Thread: DMX Motion Trigger

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Is there any way to set up a motion detector or a pressure pad to trigger a DMX prop? I built a DMX coffin (Thanks Tera!) and would like it to start based on a trigger versus just having a show run randomly.

I think lots of us are struggling with that issue. I bought the Rapu unit from the VSA people which allows you to download your routines to the Rapu board instead of requiring your computer but even still there is no easy way to automatically trigger it. I ended up creating my own controller board that waits for a trigger and then sends commands to the Rapu unit via rs-232. Believe me - it ain't easy.

SkullTronix < Skulltronix Exorcist can run VSA routines. This would only be useful if you use VSA. DMX wasn't designed for this type of usage.

How many soldenoids do you have in the coffin?

Here's what I did to trigger mine. I have a wireless mouse hooked up to the computer and I click that when I want the routine to start. The mouse will be hanging around my neck. Hopefully this is going to work good. I'll be putting the haunt through a dry run tonight and/or tomorrow.

Next year I will be buying eXorcist (brace yourself: $300) so I can trigger this and a few more routines. It can trigger up to 8 different routines. Plus it comes with a remote. skullTronix

If you follow Terra's thread down to the bottom you will find my version which is triggered by DMXorcist using a pair of buttons.

Of course these buttons can be replaced with just about any trigger device.

Please Note that Exorcist and DMXorcist are actually different products, Exorcist can only play one routine per device at a time and an entire DMX network = 1 device).

DMXorcist can address many routines to a DMX network at a time.

Phoenix, I thought the difference between exorcist and dmxorcist was the software that ran them.

Terra, are you going to remove the ball from the mouse (or tape over the laser part) so that the "arrow" doesnt move when the mouse swings around your neck?

The hardware for the two products is identical, but this hardware is predominantly the box that handles the inputs.

Exorcist software handles output of DMX routines by triggering VSA which can include DMX commands as well as many other types of command, Exorcists also needs VSA console to work

DMXorcist handles the DMX output itself, it doesn't need to trigger VSA, as it includes a player, it doesn't need VSA console, and it only needs VSA to create the routine in the first place.

DMXorcist will also support a wider range of DMX output devices.

To casual observation Exorcist and DMXorcist are identical, but DMXorcist does have a few more features, and it does have the ability to play multiple routines to a DMX chain.... it also has the minor drawback that it can only address DMX.... which isn't really a huge drawback when compared to the plus side

Originally Posted by wicc_ed

Terra, are you going to remove the ball from the mouse (or tape over the laser part) so that the "arrow" doesn't move when the mouse swings around your neck?

When I did an initial test, it seemed to not make a difference. When VSA is full screen it seemed to take the click as a 'start routine' command. Now, I'm not absolutely confident of that so I will be testing that out during dry run. If it's a prob, I will tape over the sensor. I'll report in how it goes.

I just got my Exorcist a few days ago and I have to attest to the awesomeness. Running my yard haunt would be vastly more difficult without it. Plus it has a ton more features above and beyond simply running VSA routines. I'm going to be playing some songs between other happenings, running video, timers, inputs.

It may be expensive, but for controlling a haunt with any sort of electronic props, It's easily worth the price. Plus Phoenix and the guys are great at being helpful with any questions.

Originally Posted by Phoenix_UK

The hardware for the two products is identical, but this hardware is predominantly the box that handles the inputs.

Exorcist software handles output of DMX routines by triggering VSA which can include DMX commands as well as many other types of command, Exorcists also needs VSA console to work

DMXorcist handles the DMX output itself, it doesn't need to trigger VSA, as it includes a player, it doesn't need VSA console, and it only needs VSA to create the routine in the first place.

DMXorcist will also support a wider range of DMX output devices.

To casual observation Exorcist and DMXorcist are identical, but DMXorcist does have a few more features, and it does have the ability to play multiple routines to a DMX chain.... it also has the minor drawback that it can only address DMX.... which isn't really a huge drawback when compared to the plus side