Thread: VSA and DMX relay ?

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What I am hoping the DMX will do for me is to run 2 or 3 pneumatic props at different points in our haunt. We usually trigger these by hand for a one time scare. I would like to have them fire on and off for a short period of time. Pretty much like Terra's coffin and skeleton props. However I am unsure if one DMX dimmer/relay box and one program will run 2 or more such props. all the video I have seen has one item plugged int othe outlet channels and a bunch of lights off the dmx line.
Plans are to trip these using remote controlled outlets
Thanks! : )

If I remember right, Terra's DMX dimmer/relay is just like mine. It has 8 AC outlets on it, two outlets for each DMX channel. You can control the power to 4 separate devices. You can plug multiple devices into each channel but everything on that channel will be turned on or off according to that channel's commands programmed into VSA.

Is your haunt a walkthrough where you want devices triggered by people passing through, or is it more like a show?

we usually guide people through and trip the pneumatic props with foot or hidden switches. Some stuff goes all the time(basically anything on a wiper motor). This year we expanded a bit and have a couple props that, to be their best, need to be re-triggered to get a sequence of motions. Kind of wish I had gone with the pica boo's for some of these things but thought I had it all figured out. Then hit the panic button when I saw some of Terra's videos showing multiple dmx relay/dimmer boxes! If I have to do that then I will just bite the bullet and go with the pica boo controllers.
As I am slowing loosing my help to college I would love to be able to get my yard haunt swapped over to 50% automation at least. Besides the single pop up action is getting really dull.
so anyway, my thoughts were to have my attack dog controlled by dmx (to repeatedly lunge) with the trigger being a remote controlled outlet that will switch on the 24vdc soloniod. Sound, lights will be off a separate non dmx motion control sensor running strobe, spots and sound. Sound is mp3 with 110 plug in speakers.
I have two other props that need to have the ram fired several times that I am hoping can be run off the same dmx box. If I can get away with just buying one dmx relay/dimmer this year it would be super. All the other stuff I have had for years....
I appreciate the response by the way. If one dmx box will do what I want then I am off to shop.

The DMX dimmer/relay only puts out 110v. If your 24vdc solenoid is powered by a 110vac to 24vdc wallwart or transformer, then I would try and see what happens when you plug in the power for the attack dog. If you can make the solenoid fire each time you plug in the power, then the DMX dimmer/relay will work without having to use an additional relay to turn on the 24volt power. It sounds like you have something that senses the movement of the dog and turns on lights and sound. So that would leave you with 3 additional DMX channels for turning other props or lights on or off, or in the case of lights (excluding florescent) you can also dim.

You will need this stuff to get going. The Enttec Open is $60, VSA I think is $60 and I think I paid about $80 for the DMX dimmer/relay. You will need a 5pin male to 3pin female adaptor for the Enttec box, a DMX cable to go to your DMX dimmer/relay and a DMX terminator. I got most of my DMX stuff from cheaplights.com

I have a Vellman USB/DMX interface that has a three pin and it came with DMX Light Power program, thought it was comparable to the lower end Entec when I bought it. Hoping this will work? Have to get a terminator still though. And the dmx relay/dimmer.
I still needed a way to trip the props with out shelling out the cash for the big control boxes that every one is using. So was going to run an extension cord with the remote control outlet plugged into the end. The 24vdc wall wart plugs into that. Victim walks by, I push remote control button the prop plays the sequence. I push button again, it shuts off. Has a range of 100 feet through walls and so forth so I think this will work.
Will check out the items/things you suggested and see if they are the same or similar to what I have in mind and on hand.
Thanks!