Thread: Prop Controllers and where to go from here.

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First off i want to thank everyone for the information on these forums, it has given me a lot of information to digest.

I was just wondering what most of you do to control your animated props? This year i am building a my first animated props an electric chair and a MIB, both pneumatic. I've order a couple of the monster guts controllers and can't wait to get the things functional.

Now for my question, the controllers seem to be the easiest way to get a prop up and running, but in the long run is it really the best way? For one ore 2 props I am sure the controllers come out ahead, but do most of you with an abundance of animated props use some form of IO board tied to a computer to run it all? Or do you just keep buying stand alone controllers for each prop?

I have to say I believe the haunting bug has hit me, and just wonder what most do once they get in the multiple prop range?


Thanks for the responses

Shakeout

Even with running many props there are advantages to what you are doing (controller for each prop). For an integrated haunt control system (one computer running all the props) you have an obvious weak spot - if the computer goes down... so does the whole show. So, there are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches. Made a tutorial on how we run the integrated haunt control system at our haunt: Integrated Haunt Control using DMX/VSA=

I have to say that was a Great tutorial, thank you for taking the time to do that.

Now it seems I have opened a whole other can of worms.

The basics seem to be

EnnTeck Open USB DMX $60
Brookshire VSA 79.95
DMXorcist Complete 120

This would get me the ability to do Triggers and Set sequences for props.

Now for the Outputs

You have the DMX lights like the one you listed

You have the Relay/Dimmer boxes

Then you have the Control Boards

Like the DMX Medusa, SSC-32 Servo Controller, and the Board of Chuckee(are there more of these that i haven't seen yet?)

It seems like the boards would give you a bit more versatility especially the ones with contact closures.

I am leaning that way because it seems to be a common practice that most of you want lower voltage running your props. Which after thinking about it makes a lot of sense, why would i want 110 ac wires criss-crossing my haunt.

There are pros and cons. Some prop controllers are getting really nice. Look at the BooboxflexMax that controller is amazing. Has the ability to have DMX on it also. 16 inputs, 8triggers...it is a prop controller dream come true. It is nice to have an audio track for each prop with a controller. Although DMX has 7.1 channels which could give you 7 sounds on 7 props.

The huge advantage you get with DMX is lighting. This is hard to come by with a simple prop controller.

I have around 15 different controllers and love them and wouldn't do it any other way. It is also easier for me to program them. I mostly use booboxflexes which require a scaremaster to program them. You can lock channels out once programmed. Great for 4 or more input routines. Of course DMX can do this also. To me it is just as easy as using a computer.

Yes, I use the Enttec box to start the DMX daisy chain that goes to DMX lights and DMX relay boxes. I don't use the servo boards and don't know how to use them (can't help you there). I also use the audio out from the computer to get sound out to the speakers by the props.

Industen,
I've taken a look at the boobox series and they look very expandible, but from my understanding you can only program them with the scaremaster?

Terra,
You only use DMX relays, so i'm guessing for your 12v stuff you are just doing Wallwarts into the relays?

Thank you both for the guidance.

Yes, wallwarts for the relays. Though all my solenoids are 110v.

One quick clarification... DMX is just data for controlling things. The "thing" can be a light fixture, or a smoke machine, or a board like the Medusa or BoC, or even an MP3 player board. But it doesn't actually carry audio. I think what Industen is referring to is the DMXorcist computer software's ability to accompany a routine using 7.1 audio from your computer.

- Hook

Yes, you can only program the booboxflexes with a Scaremaster controller

So for some type of Relay or Contact Closure my choices are the DMX Relay/Dimmers or the Medusa right?