Overview

Sticking to a few, simple standards helps us deal with unexpected problems. The hose is too short? Add another 10-foot section with a snap. Solenoid acting funny? Unsnap the HAM assembly and snap in another.

"Standards are industry's way of codifying obsolescence." - anon.

"The wonderful thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from." - Grace Murray Hopper

Electrical Power Standards

• 110 VAC
  • 110 VAC is distributed throughout the haunt because it is so easy to transform into exactly what you need and it carries X-10 signals.
  • Must always use standard power connectors!
  • Female connectors for sources of power, male connectors for users of power.
  • All power cords are "extension" type, with a male at one end and a female at the other.
  • All general distribution power equipment should be 3-prong.
    • Some projects may use 2-prong.
  • GFI at all outlets where power is transferred from fixed location into haunt system.

• 12VDC
  • at junction between power supplies and major projects - Anderson Powerpole
  • projects may use cheaper stuff internally, e.g. talking stuff carries power on 5-pin DIN

• low voltage DC
  • no real standard yet
  • per-gargoyle wall warts have 3.5mm mono male plugs

Audio Signal Standards

• line-level audio
  • at main audio system
    • RCA
      • Almost everything is female, with M/M patch cords between.
      • Right channel is red connector.
  • haunt proper
    • 3.5mm stereo
    • Amplified computer speakers have male plug on a cable.
    • Audio sources use female socket - if mono sound, send it to both R&L channels.

• speaker-level audio
  • Speakon connectors
    • 2-pole and 4-pole can be plugged together.
      • Insure 4-pole connectors use the same contacts as 2-pole.
    • female at amplifier and speakers
    • M/M patch cables between
    • extensions are made with M/M patch cable and F/F coupler
  • 1/4" is still commonly used in industry

Electrical Switching Standards

• dry contact closure
  • Jones Plugs & Sockets - Series 300
    • is switch male and thing being switched female?
    • (darkroom timer has female? on output)

• X-10
  • Used for most of our remote control.

Special-Purpose Electrical Standards

• talking stuff - pumpkins, skulls
  • 5-pin DIN - male w/cable for each gadget
  • cable carries:
    • +12V - 1A/gadget
    • Ground
    • "speaker audio" - suitable for amplification and playing to the audience through speakers
    • "animation audio" - an audio stream intended to drive animated gadgets; not suitable for listening

• RC servos
  • 3-pin strip
  • female w/cable for each gadget; male pins on the driver board
  • 6VDC power
  • connection order:

Pneumatic Standards