Thread: vsa prop control question

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OK, so I've decided to join the club and do some animatronic stuff this year.

What I want to do is have two separate characters\routines running in different parts of the yard at the same time. Can I do this with one vsa program and one servo card or do I need multiple cards, programs etc.? I have waded through many of the posts but there is so much info it's kinda confusing since I know nothing I just gotta figure out what I need to order so I can get this thing happening.

Don

It can be done on one PC but you will need other hardware that's very expensive..Probably more cost friendly if you have a old PC for the second routine, VSA you only have to buy once. Check out halloween Bobs thread he shows all the hardware you will need.

One PC yes, one servo card NO, not unless you elect to have the two routines running at different times, or you use BoC and have a DMX set-up.

Not really sure that the hardware to do this is expensive, Exorcist cost $299, and for this you can run many routines at the same time as well as video and sound files, you get infra-red remote control and easy triggering options

Try EFX-TEK they have inexpensive prop controllers that will do the job. You may need to have them help program your controller if you don't have any experience. A prop-2 should do the job for you. It has 16 I/O pin ($100) The prop-1 has 8 I/O pins so it won't operate as many items but it only cost $40.
You'll also want to pick up some relays.
(they have discounts on their products when ever they have a booth at a convention)

Well if you want to spend the money for $299 you can get a good PC to run the VSA program, or for $299 you can get the RAPU and use that to run your routines, of course you have to get a separate servo controller and there are some good cheep ones Parallax, Lynx,Pololu.

Thanks for the help, it's much appreciated.

Since I'm new to all this I think I'll go the simple route and just take it one step at a time. IF I manage to get more than one routine finished this year, I'll time them to work alternately, and if all works out, maybe I'll try something more complicated next year.

Thanks again

Don

If you need any supplies, there are some great group buy stuff on here. I'm working on a few animated skulls this year.

What you cud do, mate, is, if ya 'as two computers (an these days who doesnt), maybe a latop and a desktop, or some ol' cheap Pentiium I's or II's.. go with two controllers($33/ea), VSA fer them both, make two different routines. I am gonna use 4 computers (2 desktops, 2 laptops) to run 4 lynx boards to operate 18-20 skulls, oll running different routines, ...was the only way i cud see doin wot I needed ta do.

Originally Posted by CaptnJackSparrow

What you cud do, mate, is, if ya 'as two computers (an these days who doesnt), maybe a latop and a desktop, or some ol' cheap Pentiium I's or II's.. go with two controllers($33/ea), VSA fer them both, make two different routines. I am gonna use 4 computers (2 desktops, 2 laptops) to run 4 lynx boards to operate 18-20 skulls, oll running different routines, ...was the only way i cud see doin wot I needed ta do.

1 computer, a 7.1 sound card, USB Hub & 4 USB-Serial adapters (or just a card with extra com ports), 1 copy of VSA and Exorcist can do exactly this.... and you get all the additional functions that come with Exorcist as well

btw using either method you will be limited to only 1 routine per card you cant have two routines addressing a single card at the same time, and you need to ad protections that stop a second routine trying to address the card before the first stops, to have 18-20 skulls running 18-20 different routines at the same time then you will need 18-20 servo control cards.

unless....... you used BoC and DMeXorcist, you would need 8 servo cards, but they would all connect to a single USB port, and then you have complete flexibility over how you play your routines, you could feasibly have 20 different routines playing (more are possible) at the same time, with each routine addressing any number of boards, and each board responding to any number of routines.

For Ruetten.. I'd spend th' $33 fer 'nother Lynx board (or $66 fer two if ya 'asnt got any yet), 'mate... set up th' two locations ta run yer different audio files, savvy?

Fer Phoenix.. thanks fer yer input fer me.. lemme lay out wot I'm doin', 'mate... Ya been ta Disney 'ave ya?

Me front yard be 'avin 2-3 skulls banterin'/singin', maybe a couple crabs clickin' thar claws too, 'adnt decided..

One side o' me 'ouse 'as 4 skulls doin' th' Wench auction.

Back yard corner 'as 3 skulls at th' bar, banterin'/singin' "A Pirates Life Fer Me" an otha songs...

Opposite corner o' me yard 'as 4 skulls on th' pirate ship, battlin' wit' 3 skulls on th' Spanish fort ('ouse deck).. fogger cannons, lots really..

Otha side o' me abode 'as 3 more talkin' skulls, in a burnin' jail, tryin' ta get th' keys from a dog, 'ose 'ead be movin' an' tail be waggin'..

Each site be talkin'/singin' different songs, different times. I nigh be needin triggers, as it be runnin' continuoesly... So thanks, bu' you've 'mates 'ave got nothin' tha'd werk at tha.. An' wot kind o' pirate wud I be, seperatin' wit' 299 pieces o' eight as I olready 'ave me 4 controllers which be loads less swag? Be nigh wise in me book..