Thread: prop control with laptop and designing?

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hey everyone i am currently in the process of fixing an old macbook my cousin gave me.. it needs a new air port and battery pack,,
i want to know what i can do with a laptop to control props easily... i use props controllers and what not but aso want to use other software to first of all design prop mechanisms then be able to control them and what not...

if any of you use handy programs or what not on your props can you let me know because this laptrop will be striclty halloween bussiness in my shop...

Thanks,
CHris

same problem here, i know terra uses a dmx programme and has dmx relays connected to her solenoids.

Originally Posted by undeadrevenge

same problem here, i know terra uses a dmx programme and has dmx relays connected to her solenoids.

id evetually love to do that with dmx just get a cheap laptop for the workshop and use everything like terra shows in her boogedy video...



Thanks,
CHris

Originally Posted by ctarpey

id evetually love to do that with dmx just get a cheap laptop for the workshop and use everything like terra shows in her boogedy video...

Thanks,
CHris

Yeah it looks great, i don't know how you'd go about triggers and that really, i personally will just have everything on prop controllers with automatic triggers when i finally afford to get some pneumatic equipment...

i am working on my pnuematic prop right now its a process drawing everytihn upi and designing it im lucky i have the help on haloween ofrum members lol..
i use picoboo controllers from fright ideas...

but dmx and vsa is like a dream of superior skill haha! not to mention expenses

I am looking to buy a laptop for my shop and prop control.. what would be a good one to buy.

something cheap lol..
something off ebay for like 50 to 100 bucks lol thats what i did

I use an old PC, Pent. 4, for testing. If you have a notebook that's fine too, but old desktops are real cheap. It's nice having one on the bench when you need it.

FYI you can get a good bench top desktop at GEEKS.COM for under 150.00

For bench testing....
Try a KIT-74 : http://www.electronickits.com/kit/co...lec/ck1601.htm
I use one of these right now.

I use a SSC-32 : http://www.lynxmotion.com/p-395-ssc-...ontroller.aspx
for my servos

And I just got a DLP-IO8-G 8 : http://www.dlpdesign.com/usb/io8.shtml
to try out

I also do Christmas so I have several controllers that I've built for lighting controls.

Best of luck to you all!

If your gonna have a computer to run all your props, you really should have a good one for the actual show, an old one is great for testing, but if you get alot of stuff running, it can cause some issues, keeping audio synced to your motion. I have my mini laptop i use for testing, but the main show runs on a dual core desktop, and part of the show will be running on a 2nd laptop.

VSA is great for running the entire show, especially now that version 5 can Run video with the show. (im not sure if they have a version that will run on a mac)

Originally Posted by joshua17ss2

If your gonna have a computer to run all your props, you really should have a good one for the actual show, an old one is great for testing, but if you get alot of stuff running, it can cause some issues, keeping audio synced to your motion. I have my mini laptop i use for testing, but the main show runs on a dual core desktop, and part of the show will be running on a 2nd laptop.

VSA is great for running the entire show, especially now that version 5 can Run video with the show. (im not sure if they have a version that will run on a mac)

I agree completely. I'm just pointing out the value of having a unit available for testing on the bench. I only use my control unit to test the completed show or programs (I do Christmas also) and run the actual show or programs, this keeps it safe for the big event.