Remote trigger for Prop-1

[HauntedWolf]

Hi all,

Does anyone have a suggestion on what to use as a remote trigger for a Prop-1 controlling a Casa Fear Zombie?  Currently we use a PIR and we want switch to something we can trigger manually, but remotely.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

[livinlowe]

What about this?

http://www.parallax.com/product/700-10016

Price is right

[JackMan]

Do a search on ebay for "2 Channel Remote".  Lots of choices, cheap. Here's one that even has built in relays:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Channel-RF-Wireless-Transmitter-Remote-Control-315MHz-/171136084401?pt=Home_Automation_Controls_Touchscreens&hash=item27d88169b1

[HauntedWolf]

What about this?

http://www.parallax.com/product/700-10016

So would I connect VT and D1 to the Prop-1 instead of the PIR?  Is it really that easy?

[livinlowe]

What about this?

http://www.parallax.com/product/700-10016

So would I connect VT and D1 to the Prop-1 instead of the PIR?  Is it really that easy?

I am not sure as I dont own one, but I would think so

[JackMan]

I do not own one either but from the description and the schematic it looks like you would connect VCC to any "R" pin on the Prop-1 to supply 5VDC to the receiver and any "B" pin on the Prop-1 to GND of the receiver. Then connect your choice of the "D" pins to P6.W on the Prop-1 (or whatever pin you are using for your trigger). It looks like "VT" outputs 5V whenever any of the 4 channel buttons is pressed, not needed for your application.

[JonnyMac]

FWIW, I concur with Jack.

[livinlowe]

After looking at the datasheet, yep, jack and jon are correct. Buy one and report back, yeah?

[JonnyMac]

I've got one on the way!

[HauntedWolf]

I do not own one either but from the description and the schematic it looks like you would connect VCC to any "R" pin on the Prop-1 to supply 5VDC to the receiver and any "B" pin on the Prop-1 to GND of the receiver. Then connect your choice of the "D" pins to P6.W on the Prop-1 (or whatever pin you are using for your trigger). It looks like "VT" outputs 5V whenever any of the 4 channel buttons is pressed, not needed for your application.

Thank you!!!  I just want to make sure I am clear on how to wire this thing.  By "R" Pin and "B" pin are you referring to the pins where the servo-type connector can attach?  For example P6.R and P6.B?  I was thinking that I would have to run power from V+ and GND on the Prop-1.   Assuming my statement is correct, then I would just run a servo pigtail from p^ on the Prop-1 to the KeyFob Board?  Am I understanding correctly?

I haven't done much of this kind of thing, so I appreciate the patience with my questions.

[JonnyMac]

By "R" Pin and "B" pin are you referring to the pins where the servo-type connector can attach?  For example P6.R and P6.B?

Yes, that's what Jack means. What I'm going to do when mine arrives is take a 3-pin extender cable and remove the shell from one end (if you look closely you'll see little windows on one side -- push in with a pin to release the socket from the shell). After the pins are release I will protect them with heat-shrink tubing and then connect them to the device, with the connector end of the cable plugged into P6. I'll document everything with photos.

[livinlowe]

By "R" Pin and "B" pin are you referring to the pins where the servo-type connector can attach?  For example P6.R and P6.B?

Yes, that's what Jack means. What I'm going to do when mine arrives is take a 3-pin extender cable and remove the shell from one end (if you look closely you'll see little windows on one side -- push in with a pin to release the socket from the shell). After the pins are release I will protect them with heat-shrink tubing and then connect them to the device, with the connector end of the cable plugged into P6. I'll document everything with photos.

Cool Jon! I think next payday I'll buy one, never know when remote control of something will come in handy!

[HauntedWolf]

By "R" Pin and "B" pin are you referring to the pins where the servo-type connector can attach?  For example P6.R and P6.B?

Yes, that's what Jack means. What I'm going to do when mine arrives is take a 3-pin extender cable and remove the shell from one end (if you look closely you'll see little windows on one side -- push in with a pin to release the socket from the shell). After the pins are release I will protect them with heat-shrink tubing and then connect them to the device, with the connector end of the cable plugged into P6. I'll document everything with photos.

Awesome!  I just ordered a couple and I will give it a shot as well...I'll probably wait until I see your photos.  ;)

Thanks everyone for the help!

[HauntedWolf]

Related question...debated a new thread....

With this keyfob there are 4 buttons that can be used as triggers.  Is it possible to have a single Prop-1 have multiple triggers that activate different props?  I have an idea for a prop where people pose in front of it...like a prom picture.  The photographer will have the keyfob and can trigger one of several simple effects.  For example, one trigger to actuate a air cylinder that raises a skull and one trigger that turns on ankle ticklers.   This should be possible, right? 

I'm still thinking what I want to do for sure, so this is just brainstorming right now...

My fobs arrived yesterday, but I'm out of town for another week, so I can't start playing yet.   :(

Thanks in advance!

[JonnyMac]

Remember that you have eight IOs on the Prop-1; if you use more of them as inputs, you have fewer available outputs. So long as the total (inputs + outputs) is eight or fewer, no problem.