Thread: prop-1 and the dual acting zombie groundbreakers?

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ok, I have been researching lots of stuff, and I really really want to build a zombie groundbreaker like Industen Zombie Groundbreakers DONE!!!! Turned out great videos inside.

My question, is can I use a prop-1 controller to control this? Is this the absolute cheapest way to control the pair of 4 way 5 port solenoids and achieve this effect? Basically, forgetting about extra sound, lights, fog, and what have you... what is the cheapest, DIY-est way to get this thing working? I really only have about 200 or so of budget this year and I'm fighting myself over blowing it all on ONE prop. Any ideas? thanks.

quick edit: is there anything out there for similar or less cost that utilizes a direct pc connection? I can dedicate a laptop to this prop control if needed.

Do you have a set of Christmas lights that has different settings on them, like this....



If you do then you have almost everything you need to make a prop controller that will run four air cylinders in a some what random pattern. What does a prop1 or any prop controller do? They turn things on and off in a set order, the same way as the Christmas light controller. The only real difference is you can program the prop1 and the light controller is already programed with a set number of patterns.

In this picture I'm using the above light controller to make the lights chase. The Christmas lights have 4 different sets of color lights on them (all do) I cut each set of lights off and add a female plug in place of the light (1 for each set/color for a total of 4). Then plug a light (you would plug your air valve) into each of the four female ends I added. Now the lights (your air valves) will do the same setting as the Christmas lights would. In this picture I'm only using 3 of the plugs and I have it set to a slow chase. It's as simple as cutting 5 wires and putting 4 female ends on the wires you cut.



You don't have to forget about sound and lights if you wanted to go old school and use a boom box and a cassette. If you have both of those there wouldn't be any extra cost for the sound. You could always plug the boom box into the motion detector (that's what I would use to trigger the prop). Push the play button down and every time the motion detector is activated the boom box will play the recording. The same with your lights just plug it into the same motion detector and it will come on with the boom box. For the fog you need to hack your fog switch and put a relay in it and plug the relay into the motion detector. If you did that you would have fog, lights, sound every time the prop is activated.

You did say cheap....est

Prop 1 will work just fine. We got together in the Chicago area last year and made a couple dozen of these using Prop 1's and Vmusic players for the sound. They were a huge hit for all of us.

One word of caution, there is a lot of stress on the frame. Unless you are only going to run it for a couple hours, I would consider something more rugged than PVC - steel for example.

This is a really tough build with a budget of $200 dollars. The pnematics alone go for around that price. Then you have the wood, mask, controller and other odds and ends. There is the wiper motor or Shiatsu motor if you want a lower cost groundbreaker.

BTW prop-1 controller will work fine.

Originally Posted by Industen

This is a really tough build with a budget of $200 dollars. The pnematics alone go for around that price. Then you have the wood, mask, controller and other odds and ends. There is the wiper motor or Shiatsu motor if you want a lower cost groundbreaker.

BTW prop-1 controller will work fine.

The pneumatics alone for $200? I'm not quite sure how you figure... I found the valves for $25/each on frightprops, and haven't foud the best source of the cylinders, but they should be $20/peice.... so unless the brackets are more expensive than the valves/cylinders, I should be right around $100... is there something I'm missing? Im not trying to be a jerk, just honestly confused.

Originally Posted by slanks

Prop 1 will work just fine. We got together in the Chicago area last year and made a couple dozen of these using Prop 1's and Vmusic players for the sound. They were a huge hit for all of us.

One word of caution, there is a lot of stress on the frame. Unless you are only going to run it for a couple hours, I would consider something more rugged than PVC - steel for example.

Slanks, where did you get pvc? Just wondering if you were looking at the right thing... These frames use 2x4.... I'm guessing you could use steel but that would bring the price up and 2x4 seems to do the job well enough... this will only be used for halloween night.

and, Madmax, thanks for the brilliant idea on xmas light controller... I will look into that.

[quoteThe pneumatics alone for $200? I'm not quite sure how you figure... I found the valves for $25/each on frightprops, and haven't foud the best source of the cylinders, but they should be $20/peice.... so unless the brackets are more expensive than the valves/cylinders, I should be right around $100... is there something I'm missing? Im not trying to be a jerk, just honestly confused.
][/quote]

$50(2) 4 Way, 5 Port, 2 Position, 1 Solenoid 1/4" NPT 12VDC solenoid valves
$40(2) Double Acting, Double End Mounting, 1-1/16" Bore, 2" Travel Actuator, w/cushions
$7(2) Extenstion Cords
$5(7) Male Connector 1/4" Tube OD 1/4 NPT
$5(4) Male Elbow 1/4" Tube OD 1/8 NPT Male Thread
$2(10') Tubing, Polyurethane, 1/4" OD, Black
$5(4) Speed Control Muffler 1/8 NPT
$2(1) Couple Plug, 1/4 MNPT, 1/4" Body
$2(1) Branch Tee 1/4" Tube OD 1/4 NPT Male Thread
$14(2) Rod Clevis for 1-1/16" Bore Cylinder
$8(2) Clevis Bracket for 1-1/16" cylinder, Rear Pivot Brackets w/pin
$8(2) Rear Pivot Bracket, One Piece, 1-1/4" Bore Cylinders (3/4" and 1-1/16" Piston Rod Clevis Pivot Bracket)
$10(1) 1/4" regulator

Alright I over estimated...around $160 in pneumatics and mounting. I guess it could be done for around $200. Never really priced it out until now.

$3(1) 1x3
$3(1) 2x4 or 2 2x4's
$10(6) 2 1/2 hinges
$1(1) 3/4 PVC pipe
$40(1) Prop-1 Controller
varies(1) Mask

Good luck with your build you should be right around the $2oo mark

This is my PVC GB $65 with no controller or sound.
It is lightweight & waterproof, the 3way valves came from a surplus store in the SF bay area for 15$ each and that kept the cost low
the PVC was placed in boiling water and squished at the proper angles. Here is and the thread from last year and some picts at Photo bucket



My pvc Ground Breaker

http://s907.photobucket.com/albums/a...und%20Breaker/