Fog Machines with LOR

[Tracy West]

I am already thinking about next year!

I know a while back somebody ran through how to connect fog machines to LOR controllers, but it sounded way greek to me.

Would anybody out there who has done that be willing to give me a real step by step run through of how to do that.

Pictures illustrations would be great too!

[rcfz]

If someone doesn't beat me to it, I'll write a short tutorial for you later this week. It's actually easier then you think!

[MCas4380]

I would like the Step By step sent to me also. my wife is already planning Halloween also and i need to figure out how to make it work. also i have some motion triggered animtronics can they be set to trigger with LOR?

:dude:

[heystew]

I've successfully done it two ways:
1. using a DMX enabled fog machine and an LOR iDMX-1000. DMX is usually only available on higher end fog machines. If you are not using DMX already in your display, this is not the economical choice, however it can (with some machines) give you more control.
2. using an AC Powered Relay that closes when power is applied to "push the button" on the fog machine. The relay i've used is the Furman PS-REL http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?id=PS-REL
More expensive then buying the parts, but nicely packaged and reliable. Basically you connect the Normally Open (NO) screw terminals on this relay to the switch on the fog machine to "close" the switch when ac power is applied. The AC relay is just then connected to an LOR channel that you turn ON when you want the fog to go. Note that the different fog machines may be easier or harder to connect to. Mine had a wired remote that I was able to open and just solder my wires onto the switch.

[Tracy West]

Do you have any pictures to show the connections? I kinda understand but I do not want to blow up my LOR, my fog machine or my block!

[Donald Puryear]

I also use relays to control fog machines. I use 110volt relays (rib (relay in box)). What kind of fog machine do you have? what kind of remote?

[Tracy West]

I have a couple of Hurricane 700 (small fog machines) that I want to use with my LOR and they have basic manual controllers. I have timer controllers for my other fog machines but I really don't want to mess with them. I would like to see exactly which wires are connected with the relay unit.

[Donald Puryear]

Your machine has a 3 wire plug that runs to the remote switch. If you dissemble your remote button you will find three wires, one is hot to the switch, one is the switch return, and the last one is used for a light (most models). I usual buy computer power extension cables and cut one end off (these make perfect remote cables). I tie the new cable to a relay (save the original remote). If you have a meter available you can check which wires do each function . Just use the two that use to go to the switch.

[Tracy West]

I really would love to see a picture of your relay hooked up to your fog machine to see exactly how you did it. It makes sense but I have none. :shock:

[Guest guest]

Tracy West wrote:

I really would love to see a picture of your relay hooked up to your fog machine to see exactly how you did it. It makes sense but I have none. :shock:

Tracy I hope this crude drawing may help you understand how to do this. This is a rough hand drawn diagram, but it shows what you need to connect to. In the timer unit you connect the N.O. (Normally Open) contact of the relay to one side of the switch you would press to discharge the fog, the wiper (usually shown as a line) goes to the opposite side of the switch, it makes no real difference which way the output (N.O and Wiper) are wired to the switch as it is just passing current when closed to spew forth the fog.)

The coil of the relay (110 VAC) is wired to an SPT style plug, again, this being a coil and not polarity sensitive can be wired either direction, then the SPT plug is connected to one of the LOR Channel Output dongles, when you turn the channel ON (use full on only), the fog machine will spew forth its fog. You can sequence this for short, long durations or just a small burst of fog. When you turn the LOR channel the relay is connected to it energized the coil and connects the switch so that the fogger spews out the fog.

Below you'll find the diagram I drew up. Hope this helps you understand this better.
NOTE: There is no connection to the relays N.C. (Normally Closed) connection.

Also make sure you refer to the diagram of whatever relay you may use for this. But it needs to be at a minimum 110V AC, 115 and 120 VAC relays will also work, but I wouldn't go above 120 VAC.




Attached files

[johnathanriddle]

I don't know if this helps much but here is what Is a demonstration of what I did.

[Tracy West]

That helped a lot!
Got that problemed solved. Now on to other ones!

Thank you.

[caniac]

Just tested my Chauvet Hurricane 1300 fog machine and wow. I bought two and it may actually be one and a half too many but WOW. May have to contact the fire chief about Halloween.

[B-Rock]

I was able to set this up with 2 Chauvet Hurricane 1300s and a relay from Radio Shack. Works like a charm.

[caniac]

Donald Puryear wrote:

I also use relays to control fog machines. I use 110volt relays (rib (relay in box)). What kind of fog machine do you have? what kind of remote?

Still waiting on you to finish mine!!!