Building a Flying Motorized Ghost | A Step-by-Step Guide to Wowing Your Neighbors This Halloween
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 มิ.ย. 2024
- How to Build a Flying Motorized Axworthy Ghost Prop | Halloween Prop
Step 1: Determine how many anchor points you will need based on the length you want your prop to travel. Distances of less than 65 feet can be accomplished using only a starting point and an endpoint.
Step 2: Dig and pour your anchor points. Use a concrete building form for each hole (Quikrete Quik-Tube Cardboard Concrete Building Form Tube 4 ft.). These are available at (Home Depot, Lowes, etc). For my build, I went with 18 inches. Use Quikrete concrete mix, fill the form to the top, and then set a J-bolt concrete anchor amzn.to/3WzYXZl
Leave an inch of the threaded end exposed outside the concrete.
Step 3: After 48 hours the concrete will be cured enough to proceed. Install a 4x4 bracket support onto each J-bolt. amzn.to/3h4HwzK (Simpson Strong-Tie 4x4 Kit).
Step 4: Begin prepping your pulley system. Using an old bicycle, dismantle the wheels and remove the tires.
Step 5: Calculate and Cut your Top Plate Supports. The length of the top plate will be determined by the diameter of your bicycle wheel and the width of your prop. Attach the front bicycle wheel to your top plate using the original washer and bolt from the bike. Use a 2x4 for the top plate material.
Step 6: amzn.to/3U4aCOo Attach a windshield wiper motor to the rear (locking wheel) of the bicycle. You will need a 10mm to 8mm metal coupler: amzn.to/3WodCXq
Attach using JB Weld Epoxy: amzn.to/3WmNHzf
Tighten the couple screws using a hex key: amzn.to/3Fy7V37
Allow the JB weld to cure overnight before attaching it to the top plate or testing.
Step 7: Wire your electrical connections. Using a DC power jack adapter: amzn.to/3sSh2nM
and 12-volt AC/DC power adapter: amzn.to/3DvTdXt
Step 8: Attach the wiper motor through the top plate using #12-24 x 2inch machine screws amzn.to/3UijgII Then attach your top plate to the 4x4 base post using Headlok screws amzn.to/3zAgE0I or lag bolts (at least 3 inches in length). amzn.to/3zzKFOe Using spray paint, paint the support posts, top plate, and bicycle wheels black. Then set your 4x4 post into the mounting bracket, level, and secure using 3-inch lag bolts. 8 (P.A.M.) lag bolts and 8 (W.A.K.) bolts if purchased from Lowes.
Step 9: Using 50lb fishing line amzn.to/3UgaMSf
and barrel swivels www.walmart.com/ip/Eagle-Claw... run your pulley line. Connect the ends of the line and tighten until you have the proper tension for your display. This will be based on the weight of your prop and travel distance. Use a fish leader line to connect your prop to the tensioned line. This will allow you to easily remove the prop from the line (makes it a lot easier when re-tensioning or when the line comes off the pulley).
Step 10: Test your prop, and re-tension until the prop runs smoothly and you now have a flying prop that will be the envy of the neighborhood on Halloween night!
Spice Up Your Display:
Use a fog machine placed in the center of your display under the travel path of your ghost to create an eery effect. amzn.to/3NpEZfs I use one on each end of my display. I also use 2 LED spotlights: amzn.to/3DOqrCV. Spotlight fixture - amzn.to/3zAj2or
Making Your Own Fog Juice:
Use 6 oz pure glycerin amzn.to/3TZl8WQ (non-toxic) and mix with 24 oz of distilled water. Shake. This will save you $100s and provide tons of juice for your fog machines!
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:37 Calculating How Many Anchor Points You Will Need
3:19 Setting a J-Bolt Concrete Anchor
4:40 Attaching an Adjustable 4x4 Post Base
5:36 Using a Bicycle Wheel to Create a Pulley System
6:52 Measuring and Cutting Your Top Posts
8:09 What Size Bicycle Wheel to Use
9:12 Attaching Your Front Bicycle Wheel to the Top Plate
11:18 Which Wheel Goes Where in the Display
12:36 Powering the Display With a Windshield Wiper Motor
14:20 Top Plate Setup Attaching the Motor to the Bicycle Wheel
15:45 Bolts to Attach Motor to the Top Plate
16:12 Weatherproofing your Power Supply and Motor
17:15 Attaching the Top Plate to a 4x4 Base Post
17:49 Installing a 4x4 Base Post
18:58 Painting Your Display Black (Why we do it)
19:36 Wiring The Display Motor
21:18 Selecting the Right Power Supply
23:16 Running Fishing Line As Your Pulley Line
25:06 Tensioning Your Line
26:22 Cleaning Up the Wiring with Electrical Staples
27:02 Adjustment to Motor Speed
27:36 JB Weld Epoxy Onto Coupler For Added Strength
28:38 Attaching Prop to the Line
29:14 Flying Prop Success!
30:06 TIPS FOR SUCCESS
31:46 Changes to the Attachment Points for the Wheel to the Motor
33:39 Final Thoughts & Conclusion
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I've found that fishing line is kind of a pain. If you use monofilament, it can stretch. If you use braided line, it won't stretch but it can get so tight that it can slice your skin open like piano wire. What I have found that works best is black 100lb braided kevlar kite string. It's STRONG and inexpensive, about $12 for 250 ft. You can get it nice and tight, it won't stretch and you don't have to use any special knots, it will hold fast. fishing line works well for the attachment to the drive line, though. ;)
Sliced fingers = that's definitely a no-go! 😳 I will give the kevlar kite string a try. Awesome suggestion!
If you design one of the arms holding the wheel so that it pivots and tightens like the fan belt in a car you can adjust your tension as needed. Also using craft foam is a good suggestion but maybe a thick strip of rubber glued to the rim with a slot in the middle so it won't slip out plus it would be quieter because the leader won't be rubbing on the metal rim as much. Very cool project. I plan on building one. Thank you for the idea and detailed video.
@@joer8432isn’t the purpose for the fishing line is that it’s invisible? Wouldn’t the black show in the day making it look strange in the day? I’m asking because we are looking to do something like this and wanted to make sure before buying the items.
@@LanceAndCarina Actually. I never mentioned anything about the fishing line but the braided kite string would be a better choice. Less slippage. Don't worry about the string color. It'll be high enough and the ghost will be hanging low enough from the string for anyone to really notice. Especially at night. Best of luck with your project. It looks like a fun one. I'm gonna do it for next year. Happy Halloween! 🎃👻
He could use the rubber from the inner tube he pulled off in the beginning and glue that to the wheels. Ne need to spend any more money
I've been running one of these for many years, with, as you point out, many problems. I have found several things to help. As you point out, light weight is important. I use a 4" styrofoam ball with lace curtain material making the body with a few washers adding a bit of weight near the bottom. I've also found that rubber tape on the inside of the wheel helps grip, but also prevents the back of the spokes from cutting the drive wire. I use a kevlar fishing line. I will be adding the barrel swivels as you recommend. I use a smaller 3rd wheel on a hinge to act as a tensioning wheel using a bungie cord to pull on it. I also found that tipping the 2 bike wheels slightly towards each other, helps to keep the drive wire from derailing. This way when the ghost wire enters the wheel, it will come in slightly above the hub. I also use a motion detector to run it only when someone is watching, which reduced wear and tear. I monitor the motion from the house using X10 modules. Two years ago, the monitor was showing that it was run a cycle and then after a few seconds, it would run again. I when out only to find a father in a pickup with his kids in the back. He would trip the motion detector and then back up for his kids to see it. He did this a whole bunch of times ... made it all worthwhile.
Lots of great advice here. Thank you for sharing! You're right; nothing beats the look on kids' faces when it works!
Very cool , might try the packing tape ghost about the size of a life size 8 - 10 yr old niece or doll lol maybe it'll be lightweight enough . It's just clear plastic wrap and packing tape
👍Nice lights and fog machine, I've got to unclog mine and get it running. I have a three pulley system using heavy braided fishing line, after I get all my swivels tied in and get the line fairly tight I attach a cinch strap to one of the mounts and a nearby tree and pull it tight. IMO, the ghost looks creepier if you use a speed controller to slow it down, for the post you can also put a 2' section of galvanized 2" pipe in the ground flush with the ground then just drop a smaller pipe in while you're using the ghost rig and cover it with a pvc cap the rest of the year
Thanks for the info. Sounds like you've got a great setup!
My neighbor had made himself one of these, and he said that if you cut and glue a strip of craft foam directly down the middle of the inside of the wheel, where your fishing line runs, it improves the grip of the fishing line, keeps it from slipping and also it does not pop off as often. Dunno if this works or not, I have never built one myself, but that is the advice my neighbor gave about his build.
This sounds good, it might cut the foam and still get to spin out on the inside tire. I might need a prop like this..
Thanks for the suggestion! I'm going to try a few of these ideas on this year's build.
We used super heavy gorilla tape (duct tape) on the center of the wheel
If you’re going to run this on Halloween then I would put an infrared sensor on it to trigger when someone is walking down the walk to the door. Time it to a recording of a Banshee screaming with the speaker placed behind where the ghost comes flying from. I might even use white lace for the material and illuminate it with some LEDs . Have the ghost fly out of the smoke also. The ghost flying through the smoke will move the smoke and drag some of it behind for a really good effect. Think about the scary scene in the movie Poltergeist where the ghost is flying towards you. Now you need to have a remote on off switch so the little kids don’t get frightened and have nightmares the rest of there lives but the older kids are fair game.
If I put it up again this year, I'm probably going to shorten the distance so it doesn't travel across the entrance walkway. I spent most of my time last Halloween trying to keep kids from walking in its path --- and did not want any ghost attack incidents! If running it longer than one night, a sensor would be a great addition. Thanks for the suggestion.
As a long time haunter, this is the most detailed video I have ever found on this particularly tricky prop. Kudos to you! Thanks for keeping the mistakes in... those often teach you more than the successful parts! LOL😝
Thanks so much, I appreciate that! I knew there were many people out there who could learn from my mistakes and issues and use them to improve their props. I learned a long time ago to never be afraid to fail, and never be ashamed to let others share their knowledge and experience with you. Thanks for watching!
@@FestiveScholar If I was still doing a Halloween display I would totally attempt this!
Leave your far anchor (the one with the front wheel), loose in it's mounting OR allow that post to swivel. Then run a rope, or cable, or your paracord at an angle down to a long tent stake pounded into the ground. Tighten that line to create tension on your fishing line. If you look at the wooden "telephone"/power poles that go down your street, some of them will have a similar cable that goes up to the top of the pole. That's what those cables are for, to tension the electrical lines above.
I appreciate the suggestion. Thanks!
I watched your video to see how you did it. I made one about 13 years ago and experienced all of the same difficulties. My original design was with a ice cream maker motor. I changed to a ceiling fan motor.
I love the idea of your post. I've always used trees, but will now use your idea. Thank you for sharing.
I Saw a comment about the line he used that doesn't stretch. I'm going to try that.
My ceil8ng fan works great because when I wired it I used a dimmer witch to control the speed.
Ice cream maker.. now that's cool and the dimmer switch on a ceiling fan makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the ideas!
Get yourself a potentiometer to slow that motor down. Great tutorial!!
Thanks for the tip! even if i had to google what a potentiometer is.. 🙃
i have this prop that runs roughly 600 feet. i have 2 spirit halloween glowing, talking phantoms, several led lanterns, and a couple additional cheap "ghosts" that all run on it. i use bike wheels, however i found that using 1/4" steel coated cable works best. it does not stretch, but you can build a simple take up to add/remove slack from the line, i also use metal uprights, but have an issue with them bending due to the tension of the line. i used a ridiculous motor that i wouldnt expect anyone to invest in, however, try doing an offset drive, meaning use the motor to run either a chain and sprockets to drive the wheel or even a belt driven offset. this seemed to help me greatly. i am only putting this out there at all because i spent countless hours getting mine right and these are the little tricks i learned. i use mine from september first until new years, changing out props from halloween to xmas, hopefully this helps others. it is truly one of my favorite props.
Thanks for the info. 600 feet with several props - now that's cool!!
Yes! I've wondered why, or if folks who went through the trouble to build this prop, could use it for other holidays? I can picture Santa's sleigh with all of his reindeer gliding across a front yard while it's snowing!
I've got a prop of Zero from nightmare before christmas I was thinking about rigging to something like this. So that's why I watched your video. Great video
You can do it! Let us know how they work out. I'm sure it will look fantastic!
Zero? That's a great idea! Especially if one doesn't want to scare the little kids too much with some over the top scary prop.
I’ve watched ALL the videos on this subject. I’m planning to make a triangular version of these this year… my first attempt. Your video is by far the most informative. No other video tells you how to run the line. BTW, Amazon now sells “Halloween prop motors” I’ve already bought one. Thank you for the info!
Thanks so much! I appreciate the feedback. I learned a lot through the process and wanted to fill in some of the gaps in the process and give others the chance to share what they learn in their own builds. Let us know how yours goes. Good luck!
When I build mine, I'm going to make one of the wheels adjustable with telescoping punched square tube. 1.25" to 1" so I can put more tension on the wire once I have it tied as tight as i can. I was actually considering attaching a small hand wench as well.
@@clanmaclaren1I hope you mean hand winch, a wench is a pirate woman 😂
That's EXACTLY what I'm using. LOL
I have one I made using 5 trees with 3 elevation changes a motion sensor and a remote. I had soooo much trouble but I found braided line and 2 tensioners able to spring up to 12inches made a world of difference also highly suggest a variable speed set up not just high and low. The best thing I did to make it so I didn't just give up was to make a "catch" at each pulley. Meaning it it popped off I could tell where then figure out why also make absolutely everything adjustable like with the elevation changes you will have to angle the wheels. Also if you can use multiple wheels so it doesn't have to make an abrupt 180 that really helps A LOT
Thanks for the comment. Sounds like you absolutely know the work that goes into keeping one up and running. Thanks for the suggestions!
Can you mention the "tensioners" that worked best for you? I've seen some vids where the adjustment came from a device like that.
@bradbring6830 sure, so I made the arms with the wheels pivot. Basically a flat piece attached to the tree with a type of hinge then a bar with the wheel at the end. Then attach a spring to that. So it's essentially an idler pulley/tensioner pulley. I tried multiple smaller pulleys but found that they upset the ghost more so then helping keep it on.
@FestiveScholar I absolutely do I went through multiple cussings, throwings, quitings, and more but I didn't even know this was a thing. I just thought about it one day and decided to try it. The first was a simple 20foot run with a motor and a wheel, that worked fine untill I put a ghost on it that's when I learned the string twists and turns and will eat your ghost. That's when I also learned speed is not always a good thing lol. I still have a "underground" idea I'm kicking around also. As well as one that I'm hoping to hold about 50lbs but that will just be a zipline and a motor to return it back to the top.
What I did was when I mounted the motor, I made the screw holes sloted so I can adjust the tension after I installed the string or rope by sliding the motor back in the slots and tightening the nuts and bolts.
Thank you for taking the time to explain your process step-by-step. That attention to detail is vital and much appreciated by those who want to decorate but get overwhelmed and unsure how to start. Also knowing the practical labor involved really cements the decision are whether you can commit to such a project.
Thanks for your post! it has given me some ideas for how to more inexpensively mount up some of my other deco ideas! If you attach your ghost with two lines, it wont twist, and will face in the same direction it is flying. A must if it is windy!
You're welcome, and thanks for the suggestion on keeping the ghost from twisting!
You've got to be kidding me. This is freaking amazing and I've never seen anything like it. I bet it was a huge hit. I may legit try and build this next year!
Please do! It will be a huge hit.
So did the JB Weld not work and that’s why you had to find connections that actually screw into each threaded piece? Working on something like this this year
My first attempt was last year, I used braided fishing 550lb line, it stretched over time and hugely failed on Halloween. Came down on top of trick-or-treaters! I’m going to try Kevlar kite line this year, hopefully more static.
On the non-powered end you could use one of those brackets you us at the base filled upside down and attached the free spinning wheel to that. This would allow you to get rid of the arm altogether at that end and the prop doesn't have to slip between the post.
Thanks for creating such a cool project idea! Hat tip for originality. Was going to add that a relay incorporated with power supply would allow fast and slow speeds, to give the randomness effect. Also the suggestions on different kinds of string used for the type of pulley system used and size pulley used on driver end will create the speed zones wanted for your moving prop. I live down in the bayou of Louisiana, and have used in fishing lines called trout lines or catfish stringers, using test line that is grayish black in color (having used as teenagers back in the day) it’s pretty resilient, used with various ways to catch huge catfish. Also used with crab traps and hoop nets. It’s treated or dipped in something that waterproofs string, thus the stretch is limited but strength is still there versus just using nylon string. Can find it in pretty much any bait shop.
I appreciate the thoughtful response. The ability to slow it down would absolutely make it work better and thanks for the suggestion on the line! I'll check it out.
Need neighbors like this!!! 💪🏻🔥
set the trend, Miggy!
This is the coolest decor I have seen on the internet. Your video is super detailed. Thank you so much.
Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and learned a few things to help build your own. Let us know if you try and how it goes,.
The problem with the power supply for the motor wasn't the voltage, it was the amperage, you need a good 5 amps to run a wiper motor at 12 or 20 volts. Good video!!
I appreciate the comment. Always great to learn.
I used a 12v 5a for my motor last Halloween and my ghost moved much slower than I would have liked. If I increase the power supply to say, 12v 10a, will that result in the motor spinning at a faster RPM?
WOW. I love your homes stone and brick work!!!
Thank you. I appreciate it!
Excellent explanation and demonstration. Thanks for your generosity in making this video; I know it took a lot!
Thanks so much. I appreciate it!
I feel you. I have spent waaayyyyy to much time on trying to fix the coupler situation. I will post a tutorial on my channel soon. I have opted for a cloheline wire. I am considering brining in a welder to weld these pieces together. The best option, maybe for 2024, is to use a motor with a belt that turns a shaft connected to a bicycle wheel. Thanks for sharing! I have used many of your set-up advice on my build!
Please do!
Dude thank you. I can’t wait to try this this year!
Turned out good...nicely done....glad you left the head butt in the video...classic...being attacked by your own display.....PRICELESS!!
I tell ya, it was shocking to get hit by that thing BUT I couldn’t be too mad, because it was actually flying ! Lol. Thanks for watching!
Great video. Ran mine for years. I found you need to go to a braided deep sea fishing line at about 180 lb . The kicker to keep the line on the bike wheel is to mount a pizza pan to the bottom side. It has a smooth surface so the line will smoothly run over top of it and seat itselfe into the bike wheel. With it's deeper lip the line won't pop off. That was the main thing that I did to get my line to stop popping off. I used a motor from a tread mill. Added a variable speed controller. We have been talking about putting it back up again in a different spot. If we do, we will add a tensioner to one or two of the wheel locations to get them tight enough. Ihave too many other decoration up to dedicate to watching this prop. It got to a point where , if it didnt run flawlessly i was taking time from other projects to fix it.
Thanks, and awesome suggestion on the braided deep sea line! I'm going to try a law mower wheel this year (deeper rim) and if that doesn't work, I'll move on a pizza pan. ha!
If you have a picture of the pizza pan mount I’d love to see it to possibly use this idea
YOU ARE VERY HELPFULL.I WANTED ONE OF THESE FOR YEARS.......YOU MADE IT SIMPLE....THANKYOU
Very cool project! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! Cheers!
Great video... loved how you kept the mistakes and issues you had in the video.
I appreciate it! Figured folks could learn from the overall process and improve upon it.
Very informative and well thought out! Thank so much!
Glad it was helpful!
Great detailed video. Looks pretty awesome when it's done!
I appreciate it. Thanks so much!
Go Big Orange, hello from Dayton. I don't have experience with this decoration but possibly look at how ski lifts are constructed. I'd think there were something on the internet about them. I am someone who professionally tinkers myself, I like the challenge of making ideas work. An alternatives to buying a new motor would be to get one from a junk yard since any motor will work. Might take a clear storage tote turned upside down for a cover if you don't have anything available. I don't know if your line would support two ghosts but it would look good to have another halfway down the line. If they were halfway apart they would never be on the same side at the same time. It's easy to come up with ideas when I'm not the one making them work. lol
GBO! 🔶 I appreciate the suggestions. Two ghosts would be cool and would probably work if the new Spyder line works better.
Nice job Rick. VERY cool and informative. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
That is so awesome and your yard and home looks amazing.
Thanks so much!
That works SO well! I think the ghost would look great with some UV reactive paint on his skull, or red LED eyes...
I think so too! I ran out of time last year. Hope to try a few new things this year.
This is so cool! Everything looks great together and I love the ingenuity. Bravo sir. 👏🏻🎃🎉
Thanks so much!
Nicely detailed video and description
Very informative. Definitely earned a sub! Thanks !
Awesome!! Love halloween xxxx❤❤❤❤
Thanks for posting that. 22:24 There should be the same kind of label on the wiper motor. If it's not on the motor, it will be included in the packaging. If you are not knowledgeable about electricity you should get the voltage (V), amperage (A), and wattage (W) from the motor label and match those numbers to the numbers on the power converter you intend to use. Ideally, they should be the same. What MUST ALSO match is the little symbol after the wattage number that shows the position of the negative and positive terminals. That should also match. It's not a crime to be unknowledgeable about electricity, it's just that some people don't know. If you aren't familiar, match things exactly! Don't Mix-and-Match!! Just a little advice from someone who has learned that lesson by NOT having done that. LOL I'm still no electrician, but now I know to match things up!
(As an added bonus, this same information applies to the power converters that you use on your phone, computer, TV and other such appliances. Bad Juju can happen if things are mismatched.)
Electrical is definitely not my area of strength with regard to knowledge! I had no idea about the importance of matching numbers. I just assumed a regular power adapter would work (it didn't) so I left that info in the video to share with others. I appreciate the detailed information in your reply and the positive tone in the way you said it... versus "yOu'Re sTuPiD" which some folks feel inclined to comment 🙃
@@FestiveScholar We all need to learn the things that we don't know yet. At least your lesson was "too little" rather than "too much". LOL Nothing burnt down, no one was injured, and you gained knowledge that you didn't have before. That's a win!! The people who are inclined to comment otherwise are usually the ones who have forgotten what their learning curve was like.
Nice job and I love your passion and determination 👍
I appreciate that. Thanks, Daniel!
Very Cool! I might have tried to belt drive it instead of a coupler. But thing is Wicked, really looks like its flying!!!
I appreciate. Definitely a very cool build. I think a belt drive would work well if you had the knowledge to set it up. Above my skill level!
That's fuqn awesome man. Nothing great ever comes easy. Great job!
I appreciate it, and so true. We appreciate the end results so much more in life when we had to work a bit harder for it. Cheers!
When I made one of these, I used an old corded drill I picked up at a yard sale to turn the bike wheel. I was able to tighten the chuck onto the screw of the wheel very tightly. I used a hose clamp to set the speed of the drill’s trigger, then plugged the drill into a lamp dimmer at ground level to get even finer speed control. Also, anyone else doing this really needs to be using braided fishing line. Monofilament will stretch in the sun and lose its tension.
Even under the best conditions, these setups just cannot support much weight for the ghost, which is a bit of a shame.
Thanks for the comment. I didn't know that about the monofilament line. There are a few alternatives I'll be trying this year, thanks to all the awesome comments from folks.
You could also use a cotter pin on coupler. Drill holes through coupler and bolt.
Makes sense! Thanks for the suggestion.
you could use Guide bearings to help keep the Rope on the wheels. You could also make a lip on the wheel that would pull up the Rope to where it needed to be. but to use ether of these you would need to Rethink the way the prop is attached to the line.
Thanks for the suggestions. 👍
Plug your extension cord into a light/ceiling fan dimmer switch to slow the speed of your ghost down, that should take care of your wobble problem and the line popping off.
I appreciate the suggestion, George. Thanks!
So awesome 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Best house on the block. Talk of the town!
Thanks, Leslie!
That is a very cool display and I'm impressed with all the work that was done to create it!
I appreciate it. Thanks for watching!
A cheaper version is using a box fan motor and the housing. I used clothesline pulleys instead of a bike wheel. The small diameter wheels don't move the ghost as fast. Instead of just going back and forth, I added a third wheel, do the ghost could zip back and forth and back again on his journey. Mount it up nice and high. It will look more ominous and keep it from hitting the kids.
I’m assuming the pulleys would have to be modified for your idea to work, right? I’m looking to build something like this with smaller wheels and a third point of travel.
This is a great video! Get this man a 3d printer and I can't wait to see what he can accomplish.
That’s so cool
Thanks so much!
Great job :
Thank you! Cheers!
That's awesome
Thanks!
I used mono line at first but then switched the braided line, and it works a lot better on my setup.
Awesome!
If you used PVC pipes to hold the “free spinning wheel” then you could use two pipes that fit inside each other and a spring attached inside the two pipes (so it opens the spring when you pull on one pipe) to tension the line that way.
Or have two little pulleys that sit just before the wheels to guide it onto the wheels while also tensioning the line
Which I had seen this sooner.. will keep it in mind for next year.
Was the hit of the neighborhood last night. Definitely worth building!
Come back! Time to do this project!
Great video. Really helpful. Wish me luck in my efforts 🎉
You can do it! Best of luck.
I have 6 of these going each year for past 8 seasons. Flying off wheel ment to reshape make more u . I split soaker hose in two parts slowly glued adding tiny cuts to slid spokes glue to side leaving side to edge up making metal appear more u. When reach complete around. Sand down to gradually over lapping then repeat other side of outer wheel. This encased our kite string which we dyed black replace each year. I use ice cream bucket motors. Extended bolt soudered to strengthen as one unit. Due tp using ice water moisture housing waterproof. It moves slower an my bats 3 to each line appear real as they fly. Criss crossing. One is attached to barn to house 60 ft up. Has small witch in broom that appears to be flying hundreds feet up. Certain areas up high has small speakers where muffled sounds happen. Where you hear her laugh. Trees creak. An wqs that bat... close. Our barn allowa us ro hide wheel inside its upper alfalfa door .
Uhh, what? Lol
sounds like a lot of work !
Can you post a picture of the hose on the wheel? Hard to understand what you mean.
FYI , use the spade bit first then the smaller bit when drilling hole for the axle shaft. A lot easier and safer
Thanks for the suggestion.
Nice shirt! Go Vols!
Berkely X9 100lb braid will work, super strong stretch like mono. You will want to tie it with a double uni knot.
Thanks for the tip!
I wonder if it would be better to use the chain and the sprocket from the pedals on the bike instead of attaching the motor straight to the wheel. Basically just attach the "power" side of the bike to the board.
I definitely think someone with more engineering knowledge than myself could probably work the motor setup in a way that functions better!
i am working on this for 2 years now. never got it running until halloween and then after halloween is lost the motivation. But then every year 1 month before Halloween i want to try it again. The only reason it did not work for me so far, was because the line kept slipping of the wheels. I managed to do the coupling between the weels and the motor, by replacing the axle inside the wheel, since in germany we have different threading in the bike wheels axle compared to the threading in the motor axle, so i first bought couplers from m8 to m10 just to notice that the threading was not fitting. then when i tried to make the paracord tight enough that it did not slip, it bent the construction on the wall, where i attached the wheel to. So i had also a lot of failures. But now i will redo the construction on the wall to withstand the pulling force and then try the kite line instead of paracord. I hope it will work out this year. And i also hope, that our plastic foil ghosts will be light enough including their battery pack, to not make the line slip again. otherwise i will need to make additional anchor points on my balcony. Thanks for this detailed video, It helped me a lot, to see that you struggled with exactly the same issues, that i already encountered. Made me feel a lot less dumb :D.
Hope i can get it to work this year :).
You can add smaller wheel infront of the drive wheel with a spring pulling on it to make a tensioner. just like we have on serpentine belts it can also act as a guide wheel keeping the line on the drive and Idler Wheel. Mabe something like a training wheel arm to hold the wheel and spring to mount don't need to be a big wheel but must be mounted down so arm is above drive wheel.
Also love the cat.❤❤❤❤
That's bad ass
NICE - Did something similar in my yard.
That’s awesome!
The first power supply does not have the amps to run the wiper motor. Having a 25 v output is not the main factor though it could burn out the motor if the amps rating was enough.
Both power supplies are converters and they both run from the house's AC. They convert the AC input into DC and steps it down to the rated output.
Great project..it caught my interest as soon as I saw the trailer..
Thanks so much for the comment. When I thought about building the prop I never thought the electrical would be an issue... so I'm happy to learn from others. Thank you for sharing!
When drilling the hole, I would make the larger hole first. The spade bit will leave a small hole in the center for the smaller hole, and you can easily drill the larger hole deeper after the small hole is drilled. I prefer a Forstner bit, instead of a spade bit for this type of thing. If you have a drill press it would also be a good way to drill this hole straight and true. Good video.
Thanks, Jerry. I appreciate the comment and info.
Drill first with the spade bit. later drill the smaller diameter hole the spade will be a lot easier to use that way.
Thanks for the advice!
You could also implement an Step down converter to convert the 120v to 12v DC. They sell them everywhere, even Amazon sells them.
I like your help...hubba hubba lol😂
😆. Thanks for watching!
Reverse your pulley on the rear of your post running your post in between your two lines then it doesn't matter you'll have all kinds of clearance.
I appreciate the suggestion. Thanks!
You can add a speed control for the 12v supply to adjust speed as needed.
Great DIY video, you've inspired me. We just added a new front porch to our home and I'd like to have a flying feature for the trick or treaters. One mod I was considering is to drive the motor off a proximity sensor so it will surprise anyone who walks up to the porch.
Glad the video gave you some ideas! One issue I ran into with mine that you might need to consider was (after I got hit in the head with my flying prop) I didn't want neighbor kids to get smacked, so I ran some caution tape in front of it and made sure no one crossed it on Halloween night. You also don't want them tearing down your hard work if they get caught up in it. Good luck with anything you add!
The ghost went smack😂😂😂😂😂
Literally! 🤣
If you use an idler pulley such as one that used on a lawnmower deck to keep the belt tight as your cable stretches it’ll take up the slack and you’ll probably never pop off.
Thanks for the suggestion. The line popping off was really the only thing that kept this from working consistently.
That was impressive ghost performance trying to get a hit in face again😂😂😂😂
Yep! Sometimes life comes at you quick lol
you can use a Spring in the Line to keep it tight
you need some green light in there! :)
Definitely! Adding some green in this year. Thanks for the suggestion.
Might check out how a ski lift system is set up, get an idea from that.
Me: adds ski lift engineering to my to do list 🤣
you basically built a ski chairlift. nice.
Haven't thought of it like that before... but you're right 😝
If you put a fishing hook on it, you can catch a couple of kids for dinner.
I’d like to know what type of fog machine you used in your haunt and the lights for the yard.? I went through 2 affordable foggers last year before they both quit.
Hi there! I use a cheap fogger from Amazon that has lasted a few seasons. amzn.to/3Oqo6lT
Has anyone tried the Kevlar Kite string this year? I'm interested to make one next year and love the idea.
It looks like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang technology😊 ❤
😆
I like the idea But I am going to try using a rotisserie motor with speed control with a adjustable tension bar
Interesting! I bet it will work.
Love it. Add bats.
Bats would be cool!
Do you have what you ended up using for the wheel to motor coupler/adapters? I tried the one linked in the video and get too much wobble and the string falls off. Thank you.
Didn’t see your comment until now. Were you able to get your wheel a bit studier? That was one of the biggest issues I had last year.
The front of your house is beautiful. Reminds me a lot of a modern Munsters house. Please tell me you think that too. Lol
I'll never look at my house the same way again! Thanks! 😂
One question for you. How did you get the windshield wiper motor to complete a 360° rotation constantly?
Mine only goes 180°.
Nice detail ! I may spray fluorescent paint on my ghost and hit it with some UV LED's from below. How tall was your 4x4 post?? It looks over 8 ft high.
The fluorescent paint and UV lights would be very, very cool! This is a standard 8-foot 4x4 post straight from Lowes.
Crikey.. thank you so much for this tutorial.. and all the steps in making it. at the end looks AMAZING.. and love that giant light up skeleton.. wow. just like in the movie Goosebumps where all the decorations come alive.. just makes it more great.. love everything about it.. and gave me some great ideas.. and after seeing the other props. hmm have more ideas so again amazing job and Ace to you mate!!!!😊🏆👌🎃
Thanks so much 😊 I'm sure your display is going to be amazing!
just wondering if you put some type of spring tensioner on one of the wheels so you can adjust the tension on the line. old lawn tractors have parts on the deck, or sneek over to your neighbors lawn tractor
I mounted one of my non-drive wheels to a separate 2x4 and then attached it to the underside of the mounting arm of the post using both sides of the sliders from a kitchen drawer. So now I can move one of the wheels back about 18 inches. I tie it as tight as I can with the slider extended, then pull the slider back and tie it off with a rope works great.
Creative and great solution!
well looks good to me thoght going be a drone or RC car on track but this is old school stuff with pulys and moders neat stuff cant do one this year but think fore nest but good vid
Glad you liked it!
You can manually lock up a bicycle wheel to the axle, but they are not normally like that. They turn freely on bearings, just like the front wheel. Yours from the free bicycle was apparently broken.
My neighbor and I both have windows on our top floor about 25 to 30 feet up. We want to run from run to the other. About 150 yards in between us. Do you think this would work for this distance connected to each windows without additional anchor point since we are so high up? I am also elevated a decent bit above him. Our neighbor in between us already oked it and it will go right over a huge intersection. Pretty cool! We don’t mind securing to the window sills:)
While this would truly be an incredible thing to see... a ghost flying between the buildings across an intersection... the answer is no, it won't work. That amount of distance is going to require additional anchor points, and even with them, it's not going to work 100% and will pop off at times. You'd also have a liability issue of if the prop fell and hit someone/car, etc... but I love the way you think. What an awesome idea.