floating prop project- serious help needed

[astrodoc71]

Totally rank newbie trying to create this very scary complex but cool prop floating effect which can be seen here:
http://www.ghost-songs.com/props/PropFloater.html If you look at the SECOND VIDEO toward the end (back view of the effect)) you can see that the prop 1 is supposed to power a PC fan and a servo to provide the floating effect

I have no idea where to begin. So far I have a prop 1 controller that I was able to power up and confirm that it works! That's it! I'm pretty anxious about this because I am building a garage haunt and only have about 10 weeks now!!
But here are some specific questions related to this project:
1) What exactly does the servo do here. Why is the rotation required and why can't you just use the fan by itself?
2) Is the BS1 code printed on the above web page valid? Could I conceivably cut and paste it? Suppose I just use the fan by itself without the servo. How would the code be modified
3) How and where do you connect a servo to a prop 1 controller
4) How and where do connect a PC fan to a prop one controller
5) What is the 'trainer' for and what does it do?

Any suggests for streamlined references regarding using inputs and outputs for the prop 1 and anything else you recommend very much appreciated!

Thanks

[livinlowe]

Have you tried emailing the guy who built the prop? He seems like he would answer any questions you would have. As far as the code, yeah you can just copy and paste into the parallax IDE. It looks very well formated.

[astrodoc71]

Thanks. Yes, I have tried emailing with no luck. Forgetting about how the effect works for the time being since that is off topic here, if the code is correct, can anyone point me to directions on how to connect the output devices (standard servo and pc fan)?

[JonnyMac]

This may not be the best starter project -- starting too big can lead to frustration so be careful.

Servos plug right into our boards; the servo has a connector with three wires: white (signal), red (power), and black (ground).  This mates with the 3-pin heads on the board (note the WRB marking above the header).

The fan motor would connect between one of the OUTx terminals and V+.

[astrodoc71]

Thanks Jon.

[jssherrard]

Wow, I was surprised to find this thread here! The Prop Floater is one of my projects and I would be more than happy to answer whatever questions you may have. I am not aware of having received any direct emails regarding this prop for some time (well, except one from the Technical Insanity list), but please feel free to ask your questions here or to contact me directly.

Oh, and THANKS again to JonnyMac for his invaluable help on the original version of the Prop Floater code.

;D