[ice456789]

This is a very inexpensive project and a great intro to electronics.

This build is completely based off of Bigant's Monster in a Box which he posted here. I used all the same electronics but instead of an opening box I've got a quivering corpse.

Speaking of the corpse, the pvc 'skeleton' that you see is made from plans and parts from Spider Hill Prop Works (thanks Diabolik!). I'm going to flesh him out with some metal fabric (similar to chicken wire but with a tighter weave) and have his guts hanging out. I'm going to use great stuff to make the guts. I haven't yet decided if he's going to have legs or if something has ripped them off and eaten them.

I used the hardware that came with the door lock actuators to attach the actuator to the base, and a simple zip tie to attach the actuator to the body. You can see the actuator has plenty of power to move the body around for this purpose.

 

[lawrie]

Like this alot. Think I will be pinching the idea!

 

[gr8johnson]

Ok I love it. One question. This is the second time I have seen that actuator in a prop. These are new to me this year. Can you tell me what it is and info on how to use it. Maybe a link I can check out? Thanks

 

[ice456789]

It is a door lock actuator, the thing that pops your door lock up in your car when you hit the button.
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CZBQCR2
$9 for two of them on Amazon. Again thanks to Bigant and Eerie Acres Cemetery for finding that deal and showing us how to use it. Click here for his thread about it.l
Basically it's a cheap and electrical replacement for a pneumatic actuator but much quieter and probably not as strong.

 

[gr8johnson]

Thanks. I already ordered the actuators. A pack of 4 heavy duty for $14 and the relay board. I'll use a power supply and a timer for mine. But I will do something like your twitching zombie instead of the box. Thanks.

 

[Shadow Panther]

Can't wait to see the finished project. Looks good so far

 

[ice456789]

Thanks guys! For those who haven't purchased yet, take a look at this.
http://smile.amazon.com/Push-Frame-Solenoid-Electromagnet-4-4LB/dp/B00DN7BIBC
It would replace the door lock actuator. This particular solenoid can lift a whopping 4.4 pounds! That's a lot of weight for a little unit that's only about 1 inch square! If $9 is too much, I found another one that is good to lift about 1.1 lbs for $4.
http://smile.amazon.com/10mm-Stroke-Frame-Solenoid-Electromagnet/dp/B00HR8H38A

These things are much smaller and only include the part that we really need, the actuator. If I had it to do over, this is the route I'd go. Also you know exactly what you're getting because all the specs are there... how far they move, how much electricity they draw, how much weight they can move, etc.