I wish to add a remote button press for my laptop running the VSA skulltronix routine. Something that my haunt guide can press unobtrusively to start the routine. I know Jerry had recommended a product to me once but I dont remember the name of it. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Phoenix
The Exorcist controller could do this quite easily, with Exorcist you would have a number of options for triggering a routine, you could use the IR remote control, press a button on the Exorcist input unit, or even use a pressure mat switch that can be triggered either by your guide or indeed by your guests.
if this isnt it then best give Jerry a call
GACSALY
I use SmartHomes INSTEON with wireless RF remotes...
Insteon works great for me.
I used the Insteon SDK to create a small visual basic program that responds to presses on a wireless remote. They work from 100 feet or more so and DON'T need line-of-sight (which I presume the Exorsist does). Also I can give several workers remotes to trigger props in their area of the haunt and they all work with one PC reacting to, and timing all the events.
With this I could (in addition to starting a specific VSA skull program) trigger any of my props, with percise delay, on-time, off-time.
You could also use the Exorcist or any I/O board supported by VSA.
I much prefer wireless RF remotes to mats or PIR sensors or even IR remotes for several reasons.
They give me flexability to be anywhere and trigger any prop from a remote hidden in a pocket or on my belt.
You can trigger the prop at exactly the right time. You can wait until they lean over just so, or until they say "that is not very scary..."
Guests try to re-trigger mats or PIR's. With a remote you can "play" with them (make a prop jump just as they give up trying to trigger it, or just when they look away).
For safety I want to be sure a guest is not too close to a prop (jumper or air blaster). Also it is nicer when testing or when dealing with a failure on halloween.
The Insteon stuff works really well (much better than X10 - the previous generation).
Phoenix
Yup, there are plenty of systems that you can adapt to do the job, Exorcist has been specifically designed such that its an all in one solution that doesnt mean you need to be a computer programmer to get it to work, Im sure experience programmers would prefer to build their own system.
VSA doesnt directly support any input boards, only outputs.
Exorcist could be adapted by users to work with RF remote systems, its also possible to setup to support dual input, to protect the system against playful guests, indeed the user manual has sections that specifically address both these issues.
