Thread: how to activate a prop AC controller DC Prop

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Here’s what I got, 2 headlights and a horn wired together, I originally planned on having a 12 volt supply from a transformer, set up on a flex ect timer with a motion detector to trip the prop.
Now for the problem, the light draws so much power that the horn is barely audible.
I tried a battery charger and still not enough power.
My only other option is a battery, if I use a battery how can I hook up the flex ect timer, it has a ac outlet on it…any suggestions.

Thanks

What's the amperage output of your transformer (12VDC)? If the amperage is too low, you'll have a problem. If you want to use a battery (I assume like a car battery?), you can cut and strip the plug side of an extension cord, attach the wires to the coil of a 110VAC relay like this one:
125VAC/10A DPDT Plug-In Relay - RadioShack.com
and loop the battery, lights and horn in series through the Common and Normally Open terminals. When the ECT trips, the relay will activate, sending power to the lights and horn.

Originally Posted by Otaku

What's the amperage output of your transformer (12VDC)? If the amperage is too low, you'll have a problem. If you want to use a battery (I assume like a car battery?), you can cut and strip the plug side of an extension cord, attach the wires to the coil of a 110VAC relay like this one:
125VAC/10A DPDT Plug-In Relay - RadioShack.com
and loop the battery, lights and horn in series through the Common and Normally Open terminals. When the ECT trips, the relay will activate, sending power to the lights and horn.

the amperage is 1.5

I realy dont want to use a battery but I dont know how to get enough amps dc to drive the horn any other way.

I am a bit confused on the setup you suggested.

Cut off the plug end
attach the wires to the coil of a relay (which wires both and which leads on the relay?)
Sorry, my electrical skills are amateurish at best, but I really want to get this prop working.

Yeah, 1.5A probably won't handle the load. You can either try to hunt down a higher amperage 12VDC wart like this:

12VDC 3000MA POWER SUPPLY | AllElectronics.com
Also, Monster Guts sells 12VDC, 5A supplies so that might be an option.

If you want to use a car battery, here's how you wire the relay:
Cut off the plug end of cord as I mentioned above, leaving about a foot of wire to work with, and strip ~1/4" of the wire ends. Get some spade connectors that fit the terminals of the relay. Solder the connectors to the wires. The relay instructions will show you which terminals are the coil etc. Connect the wires to the coil terminals, one wire to each. Now when the ECT activates, 110 volts will go to the relay coil for the time you set on the ECT. Identify the Common and Normally Open terminals on the relay. Your horn, lights and battery are going to be wired in series to these two terminals. Polarity may matter for the lights and/or horn so be sure you have the "+" and "-" connected properly. Attach one wire from the battery to the Common terminal of the relay, attach the other wire to the light, attach the other side of the light to the horn, and attach the other side of the horn to the Normally Open terminal on the relay. When the ECT turns on the power, the relay will switch the battery (or wart) power to the lights and horn. Be sure to protect the exposed 110 volt terminals so nobody can get a shock. If you need a quick wiring diagram, let me know.

I am sure this is wrong but I need a starting point

Here's a quick drawing of the circuit. Let me know if you have any questions.

Edit: Yes, the plug end of the extension cord is what will plug into the ECT socket.

I think I understand but if possible I would like a wiring diagram, sorry.
Is there a way to get around the battery?

Thats amazing, I cant see it in my head by reading but a picture is worth a thousand words, thanks I think I got it.
If you come up with an idea getting around the battery let me know thanks a million

Originally Posted by SQWIB

Thats amazing, I cant see it in my head by reading but a picture is worth a thousand words, thanks I think I got it.
If you come up with an idea getting around the battery let me know thanks a million

If you can get hold of a high amperage 12VDC wart, you won't need the battery. Just plug the wart into the ECT and attach the lights and horn as shown in the drawing. Polarity may matter, so keep it in mind. If you go with the battery, use at least 16 gauge wires (lamp cord) to prevent overheating.

As mentioned, Monster Guts sells high-amp supplies:

Electric Motors for Props - 12 Volt 5 Amp Power Supply - Halloween Prop Building Supplies For The Home Haunter - Monster Guts - You have the power!

I even tried a car charger and no luck.
One good thing is the prop will only be active for a second or 2