Jumping mechanism
Part 4 - Assembly
This has become a monster in its own right,
even if this monster will be mostly un-seen.
To make the wooden base, I ripped a full
sheet of 3/4" plywood in half
(2 sections 2' X 8') These sections are joined
by four heavy duty hinges. The base folds
for easier transport, although it is quite heavy.
I built a sub-frame out of 2X6 lumber ripped
on a slight taper so the front of the base is
2 inches tall, and the rear of the base is 4" tall.
Hopefully this
will allow me to "blend" the wooden base
into the haunt surroundings.
The Latex Skeleton is securely attached to
an aluminum frame.
The aluminum frame is securely attached
to the Jumping Mechanism.
The joints of the Latex skeleton are reinforced
with nylon tie straps (just a precaution.)
The arms and legs are tied to the
frame - "Hitching Post Style."
Doing so will limit how far the limbs
will "swing" as the skeleton jumps.
At left is a photo
of the electronics.
A single gang metal
"handi-box" which receives
power from a
Cowlacious Designs PET II.
One outlet of this box will power the pneumatic solenoid valve,
while the other will power the effect lights.
The power strip at right will always be "hot." This will supply power
to the PET II, the motion detecting unit, a sound effect device
and the ambient lighting.
Above is a horribly grainy photo of the motion detection unit
that will be used with the Jumping Mechanism.
This a (slightly modified) Garrison Infared beam-break detection unit.
(MCM Electronics part #82-975)
The Transmitter and Receiver require 12 VDC 70 mA for operation.
The dual beam feature aids in minimizing "false triggering."
The receiver includes a SPDT output relay capable of switching
1 amp at 24 volts, but is wired for non-voltage contact (perfect for the PET II.)
The black box mounted to the bottom of the receiver is my addition.
It only simplifies the connection process.
Other expenses to this unit would be a 12 VDC power supply, and
enough wire to hook everything up.
Alignment is very easy, and the 10 meter transmitting distance
is far greater than the Infared transmitter and Receiver kits I will use with
the Fiber Optic Pneumatic Whips prop this year.
At right is a photo of the magnets that will be used to give the illusion that this particular skeleton is
"hanging" like the rest in the room.
These are plastic chains painted
with a patina technique to look like aged metal.
Two magnets are attached to the p.v.c. pipe
"shackle", and two additional magnets are
attached to the plastic chain.
The magnets release easily when the prop
is activated, and grab when the prop resets.
Cheap trick, but it works great.
At left is a photo of a p.v.c. "jail cell" wall.Besides keeping the prop in, the wall will keep people out.
Think of this wall as a Jumping Mechanism seat belt.
You never buckle your seat belt with intent to crash,
...it's a precautionary measure.
Even though I've tested this mechanism countless times,
and I'm quite confident in it's safe operation,
this wall, when installed properly, will contain the prop if necessary.
...safety, safety, safety...
Below are photos of the room during construction.
First day - all set up and running.
The back of the room "Cobwebbed"
Night time shot of the big leap.
Visit the Hinton Haunted House 2002 for photos of the finished haunt.