Pandora's Box / Monster in a Box Halloween Prop Super Easy and Cheap to Make
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- I wanted to see how easily I could build a prop with parts bought online that would be available to anyone anywhere and just how cheap I could do the whole thing. This is what I came up with! Its super fun and easy to build so let me know what you think!
***IMPORTANT*** Be sure to use a quality name brand battery in this setup. Cheap off brands will not provide enough power to get the same speed and lift you see here. I tried cheap ones at first and simply didnt work right. I replaced them with Duracell batteries and as you can see it works great!
Links to the parts used
Battery holder www.amazon.com/...
12v wireless relay controller www.amazon.com/...
Door lock actuator www.amazon.com/...
WIRING DIAGRAM eerieacresceme...
BIGANT, that is so cool. I had no idea that a wireless relay control even existed until now. Thanks for enlightening me!
ranzamaceanruig there are a lot of really cool little gizmos to be found on amazon and ebay so many neat little circuit boards I want to buy and experiment with!!
Sweet!
wiring diagram link appears to be dead.
.
battery positive to relay positive
battery negative to relay negative
motor positive to normally open
motor negative to relay negative
relay positive to common ... jumper
Also, this motor and the 6 pack batteries are indeed underpowered for the box (11x15x20) I have. Pops open maybe a half inch at most.
But fun little build. Need more power!!!! 😅
Hello Friend. my box is looking awesome! it works great. only strange thing is beforehand when I push remote button, it pops up and down. now, I have to hit once for up and once for down. I'm ok with that. did I do something wrong??
+kriss gongaware your relay is set to "latch" mode it needs to be set to momentary it should have instructions on how to change it did you get the 4 relay one like I did or a single one?
So cool I decided to give it a go myself! I got all the parts, and based on your wiring explanation was able to put it together.
I bought the door lock actuators from the Amazon link you provided in your description. My mechanism works, but it doesn't sound quite like yours and the actuator doesn't pop all the way up. I get short very short up and down bursts...not long throws like you seem to get. This results in the lid just shaking a bit and the box just kind of makes a buzzing sound. Any thoughts on what I might have done wrong? Thanks!
That is very cool Ant! My mind was turning the whole time thinking what all I could do with those relay boards. Nice find!
Graves Of The Groves there are so many awesome little 12v gadgets on amazon I want to buy them all haha!
Eerie Acres Cemetery I know right? It's hard to browse through them unless you are looking for something specific. I'm thinking hook one of these guys up to trigger different boards that scoobaspook makes!
Im already looking at adding a vibrating motor one of the other relays in this as well as maybe an mp3 player for sound to one as well
Very nice! I could see all sorts of uses for those door lock actuators and I love having the ability to control a prop! Thanks for sharing!
Cool prop. I am trying to build the same but having trouble with wiring. Do you have a wiring diagram?
good evening can you let me know the size of the box it would be appreciated thanks michael
I just made a Honey Badger in a Box....They don't care you know.
Thanks a ton. yes its marked. your the best.
I'm working on making one with the exact parts that you've included. I'm running into a couple problems. If I hold down the button without the actuator attached the relay works correctly; it's open when I hold the button down and closed when I release it. However once I attach the actuator instead of that it does a rapid fire motion probably twice per second. Also it's only about half the motion that the actuator can do, never resetting the actuator all the way shut. I've tried it with both actuators and get the same result. What did I mess up? I should mention that my relay I received is slightly different than yours, the positive and negative terminals are reversed.
+Jason Ice I had a similar issue with mine when I first made it and found that I had to use brand new name brand batteries. At first I was using cheap batteries and it was causing issues. Put new energizers in and it worked fine. Also keep in mind the actuator wont return all the way down on its own it will only return to the half way point on its own. You will need the weight of the lid to push it all the way down so make sure you position it so that it presses up against the lid when its closed and gets pushed to its lowest point. Let me know if this helps! Also are you using a 4 relay controller like mine or a single relay controller from ebay?
+Eerie Acres Cemetery I am using cheap batteries. Sunbeam brand, straight from the dollar store. I totally didn't see your important note! I'll have to go pick up some 'real' batteries this weekend and give it a shot. I'm using the 4 way controller you linked to, but it looks like they've updated it a bit. It is mostly the same but features a jumper to chance settings and a few other small changes. Do you know anything about strobe LED's? I'd like to find one to add to the effect but I don't know where to buy LEDs.
+Jason Ice haha yup I used sunbeams my first time too! I haven't tried the strobe leds yet but I buy mine from led lighthouse!
Video makes no sense when it gets to the 'jumper' mention multiple conflicting connections, middle, the position 1 (which isn't middle) then open
got the exact parts off Amazon ..using name brand batteries ..actuators only go up a tiny bit ..not enough to even rise the lid a little bit ...any suggestions
Thank You
this is a neat little idea,, am thinking of making one now but I think id probly change it just a tad so it run on a ir sencer instead of a remote
Thank you so much for this video! This was my first time doing anything with wiring. Your diagram made it very easy and it was a fun little startle prop for this years Halloween party.
Awesome I'm so glad to hear that!!!!
This is a great idea. I want to try this but do you need the remote for it to work or can you just hook it up to battery pack and turn switch to "on"?
***** you need the remote to make it go up and down simply powering it on would leave it in the up position. So I am using the relay with the remote to quickly turn the power on and off giving it that up and down motion
put the chanting back on
I REALLY like this idea. I'm going crazy right now thinking of all the ways I can use door lock actuators. How far do they extend, an inch or so?
Hawthorne Manor Haunted House Thanks!! I would say right around an inch maybe slightly more. There are so many things these can be used for like making morgue doors open and close, window shutters slam back and forth, a haunted book shelf etc etc they are really cool
Can u use a 12v Home Automation Delay Timer Control Switch Module Digital Display LED instead of
the 12v remote control wireless momentary switch?
a really easy and nice way to distress the box is with a propane torch and a wire brush to remove all the char. it raises all the grain and make it looks really old and distressed. just add a littl clear stain and if you end up using a sealer it makes the grain stand out even more
Love this idea! I'm not very skilled at animated props but am ready to expand out of my static prop comfort zone. Is this a good animated prop for the novice?
Can you tell me the dimensions of this box?
I would have to unbury it from the garage it's not too big they sell them at Michael's if I remember correctly
o my gosh under $ 30.00 you could have made it cheaper because it is a diy
Question: There is a metal tip on the end of both my wire to my door lock actuators. Do you have to remove them? Because they done fit
you should put chains around the box
+Asslst King True , to get an cool sound effect
What are the part numbers for door poppers ?
RickyBoi all of the parts I used are linked in the description above so you can buy everything directly online! super easy!
My actuator only pops once at a time. I have to use to 2 different buttons on the remote to open and close. My relay has the negative and powered side switched.
are you using a wireless relay? it sounds like the relay is set to lock mode (i forget the exact name) essentially one button turns the relay on and it stays on then you press the other button to turn it off. if the relay came instructions see if you can set it to what is called "momentary" if it doesnt do a momentary function you might want to search for one the specifies it can do momentary
@@EerieAcresCemetery Yes it says it is for momentary. Now it wont pop anything.
It was a bad relay. Ordered a new one and it worked. I even placed a skull in it with lights in the eyes.
so I bought all of the same things off Amazon but the popper is not strong enough to lift the weight of the lid on my box. Can I double up the poppers and battery packs (use 2 of each) and run them through the same relay to see if that works?
+DjGrooveTech make sure you are using name brand batteries! I tried cheap dollar store ones at first and it didnt work properly! these poppers are pretty strong also make sure you have the popper at the front of the box and not the rear.
Very cool nice project !!! HFL!!
This is going to be a dumb question. Never worked with anything like this before, but how does the door lack actuator wiring actually fit into the relay?
remaininlite not a dumb question at all!!! Check out the description above and you will see I posted a detailed diagram showing how to wire it all up. the relay has a screw terminal block you just loosen the screw terminals, insert the wire and tighten it back down.
Eerie Acres Cemetery Thanks! I guess what threw me off were those metal connectors on the ends. But I just got it all hooked up and it works! I used an old antique metal/wooden suitcase. So more of a monster in a suitcase. So thanks for your video, you were a tremendous help!
Thats awesome!!! Glad to hear you were able to make it all work!!!
Thank you for sharing your amazing ideas! I really appreciate the links for the different items and the wiring instructions. You are rapidly advancing to the best haunt site out there.
Mark Dyslin Thanks so much!!!!!! So glad people find my crazy videos useful! haha
Very cool! Thank you so much for including the links!
ok,, now, im gonna be a pain. i only bought a a 2 relay. is it the same setup?
+kriss gongaware It should be the same yes does your board have NO NC and COM marked on it? If so you are looking for the COM and NO connections thats where you need to wire to!
Hello. you inspired me to make one! Got everything, just can't make heads or tails on how to wire the relay!!
+kriss gongaware Awesome! I put a link on how to wire everything up in the description above! If you dont see the link let me know or if you have any other questions!
What size box did you use for this
also, I have a bigger box. approx 2 ft wide with lid. do you think it would need 2 actuators. one on each side?
+Griffith Hill Cemetery it would depend on how heavy the lid these little things can lift a decent amount but having 2 would probably be a good idea. they are dirth cheap anyway I think i got a pair of them on amazon for only 10 bucks so at that price why not use both! haha
Sooo cool. I didn't read down enough. Can u tell me what piece I need for the wireless remote. The board u installed.
Great stuff
+Rob Droppa I got the board from amazon its a wireless 4 relay controller there is a link to it in the description above if that link no longer works let me know and I will find a new one!
you mentioned you could use a cheaper single channel relay , could you post a link of a good one to use
***** sure here is a link to it, its only a few bucks cheaper and doesnt include two day shipping but every penny helps!!! www.amazon.com/Wireless-Control-Receiver-Momentary-Channel/dp/B00W8V4KQ4/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1432774994&sr=8-10&keywords=12v+wireless+relay
Does the actuator come with the wireless remote?
TheKlownFarm no I bought the wireless 12v relay separately, thats what comes with the little remote.
I finally saw that when I clicked on the links for the parts, but thanks for letting me know
no problem at all!!
what is pulling the latch back down? It would seem you need the use more relays to reverse the latch to pull it back down.
+FlyMario once you release the button power is removed from the actuator and the weight of the lid pushes it back down instantly there is no resistance on the actuator without any power so no need to reverse the polarity to make it go back down
I tried to build the box.... But my motor will only go up ;-( if I change plus and minus, it will only go down... do you have any ideers, what I have done wrong... hope you se this befor halloween ;-) (I use new duracell batteries)
You did it right the motor only goes one way depending on how you wire it. So you want to wire it so that it goes up when power is on the weight of the lid should push it back down when the power turns off. Keep in mind to make it go up and down like this I am turbo g power off and on really quick. The power pushes up the lid pushed back down when power is off
Thank you, now it makes sans. its gonna be Halloween ;-)
So cool, i buy The controller now
uour the best. thank u and happy haunting
Really cool prop! I love it! I''m going to try one myself. With that LED light inside it might be cool to have some fog/smoke coming out of it somehow.
mixelpixel Thanks!!! Its a lot of fun to make!
Does the actuator or the relay require the use of 8 AA batteries, or would 4 AA batteries be enough?
+Tobad Hunter - never mind...had more coffee - 1.5 per AA battery * 8 = 12 Volts, which it seems the relay needs.
You always seem to amaze me.
Do you have a link for any decent led wires? I'm not liking the ones i see on amazon.
Darkreaper75 Thanks!!! When it comes to buying pre wired LEDs I get all of mine from ebay. Just do a search for 12v prewired LEDs and you will see they make them in every color for dirt cheap!
need chains on it...
another then that...
nicely done...
JOHNJOHN 9111 Thanks!!!
Hey does your jumper have to have a male and female pin i know i am dumb
MegaLoveEverLasting hmmm not sure which pins you mean exactly?
Can you show me the schematics to wire the 12v 4 channel relay
James Chrisley I have added a link to the wiring diagram I created for this project to video description above! I hope that helps!
Pretty darn cool!
i have a windsheld wiper motor from a old car . do u think that 12v relay controller will work on my monster in box
+Larry Trudell for sure this relay would control a wiper motor just make sure you use a good 12v power source!
+Eerie Acres Cemetery ok thank you !!
Where do I buy that wire in the middle
the little jumper wire? I just used a piece of scrap wire I had laying around for that
@@EerieAcresCemetery thanks!! Got it working and my board had the positive and negative in reverse. Thanks for the video!
@@cjent6945 awesome!!! glad you were able to build one and get it working!!!
@@EerieAcresCemetery are you going to be doing any more tutorials for props? I wanna try to do the doll v2 and the pop up column
Thanks
I got a 2 relay. no instructions. boo
+kriss gongaware bummer does the website you bought it from have instructions?
Extremely awesome and my kids are so excited to build it this weekend. We ordered the parts you listed but are curious about the box dimensions. Would you mind giving us a rough estimate of the box dimension in case our Michaels does not have the exact box you used? Thanks so much and this is by far one of the best projects I have seen!
Jeremy Stefanek Thanks so much!!! Im thrilled people are looking to make these! I will measure both the box and the actuator today when I get home and add it to the description. if you do go micheals I think this was the medium size version of this box its the one that cost 16.99 before coupons.
Jeremy Stefanek the actuator is 6 inches tall when fully compressed so look for a box that is at least 6 inches tall inside from the bottom to the top of the lid. my box is 7 inches at highest point and 6 inches at its lowest point its 11 inches long and 7 inches wide
Eerie Acres Cemetery Thanks very much! We have all of our supplies and plan on building them this weekend. Again, great post!
Thats great!!!! Be sure to let me know how it turns out and if you have any questions!!
Ant can this be motion activated with your setup?
+Griffith Hill Cemetery yes and no.... you could put a motion sensor on it but all it would is lift the lid and hold it there until the motion left, you would need something else to tell the actuator what do once it detects motion. as in tell it to go up and down until the motion goes away. essentially a prop controller which is pretty much what i did on my haunted urn using the same setup and a cheap controller check out that video to see how I made it all work!
+Eerie Acres Cemetery so I can get the same effect without the remote with the urn setup ?
yes the urn setup has no remote only the motions sensor and the prop controller from Halloween FX I programmed it to make the actuator bounce up and down when it gets triggered by the sensor!
+Eerie Acres Cemetery awesome! thanks, which controller? houdini 2 ch. ? also how hard is it to program it to do that?
yeah the 2 ch is all you would need its very easy to program!
Nice! I just ordered four of these actuators. I plan on using them with mikkojay's 4-channel Arduino prop controller. www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=41196
Nice. Ty keep up the good work
Steve Cieply Thank you!!!
Do think it can also be hooked up to a outdoor motion sensor?
RickyBoi well yes and no, the motion sensor could be hooked up to make it open but thats all it would do until the motion detector no longer sensed anything. it would not pop open and closed like this based solely on a motion detector. I am using the wireless trigger to manually make it open and close with the push of a button. you could buy a prop controller to do all of this for you but then the price would go up a lot.
AND.....Thank you for including the wiring diagram! I think I can do this.