”). Czy planujecie własny płyn (stały zarobek jak na tuszach do drukarek), a może coś szczególnego (np. płyn długo wiszący, bez zapachu)?

Rozpoznanie konkurencji i źródła

Zadymiarka v0 — research i konkurencja

Streszczenie (dla Pawła i Marcina)

Rynek ma trzy piętra. Tanie maszyny DJ za 40–150 € (400–1000 W) robią krótkie „strzały” i przerwy na dogrzewanie (np. 30 s dymu / 50 s przerwy), plują płynem, mają słabe piloty i często padają po 1–2 sezonach. Prosumenckie Antari MK3 (350–470 €) mają DMX+RDM, ale ważą 7,8–10,8 kg i nagrzewają się 6–10 min. Kompaktowe „pro” (Look Viper NT, JEM ZR35, ok. 1100–1200 €, 8–15 kg) dymią bez przerw.
Luka, w którą celuje v0: zachowanie „pro” (bez przerw, bez plucia, cicho, niezawodnie, DMX+RDM+pilot z podglądem stanu) w kompaktowej maszynie ~1 kW, ok. 3 kg, za ok. 229 € (ok. 1000 zł).
Fizyka ustawia poprzeczkę. Odparowanie 1 ml płynu wodno-glikolowego to ok. 2 kJ (OBLICZENIE). Grzałka 1 kW utrzyma więc ok. 24–27 ml/min bez końca; więcej tylko chwilowo, z ciepła zgromadzonego w bloku. Szybkie nagrzewanie (lekki blok) i duży „strzał” (ciężki blok) to sprzeczne cele — dobry sprawdzian, czy wariant liczy, a nie zgaduje. Cele v0 (≤ 3 min, ≥ 22 ml/min ciągle, ≥ 25 ml w 30 s) da się spełnić razem przy 1 kW, ale w wąskim oknie (§3).
Na co narzekają klienci (liczba niezależnych źródeł): awarie i krótkie życie (10), przerwy na dogrzewanie (7), alarmy czujek dymu (6), piloty (zasięg, przesłuchy, brak podglądu), hałas pompy i wentylatora, plucie i śliska podłoga, długie nagrzewanie, krótki przewód i stały zbiornik.
Certyfikacja: w UE producenci deklarują EN 60335-1 + EN 62233 (bez części 2), EMC wg EN IEC 55014-1/-2 i EN 61000-3-2/-3-3; z wbudowanym odbiornikiem radiowym całość idzie pod dyrektywę RED. W USA: FCC Part 15 i listing NRTL wg UL 998 / CSA C22.2 No. 104 (+ ANSI E1.29). DMX wg ANSI E1.11 (gniazdo 5-pin), płyny wg ANSI E1.5 (limity 10 mg/m³ średnio, 40 mg/m³ szczytowo).
Alternatywa B (bateryjna do foto/wideo) ma udowodniony popyt na Kickstarterze (SmokeNINJA: ok. 640 tys. USD, 2113 wspierających, dostarczone), ale tani segment 75–250 USD jest zatłoczony chińskimi markami.

Wszystkie liczby z etykietą pochodzenia; ceny widziane 30.10.2026. Szczegóły poniżej (po angielsku).

1. Scope and method

Six parallel web-research agents (2026-10-30, 03:21–03:33 Warsaw), each on one slice: DJ/consumer mains machines (F1), professional machines (F2), battery/handheld foggers and crowdfunding (F3), internals and failure modes (F4), standards and certification (F5), customer voice (F6). Every number in the raw data carries its URL; manufacturer claims are marked as claims. Raw data (not in git, ~300 KB): /srv/dd-data/w3/research/F*.json, checksums in /srv/dd-data/w3/research/SHA256SUMS. Known limits: Reddit, Sweetwater, B&H and Halloween Forum pages were partly blocked (403/402), so customer complaints are a tally of distinct sources, not a statistical review analysis; several specs conflict between retailers (noted in the tables).

2. Competitive landscape

2.1 Mains fog machines (DJ, prosumer, compact pro)

product	power	output claim	warm-up	reheat / continuous	tank	fluid use	dimensions	weight	price (seen 2026-10)	source
Eurolite N-10 (black 51701944 / silver 51701943)	400 W total	claim approx. 14 m3/min, throw approx. 2 m (old…	warm-up approx. 5 min (older: 7 min)	reheat not found	tank 0.3 L (older: 0.25 L)	approx. 21 ml/min	145 x 170 x 265 mm	1.87 kg	39.90 EUR musicstore.de (RRP 47.48 EUR); 36.90-53.00 EUR range guenst…	link
Eurolite N-11 LED Hybrid (blue/amber)	400 W total, 380 W heater	claim 14 m3/min, throw approx. 2 m	warm-up approx. 5 min	reheat not found	0.3 L fixed (not removable) tank	approx. 14 ml/min	145 x 170 x 265 mm	1.82 kg	74.64 EUR (amcstore-ks.com, Kosovo reseller); EU mainstream shop pric…	link
Eurolite N-150 MK2 (51701981)	1500 W total (1500 W heating element in spare p…	claim approx. 430 m3/min, throw approx. 3 m	warm-up approx. 2 min	continuous output plus interval/duration timer	2.3 L removable backlit tank	approx. 30 ml/min	275 x 400 x 280 mm	6.0 kg	199.00 EUR excl. 19% VAT, Steinigke trade list price (retail may diff…	link
Eurolite NSF-150B DMX Spray Fogger (successor of NSF-150)	1450 W (NSF-150 original listed 1230-1600 W)	claim approx. 566 m3/min, vertical approx. 10 m…	warm-up approx. 7 min	reheat not found	2.5 L tank	approx. 100 ml/min	335 x 280 x 210 mm	6.0-6.3 kg	not found	link
Eurolite NSF-250 LED DMX Hybrid Spray Fogger (51701966)	1080 W total	claim approx. 800 m3/min, vertical approx. 3 m …	warm-up approx. 3 min	reheat not found	2.5 L removable tank with level indicator and o…	approx. 70 ml/min	370 x 320 x 200 mm	6.4 kg (7.55 kg per musicstore)	242 USD thomannmusic.com (B-stock from 209 USD)	link
Stairville AF-40 Mini Fog Machine	400 W	claim approx. 85 m3/min, throw approx. 3 m	warm-up approx. 5 min	reheat 50 s, continuous output 30 s	tank not listed	approx. 13 ml/min	280 x 150 x 190 mm (W x H x D)	2.1 kg	169 PLN thomann.pl; 37 USD thomannmusic.com (export price, see facts)	link
Stairville AF-150 DMX	800 W	claim approx. 110 m3/min, throw 3-4 m	warm-up approx. 8 min	reheat not found	1.2 L	approx. 33 ml/min	450 x 290 x 265 mm	5.5 kg	525 PLN thomann.pl; 111 USD thomannmusic.com	link
Stairville AF-250 Fog Machine 1300W DMX	1300 W ('performs like 1800 W' claim)	claim approx. 180 m3/min, throw 4-5 m	warm-up approx. 4 min	reheat 14 s, continuous output 7 s	1.9 L	approx. 90 ml/min	430 x 310 x 190 mm	7.1 kg	777 PLN thomann.pl (bundle 877 PLN); 168 USD thomannmusic.com	link
Stairville M-Fog 1000 DMX	1000 W	claim approx. 240 m3/min, tiltable up to 15 deg	warm-up approx. 4 min	reheat approx. 6 s	2 L	35 ml/min	415 x 234 x 227 mm	5 kg (description says 6 kg)	655 PLN thomann.pl; 139 USD thomannmusic.com	link
Chauvet DJ Hurricane 700 (H700)	471 W (3.9 A @ 120 V); B&H lists 450 W heater	claim 1,500 cfm	warm-up 2.5 min (B&H: 4 min)	reheat not found	0.6 L	7.5 ml/min	218 x 149 x 167 mm	1.8 kg	49.99 USD B&H; 70.00 USD Sweetwater list / product page; 54-66 USD ot…	link
Chauvet DJ Hurricane 1000 (H1000)	805 W @ 230 V (3.5 A); 740 W @ 120 V per retail…	claim 10,000 cfm	warm-up 2 min	'Always Ready' fog on demand, reheat not quanti…	1.0 L LED-illuminated tank showing heater statu…	20 ml/min	301 x 225 x 208 mm	2.7 kg	169.99 USD Sweetwater; 139.99 USD B&H / iDJNow; 129.99 USD ProAdv (MS…	link
Chauvet DJ Hurricane 1101 (discontinued since 2016)	612 W @ 120 V / 716 W @ 230 V	claim 8,000 cfm	warm-up 5 min	reheat not found	1.3 L	30 ml/min	252 x 243 x 222 mm	3.4 kg	discontinued; current price not found	link
Chauvet DJ Hurricane 1200	1,180 W	claim 18,000 cfm	warm-up 2 min	reheat not found	1 L	28 ml/min	11.3 x 9.3 x 8.2 in (approx. 287 x 236 x 208 mm)	6.4 lb (approx. 2.9 kg)	not found in this pass (B&H page 403)	link
Chauvet DJ Hurricane 1301 (discontinued since 2020)	1,202 W (10 A @ 120 V; 5.2 A @ 230 V)	claim 20,000 cfm	warm-up 5.5 min	reheat not found	3.3 L	125 ml/min	420 x 314 x 302 mm	6.3 kg	149.99 USD clearance, planetdj.com	link
Chauvet DJ Hurricane 1600	power not confirmed	claim 25,000 cfm	warm-up 4 min	reheat not found	0.63 gal (approx. 2.4 L) LED tank	120 ml/min (Sweetwater)	dims not found	13.2 lb (approx. 6.0 kg)	259.99 USD Sweetwater (search snippet, date unknown)	link
Chauvet DJ Hurricane 1800 Flex (H1800FLEX)	1,190 W (10 A @ 120 V; 5 A @ 230 V)	claim 25,000 cfm (Full Compass: 29,600)	warm-up 5 min	'Always Ready', reheat not listed	3.8 L LED tank	30 ml/min	518 x 302 x 274 mm	8.9 kg	399.99 USD Sweetwater (MAP); MSRP 480.18 USD; 379.99 USD iDJNow	link
Chauvet DJ Geyser P7	1290 W (11.3 A @ 120 V; 5.6 A @ 230 V)	claim 17,000 cfm	warm-up 4 min	reheat not found	2.5 L	90 ml/min	400 x 362 x 210 mm	8.5 kg	629.99 USD MSRP (ProAdv, Above AVL, NewLighting); 566.99 USD TS Stage	link
ADJ VF400 / VF400 EP (Eliminator)	400 W	claim 3,000 cfm	warm-up 5 min (EP: 2-3 min)	reheat 30 s, burst approx. 37 s (one retailer)	tank 0.25 L or 0.5 L (sources conflict, also on…	consumption not found ('full tank lasts 34 min'…	240 x 200 x 140 mm	2 kg	58.99 USD iDJNow; 72.99 USD adj.com (VF400 EP)	link
ADJ VF1000	1000 W	claim 8,000 cfm	warm-up 6 min	reheat not found	1 L internal, level indicator, low-fluid pump s…	consumption not found	340 x 255 x 190 mm	approx. 4 kg	74.99 USD sale / 109.95 USD regular, acekaraoke.com	link
ADJ / Eliminator VF1300 (VF1300 EP in EU)	1100 W per current ADJ page (retailers: 1300 W)	claim 12,000 cfm	warm-up 7 min	reheat 17 s (Canadian retailer); burst approx. …	2.3 L external tank, LED heating/ready/low stat…	28 ml/min (Phantom Dynamics)	17.5 x 12.5 x 8 in (approx. 445 x 318 x 203 mm)	approx. 15 lb (6.8 kg)	139.99 USD adj.com; 179.99 USD StageSpot; 519 PLN thomann.pl (VF1300 …	link
ADJ Fog Fury Jett	700 W (thomannmusic: 650 W heater, 680 W max)	claim 20,000 cfm / 566 m3/min, over 7 m vertical	warm-up approx. 9 min	reheat not found	3 L external tank, front or rear mount	120 ml/min (ADJ)	397 x 302 x 191 mm	7.1 kg	389.99 USD adj.com; 233 USD thomannmusic.com; 1,099 PLN thomann.pl	link
ADJ Entourage (ENT469)	1400 W heater / 1500 W max	claim 15,000 cfm	warm-up 45 s	5.6 L external tank	9-16 ml/min max (sources differ), 0.45 ml/min m…	533 x 387 x 249 mm	approx. 21 kg (47 lb)	DMX 1/2/4 ch, 3-pin and 5-pin in/out, PowerCon,…	899.99 USD adj.com	link
BeamZ S500	500 W	claim approx. 50 m3/min	warm-up 2.5 min (setup text: about 3 min)	about 1 min continuous fog when heated	0.4 L	consumption not found	245 x 130 x 135 mm	1.85 kg	not found	link
BeamZ S700 (160.438)	700 W	claim 75 m3/min	warm-up 3 min	reheat 1 min	0.4 L (Galaxus: 250 ml)	consumption not found	265 x 155 x 190 mm	2.7 kg	56.90 EUR amazon.fr; 58.00 GBP amazon.co.uk (S700 flame LED)	link
BeamZ S1200 MKII	1200 W thermostatic heater	claim 215 m3/min	warm-up 3.5 min	reheat 1 min	2.5 L	consumption not found	470 x 255 x 200 mm	5.0 kg	not found	link
BeamZ Rage 1000LED (160.712)	1000 W	claim 125 m3/min	warm-up 4 min (retailers 3-4.3 min)	reheat 1 min (retailers 0.5 min)	2 L LED-lit tank	consumption not found	370 x 170 x 245 mm	4.9 kg	94.99 GBP electromarket.co.uk / amazon.co.uk; 114.90 EUR amazon.fr	link
Showtec WTF-F1000	1000 W	claim 280 m3/min	warm-up not listed	1.35 L	72 ml/min	dims not found	5.8 kg	DMX 1 ch plus wired remote included	not found	link
Showtec Dragon F-350 / ShowFog Pro 1000	Dragon F-350: 1000 W	1.5 L	warm-up 3 min	DMX 1 ch, 3-pin XLR	490 x 300 x 190 mm. ShowFog Pro 1000: 1000 W	claim 10,000 cu.ft/min	warm-up approx. 5 min	1.5 L	not found	link
Antari Z-1200X MK3 (current successor of Z-1200 II; sold as…	1200 W heater (Unicore, auto temperature contro…	claim ~10% more output than predecessor; Thoman…	warm-up ~10 min (Thomann), 11 min (antari.com v…	continuous: not stated for MK3; Antari general …	tank 2.5 L removable with level indicator	85 ml/min at 100%	46x24x25 cm (Antari: 458x243x251 mm)	10.8 kg (Thomann), 11 kg (antari.com)	466 EUR thomann.de (RRP 529 EUR); 1 999 PLN thomann.pl (both seen 202…	link
Antari Z-1000X MK3 / Z-1000 II	MK3: 925 W total load (spec table also says 900…	Z-1000 II claim 10,000 cu.ft/min	warm-up ~6 min	continuous: Antari generic constant output at 2…	tank 1.7 L	~60 ml/min (MK3), 56 ml/min (Z-1000 II)	43.3x19.8x21.4 cm	7.75 kg (MK3), 6.6 kg (Z-1000 II)	346 EUR thomann.de (UVP 399 EUR); Z-1000 II ~419 USD DJDeals/PlanetDJ…	link
Antari Z-800 II	800 W	claim 3,000 ft3/min (85 m3/min)	warm-up ~2 min (manual); Amazon <100 s	60 min per tank at max (manual)	tank 0.8 L	13 ml/min (manual)	315x128x218 mm	3.5 kg	not found (Thomann now lists Z-800 MK3, ~199 GBP via search snippet, …	link
Antari Z-1500 II (discontinued; successor Z-1500X MK3)	1500 W	claim 20,000 cu.ft/min	warm-up 10 min (current manual), 8.5 min (older…	max output >=30 s; constant output at 25% (gene…	tank 6 L	110 ml/min (manual) vs 12 min/L (~83 ml/min, El…	688x285x257 mm	14 kg	Z-1500 II: not found (discontinued per Elation). Z-1500X MK3: 458 GBP…	link
Antari F-80Z	700 W (750 W power consumption at one retailer)	claim 2,500 cuft/min	warm-up 4 min	continuous: not found	tank 0.8 L (manual) / 0.7 L (B&H)	fluid consumption not found	330x160x130 mm	3.6 kg (manual), 4.0-4.5 kg (retailers)	not found in EU shops this session	link
Antari F-7 Smaze	1600 W rated (older manual: 1500 W heater + 72-…	claim 20,000 CFM	warm-up 8 min (spec table) / 6 min (setup text)	faze mode 2.8 h at max per 5 L	2x 5 L tanks	fog 140 ml/min, faze 28 ml/min	728x428x719 mm	52.5 kg	not found	link
Antari Z-1520 RGB	Heater 1500 W; rated 1600 W (newer sheet)	6 m height jet (newer sheet; older 5 m)	warm-up 5 min	continuous: not found	tank 2.4-2.5 L	150 ml/min (newer) / 168 ml/min (older)	height 210 mm (newer)	10.4 kg	1,099 USD Holly North (via search snippet)	link
Look Solutions Viper NT	1300 W, 230 V/50 Hz or 120 V/60 Hz	projection max 15 m (claim)	warm-up ~7 min	max output ~30 s (some rental listings say 40 s…	tank 5 L	120 ml/min max, 35 ml/min continuous	47x23x24 cm	~8.3-8.6 kg without canister (17 kg incl. canis…	1,189 EUR thomann.de; case bundle 1,079 EUR (seen 2026-10-30)	link
Look Solutions Viper 2.6	2600 W, 230 V only; external fan up to 800 W	projection max 15 m	warm-up ~7 min (manual; ShopWL 10 min)	max ~40 s at full, continuous <50% (smokemachin…	tank 5 L	240 ml/min max, 70 ml/min continuous	52x23x25 cm	12 kg without jerrycan	990 EUR thomann.de/be; 949 GBP thomann.co.uk (search snippets)	link
Look Solutions Tiny FX (reference for instant-on)	70 W at 11.1 V Li-ion	warm-up 0.5-1 s (heats only when fogging)	~10 min continuous per charge (Thomann/PLSN), m…	tank 5 ml syringe	2.3 ml/min	98x44x34 mm + battery 105x44x41 mm	180 g + 200 g	3.5 mm jack; radio remote (257 EUR) or DMX conv…	1,049 EUR thomann.de (UVP 1,229.82 EUR)	link
MDG ATMe (gas-propelled hazer)	715 W, 100-250 VAC	haze, particle 0.5-0.7 micron	warm-up up to 8 min	100% duty cycle; 46 h at 1.38 bar / 23 h at 2.7…	tank 2.5 L	55 ml/h at 1.38 bar, 110 ml/h at 2.76 bar; CO2 …	68.5x18x30 cm	16.8 kg	6,449 EUR thomann.de (RRP 7,306.60 EUR) (search snippet)	link
MDG theONE	1100 W at 100 VAC / 1480 W at 250 VAC	fog 100 m3/min (2024 sheet; older 85 m3/min)	warm-up <8 min	non-stop, auto-refill from external 20 L contai…	fog 1 L/h at 2.75 bar, haze 65 ml/h	gas fog 1.16 kg/h, haze 0.35 kg/h; 2x 9 kg bott…	generator 61x25x30 cm, 23 kg; operating weight …	DMX/RDM (Solotech)	15,360 USD Solotech (stand-alone); 11,268 EUR incl. VAT JSFrance	link
MDG MAX 5000 APS	1415 W, 115/230 VAC	up to 218 m3/min, 100% duty cycle (claim)	warm-up 8 min max	continuous	reservoir 2.5 L	2.6 L/h (~43 ml/min) at 2.76 bar; CO2/N2 2.25 k…	61x28x30 cm	26 kg	not found	link
Rosco Vapour (and Vapour Plus)	1200 W cast aluminium heat exchanger (Vapour Pl…	max 3.6 L/h fluid (= 60 ml/min) (Plus 7.2 L/h)	warm-up 4.17 min (B&H)	continuous fog with auto-ramping during heating…	bottle cavity for 4 L/5 L bottles	574x278x249 mm	11.0 kg (Plus 14.1 kg)	integrated DMX 5-pin in/thru; detachable timed …	1,235.25 USD B&H and Full Compass; Vapour Plus 1,539 USD B&H	link
Rosco 1700 and 1900 (both discontinued)	1700: 1190 W	warm-up ~8 min	high burst, then ramps back to continuous fog a…	external 2.5/4 L bottle	max 3 L/h	49.5x24.8x21.6 cm, 10.3 kg	remote with volume + 2-18 s on/off sequencer; D…		not found (discontinued)	link
Le Maitre Neutron XS hazer	250 W	fan up to 50 m3/h	warm-up not published; one older listing claims…	continuous	2.5 L bottle -> ~100-120 h	25 cc/h	280x240x280 mm	11 kg	1,087.15 GBP incl. VAT JPLeisure; 963.50 EUR ex VAT The Specialist FX…	link
Le Maitre G300 (MK2)	2.2 kW (120 V 20 A)	51,000 m3/h claim	warm-up not found	continuous; fluid 1.5 cc/s continuous (90 ml/mi…	61x29x26 cm	25 kg	DMX optional (2 ch), 0-10 V inputs, opto-isolat…	twin-pump fluid feed, platinum thermal sensor, …	3,099 USD TheatreFX (120 V)	link
Ultratec G3000 Fog Generator	2000 W dual-core rapid-change block (120 V 17 A)	claim continuous 22,400 cfm, burst 5,600 cfm at…	warm-up ~9 min (10 min with Eclipse)	run time continuous; reheat time 12 min	burst 320 cc/min, continuous 80 cc/min (4.8 L/h)	64x28x27 cm	18.6 kg (Norcostco 24 kg)	built-in 5-pin DMX (fog 0-100%, +1 accessory po…	2,310-3,459.99 USD (Air Magic 2,310; TS Stage 2,895; TheatreFX 3,220.…	link
Smoke Factory Data II	2600 W, 230 V; external fan output up to 800 W	very high output (claim)	heat-up 7 min	~30 s at 100%, continuous below 50%	tank 5 L	240 ml/min max, 70 ml/min continuous	585x230x247 mm	12.8 kg	1,044 GBP thomann.co.uk (seen 2026-10-30)	link
Smoke Factory Scotty II	400 W from 12 V 12 Ah lead-gel battery (Li-ion …	heat-up 1 s	10 min continuous or 150x5 s per charge	tank 250 ml (GoKnight) / 0.1 L (older PLSN)	~10 ml/min	22x10x21 cm	5.75 kg incl. battery	analog 0-10 V, DMX via optional DMXit!, timer o…	849 EUR incl. VAT LTT-Versand; 849.90 EUR prolighting.de; Li-ion 1,24…	link
Martin / JEM JEM ZR35	1500 W heat exchanger, thermally protected; EU …	800 m3/min claim; 50 ml in 30 s peak	ready 9 min (8-9 min)	continuous output stated	drop-in 4 L bottle (5 L compatible), quick-conn…	140 ml/min max; 1.57 h per 5 L at max	590x395x264 mm (333 mm with bracket)	15.1 kg dry	1,149 EUR thomann.de (UVP 1,451.80 EUR) (seen 2026-10-30)	link
Martin / JEM JEM ZR44 Hi-Mass (discontinued)	1800 W heat exchanger (1890 W total per one ren…	1200 m3/min	warm-up 7.5 min (datasheet) / 10 min (later)	operating time: continuous, automatic level adj…	tank 9.5 L (one source) vs 2.3 L (another) - co…	120 ml/min max	685 mm long	19 kg dry	discontinued; last new 995 EUR musicsquare.eu, 1,099.95 USD PlanetDJ …	link
Martin / JEM (now Swefog) K1 Hazer	Martin K1: 600 W heat exchanger; Swefog K1 (202…	warm-up ~5 min (Martin)	~17 h at full output from 2.5 L (Martin)	140 ml/h (Martin); Swefog max 600 ml/h, 3 L	544x459x344 mm	21.5 kg	DMX 2 ch (density, fan), 3- and 5-pin; Swefog a…		not found	link

Reading the table (SOURCE: the linked pages; volume claims are not comparable between brands):

tier	street price	typical heater	warm-up	output behaviour	weight
entry DJ (AF-40, N-10, VF400, Hurricane 700)	37-75 EUR/USD	400-500 W	2.5-5 min	20-60 s bursts, 30-60 s reheat	1.8-2.7 kg
mid DJ (Hurricane 1000, AF-150, M-Fog 1000, Rage 1000LED, VF1300)	110-200 EUR/USD	800-1300 W	2-8 min	bursts of 7-60 s; „always ready” claims unquantified	2.7-7 kg
prosumer DMX/RDM (Antari Z-1000X/1200X MK3)	346-466 EUR	925-1200 W	6-11 min	max ≥ 30 s, constant at 25 %	7.75-10.8 kg
compact pro (Look Viper NT, JEM ZR35, Rosco Vapour, Smoke Factory Data II)	990-1,235 EUR/USD	1.2-2.6 kW	4-9 min	continuous below ~50 %, auto-derating, no stop	8.3-15 kg

Benchmarks the v0 targets are set against:

Chauvet DJ Hurricane 1000 — 805 W, 2 min warm-up (claim), 20 ml/min, 1.0 L, 301 × 225 × 208 mm (14.1 L), 2.7 kg, wired + 433 MHz wireless remote (30.5 m), no DMX, 130-170 USD. Best compactness in class.
Antari Z-1000X MK3 — 925 W, ~6 min warm-up, ~60 ml/min max, 1.7 L, 433 × 198 × 214 mm, 7.75 kg, DMX + RDM, wireless remote included, 346 EUR. Best feature set under 500 EUR.
Look Solutions Viper NT — 1.3 kW, ~7 min, 120 ml/min for ~30 s and 35 ml/min continuous, 5 L, 8.6 kg, DMX 5-pin, 0-10 V, 1 % steps, 1,189 EUR. Reference for continuous behaviour at the thermal limit.
JEM ZR35 — 1.5 kW, 9 min, 50 ml in 30 s peak, continuous output, sealed drop-in 4 L bottle, DMX + RDM, UL 998 / CSA C22.2 No. 104 listed, 15.1 kg, 1,149 EUR.

What nobody in the 150-250 EUR band offers together (SOURCE: tables above; ASSUMPTION that this is a gap): continuous output without reheat stops, published spit-free behaviour, quiet operation with a published dB(A) value, DMX + RDM + a paired remote with status feedback, and a serviceable heat exchanger.

2.2 Battery and handheld foggers (alternative type B)

product	power	output	warm-up	runtime	tank	fluid use	dimensions	weight	price (seen 2026-10)	source
PMI Gear SmokeGENIE (Professional Package)	heater W not found	haze fan ~500 CFM (claim)	warm-up: instant (claim)	runtime with 2x3200 mAh: Lv5 20 min ... Lv1 250…	chamber 9 ml	consumption not found	49x65x185 mm	weight not found	USD 690 Precision Camera / Walmart Business; USD 672 B&H (older listi…	link
PMI Gear SmokeNINJA (2nd gen) / SmokeNINJA PRO (3rd gen) / …	heater W not found	PRO: 'single burst covers 1000 sq ft' (claim; F…	warm-up 60 s (B&H listing for PRO)	battery 20 min, chamber 15 min; continuous burs…	chamber volume not found	consumption not found	162x61x36 mm	180 g net, 280 g with chamber and battery	PRO BASIC USD 199, HAZER kit USD 229 (B&H); original Ninja USD 179; P…	link
LENSGO Smoke B	40 W	fills 20 m3 in 1 min (claim)	warm-up not found	up to 18 min continuous; after 3 min of sprayin…	tank 12 ml	consumption not found	156x78x45 mm	~360 g	USD 168 Samy's	link
LENSGO Smoke Master PRO (100 W); also Smoke S / S Mini / Go…	100 W, 3 levels 40/70/100 W	20 m3 in 1 min at 40 W (claim)	warm-up not found	~40 min at 100 W, ~110 min at 40 W; reported au…	tank 85 ml	consumption not found	267x123x111 mm	~1235 g without fluid	Master PRO USD 168.99 (B&H listing per search), 715 PLN Fotorimex; Sm…	link
Ulanzi FM01 FILMOG Ace	40 W max	output not quantified	warm-up ~1 min (Media Expert listing)	>10 min continuous at max (Walmart/Best Buy); 3…	8 ml atomizing chamber, borosilicate tank	consumption not found	58.1x57.7x163.5 mm	366.5 g	USD 109.95 Ulanzi MSRP / Walmart / Best Buy; USD 84.95 B&H (R004 with…	link
COLBOR CineFlare CF3 (and CF3 V2, CF5 40 W)	30 W	fills ~215 sq ft in minutes (claim)	warm-up not found	30 min at 100% (battery); one Amazon listing sa…	chamber 12 ml; consumption 12 ml/min at 100% (K…	71x41x145 mm	334.5 g	18650 2500 mAh 7.4 V 18.5 Wh, USB-C 2.5 h; 30 f…	USD 75 B&H; USD 79 Arts Cameras; USD 89 KM Camera / Momanx	link
Look Solutions Tiny FX (TF-0650)	70 W	output not quantified	warm-up 0.5 s	~10 min continuous (Thomann) / ~15 min or 200x5…	5 ml syringe cartridges (6 supplied)	2.3 ml/min	unit 98x44x34 mm + battery 105x44x41 mm	180 g unit + 200 g battery	4,555 PLN incl. VAT thomann.pl; GBP 956.16 incl. VAT ShopWL	link
Look Solutions Tiny CX	70 W	not quantified	warm-up 1 s	~15 min or 200x5 s bursts (one dealer: 10 min)	50 ml internal tank	2.3 ml/min	250x53x55 mm	630 g incl. tank and battery	GBP 861.12 incl. VAT ShopWL	link
Look Solutions Tiny S (TF-0800)	30 W	low/high	warm-up 1 s	~10 min continuous	5 ml	0.5 ml/min (Holly North: 0.65)	103x51x35 mm	250 g incl. battery and tank	USD 1,850 Look Solutions USA MSRP; USD 1,650-1,888 dealers; spare bat…	link
Look Solutions Power-Tiny (PT-0300)	400 W	not quantified	warm-up 1 s	10 min continuous or 150x5 s bursts; standby 25…	250 ml	10 ml/min	223x100x210 mm	5.6 kg incl. battery	not found in this pass (one guide cites ~CAD 2,100, unverified)	link
Hazebase Piccola (HB-0834; LiFePO4 version HB-0853)	200 W, 12 V DC	not quantified	warm-up 1 s	30 min at 25%, 10 min at 50%, 6 min at 75%, 4 m…	250 ml	1.5 ml/min at 25% to 6.0 ml/min at 100%	203x79x163 mm	2.6 kg	USD 1,269.95 DJDeals; USD 1,275 Froggy's Fog; USD 1,439.99 Fog Shop P…	link
Antari MB-1 (75 W) / MB-20X (600 W) / FT-20X (600 W fire-tr…	MB-1: 75 W, 12 V battery, no warm-up, 110 ml ta…	MB-20X: 600 W, 12 V DC, instant-on, DMX + manua…	FT-20X: ~11 min continuous on battery, 16 ml/min						MB-20X USD 1,119 (B&H listing per search); FT-20 USD 1,399 (one retai…	link
Delimex Portamyst	80 W	not quantified	warm-up ~2 s	runtime not stated	300 ml	consumption not found	dims not found	1.9 kg	EUR 990 excl. VAT direct from Delimex (2022 article)	link
Rosco Vapour / Mini-V / Vapour Plus	Mini-V 1000 W, ~1 l/h, 12 lb	Vapour 1200 W, max 3.6 l/h	Vapour Plus 1500 W, 7.2 l/h, 14.1 kg - all AC o…						Mini-V ~USD 555; Vapour USD 1,176.25 StageSpot; Vapour Plus ~USD 1,46…	link

Crowdfunding (SOURCE: F3 slice): PMI SmokeNINJA (Kickstarter, Sep 2023) HK$5.0 M ≈ 640 k USD from 2,113 backers, KS price 249 USD, delivered; PMI SmokeGENIE (2021) HK$828 k ≈ 106 k USD, 236 backers, delivered; LYNCA PHOTO (Indiegogo 2023) ~426 k HKD (≈ 55 k USD) from 486 backers; Real Game FX „Fog Monster” 87 k USD (778 backers). No failed fog-machine campaign was found. Two technology classes exist: vape-style coil atomisers (15-100 W, 8-85 ml, 75-250 USD) and heat-exchanger + pump pro units (Look Tiny, Hazebase Piccola, 800-1,900 USD/EUR). From 18 Feb 2027 the EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 Art. 11 requires user-replaceable portable batteries.

3. Physics: energy balance (CALCULATION unless marked)

Fluid: typical water-based fluids are 48-57 % water with 29-41 % propylene glycol and 0-21 % triethylene glycol (SOURCE: Antari FLZ/FLY SDS, https://www.antari.com/SDS/FLY/FLY.pdf). Properties (SOURCE: NOAA CHRIS, Engineering Toolbox): water cp 4.19 J/gK, latent heat 2,257 J/g; propylene glycol bp 187 °C, cp 2.47 J/gK, latent heat ≈ 712 J/g, flash point 99 °C, autoignition 371 °C; triethylene glycol bp 285-287 °C, autoignition 323-371 °C; glycerin bp 290 °C (decomposes, acrolein from ~280 °C), autoignition 370 °C.

Energy to vaporise a 50/50 water/PG mix from 20 °C: 0.5 × (4.19 × 80 + 2,257) + 0.5 × (2.47 × 167 + 712) = 1,296 + 563 = 1,859 J/g → ≈ 1.83-1.9 kJ/ml; with vapour superheat to ~250 °C ≈ 2.0-2.1 kJ/ml.
Sustainable continuous rate Q = (P − losses) × 60 / E. With losses ≈ 80 W and E = 2.1 kJ/ml: 700 W → 17.7 ml/min; 1,000 W → 26.3 ml/min; 1,500 W → 40.6 ml/min. Cross-check (SOURCE): Viper NT 35 ml/min at 1.3 kW = 27 ml/min/kW; Data II and Viper 2.6 70 ml/min at 2.6 kW = 27 ml/min/kW — the pro machines sit at this limit. Budget check: Stairville AF-40 claims 13 ml/min at 400 W, which needs ≈ 450 W → it cannot run continuously (it specifies 30 s on / 50 s off).
Warm-up t = C × (T_set − 20 °C) / P_net, C = Σ m·c of the exchanger (aluminium 0.897 J/gK). 1 kg Al to 250 °C at 1 kW ≈ 3.4 min (no losses); 2 kg ≈ 6.9 min.
Peak beyond the continuous rate is paid from stored heat C × ΔT_droop. Example (F4): 1 kg Al with an 80 K swing stores 72 kJ ≈ 38 ml of fluid → ~33 s at 100 ml/min with 1 kW.
Joint feasibility of the v0 targets at 1 kW (W3 calculation): peak 25 ml in 30 s needs 25 × 2.1 = 52.5 kJ; the heater gives 30 s × 920 W = 27.6 kJ; the rest, 24.9 kJ, must come from the block: with a 60 K droop C ≥ 415 J/K. Warm-up with C = 600 J/K to 270 °C: 150 kJ / ~950 W ≈ 2.6 min (≤ 3 min target). Continuous 22 ml/min is 84 % of the 26.3 ml/min ceiling. So all three targets can be met together, but only with an exchanger of roughly 420-650 J/K and good insulation — the design must calculate, not guess.
Ready-hold power: a ~0.6 kg block at 270 °C behind ~20 mm of high-temperature insulation loses roughly 25-40 W by conduction plus nozzle and mounting losses → 40-80 W is plausible (ASSUMPTION on insulation values).
US circuit: 15 A × 120 V × 80 % = 1,440 W continuous; a 1 kW unit draws 8.3 A at 120 V.

4. Internals and failure modes (summary)

SOURCE: F4 slice (service manuals of JEM Techno-Fog and Antari, teardown threads, pump and heater spare-part listings).

Exchanger: cast or machined aluminium block with an embedded tubular heater and a copper/stainless vaporising coil; spare 1.5 kW cores weigh 0.86-1.0 kg; operating temperatures reported 200-300 °C (Antari average 250 °C).
Pumps: AC vibratory (solenoid piston) pumps — generic 40DCB 31 W, ≥ 5 bar, 180-210 ml/min free flow (≈ 19 EUR retail); ULKA EP5 48 W, 15 bar, 650 ml/min, duty 2 min on / 1 min off, max fluid 35 °C. Free flow is 5-20 × the vaporisation capacity, so output must be metered by pulse count and calibrated.
Control in cheap units: two bimetal thermostats (one regulates, one is a safety) and a „ready” contact that shorts the pump while heating; inline thermal fuse. Pro units: microprocessor control, thermocouple or platinum sensor, manual-reset cut-out, pump temperature switch, „pump ramping” (output follows exchanger temperature).
Field failures: pump stops drawing (clogged inlet filter, dried pump), heater/thermostat failure, clogging and coking (main warranty failure), spitting (wrong temperature or overfeeding), leaks in transport, hot nozzle (~200 °C).
Maintenance practice: clean every ~30 h (Thomann guide) or with distilled water after 2,000 h (Antari); run monthly; drain before transport.
Health: ANSI E1.5 limits total glycol aerosol to 10 mg/m³ TWA and 40 mg/m³ peak; overheated glycols form aldehydes (from ~215 °C on catalytic metal surfaces), glycerin forms acrolein (~270-290 °C) (SOURCE: PMC5226727, Indoor Air 2022).

5. Customer voice

SOURCE: F6 slice — Thomann reviews (AF-40: 846 ratings, AF-150: 512, DF-V9C: 161, Fog Fury Jett: 230), hauntforum, controlbooth, reddit snippets, Amazon bestseller lists. Complaint themes by number of distinct sources:

short life, pump or heater failure, dead on arrival or after storage — 10;
short bursts and reheat pauses, no true continuous output — 7;
fog sets off smoke/fire alarms (fire brigade call-outs, venue bans) — 6;
wireless remote unreliable, short range, cross-talk, no feedback, full output only;
noise — always-on fan, hiss at full output, pump buzz near microphones;
spitting, oily slick on the floor, leaks;
long warm-up (8-9 min on several DMX units);
handling — short fixed mains cable, fixed tank, DIP-switch addressing. Dissatisfaction (1-2 stars) on Thomann: 3.8 % for the 39 EUR AF-40 vs 0.4-2.0 % for 87-249 EUR units. Bestsellers: the cheapest units (Thomann AF-40 #1; Amazon US 400-1200 W generic units), with fog fluid holding Amazon US ranks #1-3 (consumables). Segments: mobile DJs, small bars, theatres/schools/churches (ControlBooth: 500-700 USD for a DMX unit, „stick with Antari”), haunters, escape rooms, video creators (rent or ≥ 300-400 USD).

6. Standards and certification

SOURCE: F5 slice (real DoCs of Antari Z-390 and JEM ZR series, OJ guides, ESTA free standards, eCFR).

EU: LVD 2014/35/EU with EN 60335-1:2012+A15:2021 and EN 62233 — no part 2 is cited by any fog-machine DoC found; EN IEC 60335-1:2023 is not yet cited in the OJ. EMC 2014/30/EU with EN IEC 55014-1/-2:2021 (or generic EN 61000-6-3/-6-1) and EN 61000-3-2/-3-3. With a built-in radio the whole product is radio equipment: RED 2014/53/EU (Art. 3.1a safety, 3.1b EMC incl. EN 301 489-1/-3 or -17, 3.2 spectrum EN 300 220-2 for 433/868 MHz or EN 300 328 for 2.4 GHz, RF exposure EN 62479). Internet-capable radio (app via cloud/Wi-Fi) adds RED cybersecurity (Delegated Reg. 2022/30, EN 18031-1, from 1 Aug 2025). RoHS 2011/65/EU (+2015/863, EN IEC 63000), WEEE 2012/19/EU, REACH/CLP for any fluid sold, GPSR 2023/988 (labelling, EU responsible person, traceability). Ecodesign 2023/826 standby limits (off 0.5 W, standby 0.5/0.8 W, networked standby 2 W) — scope for fog machines not verified.
EN 60335-1 numbers that drive the design: heating test at 1.15 × rated input; enclosure rise ≤ 60 K, handles held continuously 30 K (metal) / 50 K (moulded); leakage ≤ 0.75 mA (Class I portable; UL/CSA 6th ed. 0.5 mA); electric strength 1,250 / 1,750 / 3,000 V; stability 15° for appliances with heating elements; clause 19 abnormal operation incl. 19.4 with the temperature control short-circuited; clearances 3.0 mm reinforced at 4 kV impulse; earth continuity ≤ 0.1 Ω. Antari Z-390 report: enclosure rise 6-10 K, leakage 0.142 mA.
US/Canada: FCC Part 15 Subpart B (SDoC) for the electronics, 15.231 (e.g. 433 MHz remote; auto-off within 5 s of release) or 15.247 (2.4 GHz) with an FCC ID; safety listing by an NRTL (UL, Intertek ETL, CSA, QPS) — JEM ZR45 is listed to UL 998 / CSA C22.2 No. 104 (humidifiers); ANSI E1.29 (fog generator product safety) is based on UL 998.
ESTA/ANSI: E1.11 DMX512-A (5-pin XLR mandatory, other connectors only with an adapter; isolated port ≥ 22 MΩ; 120 Ω termination), E1.20 RDM, E1.5 fluids, E1.14 fog equipment manuals, E1.23 atmospheric effects (no interruption of fire detection without AHJ approval and a fire watch).

7. Price, cost and unit economics

Street prices (SOURCE, §2): entry 37-75, mid 110-200, prosumer 346-466, compact pro 990-1,235 EUR/USD.
v0 price target 229 EUR incl. VAT (ASSUMPTION: between the most-reviewed DJ band and Antari MK3, with pro behaviour as the reason to pay more; threshold 299 EUR stays below Antari MK3).
Unit economics (CALCULATION, illustrative): 229 EUR incl. 23 % VAT → 186 EUR net; dealer sale at ~35 % dealer margin → ~121 EUR to the brand; at a 60 EUR unit cost the gross margin is ~50 %, at 85 EUR ~30 %. Direct sales keep more but pay shipping (~15-25 EUR per parcel in the EU, ASSUMPTION) and platform/payment fees (~8-10 % on Kickstarter, ASSUMPTION).
Rough cost structure at 1,000 units (ASSUMPTION, to be replaced by the designs' BOMs): exchanger with embedded heater 8-12, pump 3-6, enclosure (sheet metal, coated) 8-12, tank 2-3, control PCB with isolated supply, DMX, display 12-18, radio module + remote 5-8, connectors/inlet/cord 4-7, insulation/sensors/cut-out 3-5, packaging 3, assembly and test 3-8 EUR → 51-82 EUR. This is why the v0 cost target is 60 EUR and the threshold 85 EUR.

8. Alternative product types (for OPEN-QUESTIONS.md Q1)

B — battery handheld for photo/video: proven crowdfunding demand (§2.2) but a crowded 75-250 USD segment; a winner would need ≥ 10 min continuous output without cut-off, ~30 ml tank, user-replaceable battery (EU 2023/1542), app + RF remote, ≤ 450 g, 179-249 USD (F3 proposal).
C — hazer for theatres/clubs (long, quiet, low-output operation; Antari Z-350 3 ml/min for > 7 h; MDG ATMe 45.4 dB(A) at 1 m, 6,449 EUR) — a different engineering problem (fan, fluid metering at ml/h, oil vs water fluids).
D — 1.5 kW compact pro at ~600 EUR (F2 proposal: ≥ 36 ml/min continuous, ≥ 100 ml/min for ≥ 45 s, ≤ 7.5 kg) against Viper NT / ZR35 at ~1,150 EUR.

9. Gaps and uncertainties

No EU DoC of Chauvet, Eurolite, Look or ADJ was found; the RED route for a fog machine with a built-in remote is standard practice, not verified on a competitor DoC.
The NRTL standard behind Rosco/Antari/Chauvet ETL listings is unknown; UL 998 is confirmed for JEM only.
ANSI E1.29 was read from its preview (scope, contents), not its numeric test requirements.
Several manufacturer specs conflict between retailers (tank volume, warm-up, output); the tables show the conflicts.
Customer-complaint frequencies are a tally of distinct sources, not a statistical analysis of review texts.
Exchange rate 1 EUR ≈ 4.3 PLN is an assumption.