[lawrie]

I have put this together using Bigants Actuator setup. If you want to know how it works, then his cheap and easy monster in a box thread has all the details, what to order etc.

I have simply attached some shiplap fence boards to a panel, just securing them on one side.

I have mounted the actuator system to push against the boards, and this is fired by the remote control.

I will add more boards and stain etc and include this in a larger fence section, which will have zombie arms waving through it. The rattling fence will add to effect that the zombies are breaking through.

If you like this, it would cost less than $20 to make and is very, very simple to do, so have a go. You can order all the parts from amazon, bar the pallet and some fencing.

 

[soundmankkc]

Looks great. Are you powering the actuator in both directions or is gravity and weight allowing it to fall back against the structure? Again, it looks great.

 

[lawrie]

Thank you. The actuator pushes against the fence board. Because the board is screwed tight to the pallet on the right hand side, the natural spring and resistance of the board returns the actuator to its closed position when power is removed. It is all fired from a remote control.

 

[Rustie]

That will be an awesome effect! Nicely done. For these actuator based props is there a way to loop them to run continuously or do you have to use a remote control?

 

[lawrie]

The controller board being used has four relays on it which are fired by remote control.so to get the actuator to move just requires repeated pressing of the corresponding button on the remote. I would like to find a way to have these fire via a PIR or timer, but it is hard to do as it needs repeatdly firing in a short period rather than simply on or off.

My thought would be to hack the controller and link it to a computer somehow so that the computer is sendiing the signal via the remote to the relays. That way you can have all 4 actuators controlled via computer and triggered via PIRs or pressure pads etc.

 

[borkap]

Is there a link to the actuator setup?

 

[lawrie]

If you watch this video from Bigant (it is in his first post on his cheap monster in a box thread) it shows you the setup. All I have done is mount it horizontally instead of vertically to make it push the boards rather than lift a lid. If you click on the Show More under the video, you will see his full description and also amazon links to all the parts needed (not wire though).

https://youtu.be/cJ9diEp7cLA

 

[J-Man]

The controller board being used has four relays on it which are fired by remote control.so to get the actuator to move just requires repeated pressing of the corresponding button on the remote. I would like to find a way to have these fire via a PIR or timer, but it is hard to do as it needs repeatdly firing in a short period rather than simply on or off.

My thought would be to hack the controller and link it to a computer somehow so that the computer is sendiing the signal via the remote to the relays. That way you can have all 4 actuators controlled via computer and triggered via PIRs or pressure pads etc.

You don't need a computer for this, just a microcontroller.

 

[lawrie]

Any suggestions? I am only able to make this prop because Bigant did such a good job of showing us how to do it!

 

[J-Man]

A Prop-1 controller from EFX-TEK.com and a cheap 4 channel relay board from ebay. A PIR or step mat and you have an awesome prop. You don't even need the 4 channel remote.

 

[lawrie]

Thanks, your a useful font of knowledge. The cost of the board is not justifiable for a few hours though.

 

[J-Man]

Thanks, your a useful font of knowledge. The cost of the board is not justifiable for a few hours though.

If you get into building props, I think you'll find that $40 for a controller to get a high quality effect is extremely cheap.

 

[lawrie]

I am sure it is, and if we celebrated Halloween for any longer than about 8hrs a year in the UK I am sure I would buy some!

 

[J-Man]

I am sure it is, and if we celebrated Halloween for any longer than about 8hrs a year in the UK I am sure I would buy some!

You could always start a trend and display your stuff for a few days prior. Never know, it may catch on!

 

[scarybella]

You could always start a trend and display your stuff for a few days prior. Never know, it may catch on!

That's the plan at our house this year...all open back yard form friday to Sunday night. not sure it will catch on though but you never know. the smoke and light may draw them in.

I think more and more are embracing Halloween in the UK more. They're just taking their time doing it lol

 

[scarybella]

prop turned out spot on Lawrie. I'm waiting for my controller off Ebay. I have some spare door lock actuators from my years of tinkering with cars.

I feel your pain we put so much effort in for such a small window of opportunity, but that's Halloween I guess.

 

[lawrie]

If I put stuff out early, I will be worrying it would get stolen! May put a few things out during the day though...

 

[J-Man]

If I put stuff out early, I will be worrying it would get stolen! May put a few things out during the day though...

Well most people here in the US have that to deal with also. It is a shame, but that's always a possibility.

 

[lawrie]

I think I may put the rickety fence up, and then put a couple of things out during the day, just to get people in the mood.

 

[pacman]

I have the same problem here lawrie , unless there,s someone out there with the stuff it would probably disappear , excellent prop and full credit to you for showing us and for giving credit where its due , a huge THANKS to Bigant for creating this great and very cheap and effective prop and well done for re - adapting it , what do you reckon if i put a mock frame on the floor and then a very light mock door like a storm cellar door like they have in the states do you reckon it would work with this method ? in principal it should shouldn't it as long as the door is quite light in weight ??? be interested to here what you think as if it did i would build one for my haunt .