Hello, I’m a little new around here. I thought I’d figure out what I need first before I attempt this project and see how hard it might be…
So basically, I’d like to make a 32 movement, 18 light animatronic show. I plan on using the SSC-32 for servo controlled movements but I may switch over to pneumatic cylinders since I’m unsure if servos can give the power needed to move the potentially heavy parts of the animatronic. Specifically, the body, since I plan on putting in a body lean movement. 3 of them to be exact, body lean forward, left, and right. as well as a couple head bends and arm movements. I also plan on adding in some small movements like eyelid movements, eyebrows, ears, etc.
Also, I want to add in automatic curtains. I believe those can be controlled with servos. I’m thinking of using up/down curtains since it can be done easily that way.
So, basically, I need some advice on if I should take the pneumatic or servo route and if both can be done with the SSC-32? And can lighting also be done with the SSC-32? And which programming software is there were I can just assign each servo and light to a button on the keyboard and just press the buttons to sync them up? The software must also have the ability to loop a routine indefinably. Preferably, in segments. And which parts would I require to get this done? Most of the lights I plan on using are DMX but I can purchase alternatives that are non-DMX if need be.
I already stated I don’t know anything about controlling a pneumatic cylinder with the SSC-32. It’s easy to control lights with the SSC-32 using a relay like this.
There are cheaper ways, but I don’t know if you can build a driver for a relay that can be connected to the SSC-32 and use the H / L commands to turn it on and off.
I think what you are asking is how do you connect the lights to the relays? This is basic electricity. Maybe someone here can make a simple schematic for this. Edit: I believe the relay has wiring examples included. Or maybe you’re asking how do you connect the relay to the SSC-32. It just plugs into the servo port.
There also has been a discussion on the General Electronics forum that describes creating a transistor switch to be controlled by an SSC-32. This could be used to control lighting. lynxmotion.net/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2463&hilit=transistor+switch
A relay option is also documented there, as well as a mention of the relay product Jim provided.
Additionally, although I couldn’t find it, I also know that somewhere in the forums is a description of modifying a servo to output a varying low voltage output, which could be used to drive a light dimming circuit for variable control of your lights.
Having done some research into this myself, there is something to be said for the proven, tested solutions, such as VSA (to which Jim also provided a link)
Servos are great for programming. I really don’t know how pneumatic cylinders can be programmed. I believe they have sensors on the ram that detect the position of the piston but how to make them have any kind of resolution anywhere in between is over my head.
I also want it to have the same amount of movements and maintain the fluidity of movements. So I was a little concerned about weight of the torso+head. I think I might use PVC piping to build the skeleton since aluminum or fiberglass may be hard to come by. I don’t know if I’ll make it a mouse though. But the same shape of the body for sure.
Another question though… Can you slow down the speed that the servos rotate and restrict them going past a certain value. That will prove useful for doing the mouth. That will also help prevent the mouth from just shooting open.
