Another newbie joining the fun...

[pixelmonk]

I just ordered a Prop 1 Starter Kit, AP-8, PIR and some cables this afternoon.  My plan was to enhance my monster in a crate prop.   The Prop 1 would connect tol:

1. A fogger,
2. 12v wiper motor (just bought today w/12vdc 3.33A switching power supply from AllEletronics).
3. AP-8
4. Lights
5. PIR trigger

I'm looking at using the setup from CindyBob.com ( http://www.cindybob.com/halloween/mib/page4.html ).   I'm guessing I also need 3 relays, one for fogger, lights, and motor.   I'm a complete novice regarding electronics and would love to remain alive through the completion of this upgrade.  :)   The other thing I think I'm missing conceptually is, how the power to the fogger, lights and wiper motor get hooked up to the board.    Do I need to destroy the plugs and splice the wires for each component (wiper motor psu, lights, fogger) and hook to the board?   I'm assuming that would ultimately fry the board?

[JonnyMac]

We can help you with the programming and basic connections, but keep in mind that you're going to be working with electricity that could hurt you.  We recommend that you find someone who has done some work with electricity -- especially the 120 VAC stuff -- to help you through your first prop.  None of this is terribly difficult, but if you touch the wrong wire (120 VAC) at the wrong time you could get a nasty shock (ask me how I know....).

[pixelmonk]

We can help you with the programming and basic connections, but keep in mind that you're going to be working with electricity that could hurt you.  We recommend that you find someone who has done some work with electricity -- especially the 120 VAC stuff -- to help you through your first prop.  None of this is terribly difficult, but if you touch the wrong wire (120 VAC) at the wrong time you could get a nasty shock (ask me how I know....).

thanks.. I have 2 friends who are electrians.

[JonnyMac]

That's very good news.  You might want to chat with them about the project.  We actually have product, the RC-4, that you can use to switch the 120 VAC circuits; the advantage is that it only uses one IO pin to switch for AC circuits and as it uses solid-state relays (versus mechanic) it is silent.  You could use this for the fogger (wired across the remote) and the lights.  For the wiper more you're going to need a 12vdc relay to switch the power -- if you attempt to run the wiper motor directly from the Prop-1 you will let out the blue smoke.