Thread: Help with Haunted Mirror

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I want to build a motion activated mirror that shakes and bangs against the wall. Basically I want this (without the $600 price tag):

YouTube- Hauntedprops.com BANGING MIRROR PROP

I haven't been able to find DIY directions anywhere.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Looks like it could be done with a simple key banger controller like a PicoBoo, a solenoid and an air cylinder. Maybe $125 plus the artwork. Less if you can find a used Picoboo or some other inexpensive controller.

If you really want to go low tech and cheap a "Bush shaker" sold a Menard's during The Season is meant to light up moan and groan and shake up a shrub and uses a sound activation. I think they are less than 20.00
You would need to space the mirror away from the light enough to fit the shaker.

Try looking for this item! Maybe ebay.. it is what I believe helenback is describing.

theres some on ebay now, i was looking today for new props

The "eye" bush shaker I have works well but the mechanical portion is about 4 inches wide/deep--tough to place easily behind standard mirror/painting. Could maybe make a deep, ornate frame to hide it. The movement is more of a side to side motion...maybe give an inch or two of movement..I think it would give a good effect, especially for the price. Could make a "haunted" flower pot for inside decor, just thinking. Probably could make a lot of thinks shake--books, lamps, spider webbed victims.

What was it under?

I bet you could get the same violent thrusting effect if you mounted a motor on the back of the mirror and attached an irregular shaped cam (like a half-circle or some similar shape) to the motor shaft. Remotely trigger the motor, and as the widest part of the cam rotated against the wall it would "push" the mirror out every revolution. Or mount a shaft on the motor and mount a small wheel to the end of it for the same effect.
I'd recommend mounting the bottom (back side) of the mirror to the wall with a door hinge. Then use rubber bands or a small bungee at the top to give it some tension to spring back toward the wall after the motor pushes it.

Originally Posted by ter_ran

OOOH!!! I have hedges all around my porch..... (eyes glaze over) Must...have...


Thanks for posting this! I hope they're as easy to use as they claim lol

Would anyone be kind enough to post a pic of or short vid of these things working at night? Or maybe my lazy self will go search youtube lol