Okay, we were going to keep this under wraps until Transwold but as that's a vendor show and vendors don't spend a lot of time in these forums we decided to let this cat out of the bag: we built a bit-banger/key-banger -- we call it a Touch Controller
TM.
Our new baby is the
EZ-8 Touch ControllerTM, part of our EZ family of products -- because prop control should be easy. Right?
EZ-8 Features:
* 8 channels
* 64K show memory (36 minutes at 30 frames per second)
* Start inputs:
-- N.O. dry contract switch
-- 12-24 VDC (optically isolated)
-- PIR (header compatible with Parallax PIR module)
Programming:
1) Turn the mode switch to the desired channel (1 - 8); multi-mode LED will turn red
2) Press START button; multi-mode LED will flash red to indicate record cycle
3) "Bit-bang" the channel data into the controller using the RECORD button
4) Press START button to stop programming; multi-mode LED will stop flashing
5) Repeat steps 1-4 for other channels.
Playback:
1) Turn the mode switch to playback (position 0); multi-mode LED will turn green
2) Press START button (or get input from other start sources); multi-mode LED will flash green during playback
Erase Program (all channels)
1) Turn the mode switch to position 0; multi-mode LED will turn green
2) Turn off power
3) Press and
hold START and RECORD
4) Apply power
5) Multi-mode LED will be yellow to warn of erasure
6) After two second warning multi-mode LED will flash yellow to indicate erasure of program
-- you may release START and RECORD once erasure starts
-- multi-mode LED will stop flashing at end of erase cycle
Erase individual channel:
1) Turn the mode switch to desired channel (1 - 8); multi-mode LED will turn red
2) Turn off power
3) Press and
hold START and RECORD
4) Apply power
5) Multi-mode LED will be yellow to warn of erasure
6) After two second warning multi-mode LED will flash yellow to indicate erasure of channel
-- you may release START and RECORD once erasure starts
-- multi-mode LED will stop flashing at end of erase cycle
Q: How much does it cost?
A: $100 each, with normal discounts at 5 and 10 units.
Q: When I'm recording a new channel do the others play?
A: Yes.
Q: Do I have to program a "guide channel" for the length of my show before programming other channels?
A: Nope, the EZ-8 automatically adjusts the show length to the longest channel.
Q: What if I erase the longest channel?
A: The EZ-8 will use the next longest channel to set show length.
Q: Okay, what if I erase
that channel?
A: No problem; the EZ-8 keeps track of the length of every channel and dynamically adjusts after any change.
Q: How do I connect a PIR?
A: If you're using a Parallax PIR you can plug it right into the PIR header
Q: What about a mat switch?
A: Connect that to the N.O. switch input.
Q: Can I use a PIR and mat switch at the same time.
A: Absolutely.
Q: Can I make it auto-start (on power-up) and loop?
A: Yes, just put a jumper into the N.O. switch input terminal block.
Q: Can I program it with a PC?
A: Yes, you can use Vixen.
Q: Do I have to pay extra for Vixen programming?
A: No, it's absolutely free.
Q: What if my PC only has USB?
A: No problem -- get the Parallax USB-to-Serial adapter and cable (about $22).
Q: Could I use the EZ-8 as an output device for Vixen?
A: Yes. Position 9 of the mode switch is for PC control and allows the PC to change the outputs.
Q: Will using the EZ-8 as an output device for Vixen erase the show data I recorded earlier?
A: No, it's safe and sound.
Q: Why'd you guys do it?
A: Because so many of our friends asked us to!
See you in St. Louis! If not there, perhaps HAuNTcon or MHC.
