Sparkmaster  Used by miners, tunnellers demolition specialists and armies, the Beethoven Exploder has been at the heart of traditional wire-based shot-firing for many decades. Now, employing the latest technology, the Beethoven SparkMaster is set to meet the needs of explosive engineers who prefer shocktube-based systems. Currently in the final stages of extensive field trials, the Beethoven SparkMaster has been designed with the shot-firer in mind. At around 700 gms, the solid-state unit is easily portable and it's robust, highly-visible, red case is designed to take the knocks of site life. The SparkMaster comes with a stout, weather-proof carrying case which includes a pouch for spare 'sparkers'. In inclement conditions, the SparkMaster can be operated without being removed from the carrying case. "Blasting often takes place miles from base so reliability has to be paramount." At around 700 gms, the solid-state unit is easily portable and it’s robust, highly-visible, red case is designed to take the knocks of site life. The SparkMaster comes with a stout, weather-proof carrying case which includes a pouch for spare ‘sparkers’. In inclement conditions, the SparkMaster can be operated without being removed from the carrying case. Instead of rechargeable batteries, which eventually fail (probable far from base), the SparkMaster’s charge is provided by a set of replaceable batteries with a life of some 500 firings. A LED warns when the batteries need to be renewed.