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bsears Inner circle Cincinnati, Ohio 1040 Posts |
I have had my (original) Viper snake basket fail on me yet again. The motor was not powerful enough to trigger the release. I am looking to build something better myself. I would like to either create a spring loaded release or replace the motor unit with something more reliable, but have been unable to locate anything.
suggestions? |
bcookmagic Elite user seattle wa 472 Posts |
Hey there Brett, that's odd man. I have had mine fail but its because the door got stuck opening from the inside of the basket. Hey, if you're going to Magifest this year bring it with you and I can look at it for you if you want. Talk to you soon. Brian
If your not having fun doing what your doing....dont do it!
WWW.BRIANCOOKMAGIC.COM |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Another idea is to add a spring assist to the flap so the motor doesn't have to work so hard.
I don't know the release but you can file the pins off a music box and take up a cable on the drum. Or if you use and electric motor put a bigger drum that puts less torque on the motor shaft to take it up. Since you have both had trouble with this, I would write the manufacturer and tell him the problem. He should make it right. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
bcookmagic Elite user seattle wa 472 Posts |
Hi there Richard. Mine really isn't too much of a problem. It can easily be fixed by putting a flat block of wood to keep the unit in the middle of the basket...but I never got around to it so I just have to remember to center the unit as I put it in. I have the Viper 2 which may have a stronger motor then the one Brett has.
If your not having fun doing what your doing....dont do it!
WWW.BRIANCOOKMAGIC.COM |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Sounds to me like a poor design that a small screw from the bottom would fix.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Brett,
Try leaving more slack in the string so the motor can build up more speed/torque and that MIGHT solve the problem Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
bcookmagic Elite user seattle wa 472 Posts |
Hey Richard...not a poor design just most baskets are not flat.
If your not having fun doing what your doing....dont do it!
WWW.BRIANCOOKMAGIC.COM |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
A spacer disk could be cut to go in the bottom of the basket to make it flat. But not having one in front of me, I will take your word for it.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
freefallillusion1 Elite user Cincinnati, OH 446 Posts |
I did the spacer disk thing- I cut most of the bottom out of my basket and stapled in a plywood disk. This gives the snake a firm launching surface. The "modification" (if you want to call it that) is done from the inside, of course, and since the inside can never be shown, it works fine. As for the motor, I've got the Pro-Viper, which may be the updated model. I did, however, have to fix the way the wheel is attached to the shaft. It wasn't firmly attached and would rotate a bit from the moment I got it, but a little epoxy took care of that.
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bsears Inner circle Cincinnati, Ohio 1040 Posts |
Thanks to all posters! Excellent solutions - some of which I have already used to varying degrees of success.
My first fix was to secure the unit to the bottom of the basket - I used velcro. That helped a bit. I have also engineered various backup pull releases, most of which either broke or were ineffective. Here is the real deal: Mine IS the original Viper. The motor is ten plus years old and was cheap to begin with. It simply lacks the torque to pull the pin. I think I may contact Terry to see what it would cost to buy just the electronics from a newer model. I may also try a rebuild with a new motor. |
Owen Anderson Loyal user A sturdy fence needs at least 231 Posts |
I have a V2.
The following info appears on the motor: MICRO MO Electronics, Ltd. 1624E006S123 16/5 41:1 HEM1624E16 KW 35/94 f.y.i.
Owen Anderson
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magicgraham Regular user Mesa Arizona 138 Posts |
I have had no trouble with my v2 and have never had to leave any slack in the cord. Cheap batteries can cause an issue if they lose power. I replace batteries very frequently.
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bcookmagic Elite user seattle wa 472 Posts |
Magicgraham, Brett has a V1!
If your not having fun doing what your doing....dont do it!
WWW.BRIANCOOKMAGIC.COM |
isaacfawlkes Loyal user FL 256 Posts |
If the battery is weak on the unit it may not release. I have had this happen on occasion. To solve it I replace the batteries after 4 shows. When I use it at Renaissance Faires I do 4 shows a day and replace them every morning. It is probably overkill but I have not had the problem for over 3 years. BTW I also have the V1 and love it.
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bsears Inner circle Cincinnati, Ohio 1040 Posts |
The batteries I was using were fresh (brand new) but cheap. I think I may try and spend the extra $$$ on some better ones to see if it makes a difference.
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