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Smoke & Mirrors Special user 506 Posts |
Can someone tell me if this is launched by a timer, a remote, a footswitch or what? The ad copy says your hands are empty, so I need to know if that means it requires an assistant or not?
http://hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product......tem=5117 Thanx! aaron |
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
If you want to make one yourself, then you'll know the answer to that question! You'll find a diagram for a PVC Pipe cannon in The Wizards' Journal #10 on my site, but it's not for a Snowstorm- it's for "Autumn Leaves." Then in December, you can put it back to Snowstorm mode by changing confetti.
My electric/hand version can be powered by a footswitch for the air stream and foot or hand power for the release. No CO2 cartridges to foul up the works and by putting it into your control, you can decide on the timing rather than having it automated out of your control (I like to play the flute while my leaves are dancing!). Best of all, you can make it for less than $20. Of course, the janitors will still complain after you're done.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
I'm pretty sure this is the unit I have, in which case, the ad copy is slightly deceiving - tut, tut, Hocus Pocus! The unit is hand activated, in the presentation described, you START with empty hands, but when the cannon fires, your hands are behind your back. Still, it's a wonderful item, I use it in lots of different routines, especially Christmas ones. You get an explosion due to the air pressure, and a HUGE snowstorm, it really is a superb effect to end a show. Professor Spellbinder's version is different, so I can't compare them, but my unit is 100% reliable, there really is nothing to go wrong. Tape the unit to any prop you like, and have your snowstorm come out of the prop. That's how I use mine.
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Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
I have this item and it is designed to be triggered by hand. However, it does not have to be your hand. If it is hooked up to a table or behind some other prop, an assistant can easily trigger the device. Theoretically, you could hook up a cord to the trigger and use your foot to set off the cannon. In that case you hands could be shown free and empty at the time fo the trigger.
I originally purchased this item as an added kicker to my Snowstorm in China effect. My assistant brings out the Snowstorm fan and glass to hand over to me. She is the one wearing the cannon. Once the now has started fanning into the air, my assistant triggers the cannon. This gets a HUGE response. I would highly recommend this item if it fits into your show. The replacement cartridges are easily found and will last a very long time. Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
The problem I have with this type of device when used with snowstorm is the noise. They are quite loud. Music doesn't even cover the shwooooosh sound that it makes when it launches. Plus, it only lasts a few seconds...
A real snow fall is very quite. Listen to it this winter if you get the chance... There's definitely got to be a better way to create this effect and eliminate the CO2 noise. Snow machines which I used regularly when working a dinner theater in Orlando even created a tremendous amount of noise and had to be mounted outside the theater to cut down on the "roaring." The man who invents the silent snow machine will indeed be a wealthy man! Lyndel |
Smoke & Mirrors Special user 506 Posts |
Wow, thanks for all the information. I am definitely adding this to my stage act.
Great ideas on working the cannon into a prop. Where do you get refills? The only thing I see at Hocus is this: http://hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product......tem=5945 is that it? Oh yeah, & what's the clean up like? If I bring a small broom how long is this going to take to clean off a hard gym floor? thanx again. |
Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
CO2 refills can be purchased at almost any Wal-Mart store in the sporting goods department. I don't think anyone is actually producing confetti refills that are specifically made for the snowstorm cannon.
As far as clean-up, the confetti does shoot pretty high, but a good broom should do the trick. But, try to have someone else help out with the sweeping. After finishing a great show, the last thing you want people to see is you becoming the janitor. It's kinda outta character. Also, if at all possible, make sure the snowstorm is the last effect in your show and the last show of the night. The worst thing you could do is leave the stage a mess for another performer. Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
Smoke & Mirrors Special user 506 Posts |
Oh, no the broom would be for any women I see standing around.
Obviously. |
Scott O. Inner circle Midwest 1143 Posts |
And that sudden SWOOSHING sound wasn't from the cannon. . . It was from Smoke & Mirrors rapidly ducking to avoid the broom some woman just threw at his head.
Do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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Smoke & Mirrors Special user 506 Posts |
*lol*
:) |
TrickyRicky Inner circle TrickyRicky 1653 Posts |
Hey Aaron.
You'd want to be careful about using snow storm of any method at a birthday party. The customer wouldn't appreciate the mess you've made. I remembered, while setting up for a performance at a community centre, the caretaker asked if I do the trick with the paper flying all over the place. He said, "the last magician made a F-----mess. I wanted to strangle the guy. Richard Lyn |
Smoke & Mirrors Special user 506 Posts |
Thanks Richard, you are so right. I'm going to try this 1st at the school gym, and I will actually check with the custodians first & see if they are ok with it.
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
For me, the loud noise made by the cannon actually enhances the effect, of course, it just depends how you choose to use the cannon. As for cleaning up, I regularly make a big mess, but my clients kinda expect that, and I've never had anyone complain about the mess. Surely, at a kids' party, it's neccessary to sweep/vacuum up afterwards anyway, regardless of the actual amount of mess. A game I use often for older kids is "Mummy Wrap", which leaves the room FULL of toilet paper. The kids throw it about, jump in it, slide on it, and there's a feeling of real chaos for the parents who are arriving to collect their little darlings. The kids have so much fun, it guarantees me repeat bookings, and the parents are quite happy that I've kept the kids amused, and all they have to do is provide tea, and clean up afterwards.
At a school or other large venue, they have janitors. What are they for, if they don't want to clean the place? |
toomuchmagic Special user 534 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-10-03 07:04, Richard Lyn wrote: a little less than a year later.... I use snowstorm to close all my shows. I always inform the client of a substantial amount of confetti.... and I offer clean up after. I have only had to clean up once out of at least 400 shows.(ut I always bring my carpet sweeper and broom just in case.) |
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