I am late, as usual. Here's the evolving plan.
I will use a computer running LOR S2 Advanced. This is the heart of everything. Although it is indended for running light displays, it can read inputs and shows can be made interactive. Combined with the different LOR hardware components available, it can control quite a wide variety of stuff. I have 2 CTB16PC AC controllers with 16 outputs and 2 inputs each; 1 CMB16D DC Controller with 16 outputs; 1 ServoDog with 6 inputs, 8 servo controllers that can be configured as switches, and 2 MOSFET PWM outputs. I am planning to add another CTB16PC. This gives a total of 48 AC channels, 16 DC channels, 8 Servo or output switches, 12 input triggers (although 6 of them are inconveinent to work with), and 2 MOSFET/PWM outputs. Sounds like a lot, but they get eaten up quickly.
The props and effects I am planning include:
Giant Reaper Head over the garage. That is basically stock unless the latex has run into problems over the summer. If it has I may carve & paint a new one from extruded polystyrene insulation foam.
Giant spider web with large spider in yard. Stock.
Spider webs blown with a Minions Web shooter (see links). Much more than last year. Stock.
Tombstones. Stock. I want to build a few more.
Ground fog. Stock. I built 2 chillers last year. I used one based on what has been to be known as the "Vortex" design. I also built but didn’t use one based on a copper chiller coil in a vent tube. I like the idea on this one, but I don’t think it is as effective as the Vortex. I have a few addional tricks that I have gathered to enhance the effect.
Cemetary fence around the yard. Mostly stock. I have enough to cover the front of the yard, but I want to enclose more of the yard to funnel the TOT’s where I want them and keep them out of where I don't want them. I have jigs made for drilling and cutting. I have the hard to find and long lead items in stock. I just just need the simple stuff (1/2 inch electrical PVC and 1x3 furring strips) for fabbing and time to execute.
Cemetery entrance. Completely new. I have toyed with the idea of a arch over the driveway integrated with the graveyard fence. This helps insure TOT’s follow the path. What to name the cemetery? Farmingdead? Deathburn? Graveyard California (You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave). I will write more dedicated to this build.
Animated talking skull. Mostly stock. I built it last year but it didn’t make it in the display. It talks synchronized to voice input. I would love to have this interactive with a small video camera and microphone so I could carry on a conversation with people coming in but that is probably reaching too far. I will probably have a few canned and triggered sequences instead of running it live.
Ghost bust. Mostly stock but it needs reapirs. A featureless head bust with a projection of a talking face on it. I built it last year as a proof of concept but it never made it into the show. Same effect as Grim Grinning Ghosts in WD’s Haunted Mansion. Cool effect. I will need to put some production time into it as well as repair work. I just ordered something to make this a lot easier. I had intended to use a capability of S2 to display video but I found and ordered a triggable digital video player at FrightProps.com. It looks great! 7 triggered video sequences with audio. A variety of compatible output types. Several digital media formats supported. Media stored on an SD card. This will be a real building block.
Flaming Fog. Reconfigure of stock items. I may use the copper coil fog chiller to get a low air fog and use flickering color color changing lights to produce a flame effect. Very rough idea and I would have to steal gear from other effects. I think it would look cool.
Air blasters. Compressed air to blow at TOT’s or to pop up small ghosts. Sudden. Load. Scream worthy. New project. I have a valve to play with but I would need more.
Lunging spider. Spider in stock, lunge is new. I have a huge air-blown spider. I would like to put it on a pnuematic base so it would jump forward a a couple feet. I haven't played with pnuematic actuators yet it looks like fun.
More to come.
--je