Thread: Newbie question on Automated props & making the connections

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I have been making/using static props for my yard haunt for the past 15+ years. Last year I hacked a garbage picked XMAS deer for my first animated prop (guy in a body bag). Don’t think I did to bad for about $25 (body bag and latex head).

This past August I decided to expand my animation with another prop with sound and movement via a wiper motor. Therefore, I ordered a sound recorder/playing card as well as a Prop-1 controller. “I think I put the cart in front of the horse this time”. I have seen a number of people creating their own type of SPDT relay boards that would connect to the controller and to the electronics (wiper motors, lights, fog machines, etc…). I understand the concept of the relays. But, I am not to sure about making the connection and/or the electronics pieces of creating a relay board. “The only reason I think I passed my college electronics class(20+years ago) was Professor took pity on me because I didn’t drop it.”. I still have to look up OHMs law.

Any guidance (how to on creating a relay board or connect ) would be greatly appreciated.

I just spent 135 on a PLC that is fully AC and hooking it up was easy and programing is even easier. It has 12 inputs and 8 outputs with 10 amp relays. I was wondering if I should buy the prop-1 too but after i found this plc, I never looked back. Check it out here http://cgi.ebay.com/MINI-PLC-WL-20MR...item1e5e320e93

Well since you're already in for the cost of a prop-1, you could use their relay board http://www.efx-tek.com/topics/rc-4.html $30 and compatible SSR http://www.efx-tek.com/topics/ssr.html $15. I have this board and have run as many as 3 wiper motors with it, controlled by the prop-1. You will need to supply external power to the wiper motor, as it can pull way more amps than the prop-1 can supply. The connect is easy, just follow the hook up instructions that in a PDF file you can download from the site. Good luck!

Thanks for the input. I called an ordered the RC4.