Smoking Eyes - An Electronics Question

[Capt TJ]

I'm in the middle of a Lich King build (HERE), and I have a question on how I should go about with a particular effect.

If you're familiar with the Lich King, he has glowing blue eyes and smoke eminating from the eye holes of his helmet. I want to achieve this effect, which is why I'm posting the following question:

How can I safely achieve a smoking eyes effect?

The blue glow is easy (LED's), but the smoking eyes are the tough part. I'm thinking of using a piezo atomizer, since water is safe for the eyes, but I'm not aware of a piezo that can work off of battery power.

Ideas/suggestions?

 

[Gericke]

Hi,

maybe you can use the Atomizer out of one of those E-Cigarettes? Or am I wrong thinking that they work with this technique?

Just a thought, maybe give it a try...

Greetings, Gericke

 

[Capt TJ]

Hi,

maybe you can use the Atomizer out of one of those E-Cigarettes? Or am I wrong thinking that they work with this technique?

Yeah, another friend suggested that as well. I just don't know enough about them, and if I can just fill them with water. I really don't want to keep paying for refill cartridges if I can just fill it with water and get the same effect. I want to be able to wire a trigger to it, so I can turn on the eyes when needed.

 

[santiclause]

I would try using the thing, most misting incense holders use. If that's what you are talking about then I would probably go with that... you can rig one up to run off battery power instead of plugging it into the wall.

 

[Trainedballoons]

You can buy smoke fluid from model train shops. All you need is a small heating element. Wrap some nichrome wire around a small block of porcelain then apply a small voltage, the same method as in a toaster. Then a couple of drops of the fluid, you'll get a nice white stream of smoke.

 

[DukeofDork]

I have no clue if its safe for the eyes (they refer to it as a "very, very safe water-like vapor") but something like this might work Pure Smoke by Jason Brumbalow | Ellusionist

 

[skint]

Looks like it's just Propylene Glycol, same as your standard nightclub fog. Pump the fluid into a heating chamber and force it out under pressure through a small nozzle. I think the model train method might be easier, as for using a water atomizer you would need to keep the water level which would be an issue.

 

[Capt TJ]

I have no clue if its safe for the eyes (they refer to it as a "very, very safe water-like vapor") but something like this might work Pure Smoke by Jason Brumbalow | Ellusionist

This looks really great! It seems small enough that the machine could be attached inside my helmet or underneath one of my shoulder armors, with the smoke tube running to the eye slots. This may be the route I go.
Thanks!

 

[DukeofDork]

Glad I could help, I saw it some time ago and was sure to make a mental note. Figured it would be a good costume effect for something.

 

[nick16001]

Just a suggestion here, but might want to check this link from CDC(ATSDR - Toxic Substances - Propylene Glycol) on propleyne glycol. As for your glowing eyes try some led's over an eye mechanism like in animatronics. Also if you would could build a mechanical shell from to operate eyes like a visor under the mask. Lastly for the smoke could be some kind of vapors that are contained in a thermal device and emit just plain water vapors(probably safer/cheaper)
Cheers,
Nick
p.s. M me if you want me to explain further and also check Weta workshop's techniques like silicone mask making for fake arm gloves/weathering armor.