Thread: electric actuated valves or pneumatic actuated valves

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It seems all the haunt web sites have exclusively used the pneumatic actuated valves. But is this the best method? I mean the compressor is loud. Of course, sometimes the noise of forced air was scarier then the movement of the prop. But would not a nearly silent electric actuator be better with a horn? I think the pneumatic system has always looked complicated with regulating pressure and hoses all over the place. And of course hiding the compressor is always a pain. And then there is the maintenance.

Whereas the electric actuated valves seem to follow common sense. In addition, with micro-computers becoming cheaper and cheaper, you can get a lot of control.

So I ask... Should pneumatic actuated valves be obsolete for our home haunt projects? Which one is the most cost effective short and long term? Comparing apples to apples, how do they stack up?

Can your compressor be located behind the house and run the air hoe to your prop? There are props that use SSR's(solid-state relays) for triggering, just have to find them.. you could use the normal sprinkler valves for the props but mount the actual valves under a sound-proofed box(box lined with foam rubber) and run air hose to the prop.

It all comes down to costs.. What costs less to build/operate. If you arrre going for 'advanced prop' building, you couldgo with elec actuation, but is it cost effective? Cut the noise(honk) down with sound-proofing(above mentioned foam padding) and run an air line to the prop.