The box is typical placed on a 4X8 sheet of plywood to give the pneumatic cylinder something to push against and the threaded portion of the rod is protected with a rubber cap. Here is a floor plan of the equipment used.
Wow, your prop is exactly what I want to try to build for my first pneumatic prop. It looks really good and providing the schematic helps me understand the controller and hook-ups. So far I have gotten dizzying amount of acronyms on this forum that I am starting to get a basic knowledge of (BooBox, VSA, relays, DMX...). Your post helped a lot.
My question: Now that you are done, would you improve any the controller choices? Since I am brand new to all this, I would like to start with the best system. I've been reading that getting the VSA program to drive DMX compatible items is the latest thing. Is that the direction I should go or is that overkill (or underkill)? I'm warning you, I barely understand what I am saying
My prop will be a variation of the Creature Crate. It will be Dracula's coffin.
if are willing to spend the money then i say dmx is the best way to go as it is expandable and will control just about anything, even disney is using it on there new displays and rides. once you have the basics ( dmx interface, vsa, exorcist for triggering, and a dimmer/relay or 2 ) when you add a new prop it would be as simple as adding another relay pack or light and programing it into vsa, also with dmx you can have cable runs as long as 1500ft. so in the long run it would prob be cheaper but the start up cost would be several hundred dollars so if you don't plan on expanding alot then you might be better off with just a controller on each prop. i will be going the vsa/dmx route this year ( funds permitting ) i will use it to control a few props, dmx 3-axis skull, fog machine, lighting. but again it all depends on what you want to use and who much you think you will use it's features
if are willing to spend the money then i say dmx is the best way to go as it is expandable and will control just about anything, even disney is using it on there new displays and rides. once you have the basics ( dmx interface, vsa, exorcist for triggering, and a dimmer/relay or 2 ) when you add a new prop it would be as simple as adding another relay pack or light and programing it into vsa, also with dmx you can have cable runs as long as 1500ft. so in the long run it would prob be cheaper but the start up cost would be several hundred dollars so if you don't plan on expanding alot then you might be better off with just a controller on each prop. i will be going the vsa/dmx route this year ( funds permitting ) i will use it to control a few props, dmx 3-axis skull, fog machine, lighting. but again it all depends on what you want to use and who much you think you will use it's features
I'd be willing to do DMX from the start. I want to build this first prop and then add on to it as I get more competent. Okay, as I understand it, this is how the system should be set-up:
VSA loaded on laptop>Exorcist Trigger>DMX interface>Relay>fog machine, light, sound, & pneumatic solenoid.
DMX cabling to connect fog machine, etc. to the relay and also from the relay to the DMX interface.
Do I have that sequence correct? I feel like my brain is about to explode.....
the controller board I used, the SD Keybanger found at Untitled Document records your routine and stores it, it is totally self contained. No software, no PC, the only 2 things coming out of the box is 1 power cord and 1 air line
the controller board I used, the SD Keybanger found at Untitled Document records your routine and stores it, it is totally self contained. No software, no PC, the only 2 things coming out of the box is 1 power cord and 1 air line
For a complete newbie (that would be me) is a keybanger easy to program and connect?
I'd be willing to do DMX from the start. I want to build this first prop and then add on to it as I get more competent. Okay, as I understand it, this is how the system should be set-up:
VSA loaded on laptop>Exorcist Trigger>DMX interface>Relay>fog machine, light, sound, & pneumatic solenoid.
DMX cabling to connect fog machine, etc. to the relay and also from the relay to the DMX interface.
Do I have that sequence correct? I feel like my brain is about to explode.....
to start with i would not use a dmx fog machine as they can be quite expensive, so it would go from a computer running VSA to the usb interface to the relay pack, the exorcist is used for triggering and connects through another usb port. the relay pack has 120v outlets on it ( usually 4 ) so you would connect the light to one channel, the solenoid valve for the cylinder to another, then you would have to get a 120v relay and use it like a switch for the fog machine.
to start with i would not use a dmx fog machine as they can be quite expensive, so it would go from a computer running VSA to the usb interface to the relay pack, the exorcist is used for triggering and connects through another usb port. the relay pack has 120v outlets on it ( usually 4 ) so you would connect the light to one channel, the solenoid valve for the cylinder to another, then you would have to get a 120v relay and use it like a switch for the fog machine.
First off, thanks so much for helping me on this. OK, let's see if I'm starting to get this. Here's a really rough schematic I drew. Before I ask any more questions, do I have this right so far?
Edit: For the fog machine, Chauvet makes a timer adapter (DMX-3F: $30) for their non-DMX fog machines. I'm thinking if I couple that with their 650 Hurricane ($40), then that could be DMX controlled fogger?
almost, if you use a dmx fog machine then it would connect with dmx cable, so it would go from the interface dmx out to the relay dmx in then from the relay dmx out port to the dmx in on the fog machine/ fog machine controller. also you would have to check that dmx fog machine remote just to make sure it says it will work with that machine but yes you should be able to do that, and the sound would come from the computer sound card's audio out jack
ok i found the dmx adapter alittle cheaper and i use the site often, Buy Chauvet DMX3F DMX Converter for Fog Machines online at Musician's Friend and it says it will work with all chauvet foggers. i am looking at the 650 right now but it does not seem to get very good reviews as far as lasting so i am looking into some other ones for you
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