Thread: Prop Remote Control

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I know, yet another thread on prop control...but here is my question anyway

I got a deal last year on two things, about 12 pneumatic cylinders and about 8 24volt valves. 2008 will be year two of my yard haunt and I want to add to last years debut of monster in a box, 2 coffin leapers and trash ca trauma. Plus lighting sound and fog.

I also want to move beyond sitting on the porch throwing manual valves for the pnuematics. I think for this year I am comfortable staying with single swich single action (i.e. no three axis sculls yet) because i want to spend some time on prop building and save my "I don't think she'll notice if I buy this" budget to a minimum.

This year I have to build props with my cylinders and integrate up to three new and soon to be hacked boris heads.

I have been debating microcontrollers, but (I think) my cost to control multiple props would be too high. So, has anyone played with RF wireless? I found on ebay one that will do 12 channels at 12v for 28$:

http://cgi.ebay.com/12CH-6Momentary-...QQcmdZViewItem

They also have this variation:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-TO-6-6CH-RF-Wi...QQcmdZViewItem

Assuming I can get from 12 to 24v for my valves - is this a decent option?

With the controller in pocket, I could then be part of the display.

Ideas welcome,
thanks

I buy from that ebay store all the time. They have good stuff. Just make sure you know what your getting when it comes to momentary, toggle, latched, etc.

heres how I would approach the problem

1) use an 8 port DMX relay pack and use that to control your 24V solenoids

2) use an Enttec Open DMX widget to create a DMX network

3) Get a copy of VSA for your PC and write a series of routines that will control your cylinders in sequences and routines

4) Connect your RF system to an Exorcist Box, or just use the IR remote that comes with Exorcist. (yeah... I know its another shameless plug)


This system would then give you the ability to control sequences with your RF unit rather than just single cylinders, and the DMX network has a 1000' max cable length

If you wanted to not go with DMX then you could use a Kit74 and a parallel cable, but I dont think you would get the same potential cable length.

Thanks Phoenix,
I thought you might chime in here. My challenge is cost - I think the system you laid out there is several $100s and I am not sure if in year two I want to lay that out. That said, it sounds like there are elements that can be built in this year and added to for a more complex system at a later date... research continues...

Thanks also gadget - goo dt o have a positive review prior to ordering direct from china...

I'd give the animation maestro a try. They are very easy to program and come with audio and motion sensor modules. No button pushing with the motion sensor. I bought the maestro 1 unit and used it in a coffin knocker worked like a charm, Although I did not get the motion sensor I did get the sound module its only draw back is there is no line input to record the sound, it has a mic and you just talk into it or hold it next to a speaker...

I've also had very good luck with the flex event timer from Haunt Master its great for triggering one shot props but lacks the ability to "program" like the animation maestro

http://hauntmasterproducts.com/9.html

I use a 12 channel RF relay board. We have a blast every year. My dad walks around within the crowd carying the remote and has a great time. He'll even distract them as they approach a leaper or MIB. They also have a 12 channel RF relay at :
http://www.electronics123.com/s.nl/i...=8&category=36

The only drawback is that you have to be there working it.
A benefit is that you are in control of the timing....you can let one person pass by and startle the person in the back of the group.

If you want to keep the costs down then this is a good route to take for this year.

I'm using the exact same 12 channel remote control unit as your first link, but I bought it from a different ebay seller. It worked great! I've used it both trigger the valves directly, and to activate a pic microcontroller that triggered a valve through another relay.

With both setups, I used a 12v battery for the relay board (with a 5v regulator for the microcontroller) and a separate 24v supply (two 12v batteries), switched through a relay, for the valves.

I had a bunch of 8-10 year old boys at our haunt that were sure my popup (pop out, actually) dragon was motion controlled because it had triggered as each of them walked by. When they walked by the third or fourth time, they were sure it was broken because nothing happened. As they were about to give up and started turning their backs, I triggered it from 20 yards away and scared the pants off them. They screamed like little girls as they ran away. Nobody ever figured out I had the remote control in my pocket.

This is great, very helpful.

I like that it sounds like the system is scalable such that when I get more ambitious in 2009 when I want to layer in multi-function props, it can easily be done. Plus it allows good control over when the scare goes off. In my area we have a real mix of ages and the props are scary enough that I don't want to ruin halloween for the little TOTers.

So I can get this and the boris hacks out of the way while the snow is on the ground and move to prop construction over the summer - very cool

Thanks all!