Thread: Pros/Cons of various Controllers

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As we all are, I am trying to expand/improve on my haunt each year. Last year, I got into some controllers, namely the simpler products from Fright Ideas.

I've had some recommendations of other controllers, but some of the more advanced boards seem complicated. Can I get some personal advice about different controllers, ones you trust and use, and what some of the features/advantages are? I know it really depends what you're trying to do, but I'm just looking for new options.

I like the products from EFX-TEC. http://www.efx-tek.com/

Their prop-1 board is fairly easy to learn. These boards are powerful and versatile. All of their products are supported with a pretty substantial users forum, with alot of posted code that you can modify for your own use. The owner Jon is also very helpful with writing code for you.

They have a "key-bang" style board called the EZ-8 that doesn't require any programming. A good board for first time props with a controller.

Good luck!

I also have a prop -1 from EFX-TEK......haven't really gotten into it yet but I will soon. My servo control board (s) are the Parllax boards. A lot of people use the SSC-32 boards. How are you going to control it? VSA or something else. I use a totally different setup that uses a keyboard hack, PLC and some timers then VSA. It depends what you are comfortable with. I'm not real good with micro-controllers-( basic, stamp, etc.) but I am somewhat profiecient with programming ladder logic, PLC, that is part of my job. Hope this helps.......

These are the ones I have used from Frightideas. WARNING NOT CHEAP

Picoboo 103,104,105 and boobox 4-

PROS---
Great for the beginner
easy 2 plug in 120v with the 105's
8 programs to create
Keybanger

CONS---
8 bit mono sound
Need a 4 relay pack with the BB4 for the plug in 120v feature

BooBox 8

PROS---
More inputs 8
MP3 sound
More triggers

CONS---
Expensive $299
need 8 relay pack for plug in 120v feature
need scaremaster programming feature

BooBox Flex
PROS----
Amazing controller
Can expand with 4 input relay boards(120v)
2,4,8 versions that can increase inputs via relay boards(120v)
Can use 4/8 plug in relay packs
MP3 sound
Molex or terminal screw friendly

CONS----
Need scaremaster programmer
Can get very expensive---

$199-scaremaster One time buy programming tool
$199-8 input version
$25-4 input relay board that can daisy chained to another giving you 8


As little as $185 for a 2 input and 1 120v relay pack to as big as $250 for an 8 input 2 relay 120v board.

I too am jumping on the EFX-TEK bandwagon this year and just bought a sampling of a few of their boards. For my big shows I use VSA, DMX with a BOC or the Medusa board but this year I wanted standalone props and after looking at the Fright Ideas BooBox, Gilderfluke’s MiniBrick, Lights Alive Mantis and Monster Guts Nerve Center, I decided on EFX-TEK.

I am all for DMX but like yourself, I just prefer having unique standalone props that are in-depth. While I'm still a bit intimidated by EFX-TEK programming, they seem to be hugely popular and are very friendly people. The email reply I got from the owner seemed honest and dedicated. Supposedly, their forum is pretty active too.

Right now, I'm torn. My initial thought was to piggyback a picoFX from Fright Ideas with a control board from EFX-TEK, but it seems like I can get all the same features and more for the same price with an EFX-TEK control and audio board together. Can you program dimming with the EFX-TEK controllers?

Loogs, you can use the EFX boards to control a bunch of other stuff. Because they're programmable microcontrollers, you can add on other boards to control all kinds of things. Also, the EFX guys will create the code for you, to your specs - FOR FREE - once you buy their equipment.

The best thing to do is to come up with an exact description of what you want to have happen, such as:

- Person steps on mat
- Hall lights flicker for 30 seconds
- 5 second mp3 track of spooky music plays
- Strobe light is set off for 5 seconds
- When strobe light is set off, mp3 track of screams plays for 5 seconds

Etc. They're perfectly willing to help you understand how to hook up their boards; all you have to do is tell them exactly what you want done. You should also download all the tech docs they have available to get familiar with the wiring and how to download software onto the boards. If you have a friend who knows computer software development it will be much easier.

There are no doubt pros and cons with all of them. It appears that your dollar goes farther with EFX but there is the programming side vs the higher dollar easier to use (my opinion) Frightideas product. I will be making a purchase. Actually I am trying to get my Christmas list together for the wifey!! What to do, what to do????

I like the nerve center from Monster Guts. It is $100.00, but it has audio with a built in Amp. Plus, you can create up tp 8 different routines for the same prop. Also very easy to program, key banger buttons are right on the board. these are great for beginers.

It does look very easy to use. I would like the option of more outputs though.