horizon, there is more automation. While I do adore
the ease of use of the PicoBoo system, I'd like to start
moving the haunt to custom Arduino boards. This will
give us greater flexibility from year to year. As a bonus,
at that point it will be relatively easy to create a
centralized command and control system, allowing us
to control the effects from a single position.
The gore cannon launchers are going to be
simplified as much as possible, and then constructed
out of stainless steel piping. A special focus will be set
on crafting and bringing to life flame effects reliably.
The main goal going forward is — as always — do more
with less and make it last longer.
Directly in our immediate future is our haunt in
October. The theme is "Return to Zombie Wasteland" — a
high powered sequel to one of our most successful years.
As I write this article, it is mid-July, and we are already
deep in planning the effects this year. It's far too early to
go into detail, but the effects will range from an electrified
sparking fence, to a quite literal volcano of gore, and a
top-secret effect that will be the single most complicated
contraption SCARE has ever attempted.
It’s going to be an amazing year for SCARE, and
things will just keep getting better. If you find yourself near
Austin, TX this October, or truly, in any given October,
come check us out. I promise you'll have a blast. NV
42 September 2014
Figure 7 - The wiring needed to make a switch
activated outlet.
Figure 6 - The launcher assembly for a gore cannon.
