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So I've perused all the coding for the typical Casa Fear Ground Breaker...

Started by nfmmalice, October 19, 2011, 04:03:40 PM

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nfmmalice


And of course, I'm in the final Build stages for mine.

Before I actually start compiling code for mine, I guess I need to make sure I have all the proper gear to run it the way I need to.

I have my Prop One, and I'm triggering it via Keychain Remote.  Both of the Solenoids I'm using are geared to 24dc, which should be no problem.  I'm also adding in an AP-8, with three separate Audio Tracks, and was HOPING to Add a Light of some sort.   

I wanted to avoid using a 100v Light, as my RC-4 is already tied up.  Is there an Option I can use for a light that will trigger straight off the prop 1?

I COULD use my RC-4 for a small LED Flood, if I could figure out a way to use the Prop-1 to Trigger a fog Machine though. 

Is this an option?

JackMan

QuoteI wanted to avoid using a 100v Light, as my RC-4 is already tied up.  Is there an Option I can use for a light that will trigger straight off the prop 1?

Easily done with a small relay that has contacts rated for 120v, but you need to have experience with line voltage circuits to do it safely.

Quoteif I could figure out a way to use the Prop-1 to Trigger a fog Machine though.

Again, easily done with a relay but some "hacking" of the fogger control is needed along with line voltage experience. If you've never worked with line voltage I don't suggest doing either of these options.  ;) 

nfmmalice


I have some experience with electronics... as most haunters experienced in "Hacking" props are.. but I am far from a professional.  LoL.

So.. If I can hack the remote to trigger via the prop one, I can use the RC-4 right?

JackMan

Experience with electronics doesn't necessarily mean you're comfortable working with 120v.  ;) I assume all 4 channels of your RC-4 are being used and this would free one up?

nfmmalice



Well, I have an RC-4 with two Relays currently in a prop that is out of commission.   I could just rob peter to pay paul...  =)

As far as working with 110.. I have done my fair share.  I prefer to use 12-24v to keep everything down.. but You gotta do what you gotta do.  LoL.


JackMan

Relays should be easy for you then, I use a ton of them for lights and lots of other devices for my props.

nfmmalice


bsnut

Quote from: nfmmalice on October 19, 2011, 06:20:26 PM
If not using an RC-4, what Relays do you typically use?
What you will need is an relay rated above amps you plan on using with this relay and typically ice cube relay in most cases rated at 5 amps is good for120VAC.

I am going to answer this question for you.
QuoteSo.. If I can hack the remote to trigger via the prop one, I can use the RC-4 right?
If want to try to trigger the Prop-1 with a remote it can be done, as long as the other end of the remote has relay contacts. These contacts would be connected to a Prop-1 I/O pin and your program code will then tell the RC-4 what to do.

I have this question for you. Do you have the docs for this remote or a link to this website where you got this remote from? It will give you better detailed answer for you.     
William Stefan
The Basic Stamp Nut

nfmmalice



I think I misstepped in that explanation.

Now that I am at home and have taken stock of what I have available, let me try and better explain this:

I have a Prop 1, an RC-4 with all four available Relays, and an AP-8.  (I found two full RC-4's with relays in my toolbox.. go figure.  LoL)

I am building the typical Casa Fear Ground Breaker with two solenoid/cylinders.

What I am HOPING to do, is have the Prop 1 trigger the fog machine, trigger the light,  play one of 2 or 3 different Audio Files, and then go into the "thrashing Routine" that has been done to death in various places.

In trying to brainstorm triggering the fog remote via the Prop 1, I have disassembled the Remote, and found that it's somewhat a typical 4 wire remote setup.  It has Black on one pole of the indicator light, and red/green on the other pole, with Red Jumped to One Pole on the Switch and White to the other.

I'm assuming after all my reading that The red and white wires would go to the RC-4/Relay and that the Prop 1 will tell the RC-4 When to trigger and for how long?  (There is little documentation to tell if this is accurate or not).

Am I headed int he right direction at least?

bsnut

Thanks for providing the details for what you are trying to do with the remote and your prop.
QuoteIn trying to brainstorm triggering the fog remote via the Prop 1, I have disassembled the Remote, and found that it's somewhat a typical 4 wire remote setup.
Let me be the breaker of the bad news. You will not be able to trigger the Prop-1 with the fogger remote. What you need to do is have the Prop-1 control the fogger with a relay. This relay will be connected to the Prop-1 OUTx and the program will control this relay.
William Stefan
The Basic Stamp Nut

nfmmalice



Again, maybe my verbage was wrong.  I dont intend to control the prop 1 via the fogger remote.  =)

My intent was to use the Prop 1 to TRIGGER the Fog remote via the RC-4.

I use Keychain remotes to trigger all my other prop1 props. =)


To reiterate:

I will use the Keychain Remote to trigger the Prop 1.

Upon Triggering, I hoped to have the Prop 1 do these things, in this order:

Turn on the Light.

Blast Fog for 2 or 3 Seconds.  (Was hoping to hack the Fog Remote Switch into the RC-4 for this trigger)

Play one of 3 Audio Tracks.

Cycle the Solenoid "thrasher" routine.

Reset.

Does that make any more sense?

bsnut

Thanks for keeping me from getting to confused.
QuoteMy intent was to use the Prop 1 to TRIGGER the Fog remote via the RC-4.
That will work with a DC relay inserted to the RC-4. But, it's easier to have a relay connected to the Prop-1. If you want use the RC-4 its not hard to code for it. Both ways easy to do.

QuoteI use Keychain remotes to trigger all my other prop1 props.
As, I stated this before that part of your idea will work. I must have been little confused with the fogger part of your project.

Now, my question to you is. Do you need some help with writing a program based on your last post?
William Stefan
The Basic Stamp Nut

nfmmalice



Once I get everything Situated, I will probably need a little help writing the Code.   

I guess Since I'm going to be using a Light as Well, I should probably use the RC-4 to trigger.  The RC-4 I will be using has a pair of Crydom CXE380D4 Relays, so that should be sufficient, right?

livinlowe

Quote from: nfmmalice on October 20, 2011, 09:55:00 AM


Once I get everything Situated, I will probably need a little help writing the Code.   

I guess Since I'm going to be using a Light as Well, I should probably use the RC-4 to trigger.  The RC-4 I will be using has a pair of Crydom CXE380D4 Relays, so that should be sufficient, right?

No, if you want to trigger your fog machine, you will need to purchase DC SSR from EFX. They are the same price as AC SSR's. The reason is the AC SSR detect when the AC crosses the positive to negative transition and waits to turn on then.

Of course, I may be wrong, but I think I remember this subject coming up before. If someone knows better, educate me as well!  :P
Shawn
Scaring someone with a prop you built -- priceless!

nfmmalice



After much thought on the subject, I have decided for the sake of ease in programming... I think I will just drop back to Unpleasant Street's Fog Switch Hack with the Relay on the Switch, triggered straight to the prop-1.

Now, what to do about the lighting.  LoL.