PNEUMATICS

Compressed air offers a many advantages over electrical actuators, and has been used for many years in dark attractions. The hiss of air accompanying a scare was a hallmark of the dark rides. It is safe to use on damp ground outdoors, allows quick and powerful movements without the risk of blown fuses or overheating, and allows for the relatively simple construction of devices that would be expensive or impossible to duplicate using other methods. The amount of force generated at the output of an air actuator (usually a piston and rod housed in a cylinder and connected to an object to be moved) by even a modest amount of input pressure can be amazing. If you've never considered an air system because it seemed too daunting, peruse this article and discover the basics. It may be just what you're looking for.

The 'Halloween-L modified door closers' draw very little air volume per firing. Let's say your compressor's reservoir tank holds air at an average pressure of 80 P.S.I. The regulator at its output could be set to 40 P.S.I., and a small number 'downstream' gadgets will happily sip from the reserve. It is better (in an aesthetic sense) to fire effects separately, and the price of this is multiple solenoid (electrical) valves.

Consider adding an in-line reservoir tank near each device, just before the firing valves, and you will not starve your effects for air. You don't want to end up with a weakly presented startle effect.

Test all of your home-brew devices with low pressures at first, and gradually determine a safe working range. Operate each effect such that it does not act violently enough to damage its own parts. If one particular gadget is tearing itself apart, add a small regulator to its input, just before the valve. Feed the device only as much air pressure as is required to produce the effect. Door closers and bicycle pumps are not industrial parts, and will wear out quickly if cycled constantly or with punishing force.

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