Thread: Triggering multiple store bought props

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I posted this a question a while back and now that it is getting closer I'll ask again.

I'm looking to trigger several store bought props that I will have in the same room... These props are already programmed with their routine and all I want to do is control when they turn on...Each prop has several different routines lasting anywhere from about 20 seconds to 40 seconds each...

Basically I just don't want several props in the same room talking over one another..

I was looking at using picoBoo's but the animation is only up to two minutes and I'm not sure that is long enough for all three or four animatronics to each do their routine...

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to achieve this....

There are a couple ways to do this, depending on exactly what you want done, and your skill level with electronics is, and the prop's hardware. For instance do you want the prop to trigger when someone is near, or want to trigger them in sequence like a demo mode or show.
You could wire the "Try me" switch connector to allow you to trigger each one from a central location. Or you could replace the switch with a wireless remote from All Electronics or HSC.
Perhaps you could use a laser pointer or small flashlight to trigger the prop light sensor.

The better you can ask the question, the better the answer I can give.

I'd try something like this http://simplecircuitboards.com/Spec%...203%20Chnl.pdf

Connect each prop to a seperate relay, You'll need power to the board but not to the props as they are most likely already powered by batteries or a wall wart. So all you need is a "dry" contact to trigger the prop. As mentioned before if they have a test me button just cut off the button and connect the wires to the relay. Connecting one to the common and the other to the Normally open (NO) then program the sequence with by pushing the buttons on the board. If your props are only sound/motion activated I'm not sure if you can do the same by cutting the wires to the sensor and connecting it to the board perhaps someone else has some experience with this.

Bobbya,

I would like to run it as a show and would most likely hack the try me button or the start buttons on the base...
It would be nice to have it triggered, but I'm looking for a fairly inexpensive way of doing this so most likely a continuous loop.

The laser or light idea I don't think will work the way I want it to because these props are both sound and light activated and when one prop starts talking the other will probably pick up the sound and start its routine (if that makes sense).

So really what I want is a controller of some sort that will turn on multiple relay's (not necessarily at the same time, but in succession) at predetermined points in the show/routine.

This is how I envision the show
1. controller receives input signal either continuous or from mat /motion detector
2. Prop one will start and do any of its pre-programmed routines (not particular on its routine)
3. Prop one will end.
4. Prop two will then begin and do any of its pre-programmed routines.
5. Prop two will end.
6. Prop three will then start its routine, so on and so forth...

Right now I only have three props I am planning on using in this set-up
I also will have a custom soundtrack playing (but does NOT have to be triggered it will play continuously irregardless of what the props are doing.

I think the circuit board that scareisburg posted above is exactly what I'm looking for, although I was hoping to do it cheaper than 70 bucks...

I think his suggestion is probably your best answer.
You should ask the guy selling it to hook a 12V wall transformer to if for you.

BTW you could go the cheap route and run wires back to a central location and hook 3 switches, basically extending the wires from the "try me" buttons to the props. I don't recall you saying manual control wasn't an option.