Thread: Where to start - singing pumpkin controller

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I have decided to add the "Singing Pumpkins" to my yard.

I have no clue about what controllers to use or where to start. I checked the web, but it is all general information. Does anyone have a breakdown of what I'll need that I can use?

To help clarify, I would like the version where different pumpkins to light up during the song at certain points.

Any help and or guidance would greatly be appreciated.

I'm technically-challenged, so I use the Lightning FX box. I got some back when you could still find them really cheap online, but any basic color organ would work. The only problem with this is that you'd have all the pumpkins react to the sound the same, so no individual "singer" parts.

For the individual pumpkins, you'd need a multi-channel controller with the song broken out so you can route responses to individual channels... like Light-O-Rama.

Sample here: Talking Pumpkin - Light-O-Rama Files

The other way is with a kit 74 relay board that you program and control with your computer you need an older computer with a serial port or an adapter. There should be some routines that others have created and will share. Most use the VSA software for programing. Its pretty easy to use and not expensive.

If you decide to use the Kit74, check out this great how to - Definitive Kit 74 Thread (hopefully)
It was easy to follow and works well.

If you're going to use a Kit74, you can use Vixen instead of VSA. It's free, and has a great community behind it.

Thanks everyone. I now have a start point. I need a controller and a program. I think I can work my way through it. I like the pre-made controllers, although I just might try to build my own (I love a challenge and learning something new).

my Medusa DMX board can do this, using Vixen or VSA (or any other DMX software). It'll also let you expand later on, by controlling servos and other props. Check out Halloween Jared's display...

- Hook

Originally Posted by BeaconSamurai

Thanks everyone. I now have a start point. I need a controller and a program. I think I can work my way through it. I like the pre-made controllers, although I just might try to build my own (I love a challenge and learning something new).

If you get 8 solid state relays that can operate at 5 volts, you can wire them directly to the parallel port, and control them just like a kit74. That would be the simplest way and they can switch 120, with out the click click click of mechanical relays.

Here's a little info about building your own Kit74 type parallel port controller. It's really pretty simple.

Definitely recommend the MedusaDMX! It is one great product and, as you can see, lets you do a ton of things. I'm hoping to expand on this prop this year depending on how life goes (may be moving out of state).

Originally Posted by Hooked_on_Scares

my Medusa DMX board can do this, using Vixen or VSA (or any other DMX software). It'll also let you expand later on, by controlling servos and other props. Check out Halloween Jared's display...

- Hook

YouTube - Mr. Bones and the Gourditos - Halloween 2010 - Thriller