Flex™ Firefighting Monitors

Flex™ Firefighting Monitors

THE ULTIMATE MASTER STREAM FIREFIGHTING MONITOR

Flex™ Firefighting Monitors

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KEY FEATURES | MODELS | FAQ | PRODUCTS

What is Flex?

Flex is a fixed master stream monitor available in three flow options: up to 1250 GPM (4750 LPM), 1500 GPM (5700 LPM), or 2000 GPM (7600 LPM). It features a patented articulating waterway with low friction loss, compact size, and customizable features, making it versatile for various firefighting needs. Flex is available in manual, remote control (RC), and tiller handle models to suit different operational preferences.

What problems does Flex solve?

  1. Limited Space on Apparatus: Flex is designed with a compact size, fitting easily in dunnage areas, on aerial ladders or platforms, or on the back of the apparatus. Its 16″ (40.64 cm) stow height and 6″ (15.24 cm) swing radius allow it to fit where competitive models can’t.
  2. Excessive Friction Loss: The patented articulating waterway of Flex reduces excessive curves and bends, resulting in minimal friction loss – only 3 PSI (0.21 bar) at 1250 GPM (4750 LPM), 4 PSI (0.28 bar) at 1500 GPM (5700 LPM), and 8 PSI (0.55 bar) at 2000 GPM (7600 LPM). This ensures maximum flow rate and distance at any given pump pressure.
  3. Lack of Configurability: Flex is highly configurable to meet specific needs. Choose from manual, tiller handle, or remote-control versions, and customize features such as crank placement, flow rating, and controller options.
  4. Service and Maintenance: Flex is easy to operate, program, and service with a free app that simplifies programming, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and updates. It includes CAN-bus J1939 protocol, making installation and integration with your apparatus straightforward.

Key Features

Flow Rate

Flex delivers powerful water flow with three flow options: 1250 GPM (4750 LPM), 1500 GPM (5700 LPM), or 2000 GPM (7600 LPM). This flexibility ensures that firefighters can select the appropriate level of water delivery for different fireground situations, from high blow blitz attack to sustained firefighting operations.

Configurable Outlet Options

Flex offers configurable outlet options, allowing users to choose between 2.5″ (63.5 mm) or 3.5″ (88.9 mm) outlets. This flexibility enables fire departments to tailor the outlet size to their specific apparatus and operational requirements, ensuring the right flow rate and performance for different firefighting needs.

Articulating Waterway

Flex has a patented waterway design that eliminates unnecessary curves, providing smooth movement and precise control over the water stream. The reduced friction loss is significant, with only 3 PSI at 1250 GPM (4750 LPM), 4 PSI at 1500 GPM (5700 LPM), and 8 PSI at 2000 GPM (7600 LPM). This minimal friction loss is crucial for maintaining a powerful and accurate stream, ensuring that firefighters can effectively manage water flow even in demanding situations.

Stream Range

Flex provides an extensive range of motion, with 165 degrees of vertical travel (120 degrees above horizontal and 45 degrees below horizontal) and 225 degrees of horizontal travel to the left and right, totaling 450 degrees. This wide range allows firefighters to cover broad areas with precise control, ensuring optimal water placement for various firefighting scenarios, whether reaching high elevation fires or targeting low-angle areas.

Field Adjustable Vertical and Horizontal Hard Stops

Flex is equipped with field-adjustable vertical and horizontal hard stops, allowing firefighters to precisely limit the monitor’s travel range in both directions. This feature enhances control by enabling specific boundaries for movement, preventing over-rotation or unwanted positioning, which is especially beneficial in confined spaces or when operating near obstructions. The ability to quickly adjust these hard stops in the field provides added flexibility, ensuring safe and efficient operation across different firefighting environments.

Compact and Versatile

The compact size of Flex enables it to fit in tight spaces, including dunnage, aerial ladders, or platforms. With a stow height of only 16″ (40.64 cm) and a 6″ (15.24 cm) swing radius, Flex can be easily positioned where other monitors might not fit. Its compatibility with 3″ (76.2 mm) and 4″ (101.6 mm) waterways, as well as Extend-A-Gun extendable waterways, makes it highly adaptable to a wide range of firefighting scenarios, ensuring operational efficiency even in confined spaces.

Available Nozzle Pairings

Flex is compatible with a range of master stream nozzles, including smooth bore nozzles and the Vortex®, providing enhanced versatility. This compatibility allows the monitor to be adapted to various operational requirements, ensuring optimal performance across a wide array of firefighting scenarios.

Upgradability

Flex is designed with future upgrades in mind, allowing for quick and simple modifications to alter flow ratings or reprogram hard stops and positioning through the app. Controller buttons can be reprogrammed at any time via the SmartPlex app, ensuring equipment remains up-to-date with evolving operational needs

Remote Control (RC) Model

  • Versatile Control Options: Control via panel mount, handheld controller, direct mount, or mobile app provides flexibility in how the monitor is operated.
  • Custom Programming: SmartPlex app allows for programming controller buttons, setting hard stops, and saving configurations for future use.
  • New Controller Design: Fully programmable controller ensures quick setup without accessing internal components, with electronics insulated from water and impact for long-term durability.
  • Software Updates: The SmartPlex app simplifies applying software updates without needing direct access to the monitor.
  • Advanced Diagnostics: The app also facilitates easy diagnostics and troubleshooting, ensuring the monitor is always in optimal working condition.
  • CAN-bus Compatibility: Seamless integration with your apparatus is achieved using the CAN-bus J1939 protocol.
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Manual Model

  • Precise Control: Offers intuitive control with easily accessible cranks for smooth operation.
  • Compact Crank Placement: Choose crank placement to ensure easy operation in confined spaces.
  • Simple Maintenance: Durable components ensure long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.

Tiller Handle Model

  • Enhanced Mobility: Provides greater flexibility in positioning the monitor, allowing precise adjustments even on uneven terrain.
  • Ease of Use: The tiller’s design ensures smooth and responsive operation, making it easier to direct the water stream accurately.
  • Low Maintenance: Designed for durability, requiring minimal upkeep.

FAQ

What can Flex flow?

Flex offers a wide range of custom configurations ranging from 1250-2000 GPM (4750-7600 LPM) for pumpers, aerials, and/or fixed monitors.

Why is having fewer bends and curves important?

Removing the bends and dramatic curves in the fixed monitor lessens friction loss! The path for water flow is smoother, therefore creating less turbulence. This improves your stream quality. The low friction loss also results in the greatest flow rate and reach of stream based on the available pump pressure.

What is the friction loss on Flex?

3 PSI (0.21 bar) at 1250 GPM (4750 LPM)

4 PSI (0.28 bar) at 1500 GPM (5700 LPM)

8 PSI (0.55 bar) at 2000 GPM (7600 LPM)

Will dirt and ice in the knuckles break Flex or impact its functionality?

You should take care to clean your monitor and inspect it for damage regularly, but we’ve tested Flex to ensure the knuckles can withstand dirt and grime, ice, and other fire ground hazards. The waterway knuckle segments are a tried-and-true design that has performed very well on both the Blitzfire and Hemisphere portable monitors for many years.

How big is Flex? Will it work for my apparatus?

With an impressive 16” (406 mm) stow height and 6” (152 mm) swing radius you have the flexibility to install Flex in almost any location depending on your application. Flex can be placed in the dunnage, on an aerial ladder, on the back of the apparatus, and in any other location you need master stream water delivery capabilities.

Do I need a stream straightener for Flex?

As with all monitors that use stacked tips, the stream straightener will generally improve the flow characteristics, but it is not needed for use.

What nozzles are compatible with Flex? 

You can use any of our master stream nozzles, including smooth bores with the Vortex®, for more versatility!

Why is the controller for Flex different? 

The controller has been completely redesigned for a better experience and greater flexibility.

Changes include:

Easily programmable buttons that allow you to choose what each button does

Improved button feedback to enhance the experience while wearing gloves

Handheld controller use of a docking station that secures the controller and charges the battery

Enhanced protection of electronic components to minimize your need for service

What is the range for vertical and horizontal travel? 

Flex has 165 degrees of vertical travel from 120 degrees above horizontal to 45 degrees below horizontal. Flex’s horizontal travel (without stops) is 225 degrees left and right which is 450 degrees total.

Is there an app for Flex? 

Yes! With the SmartPlex™ app, you can wirelessly operate, program, and service Flex and other connected TFT products such as VUMs and Extend-A-Guns. You also have access to videos and manuals, and you can program the handheld controller.

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