Hey friends. I'm looking for a puff of smoke like a small flashpot would make but without the flash. So a stream of smoke is no good. I want this to work via remote.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance,

Peter

It really depends on if this can be a pyrotechnic effect or not. Traditionally a "puff" of smoke utilizes black powder and some form of controlled ignition via an electric flash pot manufactured by any reputable dealer. The size of the puff simply depends on the amount of product. If it is ignited in an open flash pot with no restrictions it will yield a nice soft puff with no flash or report.

If pyrotechnics are not an option, there are ways of doing a similar affect but it can sometimes be complicated to get the same look. I had to get a traditional puff of smoke for an appearance but because of the location we could not use any Pyro. I ported a traditional smoke machine into a 55 gallon drum that I used as a smoke reservoir. On one side was the port for the smoke machine and a butterfly solenoid valve coming from an air tank. On the other side was a larger hose leading through the platform to the effect. The timing was very specific but just before the effect happened, we filled the drum with a large volume of smoke then tripped the valve on cue expulsivly blowing the smoke through the large tube on stage. Again it was not as good as a Pyro-based effect but sometimes you have to be creative you to legal constraints.

Thanks Ray. That's food for thought. I am still exploring options...

BTW, does the puff of smoke from the flash pot dissipate rather quickly or does the smoke linger up in the air?

My goal is to look like a puff of dust.