Thread: Quick Question about fog relays

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Okay, I understand how they work, and how to build one. But what I haven't read, and am wondering is, is there still some cycle time. Like what I mean, is how often is the prop triggered and the heating element is cycling, resulting in no fog. (essentially the light is off, but the switch is pressed) I guess this can be minimized by short infrequent bursts. I'm just worried that there will be times where the fog doesn't trigger.

You may have that problem but a bigger fogger will cycle faster and stay "active" longer. The relay can be set for smaller bursts if it doesn't keep up. I usually have a relay that runs off a prop controller for 3-4 seconds then stops.

You will have that problem (sorry Industen! ). The relay is only automating your finger pressing on the button. If the fog machine is in its heating cycle when you press the button, no fog. Same thing with the relay. I did find, like Industen said, that a larger machine minimizes the problem.

Thanks, I figured so much, but hadn't read an answer through my research.

I did some experimenting with this and 3 foggers I have. A 400, 700 and a 1000. We have a coffin that uses a rotisserie motor to open and close the lid. I rigged a switch on the motor that turns a switch connected to the fogger on as it rotates. Imitating the timing of the switch, I tested the 3 foggers. The switch is on for about 3 seconds every 15 seconds. The 400 went through maybe 4 cycles before it paused for reheating and it took a long time for it to fog again. The 1000 went through maybe 15 cycles before it needed to reheat and it took a lot less time for it to reheat. The 700 actually did almost as well as the 1000 but took almost twice as long to reheat as the 1000.

Well, there you go Red! In almost every case, someone, somewhere has tried to do what someone else wants to do. All you had to do is ask!

Thanks for sharing buckaneerdude; your research pretty much validates the whole thread.