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Unread 11-08-2010, 10:50
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AKA: Richard Sisk
FRC #2493 (Robokong)
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Remote operation of motors

I finally have a chance to combine two of my favorite pastimes, robotics and theater. I am technical director for a production of Blithe Spirit at a local community theater and I am hoping to create some awesome special effects using things I have learned through robotics.

My first challenge is to make a table thump and shake during the seance scenes. I plan on using a couple of motors with off center cams to make this effect work.

My question is how to remotely turn the motors on/off in a simple, reliable, and inexpensive way. I can run a wire to the table from the tech booth which will end up being about 100ft of wire. Can I run wire from a battery to the motor that far and still have them work? Or do I need to setup some sort of switch driven by AC current and have the battery closer to the motors? If so, is there a simple way to set up the switch? A third option would be to convert AC to DC to run the motor but I'm not sure how to do that simply and inexpensively.

Appreciate thoughts on the pros and cons of the options I have mentioned as well as other options I haven't thought of. Remember my criteria; simple, reliable, and inexpensive.

Thanks in advance!
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