Simple controller (no computer) for AC powered props

LT Scare · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 03:53 PM

My situation:
This year Dr. Shivers will have Franky with him in his lab and I'm concerned about the two of them talking at the same time. About 8 feet away the largest Gemmy caged skel is shaking and screaming already a bit disruptive. I'd like to leave the good Dr. and Frankie talking the Gemmy talk, but not have both talk at the same time.

I'm not much of an electronics guy, so I would like a turnkey solution if possible. Fright Props is an HF sponsor so I sent them an email explaining my needs. Doug at FrightProps responded quickly suggesting one of their products. They have some pretty slick controllers. Usually I shy away from Controllers because I thought they all required Computer controls and involved a lot of Professional Haunt House type stuff. But they have some home type controllers that would seem to me to be essential to anyone with two or more 6 Ft Gemmys talking within 10 feet of each other. Looks like you can activate spot lights and or sounds on the same line. Pretty cool.

Anyway, I wanted to toss this out there to you folks to see if anyone else is in the market for on of these controllers and if enough are interested, maybe we could put together a Group Buy(?).

CaptnJackSparrow · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 04:15 PM

LT Scare, I be gone as far as i ken go with group buys, 'tween servos, plates an' links, bu' if someone else be wantin'/willin' ta do it, 'ave at it lads...

LT Scare · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 04:37 PM

I'm pretty new around here and if I stepped on toes, I didn't mean to.

I don't know if Fright Props would do a group deal for us, but I've seen quite a few people with Gemmys here, so I thought I'd test the waters intending to contact Fright Props myself.

sheepies666 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 11:06 AM

I'd be willing to go in on a group buy for controllers. HOwever, I am located in Canada, so I don't know if I'm automatically disqualified?>

LT Scare · #5 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 11:09 AM

You'd have to pay your freight costs, so it's really a matter of how many would be interested.

RBC · #6 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 03:09 PM

I will host the group buy if you want me to ? do you have a link so we can read more about this controller?

LT Scare · #7 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 04:25 PM

Thanks RBC,

If enough folks get interested, here are the two best values IMO:

Fright Props looks to be an HF sponsor, so here is their link for the picoBoo FI-105. This controls power flow to TWO AC 110v [items/extension cords]. List price is $110 at Fright Props

FrightProps - Halloween Props, Pneumatic Props, Animated Props, Halloween Accessories

The device needed to control more than 2 independent AC 110v [items/extension cords], would be a Boo Box 4 which adds several additional features but moves the retail to $199

FrightProps - Halloween Props, Pneumatic Props, Animated Props, Halloween Accessories

Of note:
1. A triggering mechanism would also be required:

Mats start at $25

Optical starts at $79

2. If I understand the operation of these devices, they will save electricity and wear and tear on your props.
3. I have seen other sources priced slightly below Fright Props.

naberhoodhaunts · #8 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 05:53 PM

gee is there any controllers that are in the fifty dollar range, simple ones like real time programing push button to record then push other button to activate prop in a timed sequence?

LT Scare · #9 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 07:09 PM

Let me know if you find something less costly than these. Go to the link and read.

naberhoodhaunts · #10 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 03:32 PM

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