Meeting Date
06/19/2010
Workshop
Animatronic Basics
Meeting Location
SacFX Studios, Roseville
Taught by
Bryan Patterson
Bryan Patterson, Co-Owner and operator of Callson Manor, offered to share with us his knowledge about animatronics, pneumatics and the controllers that go with them for the June meeting.
His many years in the haunt industry has made him an expert in this field.
Everyone was asked to bring a prop that they would like some help on. Be it programming or just working out some bugs, Bryan could help remedy the issue.
Once the food was devoured (and there was lots of it) Bryan began with a brief introduction to Ohms Law with handouts for all. A demonstration with an aquarium filled with water, a car battery, cables and an Ohm meter was all Bryan needed to show that if you know and understand Ohms Law, you can safely work with electronics.
After covering the many layers involved with props and prop controllers. Mini “Speed” demos were given.
First up was Robert Santos talking about how the CalHaunt’s booth for the Maker Faire was made to look decayed followed by some bronzing techniques.
Next was Dennis Riely and a demonstration of the DMX controlled Skultronix’s Skelytron. Putting on a great show complete with sound effects and lights.
Shortly after that, Shane and Phillip Kennedy discussed the safety and sliding equipment needed to be a skilled slider. Showing off their skills included sliding down the parking lot and then hopping over one another to continue the slide. Not an easy feat on blacktop.
Last up was Dennis and his wife Heather showing off their Light-O-Ramma. They made their lighted pumpkins dance to the music.
Even if you came with nothing, you left with something.
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