Thread: Simple controller (no computer) for AC powered props

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Briefly discussed last year.

SD Key Banger - Halloween Forum

Originally Posted by naberhoodhaunts

how about one of these on this sight DC Prop Shop Prop Controlers

This stuff is very new to me, but the equivilent DC Controllers appear to be a little more complicated. The picaBoo 105 actually has two regular three prong AC outlet sockets, into which you plug your extension cord - or prop. Then you push some buttons to indicate the timing of the on and off for each socket.

If I understand the controllers at the link you provided, they are intended for controlling props that are custom animated - servos etc. I think these are completely different and do not have any direct A/C outlet control. $100 SD Key Banger will handle 6 channels at 24 volts (not 110 AC). As far as I can tell, this is also true of the Key Banger Lite ($155) and the Maestro 2 ($150) which can handle two different props - looks like two or three channels each.

Wish we had a resident expert to chime in here. But the one thing that is clear from the pics is that the picaBoo appears to be the only one that accepts two 110 A/C plugs = simple and safe.

Evilusions

How about any of these LT? I also wish an expert would give some direction. I'm just starting out getting into moving props . dabbling in air driven and some motor driven.

I think these are more of the same. I still don't see any standard electrical plugs or read "A/C" in them anywhere. So far the picaBoo is the least expensive, all included A/C at $105 (plus trigger which is the case forall controllers).

Even the BooBox4 looks a bit more complicated unless you add the $79 four plug A/C accessory.

Hi all.

Let me know exactly what your looking for, I am sure I can build one, or a bunch if there is a desired group buy.

Hi Gadget,

Here is my view of the need:
The Life-Size mechanical Gemmys are becoming more popular more and more models are being offered. Many of us own multiples. If we display two or more Gemmys close together, they will set each other off and talk over each other - i.e. Dr Shivers and Frankenstein or two of the pirates or two of the witches, etc.

I want to be able to set up two (three would be nice) props to alternate their current availability. I'm pretty certain that each time power is initially provided to a Gemmy, it initiates its "routine." The downside to constant switching #1 off then #2 on and back again, would be constant wear on the Gemmy, plus constant power usage.

To me, the ideal solution would be a trigger (a pressure mat or an electric eye) that would start a routine to provide power to #1 only for 30-45 seconds only (ideally a length of time custom set by the buyer), then do the same for #2, then (if not too expensive) #3. Then stop all power until the trigger is activated.

These are my thoughts. Anyone else, please contribute if I've missed something or am in error about something.

Thanks,
LT

Note: If the "Black Box" can control normal 110V recepicals, the MUCH more than Gemmys can be controlled, of course.

would't you know it, I have a controller that will do just that, and with 3 outputs too!

Evilusions

As a special, one time offer, just because I want to get these controllers out there, I will build one, with 3 outlet pig tails, for you, for $100. This controller is programmed by setting the lenghts of time on the lcd screen, and will in sequence turn on each of the 3 outlets in order, with programmable on times and delays between, when triggered. That way you can have a mat switch or any other trigger start the controller, it can then turn one gemmy on for XX time, wait XX long, then turn the second gemmy one for XX time and so on.

I went to your link, and that looks like a fine product, but I'm confused. I don't see any AC plug in capability here. Looks like a switcher only to me. Am I wrong or is there another piece that must be purchased in order to plug the 110 plugs into this unit? If so, how much is that unit?

Thanks

i dunno what everyone's exact needs are, but i'm using X10 motion sensors:

X10 Home Automation ActiveEye Motion Sensor (MS16A) - eBay (item 110280065217 end time Aug-19-08 17:06:04 PDT)


to trigger the X10 appliance plug-ins:

X10 3-PK 3 Pin Appliance Module - Home Automation AM466 - eBay (item 110279974731 end time Aug-21-08 11:26:52 PDT)

on/off...



this store has all the stuff, and it's really cheap!

eBay Store - X10 PLANET:

as for sequencing, there's a computer program that does it.. but i think you said no computers right?

well, i got the 'freeware' version of this and it should be able to do everything i want with the haunt...

X10 ActiveHome Pro USB PC Interface w/ Software (CM15A) - eBay (item 110280039566 end time Aug-19-08 14:42:06 PDT)

Hi Ded Spyder, Yes I did specify "no Computer" because I didn't want wires running everywhere and complicated techy-programmer-type set up.

But you have found something VERY interesting here, IMO. The hardware is pretty exciting because it appears capable yet is so inexpensive!!! ...while being "wireless"!!! Please correct me if/where I've misinterpreted any of the functions and capabilities of these "WIRELESS" devices:

The weatherproof electric eye ($7 motion detector) runs on AAA batteries and transmits 20'. Adjustable "off" for either:
1. One minute to 60 minutes from when motion is first detected
2. ...or One minute to 255 minutes after no motion is detected.

The Transiever is a small box with a USB connection to your computer and comes with Consumer oriented simple software ($49). This box receives the signal from the electric eye, consults the software program and sends the instructions to the Appliance module. This is the software that will need to do the sequencing and duration instruction for the Appliance module, right?

The Appliance Module (3 receivers for $19) plugs into an extention cord, and switches the standard 3 prong device plugged into it. Looks like there are some controls on this module too. They have reasonable duty capability. 15amp / 500 watt should be adequate for Halloween props - not compressors, of course, but should be no need there.

All that said, let's get back to my basic goal - a need which will be more and more common as haunters add life size Gemmys over the years.
Situation: you have two talking life size Gemmys in low light within a couple of feet of each other, probably for the same scene.
Challenge: How do you assure the TOTs will hear each Gemmy in the sequence you want the Gemmys to be heard (substitute here, any 110v sourced, transformer prop for Gemmy if you like).

Ded Spyder, can you make these components meet this challenge?

Thanks!!
LT