Thread: Starting out right

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I am just starting to go for a bigger Yard Haunt and I want to make sure to get off on the right foot. More planning now may result in less time and money wasted later. So I have a few questions but I will start with this one. What do most people use to control their animations and effects in the yard? Do these tend to be an integrated system with everything run off of one computer for example with some sort of software that controls all the elements or does it tend to be a mix of controls (motion sensors, simple timing sequences, separate sounds and lights). I do not mind buying a nice system even if I can not make full use of it in the first year since a good system will be easier to expand. However if most people simply use a mix of controllers then there does not seem to be much point in starting with a integrated system. The follow-up question is what are some systems that I should explore? Light-o-rama seems to be good for controlling Christmas lights but I am not sure how it would translate to the variety of effects used for halloween.

Well, you've asked a very good question. There is no set haunt control system that we all use. It's as varied as the needs people have. There are people who use stand-alone props that are triggered by a floor mat, motion sensor, sensor beam, timer or trigger. In each prop is a computer controller that stores the 'show' and fires when it's triggered. I use something very different and very new. It's DMX and is controlled from one computer. You can still use all the varieties of triggers. I believe there are other systems out there but I can't think of them right now. I hope others chime in here. I'm still a relative newbie in all this.

Pros of the stand-alone: they are stand alone. Cons... not integrated. So, what I'm saying here is that it depends on your needs.

Pros of DMX: one central control and can use DMX devices. Cons...not stand-alone props, very new avenue and is still experimental to use haunting.

I think having a warm body push the trigger is the way to go myself. Sometimes, you want to get the first person in a group and sometimes you want to get the last person. I just think the timing is better if you trigger it yourself. The problem is coming up with enough button pushers.

This really messes with those returning customers who begin to think they know where your button is hidden.
Little cheap hand-held remotes really get them too!
I once hired a 19 yr. old, his "Job" was to push a button when he heard the door's hinges squeak as they opened it to come down the hallway towards him.
He couldn't do this!?
He just stood there in the dark, behind a wall, totally safe from veiw or touch.
What could someone like this ever do for a living? (If you can't even do such a simple task-for money!!!?)
I asked around town. He , once & awhile would spend the day..driving his Dad around between taverns....bet that looks mysterious on a W2!

I thought the same thing about being able to trigger all the props myself. It is the way to go because you can time it perfectly. The DMXorcist box I have has a remote so I was able to push a button for each of my five props.

But,

I have a garage haunt with walls and I couldn't see all the prop rooms. I was able to see 3 of them but the other two was a problem. For one, I put up a sound mat and when they hit it, I fired off the prop. For the other, I just counted in my head 5 more seconds after the previous prop went off and then hit the button. So, this year I'm going to use a combination of triggers: Manual, floor mat and a timer (DMXorcist has timer functions).

I've discovered that a combination of triggers is the best for my haunt.

Similar to Terra, I use a combination of controls, and am moving towards a DMX-driven haunt with VSA. However, without DMXorcist, my triggered props are de-coupled from the rest of the control system.

I use VSA to drive the following:

• SSC-32 servo-controlled props
• DMX lighting events and motor relays
• multi-channel audio soundtracks

This is the heart of my display, and several VSA routines are looped in sequence with Monkey Basic's Helmsman to create my show .

Separately, I have three pneumatic startle props which are triggered by X-10 remote-controlled appliance modules. I can fire these off at any time when the victims, er TOTs, are nearby.

This works well for my haunt, others' mileage may vary. I did find that with three locations to watch for triggering, I was unable to fully enjoy the entire show and chat with guests. In 2010, I may enlist some help and get more remotes to free myself up.

IMO an totally integrated system is a disaster waiting to happen. If it fails the entire set-up fails. I like to play it safe and have each "scene" seperated and onto itself which is much easier to troubleshoot. Keep it simple is my motto.

Yep, good point ....a centralized haunt control system is a big worry. I am learning to try to relax and trust that it's gonna work...not easy for me. I can be a big worry-wort.

I'm all over the board. I use a piccoboo which has a 5 button remote for my pnuematics. That way they just don't know when or how often something will go off. I also use pir for my huge spider which will go off when cars go by on the road. It's not that sensitive so it will not go off for every car. When it does though the second car hits the brakes because, they kind of freak which makes my day. lol I also have things that just do contant routines like my bumbleball. If I could afford it I would go with a dmx but, I'm just a poor boy in a big mans world.

Originally Posted by Terra

Yep, good point ....a centralized haunt control system is a big worry. I am learning to try to relax and trust that it's gonna work...not easy for me. I can be a big worry-wort.

Worry is not an issue for me... usually it fails or don't when it's turned on. LOL

In the least I would keep each system seperate if your building from scratch ie; lights, sounds, fog, etc. (I really like the unknown of "etc." ).