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magia355 Regular user Virginia, USA 172 Posts |
Hi, just recently finished a shadow box, that can be be done surrounded. The box has a door in each side. What I would like to do is to have these doors open remotely; if not all four doors at least the front door to expose the appearance. I'm also working in how to introduce smoke into the box, for another visual effect. Any ideas? I have had no luck...
Thanks |
Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Can't help with the doors, but for the smoke... Sounds like you need a Tiny Fogger: http://www.smokemachines.net/buy-battery......ne.shtml
Lyndel |
magia355 Regular user Virginia, USA 172 Posts |
Lyndel, thanks for the info....
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craig filicetti V.I.P. Arizona 550 Posts |
Hello,
How do you want the door to work? Open slowly by remote control. Then close by remote control. How much do the doors weigh? I have an idea or two using linear actuators. -Craig
ProMystic - Professional Systems For Mentalists
<BR>www.promystic.com |
mvmagic Inner circle Has written 1322 Posts |
The one I used to have had the front door hinged at the bottom. Opening and closing was handled simply with a strong fishing line, operated by the hidden assistant. Simple and cost effective.
Sent from my Typewriter
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magia355 Regular user Virginia, USA 172 Posts |
Craig the doors would be hinged to the bottom. Each door is roughtly 5 lbs. My interest is to have the door open remotely only to present the appearance; otherwise to show the box empty and to close it, I would manually do this. I did think of the fishing line trick, so yes this could be an option. Thanks
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sb Special user 567 Posts |
I would think that the option for having the hidden assistant using a line may be better than the motorized version.
Sure it is cool to have it work automatically, but if it can go wrong... it will....eventually. What if the cords for a motor short out or come undone from the motor. Or what happens if someone backstage trips on the cord and it becomes unplugged. What happens if and when one of the 1024 other things that can go wrong - do go wrong. With no power is the door able to open manually as a back up, or is the whole effect done for the show? Instead of spending the money and time on getting the mechanical version to work, spend the cash on something else and spare yourself from the headaches.... good luck either way. scott |
wcz New user 9 Posts |
Hi sb
Sorry to disagree with you. I design my own electronic remote illusions. I have a run-rabbit-run, a flaming dove pan, a forgetful Freddie and a balloon to dove box that ALL work on electronics & batteries (no AC) 1. I always use fresh batteries. 2. There is always a manual overide if the electronics fail. 3. As a magician, you need to be prepared for the worse. You always need to recover. Once I had a bird die on me while in the apparatus. when the production occurred, wham a dead bird. Yes, I managed to recover. Now understand, I am an electrical engineer and I have to believe in my education and most of all myself . My designs are solid but doodoo happens. My assistant sometimes to forget to power things on. But the impact is by far worth the risk. Often people look and say "What the heck, how did he do that" In a few years from now I guess my unique position will be in mass production, but, for now I'm one of only a handful using this technology. Wayne |
magia355 Regular user Virginia, USA 172 Posts |
Must be nice to have the technology and the know how...Unfortunately, I don't have any idea how to make it happen...So know I'm stuck, between manual open, or the fishing wire. If you can provide the know how, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Dr. Solar Special user Citrus Heights, Ca. 526 Posts |
This would be rather easy. The door opens downward and outward. A servo would release a catch and gravity would take over after an initial thrust by a small spring. Toto toilets, made in Japan and sold in the US has a toilet seat that requires a mere movement to begin dropping the lid and a hydraulic takes over so it doesn't slam down. You could use a pulley with some counter weight possibly as well.
Good luck, Dr Solar
"look for me in all things forgotten"
www.drsolar.com |
magia355 Regular user Virginia, USA 172 Posts |
Dr. Solar, that sounds pretty good.....I just have to figure out the method of and design of the release system.....Hope I can come up with something that works....If you have a design in mind, please let me know...I'm not good when it comes to the mechanics.
Thanks!!! |
Dr. Solar Special user Citrus Heights, Ca. 526 Posts |
Magia355,
PM me and we can discuss this. Snail mail a drawing/ sketch of what it is and what is wanted and I will suggest what is needed. Dr. Solar
"look for me in all things forgotten"
www.drsolar.com |
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