Thread: Mythbusting, the SkullTroniX BoC is/is not expensive

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I do have a bias here, but I was in chat the other night talking with someone about servo controlled props, and when the conversation turned to servo control boards it became apparent why people mistakenly think the SkullTroniX BoC is expensive. ie $149 vs $40 for the Parallax Servo Controller (for example), does indeed look like an expensive comparison.

Well the simple truth is you are not comparing like for like, the BoC is a complete package that contains cables, power supplies, LED and configuration software, where the PSC is just a single circuit board, and you have to buy everything else.

A more realistic comparison would be

Circuit board $40
5V 3.7A power supply $20
micro relay for power control $20
circuitry for controlling eye lights $30
2x15' DMX cable, DMX terminator, LEDs, Configuration software, $25

total $135

So $135 is still less than $149, and the above the prices are only an approximation and if you want to go really cheap you ignore advice to use power control relays, however, lets now look at what the BoC gives that other servo controllers lack.

- customer support.... few can match Jerry for the customer support he provides, and anyone associated with SkullTroniX (myself included) are always available to help customers with technical issues.

- compatibility.... the BoC can run MiniSSC and PSC routines from VSA without conversion.

- Its all on a single board, which is the same size as a PSC.

- Ability to run 400+ separate servos on a single cable, more if you configure multiple servos to the same channel.

- Ability to link servo control with fog machine/lighting etc using off the shelf equipment and just a single cable, DMX is limited to 512 addresses per network, by the time you need more that this you are in a different league.

- Maximum cable length of 1000', serial is limited to 75' and USB is limited to 15'

- SERVO PROTECTION 1, you can set the limits of servo motion in the BoC making it virtually impossible to crash your servos beyond the limits of motion.

- SERVO PROTECTION 2, the servos will auto power off after a period of inactivity, again dramatically preserving their life.

- Speed..... DMX is blisteringly fast when compared to serial, discovered this to my great surprise when converting the motion capture system to DMX, with serial it could run at 30-40 frames per second (just adequate), however, the DMX version has the potential to run faster than 120FPS.

- its easier to write software for DMX than serial...... anyone who knows how easy it is to write for serial will be VERY surprised to learn this fact, but DMX IS EVEN EASIER!

Anyone experience with servo controlled props will tell you that burnt out servos are a fact of life, truth is they were the bane of the early rev SkullTroniXs. The BoC can be set up to actively protect your servos, in a way that before was only possible with digital servos.

Thanks Phoenix! I was curious what the differences actually were. I knew it was better than the average board but didn't know how different. I particularly like the servo protection feature. I've been lucky with my servos but I always worry that I'll crash or fry my servos. I wanted to time my foggers with sound this year and it looks like this is just what I need along with my Exorcist to make that happen. Since I only have 4 available ports left I really could use another board. You may have just made up my mind about attending the Transworld event. Just keep me away from the Skulltronix, my husband will kill me If I buy one those too.

Originally Posted by buckaneerbabe

You may have just made up my mind about attending the Transworld event.

Yes, but which option: 350 or 4+4?

sure come on down, if you need an E-Vite drop Jerry an Email

JERRY fom SKULLTRONICS is GREAT, while I have never personally bought from him, a few of my friends have and they are al full of PRAISE for JERRY, add that on top of a GREAT PRODUCT and SKULLTRONICS is a PHENOMENAL HAUNT COMPANY....... Kudos Jerry and good Post Phoenix for pointing out the ACTUAL COMPARISON!

So Phoenix, will you guys have the Boc on hand as a cash and carry or will you be placing orders for that item to be mailed out?

Actually Ive no idea on the BoC front, there will be a couple on demo, but don't know if Jerry is planning on bringing a stock

Oh, and I second what bodybagging said, although most of my experience was with Phoenix UK the customer service was extraordinary. So if your thinking of buying a servo controller board and don't have much experience with servos, and can afford a little extra now, go for it cause I'll guarantee you once you go servo you'll be hooked for life and you'll need the extra capabilities of the BoC. Along with all the support you'll ever need to help trouble shoot.

Originally Posted by Phoenix_UK

Actually Ive no idea on the BoC front, there will be a couple on demo, but don't know if Jerry is planning on bringing a stock

Thanks, no rush necessary just curious.

Hello all! Jerry here. I REALLY appreciate all the compliments. Kat and I try very hard to keep our level of service as high as possible.
We will have a few BOC boards at the show for immediate delivery but if we run out we can ship immediately after the show.
We just redesigned the dmx cabling for the boc. We now have a 3 foot straight cable that is easy to fit into an animatronic. At the end is a cool little locking connector that connects to it's mate on the actual shielded dmx cable. Now you can run your dmx cables through the walls or wherever and if you need to work on the animatronic you can do so without ripping out all of your dmx wiring.
See you at Transworld!

Jerry Jewell
SkullTroniX