I would have posted this under the bizarre magic forums, but I thought this was a more appropriate place.

What I am trying to achieve is this:

A candle is lit at the beginning of a seance. During opening remarks, the candle sputters and extinguishes itself. The candle remains inert until, at the climax of the seance, the candle belches forth with a quick flash of flames (think of the scene in which Reagan's mother is looking around in the attic during the beginning of "The Exorcist").

I've pretty much figured out how to make the gimmicked candle die out on its own. The trick, is to set up a remote triggering device in either the "candle" or the base of the candle. This is so I can get away with setting up the seance table before the audience, and not have a pre-set candle and table waiting. I just don't want a huge wire making an obvious appearance.

Any suggestions?

We had a long discussion on this once before here, and you might find something there. But you have identified the issue correctly. The re-lighting part is the hardest.

It would seem that, if you had a big enough base for the candle (or a fat candle) you could get away with gimmicking that part for remote "control" to go out OR to light on command. But the real issue is how do you cause it to go out and to also refire.

If you had something easily flamable to restart the candle, it probably would have been set off by the original flame. So the same candle going out and resarting on command is a challenge that I don't think has been publicly solved here yet.

I have been working on a number of solutions but have nothing practical yet.

BroDavid

Hey BroDavid,

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.

:)

Sorry, I wasn't too clear on this... but I'm not exactly going for an extinguishing/relighting candle. I think I'm looking for a solution to finding (or building) a miniature flashpot (loaded with some flash paper or powder) embedded within a gimmicked candle, and setting it off remotely.

If I figure this one out... I'll be more than happy to spread the good news.

Take care.

-Pete

A self lighting one could be done a number of ways without wires or even a remote control.

I will Pm you a thought or two on that, that I got from an old self lighting candle, that I almost dented my forehead smacking myself, when I saw how simple it was.

BroDavid

There is a good way to light a candle. A flash is seen and next second the candle is lit. The chandelier has to be appropriate and it must have a glo plug installed in the base where the candle is put. Some Flash wool is placed on the Glo Plug and a piece of flash string is attached to the wool and goes up to the candle wick and tied to it. It is better to wetten the candle wick with some butane, for easy lighting.
Another thing. The glo plug needs to be connected with a remote controlled device, which may be put inside the candle base. Then move back, switch on the remote and enjoy the scene as fire goes up the candle and lights it up.
Firely yours,
Ivan

I think I may have solved the problem...in theory only, however. If anyone is interested, PM me and we'll bounce some ideas back and forth.

-P