Thread: prop controler

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I am thinking of buying prop controlers for a couple of pneumatic props that I am going to build for next year. I am wondering which ones you guys like. I would like them to control movement, sound and lighting for a single prop and triggerd by either a motion sensor or mat sensor.
Thanks

I've had experience with the programmable ones, which are small microprocessor chips on a board that you program on your computer and then hook up to props, lights, etc.

EFX-Tek makes very high-quality prop controllers, they get used at Disneyland, among other places.
http://www.efx-tek.com/
They also have awesome tech support, you can describe what you want the prop to do and they will write the code for you. There are also a ton of examples on their forums of code for people's props, plus info on how to hook things up properly. I have a Prop-2, which is based on the Basic Stamp 2 module and I have learned a ton from just reading their message boards...everything from what parts to use to how to properly hook things up.

Another option is the Arduino, an open-source microprocessor board with very active support; it gets used by all kinds of people for projects. However, I have found that the downside of open source projects is that since no one owns them, you have to do more of the work yourself and you may not always get an answer to a question. There are lots of threads on the various Arduino boards where someone asked a question and it never got answered. So there's more of a DIY component here; but this forum has some good people on it who can help. I have one of these that will get its debut this year, along with a motion sensor.

Start at Adafruit Industries to get going on Arduino, they have a good online community:
http://www.adafruit.com/

Other people can fill you in on the non-programmable options, but I have learned how to understand the programs posted on the various forums, edit them to work for me, write additional stuff to make them work, and also how to solder things up so I get what I want.

I second EFX-TEK. They are awesome controllers that I use in all my props. They have lots of accessory boards for more outputs, sound, relays, as well. www.efx-tek.com

I also like the controllers from www.Hauntbots.com , I have only used their sound boards, but their products are top quality as well.

For simpler controllers I have used them all from:

www.hauntmasterproducts.com
www.cowlacious.com

I'm almost finished building a pneumatic prop and have had great success using this controller from frightideas http://www.frightideas.com/controlle...o-fi-104s.html It's easy to program and easier to operate and, so far i have had ZERO hang ups. It has 2 channels AND sound built in.....have a look and see what you think. I am almost finished my pneumatic prop and will provide pics and hopefully a tutorial when i'm done......no peeking!