I consider Steve to be the one who peeked my interest in Animatronics this past July. I didn't know until recently that he was ill, and since passed on. I was hoping to meet him someday, but I guess that will have to rate. Steve, with all that you have done, you will defintely be remembered. As I continue my learning I will think of you as my mentor, even if we never met. Rest in Peace, Steve.
This upload is a timeless classic. It has helped thousands of people from new beginners to experienced prop builders and I for one keep coming back to watch this recording several times a year, every year. Sometimes I come here for inspiration or to get my haunt mojo back and I often come here to pay homage to a great man who helped me so much. He spent a lot of time and effort to help me to make things that I deemed to be out of my skill or knowledgeable zone. I appreciated all Steve did for me and I miss the guy. Thank you for everything you have done for all of us and the whole halloween loving community. Best wishes 👍
@@wcamericanmade9828 Sadly, yes. Cancer came and gave him only about 2 months. He was a very generous and kind man. Author, triathlete and family man, he used to set up animatronics in his yard and inside his house and then throw a big Halloween party. Always friendly, always shared his knowledge enthusiastically. He is missed.
Hello, what a great video, thank you. I do have a longshot question. I purchased Home Depot's Headless Horseman Animatronic and one of the motors does not work, is there way to replace it and if so, where would I find it? Thank you in advance:)
Hi. I adore the design of the one armed grave grabber@21:50 but I cannot find the "how to" or plans for it anywhere. Please could you provide a link. Many thanks
You may have to join the Rocky Mountain Haunters Group on Facebook to get access to the files section - facebook.com/groups/rockymountainhaunters/files/ In the Classic version of Facebook, go to their page and click the files section. You'll find it listed as Grave Grabber Instructions.pdf ▼
@@halstaff Hi and thanks. I have joined and now have the plans. And it seems to be an excellent site so I will be spending the next few months looking at everybody's awesome work. Thank you very much for the helpful reply.
This is just what I was looking for. I've been building animated halloween props for several years thanks to my Make & Take group, but I haven't been able to meet with them for a while. I needed some help with more motor ideas and your video did the trick. Many thanks! BTW, your video provided the perfect amount of conversation, instructions and visuals to get the job done. Kudos, Nice work :D
This is wonderful but totally out of my talent range. What is the chance that you can buy something ready made? I am needing something to make my props head go around and around. Any suggestions for someone that isn't able to build these things?
This is a fantastic breakdown of motorized Halloween prop options; much appreciated! Personally, I found the toggle bolt / PVC cap / plastic skull combo to be a bit of a 'lightbulb' moment, and expect to make good use of that tidbit in the future.
So I'm planning on making a biohazard drum jump-scare. I want to make it all from scratch using an ultrasonic Mister with LED lights inside. I'm leaning towards using a Wireless push-button system that is electric powered attatched to a melted figure that would jump out of the top.
@@deverious951 Using a wireless push button is a great, inexpensive way to trigger a prop. You can fire it off at exactly the right moment. Of course, it does require a human operator to monitor it.
This is such a great and informative video. I’m looking to do start working on a standing prop that turns at the the torso and possibly lifts and arm. I was seriously doubting being able to do this myself but after watching this I am totally inspired. Thank you for all of this information.
Glad you found it useful. I have over 160 prop and animatronic videos on the page to help you with ideas. My motorized Santa build might get you started - th-cam.com/video/NLeOjiqUM6w/w-d-xo.html. Please send me a video when you get yours completed!
I am really green on this. I am a carpenter by trade. So wood is my, go to. Love this, I will propably try to do it all of wood. Thanks! I really am inspired.
Great video I am looking for a way to build a mechanical ball that moves from side to side. I am building a skeleton pickleball court in my driveway and am trying to figure out how to have a lighted ball the appears to be moving form one side of the court to the other. Any ideas?
These are my favorite ones - www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-PGT-2-3-8-in-O-D-Pipe-Grip-Tie-PGT2-R/100375207 They are just large enough to fit over the body of the wiper motor. You may even need to remove the bolt and spread them open a bit to slide it on. Then replace the bolt and tighten down. They work great!
Great video. Quick question for the third head prop, the moving side to side one, what is the metal piece that is connecting the motor to the pvc pipe? thanks for the tutorial
My pleasure! Be sure to watch for another video like this detailing pneumatic props. Lots more info in my book as well - amzn.to/2Jl7gVu (that's an affiliate link).
I had a question about the linkage used for the zombie about 17 minutes in. When connecting the pvc together with bolts, do you keep them loose enough for everything to freely move or are you using certain bolts? I'm having issues with getting the linkage to move freely while the motor spins. Thanks again
Nice video Halstaff! You just gave me motivation to redesign the base of my tombstone popper! Have you thought about making a video about getting the correct stroke length for the props? That's one of the hardest parts when I am building mine.
Is there a way to make a prop move like the animation on gemmy's Donna the dead? I wanna get that same motion, but have a spring in for the neck and jaw to make it bobble around
Thank you so much for sharing. I am working to improve upon my animatronic designs. Any and all links are appreciated. Thank you for the links provided. Have a great rest of your day.
Holy cow!!! Now I feel like a complete idiot!!!!! Duh! Duh! Duh! I have struggled for 5 years trying to figure out how to attach a head….foam, plastic and even rubber ones…..during my “Halloween DIY” yearly attempts! Thank you! Thank you! I can not thank you enough for that tidbit
There are also voltage regulators that will reduce the voltage on a motor. A keyword to look for is "buck". Basically they do PWM inside and then smooth the voltage to send to the motor. You can get them that will go down to as low as 1.5V.
Also: Many years back a friend of mine made a quite nice prop(s). Many people have seen "light organs" or "color organs" where the light comes on in reaction to a sound. He had two jack-o-lanterns. One was over here and the other over there. (you get the idea about 8 feet apart). He had a set of PC speakers with one speaker behind each. He then had two people record a conversation to produce a stereo recording with each person's voice in its own channel only. A nice thing about the way he did it, the actors could also hide and run it directly with microphones. This meant they could run the canned stuff most of the time and take over while thinking about which canned audio to use next.
My first time making an animatronic. I have a stationary lighted flamingo, that Id like to make its head go up and down. I bought a turn table motor. How can I get it to go, "from what Ive been told", linear??? I have no clue what I am doing!!!
Hi Steve! I LOVE your videos. But I'm a little stuck. I've got these reindeer motors (the guts, not the white-cased one). They come with a brass hex motor coupling nut. But I can't figure out what metal hardware I then use to transfer the rotary motion from the motor to the PVC. I see little bits of metal strips and screws in your videos but I was hoping you could provide a few more details on what those pieces are. Thanks for your help, and amazing work.
I am looking for a motor that would pull/ push apart....adduct/abduct action for my prop this year. Is there a cheap and easy alternative to buying and refashioning a Christmas angel?
Where do you get the Vent motors wires that you have shown coming out of the vent motor (that you are pluging into the wall wart)? what are they called and do those wires come with the purchase of a vent motor? I want to buy the blower motor but the ones that pop up do not have wires sticking out that we can wire up to a wall wart. anyone know this answer? Also in your 2nd demonstration (has green guy with the hat), how did you attach the "Bracket" to the vent motor? does a screw just fit right into the vent motor thing that spins?
Man could I use your help!!! Which motor would you suggest using that is very lightweight and can make huge butterfly wings slowly open and close? The butterfly is going to be suspended above me...somehow..... not sure how just yet lol I think this year I am really pushing the envelope lol It's going to be nothing short of a miracle if I am successful. My goal is to be a fairy with a HUGE monarch butterfly floating above me to the side with wings that are motorized to open and close. I also have to figure out how to attach paper mache mushrooms and flowers to set the scene. I was thinking about attaching the shroms to my leg using wires and covering the wire with vines and flowers. As I am writing this I am thinking it's official,,,, I have lost my damn mind lol lol lol Thank you for any advice you could give me, it will be greatly appreciated!!!!
I really like your videos and come back often for reference and inspiration. Question on the build at time code 17:01, do you have specs? I'd love to build that. If no design, any other reference I can look at?
Thank you! I don't but I can take some measurements and additional photos when I take it out again for Haunt X in February if that is not too late for you.
It depends on how complicated you are willing to go to create the illusion. If I was building it, I would use multiple servo joints in the legs to make it appear that they are running (since they don't fly using wings). Much like this video clip - media1.tenor.com/images/cdef74e9a9dddc3f7e8c0d5ac66d007b/tenor.gif?itemid=15886350 To keep down the number of moving joints required, you could pair up the front and back legs. An ambitious project but it would look fantastic. Good luck and please share it!
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing all of this, I really want to try to make something, but I'm a total newbie ... I'm struggling to understand (or find) how to set up the motor? Wiring, connecting to power and whatnot
Great video, lots'a good info thank you. You mentioned that some PWMs can cause the wiper motor to hum, can we tell ahead of time what to look out for?
Thank you! I have never had any issues with the PWM's from Fright Props or Monster Guts. The inexpensive versions from eBay can be a different story. Unfortunately it can be a bit of trail and error but the one I listed has worked for me.
My theme is a swamp and I don’t want the average spirit Halloween witch prop for it but I think making one of these would help me customize it to how I want it, but I am not the most mechanical human being!
@@halloweensrevenge87 A Cauldron Creep is one of my favorite witch props and it would fit in a swamp theme. It uses PVC, a wiper motor and a reindeer motor. It is a perfect introduction into animated props. Check this one out - th-cam.com/video/lbwsIYIkPdI/w-d-xo.html
We love doing it as much as they love seeing it! I will tell you that I have met more of my neighbors since starting my display than I ever knew before.
No matter what props I make I always seem to struggle to get the linkage lengths right to get the correct movement/positioning and this ends up taking so much time to figure out. What is your principle method? Many thanks.
I know that it can be frustrating to get just right. People ask me how long it took me to build a certain prop. I usually say it only took say 8 hours to make but 15 to tinker with it to get it to run the way I want. It does get easier to judge the lengths needed as you build more props although it always includes some trail and error. I have a variety of test linkages in different lengths that are already predrilled so I can easily sway them around until I get the movement I want. Having a couple of these can also be handy to quickly change the attachment points to check out the motion - thd.co/2WeYXPp. They also have some similar but smaller in the plumbing department. I do try to keep the linkages as short as possible as it is easier to hide the mechanism. I may be a bit weird (OK, I am) but I do enjoy the tinkering process.
@@halstaff Hi. Thank you for the reply. I have various lengths of pre drilled bar like the one in your link, but I tend to moronically take the first length and keep plugging away until it works. I shall spend the next couple of weeks preparing several various lengths with the intention to try them all to see which is more appropriate for my needs. 👍
At 13 mins, that prop you made. Do you have the dimensions of the PVC pipe and parts? I see there's (8) 90 degree side outlet elbow, 2 tee and 1 cross. Is everything 3/4?
I don't have the dimensions but can check after the New Year when I get that box out to prepare for convention season. The parts are all 1/2" PVC except for the 3/4" cross. This allows the cross to pivot on the horizontal bars as well as letting the lifting piece (between the motor bracket and the head) to slide within the cross. The 2 horizontal pieces coming from the T's on the upper framework that hold the 3/4" cross are only long enough to support the cross. They don't go completely through the cross as the center needs to be left open for the lifting bar to slide through.
Thank you! Sorry for the late response but I thought I had already replied. The heads shown in the video are made from standard foam heads. A little creative sculpting, a couple of ping pong balls for eyes and some teeth, the addition of some toilet paper texture and some paint and they are totally transformed! This isn't my video but it will give you a good idea of how it's done - th-cam.com/video/flleJoR_SUQ/w-d-xo.html
hey mister im getting ready to post a video or two of your designs and wanted to give you a early heads comes out and a mention of it decated to you thanks your kind permission
Hello, Halstaff Love your video - looking for the simplest way to make a wooden hand I carved swing side to side as in waving hand motion to mount outside my garage/wood shop ? What would you suggest I use? Thank You!
I am not sure how anyone can thumbs down a video like this - my mind boggles!! !!! !!! Great ideas that i'll be using to make this Halloween totally special for the kids :) Thanks!!!
a great video and I have a question I have had this idea foe about a year to have a record Player(not a turntable due to cost) from a second hand shop and have 3 Ghosts rising and dipping from this. if I attach a spindle with a base and secure it to the table and have ..I don't know ,perhaps thread spools and have this spool free spinning around and attach my 3 Ghosts and have each Ghost on 3 different sides of my balcony I envision as one is rising another is dropping and the 3rd is falling even further, it's all in my head now but can it work??
I think I understand what you want to do. If it was me, I would start with a Flying Crank Ghost mechanism. It would take some refinement to spread them out but the motor will have enough torque. I concerned that a record player won't have the torque to do what you want (don't know as I haven't tried it but it's my 1st thought). Here is a video of the original model but their are lots of other descriptions and videos out there - th-cam.com/video/OgtRWiSe-L4/w-d-xo.html Good luck and please share your project when you finish it. Happy Halloween!
thanks but my Ghosts will have Balloon heads and VERY sheer fabric like sheer Cotton for my UV light and the cord will go over my railing. hahaha; if two Chickens can be turned in "It's a Wonderful Life" with a thread spindle, perhaps mine can too!!
Thanks so much for this video! What fixings do you use on your movable joints that hold two pipes together? I’m using nuts and bolts but over time they tighten themselves up...
My pleasure. Are you using lock nuts on your bolts like these - www.mcmaster.com/nuts/system-of-measurement~inch/nut-type~locknut/locking-type~nylon-insert/low-strength-steel-nylon-insert-locknuts-9/
Halstaff's Animatronic Workshop I’m not! I’ll give them a try. Thanks so much for the reply and for all the help in these videos. I’m sure I’ll have more questions soon!
@@halstaff These worked perfectly! Thank you so much for your help. I've noticed that the wiper motors get hot to the touch after a few hours use, even with no load. do you ever have issues with this? I'm worried as mine are attached to plywood bases...
@@mysteriousal5098 I try to never run my motors continuously. I prefer to have random movement. It looks better and helps keep the motors cool. I like to add these to my wiper motor props so they trigger when someone approaches. Quick to install and the price is right - amzn.to/2AV2f0w
It absolutely can be changed. Several ways to do it. First, wiper motors have a high and a low speed. Second, although they are designed to be powered by 12V, most wiper motors will run on less voltage. I have one running on 3.3V for my stirring witch cauldron prop. I often use a 5V power supply. When choosing a power supply, be sure to get one with enough amps. Wiper motors require at least 5A no matter the voltage. Third, you can use a PWM speed controller like this one from Fright Props - www.frightprops.com/electric-motors/controllers/premium-speed-controller-for-dc-motors-linear-actuators.html
The problem with oscillating fans is heat. The blade of the fan pulls air through the motor to keep it cool. When you remove the fan, the motor gets hot and will eventually stop working.
@@jaybo2099 Not talking about the actual high speed fan motor I'm talking about the oscillating motor that goes side to side, for like an arm going up and down or a head moving side to side.
I'm trying to do a michael myers head tilt mechanism. I need something that can run very slowly so that it would appear that he's tilting it back and forth. Thanks for any suggestions!
HELP!! Anyone!? I have a 50ish ft zipline (slight incline)...I need a motor setup that I could use to pull something back/forth on it!🤩 Also, what actual specs are we searching for in order to find “reindeer motors🙄” that switch direction w/tension??
I would start with a wiper motor, a 12v power supply and add a PWM to reduce the speed. I haven't tried it with that much weight but it should be able to handle it since you aren't lifting that weight, just rotating it.
I'm not sure if the speed would work but something like a disco ball motor fishing line and the bat of your choice (be careful what fishing line you use because some of it will go under a black light if you use one)
Wow, awesome turtorial , very much info told at a calm way , i apreciate that because soe many tutorials are just explained very rushed and thats NOT always a good thing haha , sow again thnx sir and u got a sub from me , greetings from The Netherlands and keep them coming pls
That's a tough question to answer without more information but I'll do my best. I devoted an entire chapter in my book to choosing the right microcontroller and still feel like I barely scratched the surface. If you can solder and want to save some money, purchasing PCB's from Haunt Hackers or Scubaspook1 might be the way to go - haunthackers.com/ or th-cam.com/video/4i6CTzX9Zy4/w-d-xo.html They are the some of the easiest controllers to get up and running. If you want a ready to go microcontroller, the Picoboo's from Fright Props are hard to beat - www.frightprops.com/controllers-electronics/frightideas-controllers/picoboo-controllers.html In addition to having great products, Fright Props has an extensive tutorial section on their website that applies not only to their products but are applicable to other applications as well. I think that will give you a good starting point. There are so many to choose from. You need to find one and learn how it works and stick with it. Good luck!
cool what I was going to do if possible is use the ams system when I create the movement and include that into the controls, but by what I understand you use the parallax controllers for the ams system so I guess I am confused on how to mix the two controllers together or how to use one controller for the movement and the rest of the show.
Agreed. In an effort to keep the video from being any longer than it already was, I focused on the mechanisms themselves. I did adapt the presentation in my pneumatics video which showed the completed props - th-cam.com/video/PM84rCkoUsk/w-d-xo.html Thank you very much for the input!
I think you covered the basics. I know you as the prop controller guy who loves building the electronics that makes these things go. Still haven't gotten that good at building controllers so I'm always looking to learn. My goal one day is to build an animatronic figure that includes arms, legs and torso movements and program a "show". I saw just a bit of that project you and Lightman? were working on. I just can't keep up with all the "changes" in this area or the price tag on my ideas. Again, love that you continue to share with the haunting community.
This video is fantastic for beginners like me. I hope to build all or at least most of these! I just have a question. What size diameter do you recommend for the PVC pipes?
I consider Steve to be the one who peeked my interest in Animatronics this past July. I didn't know until recently that he was ill, and since passed on. I was hoping to meet him someday, but I guess that will have to rate. Steve, with all that you have done, you will defintely be remembered. As I continue my learning I will think of you as my mentor, even if we never met. Rest in Peace, Steve.
Piqued, not peeked.
wow
This is heartbreaking, thank you for calling attention to this,. Keep building in his honor.
This upload is a timeless classic.
It has helped thousands of people from new beginners to experienced prop builders and I for one keep coming back to watch this recording several times a year, every year.
Sometimes I come here for inspiration or to get my haunt mojo back and I often come here to pay homage to a great man who helped me so much.
He spent a lot of time and effort to help me to make things that I deemed to be out of my skill or knowledgeable zone.
I appreciated all Steve did for me and I miss the guy.
Thank you for everything you have done for all of us and the whole halloween loving community.
Best wishes 👍
Miss you dearly, my friend. Congrats on leaving such a wonderful legacy behind. You did well and you did good. Rest easy🧡❤️🧡
Did he die??
@@wcamericanmade9828 Sadly, yes. Cancer came and gave him only about 2 months. He was a very generous and kind man. Author, triathlete and family man, he used to set up animatronics in his yard and inside his house and then throw a big Halloween party. Always friendly, always shared his knowledge enthusiastically. He is missed.
We're going to miss you Steve. RIP.
Rest in Peace Steve! Thank you for all the great information ❤️
What?
Hello, what a great video, thank you. I do have a longshot question. I purchased Home Depot's Headless Horseman Animatronic and one of the motors does not work, is there way to replace it and if so, where would I find it? Thank you in advance:)
Steve, you were always a top notch gentleman.
Are those wiper motors water/weather proof? If not, is it possible to weather proof them?
Amazing! You are why we got into motor props for Halloween, and now we got about a dozen of them! Thanks so much!
Hi.
I adore the design of the one armed grave grabber@21:50 but I cannot find the "how to" or plans for it anywhere.
Please could you provide a link.
Many thanks
You may have to join the Rocky Mountain Haunters Group on Facebook to get access to the files section - facebook.com/groups/rockymountainhaunters/files/ In the Classic version of Facebook, go to their page and click the files section. You'll find it listed as Grave Grabber Instructions.pdf
▼
@@halstaff
Hi and thanks.
I have joined and now have the plans.
And it seems to be an excellent site so I will be spending the next few months looking at everybody's awesome work.
Thank you very much for the helpful reply.
Which if these would I use if trying to make a Helm to a prop ship for Halloween move slowly back and forth?
This is just what I was looking for. I've been building animated halloween props for several years thanks to my Make & Take group, but I haven't been able to meet with them for a while. I needed some help with more motor ideas and your video did the trick. Many thanks! BTW, your video provided the perfect amount of conversation, instructions and visuals to get the job done. Kudos, Nice work :D
I'm glad you found it helpful. Good luck with your builds and have a great Halloween!
Such a great information video, was searching for your book, but can't find it in stock anywhere
Muy bueno...por favor más vídeos ensañando como hacer movimientos de animatronica.
Gracias
Sadly he passed away a couple of years ago
How did you build the one at 15:25
This is wonderful but totally out of my talent range. What is the chance that you can buy something ready made? I am needing something to make my props head go around and around. Any suggestions for someone that isn't able to build these things?
What is the name of the connector that's being used to connect the wall wart to the motor at 13:50?
Female Power Supply Adapter!
This is a fantastic breakdown of motorized Halloween prop options; much appreciated!
Personally, I found the toggle bolt / PVC cap / plastic skull combo to be a bit of a 'lightbulb' moment, and expect to make good use of that tidbit in the future.
Thank you! It's amazing to me how one little tip can make things so much easier when I'm designing a prop. I'm glad you found that tip useful.
I'm wondering about using a paper shredder motor some way. I hate parting with something that works.
Any suggestions on making a sensor or remote controlled jump scare prop?
Lots of different ways to do this. Do you want to keep it powered by a motor or can you use air? Do you have an example of what you would like to do?
So I'm planning on making a biohazard drum jump-scare. I want to make it all from scratch using an ultrasonic Mister with LED lights inside. I'm leaning towards using a Wireless push-button system that is electric powered attatched to a melted figure that would jump out of the top.
@@deverious951 Using a wireless push button is a great, inexpensive way to trigger a prop. You can fire it off at exactly the right moment. Of course, it does require a human operator to monitor it.
This is such a great and informative video. I’m looking to do start working on a standing prop that turns at the the torso and possibly lifts and arm. I was seriously doubting being able to do this myself but after watching this I am totally inspired. Thank you for all of this information.
Glad you found it useful. I have over 160 prop and animatronic videos on the page to help you with ideas. My motorized Santa build might get you started - th-cam.com/video/NLeOjiqUM6w/w-d-xo.html. Please send me a video when you get yours completed!
You're my hero. I have been looking for tutorials on this. Thanks a.gain
Why thank you! Are you working on something specific?
I am really green on this. I am a carpenter by trade. So wood is my, go to. Love this, I will propably try to do it all of wood. Thanks! I really am inspired.
Great primer to animatronics!
Great video I am looking for a way to build a mechanical ball that moves from side to side. I am building a skeleton pickleball court in my driveway and am trying to figure out how to have a lighted ball the appears to be moving form one side of the court to the other. Any ideas?
Going to check out those fence brackets for mounting wipers. Never seen them before.
These are my favorite ones - www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-PGT-2-3-8-in-O-D-Pipe-Grip-Tie-PGT2-R/100375207 They are just large enough to fit over the body of the wiper motor. You may even need to remove the bolt and spread them open a bit to slide it on. Then replace the bolt and tighten down. They work great!
Great video. Quick question for the third head prop, the moving side to side one, what is the metal piece that is connecting the motor to the pvc pipe? thanks for the tutorial
AMAZING TUTORIAL!!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to convey all of these techniques and web page addresses. I am certainly a fan....
My pleasure! Be sure to watch for another video like this detailing pneumatic props. Lots more info in my book as well - amzn.to/2Jl7gVu (that's an affiliate link).
I had a question about the linkage used for the zombie about 17 minutes in. When connecting the pvc together with bolts, do you keep them loose enough for everything to freely move or are you using certain bolts? I'm having issues with getting the linkage to move freely while the motor spins. Thanks again
Just wondering if you have any ideas about electric chair how to make my prop move back-and-forth
Great tutorial. Very easy to understand and you talk very well and are confident. I will definitely be referencing this a lot. Congrats.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Steve !!!! This is a Great video for the beginner , very informative
I'm happy to share my experience as others shared with me.
I love the green guy at 13:00. So simple yet so effective.
I picked him up at a sale when a fellow haunter was paring down his display. He has become a favorite of mine.
Nice video Halstaff! You just gave me motivation to redesign the base of my tombstone popper! Have you thought about making a video about getting the correct stroke length for the props? That's one of the hardest parts when I am building mine.
Happy to help!
Is there a way to make a prop move like the animation on gemmy's Donna the dead? I wanna get that same motion, but have a spring in for the neck and jaw to make it bobble around
What kind of motor is used for the green ghoul wearing a hat?
Is that a wiper motor ?
Thank you so much for sharing. I am working to improve upon my animatronic designs. Any and all links are appreciated. Thank you for the links provided. Have a great rest of your day.
Holy cow!!! Now I feel like a complete idiot!!!!! Duh! Duh! Duh!
I have struggled for 5 years trying to figure out how to attach a head….foam, plastic and even rubber ones…..during my “Halloween DIY” yearly attempts!
Thank you! Thank you! I can not thank you enough for that tidbit
There are also voltage regulators that will reduce the voltage on a motor. A keyword to look for is "buck". Basically they do PWM inside and then smooth the voltage to send to the motor. You can get them that will go down to as low as 1.5V.
Also:
Many years back a friend of mine made a quite nice prop(s). Many people have seen "light organs" or "color organs" where the light comes on in reaction to a sound. He had two jack-o-lanterns. One was over here and the other over there. (you get the idea about 8 feet apart). He had a set of PC speakers with one speaker behind each. He then had two people record a conversation to produce a stereo recording with each person's voice in its own channel only. A nice thing about the way he did it, the actors could also hide and run it directly with microphones. This meant they could run the canned stuff most of the time and take over while thinking about which canned audio to use next.
Hi having trouble with the one with the head moving up and down the pipes are tying up
How would I go about making a 6" to 12" display type action figure to do a simple moment like draw a sword or take a knee etc.
Steve do you have an easy mech that can be used for a batwing flapping motion?
Alexis does one of the best bat wings I know. One of these days I'll build a set using hers as a guide - th-cam.com/video/hGL3Ur0PoSE/w-d-xo.html
the vent motors have a strange connection clip to them. Is there an example of how these are wired?
Thank you so much for this!!! You're so creative and thoughtful or sharing this info, best wishes 🎃
Just the video I needed, tysm! I'm making a kinetic sculpture and need to figure out a scissor like open and close movement.
Really awesome stuff! I thought I was a beginner, but I think I’m a pre-beginner because even the easiest is over my head.
For a newbie like myself this is a great start. Thanks!
My pleasure. There are plenty more how to videos on my page if you need any additional inspiration!
@@halstaff what motor would I need to make a grim reaper's arm go from straight to a 45° angle and back to straight again
My first time making an animatronic. I have a stationary lighted flamingo, that Id like to make its head go up and down. I bought a turn table motor. How can I get it to go, "from what Ive been told", linear??? I have no clue what I am doing!!!
Hi Steve! I LOVE your videos. But I'm a little stuck. I've got these reindeer motors (the guts, not the white-cased one). They come with a brass hex motor coupling nut. But I can't figure out what metal hardware I then use to transfer the rotary motion from the motor to the PVC. I see little bits of metal strips and screws in your videos but I was hoping you could provide a few more details on what those pieces are. Thanks for your help, and amazing work.
Your videos are great! I wanted to ask if, with a vent motor, you can choose the speed of the movement? And if so, how do you do it? Thank you!
My favorite method is to reduce the input voltage from the 12V it usually gets to 5V.
Do you have a link/supplier for the voltage reducer?
Have you ever tried using a power window motor from a car?
Thanks
I am looking for a motor that would pull/ push apart....adduct/abduct action for my prop this year. Is there a cheap and easy alternative to buying and refashioning a Christmas angel?
Where do you get the Vent motors wires that you have shown coming out of the vent motor (that you are pluging into the wall wart)? what are they called and do those wires come with the purchase of a vent motor? I want to buy the blower motor but the ones that pop up do not have wires sticking out that we can wire up to a wall wart. anyone know this answer? Also in your 2nd demonstration (has green guy with the hat), how did you attach the "Bracket" to the vent motor? does a screw just fit right into the vent motor thing that spins?
He won't be responding. He passed away 😕
I'm s newbie at the mechanics of animatronics, what is arm thing on the motor that is bolted to the wood.
Man could I use your help!!! Which motor would you suggest using that is very lightweight and can make huge butterfly wings slowly open and close? The butterfly is going to be suspended above me...somehow..... not sure how just yet lol I think this year I am really pushing the envelope lol It's going to be nothing short of a miracle if I am successful. My goal is to be a fairy with a HUGE monarch butterfly floating above me to the side with wings that are motorized to open and close. I also have to figure out how to attach paper mache mushrooms and flowers to set the scene. I was thinking about attaching the shroms to my leg using wires and covering the wire with vines and flowers. As I am writing this I am thinking it's official,,,, I have lost my damn mind lol lol lol
Thank you for any advice you could give me, it will be greatly appreciated!!!!
Amazing and most detailed video out there.
I really like your videos and come back often for reference and inspiration. Question on the build at time code 17:01, do you have specs? I'd love to build that. If no design, any other reference I can look at?
Thank you! I don't but I can take some measurements and additional photos when I take it out again for Haunt X in February if that is not too late for you.
That would be great, thanks!
This is awesome been wanting to animate stuff for a while. Thanks!!
Good luck with your projects. Once you start, there's no going back! Please share a link when you get something built.
Fantastic demonstration. Would you know what type of motion I could use to make my 1 metre reindeer to look like he's flying?
It depends on how complicated you are willing to go to create the illusion. If I was building it, I would use multiple servo joints in the legs to make it appear that they are running (since they don't fly using wings). Much like this video clip - media1.tenor.com/images/cdef74e9a9dddc3f7e8c0d5ac66d007b/tenor.gif?itemid=15886350 To keep down the number of moving joints required, you could pair up the front and back legs.
An ambitious project but it would look fantastic. Good luck and please share it!
@@halstaff thanks for your quick reply.
Great Video that shows how a lot of these props work-thanks!
You're welcome. I hope you are able to use at least a few of the ideas in your builds.
@Halstaff's Animatronic Workshop What motor would you recommend for trying to make flapping wings?
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing all of this, I really want to try to make something, but I'm a total newbie ... I'm struggling to understand (or find) how to set up the motor? Wiring, connecting to power and whatnot
Great video, lots'a good info thank you. You mentioned that some PWMs can cause the wiper motor to hum, can we tell ahead of time what to look out for?
Thank you! I have never had any issues with the PWM's from Fright Props or Monster Guts. The inexpensive versions from eBay can be a different story. Unfortunately it can be a bit of trail and error but the one I listed has worked for me.
Ok thanks
The link to the PWM module doesn't work. Any idea where to get the most affordable?
Would be so cool to make an animatronic to fit my theme this year for halloween
What is your theme? What is holding you back from making one?
My theme is a swamp and I don’t want the average spirit Halloween witch prop for it but I think making one of these would help me customize it to how I want it, but I am not the most mechanical human being!
@@halloweensrevenge87 A Cauldron Creep is one of my favorite witch props and it would fit in a swamp theme. It uses PVC, a wiper motor and a reindeer motor. It is a perfect introduction into animated props. Check this one out - th-cam.com/video/lbwsIYIkPdI/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I've learned a lot by watching the video. My mind is flooded with ideas now!!
Great! I'd love to see what you come up with. Please shoot me a picture or video if you get the chance.
Officially the coolest neighbor ever 👏👏👏
We love doing it as much as they love seeing it! I will tell you that I have met more of my neighbors since starting my display than I ever knew before.
No matter what props I make I always seem to struggle to get the linkage lengths right to get the correct movement/positioning and this ends up taking so much time to figure out.
What is your principle method?
Many thanks.
I know that it can be frustrating to get just right. People ask me how long it took me to build a certain prop. I usually say it only took say 8 hours to make but 15 to tinker with it to get it to run the way I want.
It does get easier to judge the lengths needed as you build more props although it always includes some trail and error. I have a variety of test linkages in different lengths that are already predrilled so I can easily sway them around until I get the movement I want. Having a couple of these can also be handy to quickly change the attachment points to check out the motion - thd.co/2WeYXPp. They also have some similar but smaller in the plumbing department.
I do try to keep the linkages as short as possible as it is easier to hide the mechanism.
I may be a bit weird (OK, I am) but I do enjoy the tinkering process.
@@halstaff
Hi.
Thank you for the reply.
I have various lengths of pre drilled bar like the one in your link, but I tend to moronically take the first length and keep plugging away until it works.
I shall spend the next couple of weeks preparing several various lengths with the intention to try them all to see which is more appropriate for my needs.
👍
Exelente, muchas gracias por compartir tus conocimientos 👍🏿
How much Volt was the First One?
I heard a comment about rain gear Motors I'm still trying to figure out where I can get some
Excellent Tutorial on motor driven props and how to put them together, thanks for sharing
I'm happy you find it useful. Happy Halloween!
At 13 mins, that prop you made. Do you have the dimensions of the PVC pipe and parts? I see there's (8) 90 degree side outlet elbow, 2 tee and 1 cross. Is everything 3/4?
I don't have the dimensions but can check after the New Year when I get that box out to prepare for convention season.
The parts are all 1/2" PVC except for the 3/4" cross. This allows the cross to pivot on the horizontal bars as well as letting the lifting piece (between the motor bracket and the head) to slide within the cross. The 2 horizontal pieces coming from the T's on the upper framework that hold the 3/4" cross are only long enough to support the cross. They don't go completely through the cross as the center needs to be left open for the lifting bar to slide through.
Love the video...where do you find the foam heads at?
Thank you! Sorry for the late response but I thought I had already replied. The heads shown in the video are made from standard foam heads. A little creative sculpting, a couple of ping pong balls for eyes and some teeth, the addition of some toilet paper texture and some paint and they are totally transformed! This isn't my video but it will give you a good idea of how it's done - th-cam.com/video/flleJoR_SUQ/w-d-xo.html
Very cool sir. Thanks for your time. and dedication.
My pleasure. I hope I was able to help.
awesome!----can a motor be used to make an alligator mouth snap open and shut?
Thank you! It sure can open and close it but it won't snap as fast as it would if you used pneumatics.
I would like to use one of the design and show it but mention your work if that alright with you
Of course! Thanks for asking! Please let me know what you do as I would love to see it. Good luck with your project.
hey mister im getting ready to post a video or two of your designs and wanted to give you a early heads comes out and a mention of it decated to you thanks your kind permission
@@kingbro2 That's great! Looking forward to seeing what you came up with.
I have a prop that uses a wiper motor when i plug him in the motor makes really loud grinding noises. It sounds like rhe gears are grinding
Hello, Halstaff Love your video - looking for the simplest way to make a wooden hand I carved
swing side to side as in waving hand motion to mount outside my garage/wood shop ?
What would you suggest I use? Thank You!
Here's a video that shows how I did it - th-cam.com/video/NLeOjiqUM6w/w-d-xo.html
Good luck with your build.
I am not sure how anyone can thumbs down a video like this - my mind boggles!! !!! !!!
Great ideas that i'll be using to make this Halloween totally special for the kids :) Thanks!!!
Thank you! It was fun putting this together.
lt's called,TDS. 'TRUMP derangement syndrome'. They hate everything and everyone. Sad.
a great video and I have a question I have had this idea foe about a year to have a record Player(not a turntable due to cost) from a second hand shop and have 3 Ghosts rising and dipping from this. if I attach a spindle with a base and secure it to the table and have ..I don't know ,perhaps thread spools and have this spool free spinning around and attach my 3 Ghosts and have each Ghost on 3 different sides of my balcony I envision as one is rising another is dropping and the 3rd is falling even further, it's all in my head now but can it work??
I think I understand what you want to do. If it was me, I would start with a Flying Crank Ghost mechanism. It would take some refinement to spread them out but the motor will have enough torque. I concerned that a record player won't have the torque to do what you want (don't know as I haven't tried it but it's my 1st thought). Here is a video of the original model but their are lots of other descriptions and videos out there - th-cam.com/video/OgtRWiSe-L4/w-d-xo.html
Good luck and please share your project when you finish it.
Happy Halloween!
thanks but my Ghosts will have Balloon heads and VERY sheer fabric like sheer Cotton for my UV light and the cord will go over my railing. hahaha; if two Chickens can be turned in "It's a Wonderful Life" with a thread spindle, perhaps mine can too!!
Thanks so much for this video! What fixings do you use on your movable joints that hold two pipes together? I’m using nuts and bolts but over time they tighten themselves up...
My pleasure.
Are you using lock nuts on your bolts like these - www.mcmaster.com/nuts/system-of-measurement~inch/nut-type~locknut/locking-type~nylon-insert/low-strength-steel-nylon-insert-locknuts-9/
Halstaff's Animatronic Workshop I’m not! I’ll give them a try. Thanks so much for the reply and for all the help in these videos. I’m sure I’ll have more questions soon!
@@halstaff These worked perfectly! Thank you so much for your help. I've noticed that the wiper motors get hot to the touch after a few hours use, even with no load. do you ever have issues with this? I'm worried as mine are attached to plywood bases...
@@mysteriousal5098 I try to never run my motors continuously. I prefer to have random movement. It looks better and helps keep the motors cool. I like to add these to my wiper motor props so they trigger when someone approaches. Quick to install and the price is right - amzn.to/2AV2f0w
@@halstaff Thank you!
Nice video. Can you update some of your links. Alot of 404 messages on them.
Thanks for the heads up. I updated the links. One of them is an eBay link so it won't last forever.
@@halstaff thanks again. Appreciate the swift reply. Really informative
Can the speed on wiper motors be changed?
It absolutely can be changed. Several ways to do it. First, wiper motors have a high and a low speed. Second, although they are designed to be powered by 12V, most wiper motors will run on less voltage. I have one running on 3.3V for my stirring witch cauldron prop. I often use a 5V power supply. When choosing a power supply, be sure to get one with enough amps. Wiper motors require at least 5A no matter the voltage. Third, you can use a PWM speed controller like this one from Fright Props - www.frightprops.com/electric-motors/controllers/premium-speed-controller-for-dc-motors-linear-actuators.html
Halstaff's Animatronic Workshop ok thank you very much!
What about oscillating fan motors?
The problem with oscillating fans is heat. The blade of the fan pulls air through the motor to keep it cool. When you remove the fan, the motor gets hot and will eventually stop working.
@@jaybo2099 Not talking about the actual high speed fan motor I'm talking about the oscillating motor that goes side to side, for like an arm going up and down or a head moving side to side.
What is the Facebook group you mentioned in the video... Rocky Mountain something?
That would be the Rocky Mountain Haunters - facebook.com/groups/rockymountainhaunters
Love this video thanks Steve I will have to think about it for my which prop
Thank you Jamie! I'm working on another one along the same lines for pneumatics.
I just subscribed. Thanks for the video and excellent content in it.
I'm trying to do a michael myers head tilt mechanism. I need something that can run very slowly so that it would appear that he's tilting it back and forth. Thanks for any suggestions!
super helpful! thank you!
HELP!! Anyone!?
I have a 50ish ft zipline (slight incline)...I need a motor setup that I could use to pull something back/forth on it!🤩
Also, what actual specs are we searching for in order to find “reindeer motors🙄” that switch direction w/tension??
did you use rc cars to make this?
Any idea on how I can make a tornado prop (about 10 lbs) spin 3-5 rpm from the bottom? thx
I would start with a wiper motor, a 12v power supply and add a PWM to reduce the speed. I haven't tried it with that much weight but it should be able to handle it since you aren't lifting that weight, just rotating it.
Tanks so much!@@halstaff
I need something the swings in circles like a bat flying around on my roof. Any ideas…
I'm not sure if the speed would work but something like a disco ball motor fishing line and the bat of your choice (be careful what fishing line you use because some of it will go under a black light if you use one)
Great ideas! Thanks!
Wow, awesome turtorial , very much info told at a calm way , i apreciate that because soe many tutorials are just explained very rushed and thats NOT always a good thing haha , sow again thnx sir and u got a sub from me , greetings from The Netherlands and keep them coming pls
Glad it was helpful. I'm in the process of doing a similar video with pneumatics. Hopefully it will be done in the next week or so.
I like your stuff Mr. Prop Maker.
Why thank you! I hope you check out some of the other prop building videos on my page.
@@halstaff I actually love your ideas. I am going to start building some stuff and certainly need your help. Hope I can count on you.
I did checked other videos and found your talent to be on a high level, what I am about to build is quite difficult for me.
@@halstaff
I wish to build something like walking Scarecrows in this clip below.
th-cam.com/video/fLXIxkRf9QI/w-d-xo.html
I have a question what is a good microcontroller to use for beginners who are not good programmers for there animatronic projects ?
That's a tough question to answer without more information but I'll do my best. I devoted an entire chapter in my book to choosing the right microcontroller and still feel like I barely scratched the surface.
If you can solder and want to save some money, purchasing PCB's from Haunt Hackers or Scubaspook1 might be the way to go - haunthackers.com/ or th-cam.com/video/4i6CTzX9Zy4/w-d-xo.html They are the some of the easiest controllers to get up and running.
If you want a ready to go microcontroller, the Picoboo's from Fright Props are hard to beat - www.frightprops.com/controllers-electronics/frightideas-controllers/picoboo-controllers.html In addition to having great products, Fright Props has an extensive tutorial section on their website that applies not only to their products but are applicable to other applications as well.
I think that will give you a good starting point. There are so many to choose from. You need to find one and learn how it works and stick with it.
Good luck!
cool what I was going to do if possible is use the ams system when I create the movement and include that into the controls, but by what I understand you use the parallax controllers for the ams system so I guess I am confused on how to mix the two controllers together or how to use one controller for the movement and the rest of the show.
@@rodneysmith7979 Why don't we touch base over on my Facebook group so that we can private message. You can find it at facebook.com/SOSHaunt/
Good information, it would have been nice to see the items dressed and working as they would be on Halloween.
Agreed. In an effort to keep the video from being any longer than it already was, I focused on the mechanisms themselves. I did adapt the presentation in my pneumatics video which showed the completed props - th-cam.com/video/PM84rCkoUsk/w-d-xo.html
Thank you very much for the input!
Love all the info ... thanks for sharing your know-how.
I hope you found it useful. Anything I missed that I should cover in another video?
I think you covered the basics. I know you as the prop controller guy who loves building the electronics that makes these things go. Still haven't gotten that good at building controllers so I'm always looking to learn. My goal one day is to build an animatronic figure that includes arms, legs and torso movements and program a "show". I saw just a bit of that project you and Lightman? were working on. I just can't keep up with all the "changes" in this area or the price tag on my ideas. Again, love that you continue to share with the haunting community.
Awesome as always Steve!
Thank you!
This video is fantastic for beginners like me. I hope to build all or at least most of these! I just have a question. What size diameter do you recommend for the PVC pipes?