Thread: How do I control everything in a haunt ?

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I trying to find out what is the best way to control everything in a haunt. I have tried to get help in other area and not response, that is why I am posting it here. Right now I am using 10 sources of sound or more and all kinds of way to trigger light and stuff. I have haunting for over 12 years and ready to find a easier way.

The cheapest way would be good too.

I appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks

How are the props hooked up and activated now? Are there any pneumatic props? What kind of electric circuits are there? I think we just need more information before anyone can help you. Describe your haunt and how it works, and what kind of budget you would be looking at.
Thanks

some are motion sensor, some are laser sensor. Most of the props are pneumatic. Some run off DC and some AC relays. I have several hooked up to Picboo Controlers. Like to be able to have all sound in one place. would like to stay under 1000.00 if possible. Hope this will help out.

Originally Posted by halloweenrick

How are the props hooked up and activated now? Are there any pneumatic props? What kind of electric circuits are there? I think we just need more information before anyone can help you. Describe your haunt and how it works, and what kind of budget you would be looking at.
Thanks

It sounds like you want a computer that's in charge of all your electronic gizmos, running a piece of software that controls everything and makes sure that it all works together.

This can turn into a big project, so it might help if you describe what you've got now and how you'd like it all to work together.

For some reason, the Christmas automation community is much more into doing what you're thinking of than the Halloween community. Maybe it's because they focus on covering the entire yard with lights and having them all work together as music plays. To get you started, you might want to look at some of these websites:

Visual Show Automation (VSA): http://www.brookshiresoftware.com/ (This software can control lights, servos, relays, etc etc.)
Computer Christmas: http://computerchristmas.com/ (Check out the videos on this site for what people do.)
Vixen (open-source & free): http://www.vixenlights.com/ (Look in the forum here, specifically in the "How Do I...?" section for lots of tips.)

Originally Posted by Trail of terror

I trying to find out what is the best way to control everything in a haunt.

Be the person with the biggest checkbook?

Nah, JeffHass is on target with his suggestions^^^

I went to the site that was suggested and they still confuse me

Originally Posted by chop shop

Be the person with the biggest checkbook?

Nah, JeffHass is on target with his suggestions^^^

I use DMXorcist running on a computer that has all the different props' programs loaded into it (including sound). I use all kinds of triggers plus timers. It's a comprehensive way to run a haunt and I like it. Here's a quick video I made that shows generally how it's controlled (that year I was using a remote):

Cool that is what I am needing. how many things can it control, where do I get it at and what will I all need for it to work. No knowledge at all, when it comes to this.

Thanks for the help

Originally Posted by Terra

I use DMXorcist running on a computer that has all the different props' programs loaded into it (including sound). I use all kinds of triggers plus timers. It's a comprehensive way to run a haunt and I like it. Here's a quick video I made that shows generally how it's controlled (that year I was using a remote):

YouTube - Halloween 09: Sneak Peek

It can control 8 routines and 512 DMX channels. If you have a 7.1 sound card in the computer, you can have sound to each of those channels. Phoenix is a member here and he created DMXorcist and would be the one to ask how to get it and how much: http://www.halloweenforum.com/member...au_was_uk.html

You'll need DMX relay boxes for solenoids and lights. DMX lights if you want them, Enttec Open DMX USB, VSA program, DMX cables, DMX terminator and 5 pin to 3 pin adapter.

Here's a thread that has some compiled DMX threads: DMX Tutorial

I'm in the midst of creating a PC/Windows application that can be used to run an entire show, including many simultaneous scenes and sound sources. (I'm currently working on the GUI, with most of the functional/interface side done.) As it gets closer to completion, I'll actually start to market the thing. Alas, I'm a one man show right now and there are a billion and one things that need doing (including a website for resale.) My great desire is to make it available before mid year 2011, but testing will determine actual availability.

Just wanted to say that something is in the works!