Watch the Episode:
Begin with a General Inspection
Before powering up a machine, inspect its power cord and any remotes. Confirm that each connector is secure and still clicks firmly into place. Look for bent or broken pins, damaged plugs and tears in the cord insulation.
Give the machine itself a quick visual inspection. Check for loose parts, visible damage or anything that may have changed while the equipment was transported or stored.
Your initial inspection should cover:
• Power cords and remote-control cables
• Connectors, plugs and pins
• Cord insulation
• Vents and air filters
• Fluid reservoirs, filters and lines
Clear Vents and Air Filters
Dust and debris can collect around vents and air filters during storage. This buildup restricts airflow to internal components and may reduce the machine’s performance.
Use a short blast of compressed air to clear dust and debris from vents. For a Mystic 1 or Mystic 2 hazer, remove the air filter and rinse it with water. Let the filter air-dry completely before reinstalling it.
Keeping these areas clear allows air to move through the machine as designed and gives internal components the ventilation they need during operation.
Inspect the Fluid System
For any machine that uses fluid, use a flashlight to inspect the reservoir. Debris inside the tank can clog the filter, restrict fluid flow and limit output.
If you find debris, rinse the container and replace the fluid. Check that the quick-disconnect fitting is fully seated, then inspect the fluid line for cuts or slits that could allow air into the system.
This is also a good opportunity to check the age of the fluid. For optimal performance, Master FX recommends replacing fluid that is more than two years old.
Prepare Fog Machines
Allow the fog machine to reach its normal operating temperature. Once it is ready, run several complete fog cycles. This purges the fluid lines and helps clear any air introduced while the machine was sitting in storage.
Confirm that the output becomes consistent before returning the machine to service.
Run Mystic Hazer Maintenance
If a Mystic hazer has been stored for an extended period, run its maintenance procedure:
• Place a towel around the machine’s output to catch loosened debris.
• Remove the fill-cap assembly from the haze-fluid reservoir.
• Place the assembly into a bottle of Mystic maintenance fluid.
• In a well-ventilated area, run the machine at 100% output for 15 minutes.
• Return the fill-cap assembly to the haze-fluid reservoir.
• Run the machine for another 15 minutes to flush the maintenance fluid from the system.
Prepare the Solstice Snow Machine
The Solstice preparation process follows a similar sequence. Remove the cap assembly and place it into the snow stabilizer fluid. Run the machine at 100% until the output becomes consistent and water-like.
Return the cap assembly to the snow-fluid reservoir, then continue running the machine at 100% until snow appears at the output. Once the output is steady, the system is ready for use.
Before the next show, perform a complete test using the controls and settings you plan to use during the event. For model-specific instructions, consult the appropriate Master FX user manual.
