Thread: Asylum Door controller help needed

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Hello,

Looking at building a Asylum door this summer for this years halloween project. I am planning on using these electric cylinders instead of air cylinders

http://www.goldmine-elec-products.co...?number=G16036


I was wondering if someone could tell me what controller I need to purchase to work with the DVD and to control the cylinders?

Thanks Rick

Here's the controller you need: http://www.pimpmyprop.com/DTMFControllerDetails.htm

Post pics / vid when your done !

Rick,

3.7 lbs of pull is not very powerful. Keep in mind that the prop you are trying to mimic uses pneumatic cylinders. My guess is they were at least units with a 1/2 piston. So even with a modest 60 lbs of pressure that would equal 12 lbs of force. Not saying the solenoid will not offer a dent in the fabric, just not sure it will be as dramatic as what is offered by pneumatics. Oh and the solenoid you show does not seem to offer a throw spec. Keep in mind that solenoids offer the rated pull for a very short distance. So without knowing the amount of throw, you really do not know if the solenoid will offer enough movement with the required power to provide the dent. You could increase the movement distance with leverage, but your actual force would be even less. Obviously just giving them a try at the cost of 1.29 is worth the effort. Just felt the need to give you some issues re force required to consider. You of course could buddy up two or even three for each ax dent position. Still be a heck of lot cheaper than pneumatics.

Ok if I still want to stay with the electric cylinders what would someone recommend using? Brand/Size/place to purchase?

Thanks

I did some checking. Not easy to replicate the power of compressed air electrically.

I will look around some more later today.

The electric solenoid idea is much more cost effective and easy setup for those of us that dont have or want an air setup. Big question is .... does it work?

No doubt it will be less expensive.

But will it work? That will take some experimenting. Personally I think a rotary solenoid is a better choice. But they offer low overall torque as well. But they also offer up to 100 degrees of rotary motion. So at least they might offer some distance for acceleration. Once a solenoid reaches it's end travel it will hold over it's rated pull. But you need momentum to overcome the resistance of the fabric. To do this with solenoids will require some very delicate balancing between the weight of the hammer / ax and the return force as well. This is why the pneumatic has so much advantage. Need a bit more power? Just boost the pressure. Or use a double acting cylinder and with the right valve you have a power stroke in both directions.

I will continue to search for more powerful solenoids. In my work I deal with machines that use solenoids. Perhaps I can order a few and see what I can find out.

I did read some place that a person used the cylinders I had list above but never stated how well they worked

This is more expensive but might be easier to adapt. Plus much more powerful.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRUNK...Q5fAccessories

There are also super solenoids that offer up to 65 lbs of pull and 3/4 inch throw, but they are not cheap. Like ebay auction starts at $49 each.

The trunk release sounds like a good choice as long as there is some throw. Darn specs don't indicate.

I found the link that I saw the cylinders on

http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=22193

I sent this guy a private message asking how they work and I will let the group know onces he applies back