|
|
Bryan Gilles Inner circle Northern California 1732 Posts |
I would like to build/purchase some kind of blower device to blow bits of paper much like in a Chattering Teeth, Outhouse, or Snow effect... I am confined to a space of "3.5 x "5.5 x "10 ... Any ideas? I would also like to run it to a remote or momentary switch.. The device should be able to run for a solid 5-10 seconds then shut off... One last thing... I'd like to keep the power for this unit confined within the given measurements (maybe 9 volt or something along those lines or the bigger batteries you see in the brighter flashlights- sorry, I forget the voltage...)
Without tipping what the idea is (trust me, it is original..). Keep in mind a blender... That is all I can say for now... Bryan |
isaacfawlkes Loyal user FL 256 Posts |
Why not go with the Chattering teeth from doug malloy. http://www.malloymodernmagic.com/index.html
It's a great piece. I have used mine for three years. I started with the routine many years ago when Terry Seabrooke had it in his lecture. I made my original one using a CO2 cartrige to blow the paper. It worked fine but when Doug came out with his version I switched to that. It will run for as long as you need. If you wish to put it in a specific container try a 9-volt fan. Check Radio shack or try a computer cooling fan from Compuserve or a similar place. |
Bryan Gilles Inner circle Northern California 1732 Posts |
I love Chattering Teeth; however, I am developing a different type of illusion that employs the same blowing of the paper... Change sent a PM about using a "squirrel fan". The only problem....the ones I've found are 12V..... How would I wire something like this?
Here is a link to one I found that looks exactly like what I need.... http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.......=259-132 Bryan |
isaacfawlkes Loyal user FL 256 Posts |
Bryan
If you are using it in short bursts (5 to 10 Seconds) as you stated before a 12v may work. I use a 12v remote on my snake basket and have wired a small 12v battery to it. I use one that is smaller than a "AAA" battery and used for a garage door opener. I got the battery holder and battery at Radio Shack. You could also use a 12v rechargeable battery like the ones used for a Remote Controlled Car, but they are larger (about the size of a pack of cigarettes). Good luck |
curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
This battery pack configuration should power your fan...
AA Battery Pack at 12 Volts The battery pack can be built in the 3.5" X 5.5" 10" space you mentioned at the start of this post, or you could conceal the battery pack elsewhere and just run your wires through a simple switch to the fan. Wires are easy to hide with prop trim or other elements of your illusiion. If there is much of a load on these 8-AA batteries they are going to run down quickly, but for short bursts just to launch confettii, they should be fine. Just check them out before each perfomance. Are we going to get to see what this looks like when you finish? It sound interesting and cool
Click for Free Resources for Performers
YouTube channel specifically for family & kids show magicians. Click -- You need to subscribe. |
Bryan Gilles Inner circle Northern California 1732 Posts |
Yes, I will share pics when I am all done with the prototype... or final outcome. I like the rechargeable battery idea. I'm sure I could put felt around it and secure it to the underside of the table or base.
Any other ideas are welcome. What about running a momentary switch? I'm electronics-illiterate and can use all the advice I can get. Bryan |
freefallillusion1 Elite user Cincinnati, OH 446 Posts |
Well, you'll laugh, but when I was about 12 years old I wanted to do this same thing so I came up with a solution using common household items. I put a regular balloon onto the end of a short piece of 3/4" tube. I would inflate the balloon and clamp it shut, load the tube with the little bits of paper to be blown into the air, and aim the tube in the appropriate direction. When the clamp is released, the balloon deflates, shoots the air through the tube, and paper goes flying. Not that this primitive setup would work with your required small space, but hey, I was 12 years old!
|
curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
FreeFallIllusion1,
I think we all need to be more like 12 year olds when we design. I know I tend to over-design and end up with "Stuff Bloat." Simple is always better even if simplest is not always best. The simpler the solution the more likely it is to work time and again and it will be easier to design.
Click for Free Resources for Performers
YouTube channel specifically for family & kids show magicians. Click -- You need to subscribe. |
curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
Here is your switch...
Momentary Switch Keep in mind that you will have to have your finger on the switch the whole time it runs your fan to blow the bits of paper. So mount it in a way that your hand will be in a natrual position so that you will not call attention to the fact that you are pushing a button. I would imagine that confetti flying up will provide a lot of misdirection.
Click for Free Resources for Performers
YouTube channel specifically for family & kids show magicians. Click -- You need to subscribe. |
Bryan Gilles Inner circle Northern California 1732 Posts |
Is there a way to trigger such a switch by remote? (Maybe a delay or some kind of timer)
I want to achieve the effect that this "blender/shredder" turned itself on as I'm walking away from it to retrieve another item... Another hint... this is similar to "Wiz-Kote" illusion with a major twist.... Hope this helps paint an image of what I'm creating.. I don't want to tip too much as to what I'm doing becuase this is a fresh idea... Bryan |
curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
If you are going to use a battery pack for the blower, any on/off switch should work, momentary, slide, toggle, etc.
There are several remote switches that basically have the receiver on the circut and the transmitter will close the circut like any other switch. Check Radio Shack or similar store. Also, I have seen 12v ones at auto parts stores near the area where they sell all the fancy dashboard lights, underbody neon and all those custom toys.
Click for Free Resources for Performers
YouTube channel specifically for family & kids show magicians. Click -- You need to subscribe. |
shomemagic Inner circle Missouri 2232 Posts |
This is a wonderful thread
|
isaacfawlkes Loyal user FL 256 Posts |
http://www.rapidalarm.com/visonic-wirele......ces.html
This is a ink to the remote that I use for my snake basket (Viper). It is 12v and works fine. I use a single channel but they are available up to a 4 channel model. I power mine with a 12v garage door opener battery. got the hardware for the battery at Radio shack and it's smaller than a "aaa" battery. I've used mine or over 5 years and it work great. good luck |
curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
Isaacfalkes,
Have you used your "remote" for five years or the "battery" from Radio Shack for 5 years?
Click for Free Resources for Performers
YouTube channel specifically for family & kids show magicians. Click -- You need to subscribe. |
isaacfawlkes Loyal user FL 256 Posts |
The remote
I wish I could find a five year battery. They only last about 25 shows. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The workshop » » Something to blow bits of paper... (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |