Thread: HELP I need sound for Pneumatic props

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OK guys an old prop builder needs help. I have several pneumatic props, all very cool and great startle effects.
I have no sound!!!!

SO, now that my fear of trying to make sound has been admitted, I need help doing it.

I would like to MAKE a kit rather than buy at this point. Any suggestions?
I have seen the digital recorders but don't understand how I would trigger it?

• My props are all 110
• I have computer speakers to amplify the sound
• How do I trigger sound when prop is triggered

Looking for input/help
-PropBoy

I understand wanting to do it as cheap as possible but I swear once you get one, you never go back....Just like going from pvc pnuematics to the real deal...These guys are the REAL DEAL...If your pnuematics are simple single fire then the Pica-Boo 105 would be perfect....Everything you need in one simple box found here http://frightideas.com/controllers/picoboo-fi-105s.html I've got 5 of them now with the motion sensor they sell and it just not get any easier AND without all the wired mess.....Good Luck!....ZR

Originally Posted by propboy

OK guys an old prop builder needs help. I have several pneumatic props, all very cool and great startle effects.
I have no sound!!!!

SO, now that my fear of trying to make sound has been admitted, I need help doing it.

I would like to MAKE a kit rather than buy at this point. Any suggestions?
I have seen the digital recorders but don't understand how I would trigger it?

• My props are all 110
• I have computer speakers to amplify the sound
• How do I trigger sound when prop is triggered

Looking for input/help
-PropBoy

If you want low tech, I mean really low tech and fairly cheap I can give you one simple way.

This will only work for sounds like, boo, crying, laughter, screams, something that will be repeated. Since you're not comfortable hacking into a digital recorder this may be one way you could go. At least it will give you a start.

A simple cassette player will work, I still see them at thrift store for 1 to 2 dollars. Record your sound, punch down the play button and plug the power cord into the same trigger that activates your prop.

Let's say you are using a walmart motion detector to activate your pop up prop. By plugging the cassette player into the same outlet as your 110 ac, Solenoid Valve. When the prop pops up you get the sound you recorded..

With a digital recorder what ever you record starts over at the beginning. The cassette tape starts where it stopped and that's why it's only good for repeating sounds.

Like I said, low tech and out dated but sometimes for a simple sound it's best to go low tech and it's a lot cheaper and a place to start.

I need to start simple, not that I can't do more complex and make a circuit, I can I just want to start easy.

Decided to use a digital recorder and it will have a constant power supply to keep it running in a loop, usually $15 for one. Then when the effect is triggered the solenoids, lights, and speakers will trigger and a 555 timer will run the delay I need.

Thanks for the input, can't wait to try this. When I get more time, I will do something more exotic for my 3 axis skull.

-PB

I'm with Zombieraider the keybangers like the picoboo 104 & 105 are great, easy to use and work every time. or you can go with just a sound card like those from cowalicous for a little less money they even have a do it your self kit. finally check out simple circuits they have a number of timer boards for not a lot of $$$

How are the props being triggered now? To trigger on-demand sound (digital recorder or MP3 player) you can usually find a location on a moving prop that will allow the use of a small snap switch to trigger a device. If you don't have that option, small R-C and 555 timing circuits are easy to make. I came up with this circuit that uses a cheap PIR sensor to dry-trigger a USB sound card. It's still being developed (slight instability in the PIR) but it may help.

I have a IR hand switch on some and others I have a control panel with momentary switches. I like to control who gets the scare, when they get the scare and how high they jump

I could add a micro switch that is not a big deal, I have the room on the props.

I like all the controllers above and I am making a 555 timer with a relay to trigger from 9v to 110v .

-PB