Control Panel Gen 2 – Random Show Generator User Guide

Zach Gilbert

Documentation Team

Updated August 08, 2025 01:19

The Control Panel Gen 2 Random Show Generator allows you to create a show on the fly without pre-scripting. Using the modules and effects you have in the field, you can quickly generate a fully randomized show that fires automatically. You can also make edits after generation for additional control.

Getting Started

Connect your 18R2 to the Gen 2 Control Panel and navigate to Show Controls. From the Show Controls screen, tap the Random Show button.

CP Gen 2 Show Controls with Box around Random Show.jpg

Step 1: Using the Product Manager

In the Product Manager, you define product classes with a set duration for each. You can edit existing classes or create new ones.

Random Show Generator Box Around Product Manager Button.jpeg

Caliber – shells (include caliber)
Cake – cakes and cake slices
Finale – products for the finale; placed at the end of the show

Tap Create New to make a new product class, or Edit to modify an existing one.

Product Manager Box Around Create New Button.jpeg

For each class, enter a name, type, and duration (in seconds). For Caliber, also include the caliber size. When finished, tap Save.

Product Manager New Product Entry Box Around Save Button.jpeg

Step 2: Show Settings and PYROCAST Integration

To integrate with PYROCAST, tap the PYROCAST icon and enter your four-digit show code. This will start the selected PYROCAST show when you fire your random show.

Random Show Generator Box Around PYROCAST Button.jpeg Random Show Generator Enter PYROCAST Show Code.jpeg

In Settings, choose your randomization mode:

Full Random – completely random order
Low to High Caliber – starts small and builds to larger calibers; finales at the end

Random Show Generator Box Around Settings Button.jpeg Random Show Generator Settings with Box Around Save Button.jpeg

You can also override the default Show Duration. The system automatically calculates duration based on assigned cues, but you can set a manual time (e.g., 5 minutes) and the cue spacing will adjust.

Random Show Generator Box Around Show Duration Button.jpeg Custom 5-minute show duration Random Show Generator.jpeg

Step 3: Assign Cues

Tap Assign Cues to start assigning products to your show.

Random Show Generator Box Around Assign Cues Button.jpeg

Select a channel from the dropdown, then choose a product class from your Product Manager list.

Assign Cues Box Around Channel.jpeg Assign Cues Box Around Product Category.jpeg

You can assign products cue-by-cue, or use the Assign button to bulk assign to all cues, only cues with continuity, or only cues without continuity.

Assign Cues 3 cues assigned.jpeg Assign Cues Box Around Assign Button.jpeg

Clear assignments by tapping Clear Channel X for the current channel or Clear All Modules to reset everything.

Assign Cues Box Around Clear Channel.jpeg Assign Cues Box Around Clear All Modules.jpeg

When finished, tap Save.

Assign Cues Box Around Save Button.jpeg

Step 4: Randomize

After assigning products, the system randomizes cue order based on your settings. Finale products are always at the end.

Random Show Generator Cues Randomized.jpeg

Tap Randomize again for a new order. Re-randomizing after Low to High Caliber will switch to Full Random.

Random Show Generator Box Around Randomize Button.jpeg Random Show Generator Cues Randomized 2.jpeg

Step 5: Manual Reorder

To fine-tune cue order, tap Manual Reorder and drag cues into your preferred sequence. Tap Save when done.

Random Show Generator Box Around Manual Reorder.jpeg Manual Reorder Screen.jpeg Manual Reorder Screen Box Around Save Button.jpg

Step 6: Arm and Fire

On your 18R2, press ARM. The ARM LED will turn solid red.
Press Play in the Random Show Generator to start firing.

Random Show Generator Box Around Play Button.jpeg

The screen will display how many cues have fired and how many remain. You can press Pause to temporarily stop or Stop to end the show.

Random Show Generator Show Running.jpeg Random Show Generator Box Around Pause Button.jpeg

When finished, tap the X icon at the top right to exit.

Random Show Generator Box Around X Icon.jpeg