deepee
New Member
I have been a lurker of the RPF for some time now, and I think it's time to "pop my cherry." I know it's not necessarily a movie prop, I hope to achieve ideas, constructive criticism and tips on my project from this awesome community!
So, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, getting scared, scaring, the awesome costumes, pranks, goofing off, and taking candy from my little sisters...
Last year I decided to do something a little different. I had begun to divulge in mini-projects such as model making, crafting, and movie props (while not very successful, I did learn much from my mistakes, in turn has a better reward for me in the long run.)
I actually managed to scrape together some leftover scraps and tools from work to make a pneumatic piston with a creepy looking skull pop-up when people walked nearby.
It turned out quite well (for a first attempt) but I was not fully satisfied. It had to be activated manually, by pressing a small lever with air tubes connected, and I had to be close by. Everyone loved it, but people were still weary since I had to stay nearby to activate it.
This year, I decided to spruce up my initial prop, and attempt to make it controlled via wireless remote.
Here is a few pictures of my progression as I work towards my goal!
10/15/2013
Simple 12v AC to DC converter to power the device. I scavenged this from a non working wireless router. They run for few bucks on Amazon.
Amazon link: Amazon.com: 12V DC Power Adapter Supply 2.1mm 1A, CCTV: Electronics
Air/Water 12v DC Electric Solenoid valves. Snagged these from work, we use them all of the time for several chemical pumps. They run for about $12 on Amazon.
Amazon Link: DC 12V 1/4 Inch Electric Solenoid Valve for Air Water / High Quality Replacement Brass Valve for Use with Pipelines in Water, Air and Diesel Applications - Amazon.com
Wireless Remote 12v control for a DC power supply. I initially had this laying around, from a old project to be used for a computer mod idea. I managed to snag it up for around $10 several years ago when a website was closing it's store. (It came with two remotes!)
Amazon link: Amazon.com: LOGISYS RM02 12v 15A relay w/ remote control kit: Electronics
Did a quick and dirty wiring "proof of concept" with alligator clips. It works! The On button opens the valve, the Off closes the valve.
Fully wired up control box & wireless receiver completed. The blue cable is the antenna. I also decided to add a small on/off switch for the receiver, in case I need to power off the device or while I work on the piston. (Safety is important!)
Soldered clips for the Solenoid valves. I chose to do this for long term usage, since I will be able to use the solenoids for other projects.
So, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, getting scared, scaring, the awesome costumes, pranks, goofing off, and taking candy from my little sisters...
Last year I decided to do something a little different. I had begun to divulge in mini-projects such as model making, crafting, and movie props (while not very successful, I did learn much from my mistakes, in turn has a better reward for me in the long run.)
I actually managed to scrape together some leftover scraps and tools from work to make a pneumatic piston with a creepy looking skull pop-up when people walked nearby.
It turned out quite well (for a first attempt) but I was not fully satisfied. It had to be activated manually, by pressing a small lever with air tubes connected, and I had to be close by. Everyone loved it, but people were still weary since I had to stay nearby to activate it.
This year, I decided to spruce up my initial prop, and attempt to make it controlled via wireless remote.
Here is a few pictures of my progression as I work towards my goal!
10/15/2013
Simple 12v AC to DC converter to power the device. I scavenged this from a non working wireless router. They run for few bucks on Amazon.
Amazon link: Amazon.com: 12V DC Power Adapter Supply 2.1mm 1A, CCTV: Electronics
Air/Water 12v DC Electric Solenoid valves. Snagged these from work, we use them all of the time for several chemical pumps. They run for about $12 on Amazon.
Amazon Link: DC 12V 1/4 Inch Electric Solenoid Valve for Air Water / High Quality Replacement Brass Valve for Use with Pipelines in Water, Air and Diesel Applications - Amazon.com
Wireless Remote 12v control for a DC power supply. I initially had this laying around, from a old project to be used for a computer mod idea. I managed to snag it up for around $10 several years ago when a website was closing it's store. (It came with two remotes!)
Amazon link: Amazon.com: LOGISYS RM02 12v 15A relay w/ remote control kit: Electronics
Did a quick and dirty wiring "proof of concept" with alligator clips. It works! The On button opens the valve, the Off closes the valve.
Fully wired up control box & wireless receiver completed. The blue cable is the antenna. I also decided to add a small on/off switch for the receiver, in case I need to power off the device or while I work on the piston. (Safety is important!)
Soldered clips for the Solenoid valves. I chose to do this for long term usage, since I will be able to use the solenoids for other projects.
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