Musical fountain control system
The musical fountain control system is the core brain of the entire water feature performance. It seamlessly integrates hardware devices (such as water pumps, valves, motors, and lighting fixtures) and software algorithms, real-time collecting and analyzing music signals (frequency, rhythm, volume, and other characteristics) to generate multi-channel control commands. These commands drive frequency converters to precisely adjust pump speed (achieving varying water column heights), control the instantaneous opening and closing of solenoid/servo valves (creating chasing, explosive, and wave patterns), and synchronize DMX/Art-Net lighting for color changes and patterns. This transforms ordinary fountain landscapes into breathtaking “water, light, and sound” symphonies, creating a perfect resonance between visual and auditory experiences.
Our musical fountain control system includes a PLC + frequency converter industrial-grade stable solution, a PC-based intelligent music arrangement solution, and a high-end DMX/Art-Net fully digital synchronization solution using MA consoles. This ensures that your fountain project is more reliable and creative from design to long-term operation, significantly reducing debugging, rework, and failure risks.
1.Electrical control cabinet with PLC and frequency converter.(Industrial-Grade Stable Mainstream Solution):
This system is one of the most classic and reliable technical solutions in the field of musical fountain control. It uses an industrial-grade PLC as the core controller, utilizing program control and audio control to manage overall logic scheduling and signal processing.
After the audio signal is acquired by the A/D module, the PLC’s internal program uses FFT preset segment mapping to convert the low-frequency drum beats/rhythm/volume of the music into analog or digital signals, which are then output to multiple frequency converters.
Each frequency converter in the control cabinet receives the corresponding channel’s frequency command, changing the speed of the submersible/centrifugal pump motor in real time, thereby precisely controlling the water column height and dynamic changes; at the same time, the PLC’s digital output controls the rapid opening and closing of solenoid valves to achieve various water effects.
The entire process is closed-loop stable and highly resistant to interference, suitable for timed playback in locations such as hotel entrances, community squares, and small parks. It supports unattended operation and 7×24 hour continuous operation. It is ideal for scenarios with limited budgets and simple maintenance requirements.
The PLC control signals are mapped to the internet, enabling remote access via a mobile app. Mobile phones or iPads can remotely start and stop the entire fountain system with a single click, and also switch between modes, including timed automatic playback, manual single-session mode, holiday special effects mode, and silent mode (lights on, water off).
Over the years, this system has passed temperature tests from -20℃ to 50℃ and IP65 or higher protection level tests, and has achieved over 30,000 hours of continuous trouble-free operation in hundreds of municipal projects.
Our PLC + VFD control cabinets all use global brands such as Siemens, Schneider, ABB, and Mitsubishi, resulting in extremely low failure rates and worry-free spare parts procurement and technical support.
Of course, considering the budget, there are also cost-effective domestic fountain-specific VFDs, as well as combinations of Haiwell PLC + Sanken Rida VFDs.
2.PC software control(Professional music arrangement / customized solutions for maximum flexibility.)
The core of the system is the use of dedicated musical fountain choreography software, which controls various devices in conjunction with music to create performances.
The software is equipped with a powerful audio analysis engine (extracting drum beats, high and low frequencies, and pitch), which can automatically or manually generate multi-layered timeline control curves (water pattern layer, lighting layer, special effects layer). A PC transmits these curves in real time to the on-site execution equipment via a multi-protocol output card (Art-Net/MIDI): frequency converters receive digital frequency commands to control the water pump speed, and solenoid valves/servo valves open, close, or adjust angles according to the curves.
The system supports particle-level 3D real-time preview, supports importing MIDI/DMX cue lists, supports automatic switching between multiple tracks in the playlist, and supports remote monitoring.
It is suitable for fountain projects that require frequent song changes, parameter adjustments, and program previews, and for projects that pursue high cost-effective artistic expression (including 4K water screens and laser water shows).
Its advantages lie in the maximum degree of creative freedom and the software’s library of thousands of water patterns, equipped with visual 3D particle water pattern simulation. The preview window can be linked with the timeline, allowing for simultaneous editing and viewing, ensuring that complex shapes perfectly match the music.
3.MA console: DMX/Art-Net fully digital synchronous routing(High-end Stage/Tourism Water Show Mainstream Solution)
The professional lighting control console serves as the central control brain of the entire fountain system, enabling fully digital, frame-level synchronized control of water pumps, solenoid valves, RGB LED lights, lasers/projectors/beam lights via DMX512 or Art-Net/sACN protocols.
Under the synchronized coordination of the grandMA timecode master clock, processing large-scale cue lists, all the different devices—including fountain lights (RGB LED fixtures), fountain pumps (controlled by frequency converters), fountain motors (rotation/swinging devices driven by stepper motors), solenoid valves, laser projectors, and moving head lights—are integrated into an organic whole.
For example, a single command can simultaneously trigger a gradual increase in water pressure (DMX fade-in/fade-out), the instantaneous opening of solenoid valves (instantaneous high pressure), the projection of laser patterns (BEYOND triggering), the switching of projected content (clip selection), and the tracking of moving head lights (horizontal/vertical tracking). This achieves stunning integrated effects, with water jets bursting in sync with laser/projection flashes and light chases. This frame-level synchronization and multi-layered artistic expression create a truly breathtaking audiovisual spectacle.
The system features a unified programming interface, backend integration with other software, and powerful real-time intervention capabilities (live control via actuators/MIDI), making it particularly suitable for large-scale water shows/multimedia fountain shows (water + lighting + laser + projection + fire effects).
We are a professional supplier of fountain equipment. Whether you need a small garden fountain or a large-scale light and water show, we provide a complete set of control equipment, utilizing synchronization software to control the fountains and water features. Our products include water pumps, nozzle motors, solenoid valves, underwater lights, moving head lights, projectors, lasers, and other customized equipment.