The DC family of armatures provides custom pneumatic mechanisms that
are ready to run out of the box* at the lowest
prices around.
The armatures allow for the option of easy animation without the
hassle of design and construction of complicated armatures. The DC armatures
are the hidden elements in bringing your props to life.
Since we complete each step in house, minor modifications to our designs are easily made to best suit our clients needs. We also have the ability to integrate additional items such as haunt controllers, hand held triggers, and or custom add-ons for controlling lights, foggers, or multiple props. Please email us prior to purchase for a quote on a custom setup (we discount labor heavily when purchasing one of more of our props).
All armatures are made from welded steel and equipped with professional
SMC valves, SMC push in fittings, Parker Pneumatic tubing, and Bimba,
Clippard, or Parker cylinders**. The armatures also include step by step
instructions on setting up the pneumatic components (even though they
ship setup, and tested) so you can use those as a learning tool for understanding
the world of pneumatics and how they work.
So if you've been looking into getting into haunting with pneumatics,
there's now a very simple way of doing it.
**Due to the ever rising costs of steel and
related products, these prices may chance without notice.
This picture displays a common 24v DC Valve Setup which includes a
24V 4 way valve, power supply, push in fittings, tubing, and flow controls
(where applicable).
To use any of the the armatures below simply follow these four steps:
- Secure your prop to the mounting plate.
- Bolt mechanism to a sturdy mounting surface
- Add air (connect female threaded compressor fitting, then insert into compressor coupler)
- Connect electrical and trigger! (manual or automated)
* Ready to run requires an air compressor with constant 60PSI flow, and a 1/4" npt female airline fitting (from compressor hose to valve feed line) which are not included.
**Valves and Cylinders may be varied depending on price and availability.
includes 110 pre wired valve with standard household plug, two 1/4" flow controls,
6 push in fittings, one 1.5" stroke 2.25" bore cylinder (different sized cylinders available upon request, at an additional charge) and 20' of 1/4" tubing
Price $125.00
includes 24V pre wired valve with 24V power supply, two 1/4" flow controls,
6 push in fittings, one 1.5" stroke 2.25" bore cylinder (different sized cylinders available upon request, at an additional charge)and 20' of 1/4" tubing
Price $140.00
The DC Heavy Lifter is a professional built 4 bar lifter that lifts any prop (up to 50lbs safely) 36" from a starting point of 12" up to 48" (lifter platform height). The lifter includes a mounting platform for easy mounting of just about any prop (custom mounting brackets available upon request) that remains parallel to the ground during the entire travel (lift and descent) (ie your prop will only move up and slightly towards the vertical beams of the lifter).
The heavy lifter is perfect for use behind larger tombstones or scenic items with heavier props such as a full skeleton.
Built using 14 Gauge tubular steel and professional pneumatics (bimba cylinder, SMC valve and fittings) Kit includes everything needed to operate and control and ships ready to run* out of the box.
Welded mounting brackets included
Size 30" x 12" x 18"
Price $440.00
DC Medium Lifter
(for standard props)
The DC Medium Lifter is the same mechanism as our heavy lifter, but engineered
to animate lighter props (up to 30-40 lbs safely) from a starting point
of 12" up to 34" (22" of travel).
This lifter is designed as an "all around" lifter for haunt
use, and can be used in a wide range of applications.
The lifter lifts up, and comes forward toward the viewer, so this is
a perfect armature for use behind a bush, tombstone, or other faced item.
Built using 14 Gauge tubular steel and professional pneumatics (bimba
cylinder, SMC valve and fittings) Kit includes everything needed to operate
and control and ships ready to run* out of the box.
Welded mounting brackets included
Size 28" x 18" x 10"
Price $385.00
DC Light Lifter
(for lightweight props)
The The DC Light Lifter was designed to animate simple props such as foam
heads with masks, or upper body props that do not require alot of lifting
force. The light lifter is engineered to operate a 20" travel from
a starting point of 10" up to 30" (lifter platform height).
The light lifter is smaller and a much simpler design then the other
lifters which makes it a great introductory armature for first time users
that have wanted to get into haunting with air, but did not require large
heavy duty mechanisms. Its simplistic design allows a lower price, while
still achieving the strength, durability, and ease of use as the entire
DC line of armatures.
Built using 14 Gauge tubular steel and professional pneumatics (bimba
cylinder, SMC valve and fittings) Kit includes everything needed to operate
and control and ships ready to run* out of the box.
Commonly used behind tombstones or similar objects with smaller light
weight (up to 25lbs) props.
Includes mounting holes in base for easy mounting.
Size 18" x 12" x 10"
Price $300.00
DC Torso Erector
The DC torso lifter is a professional built erector that was built to accommodate the common "bucky" Skeleton and give life(movement) to a once static prop. The erector bolts safely around the spine of the skeleton, and erects a bucky from a laying to sitting up position (approximately 90 degrees).
Perfect for use in coffins or mounted to the ground. Lifter must be bolted or staked into onto a solid surface to ensure the armature and prop remain in its desired location. Welded mounting tabs included.
Due to the fragile nature of the "Bucky" skeletons, DC advises that the skeleton (specifically the arms) be corpsed using latex and cheese cloth to adhere the body together. Corpsing will greatly improve the strength and life span of the skeleton. Works best with arms in static position, such as attached to chest and will prevent flailing arms and possible injury.
Built using 14 Gauge tubular steel and professional pneumatics (bimba cylinder, SMC valve and fittings). Kit includes everything needed to operate and control and ships ready to run* out of the box. Also includes a "stopper" brace to prevent un-desired strain on the cylinder.
Bucky torso not included, but available.
Approximate Size 20" x 10" x 6"
Price $360.00 Add a full skeleton to complete the combo
Price $480.00
DC Torso Erector w/ Arm Extension
The DC torso erector with arm extensions is the same mechanism as the Torso Erector, but with an additional armature added to lift the arms from a resting position on the sides of the rib cage, to an outstretched reach in upwards (triggered) position.
Due to the fragile nature of the "Bucky" skeletons, DC advises that the skeleton (specifically the arms) be corpsed using latex and cheese cloth to adhere to the arm bars. Corpsing will greatly improve the strength and life span of the skeleton.
Arms are adjustable at the elbows.
Built using 14 Gauge tubular steel and professional pneumatics (bimba cylinder, SMC valve and fittings). Kit includes everything needed to operate and control and ships ready to run* out of the box. Also includes a "stopper" brace to prevent un-desired strain on the cylinder.
Approximate Size 20" x 16" x 8"
Price $420.00 Add a full skeleton to complete the combo
Price $540.00
DC Barrel Lifter
The Barrel lifter is a modified lifter similar to our trash can and wall
mount lifters, but designed for use in a standard 55 gallon steel drum.
The lifter utilizes the barrels strength as its main mounting surface
and utilizes this support to minimize room within the barrel, in turn
allowing larger props to fit within the tight space. Best of all it can
be used (and was designed specifically for) use under water.
The lifter includes two welded mounting brackets that connect into the
barrels wall and approximately 40' of tubing to route the valve far away
from the barrel. This setup includes a 24V valve setup with 110V transformer,
to minimize any risk of shock if used in conjunction with water. However
the wall mount transformer must be placed away from and mounted securely
to a wall, away from areas that may come in contact with water.
Lifter provides 24" of vertical movement measured from the top of
the mounting platform (designed to completely submerge a full bucky torso).
Built using 14 Gauge tubular steel and professional pneumatics (bimba
cylinder, SMC valve and fittings). Kit includes everything needed to operate
and control and ships ready to run* out of the box.
Size 24" x 16" x 6"
Price $380.00
DC Mini Air Cannon
Similar to other manufacturers cannons, but at a fraction of the price,
the DC air cannon delivers a huge blast of air that is guaranteed to startle.
To use this mechanism, simply mount the bracket to a stable wall, apply
power to the valve, attach an air source (ie your air compressor line,
not included), allow the tank to fill (60-80PSI recommended), push the
trigger button and BANG!!!!!!!!
Out fires one gallon of compressed air in less then a half second.
The DC Cannon also has the option of being fully automated with a pre-programmed
micro controller using an infrared sensor to start a 1 second on, 30 second
off sequence. For this automated version, choose "Automated Air Cannon"
button below. Automated version replaces the hand held trigger with a
sensor, but a hand held trigger is available upon request for an additional
charge.
Automation should only be used when small children ARE
NOT going to be present.
No mandatory re-fill is required between firing
with this version.
ONLY FIRE CANNON TOWARDS VIEWERS FEET.
Constructed using only professional parts, the cannon includes a 1/2 gallon
air tank with welded mounting brackets, High flow dump valve, resonator,
hand held trigger and 24v electrical connections.
Price $280.00
Price $370.00
DC Air Cannon
Similar to other manufacturers cannons, but at a fraction of the price,
the DC air cannon delivers a huge blast of air that is guaranteed to startle.
To use this mechanism, simply mount the cannon to a stable surface, apply
power to the valve, attach an air source (not included), allow the tank
to fill (60-80PSI recommended), push the trigger button and BANG!!!!!!!!
Out fires gallons of compressed air in less then two seconds.
The DC Cannon also has the option of being fully automated with a pre-programmed
micro controller using an infrared sensor to start a 2 second on, 2 minute
off sequence. For this automated version, choose "Automated Air Cannon"
button below. Automated version replaces the hand held trigger with a
sensor, but a hand held trigger is available upon request for an additional
charge.
Two minute re-fill is mandatory between firing. Automation should only
be used when small children ARE NOT going
to be present.
ONLY FIRE CANNON TOWARDS VIEWERS FEET.
Constructed using only professional parts, the cannon includes a 7 gallon
air tank with welded mounting brackets, High flow dump valve, resonator,
hand held trigger and 24v electrical connections.
Price $350.00
Automated Air Cannon Setup
Price $440.00
DC Trash Can Lifter
The DC Trash can lifter is similar to our medium duty lifter, but designed
to fit into standard sized trash cans.
The base is designed to fit in between the formed base of the trash can,
while maximizing floor space for stability and mounting options. The lifter
bars fit within in the circumference of the trash can throughout all movement
while the base removes all strain from the walls of the trash can.
The tight confinements of a trash can were used during design of this
mechanism, and the lifter will provide the most usable space of any mechanism
on the market (or design out there).
DC recommends mounting the lifter through the can into the ground, but
if that is not an option, adding weights to the platform base will also
keep the mechanism in place.
Built using 14 Gauge tubular steel and professional pneumatics (bimba
cylinder, SMC valve and fittings). Kit includes everything needed to operate
and control and ships ready to run* out of the box.
Size 22" x 10" x 12"
Price $380.00
DC Spitter Mechanism
The DC Spitter mechanism is the mechanical device that allows for a animatronic
to spray water at viewers when triggered.
Simply run mechanism upwards through the props body, place nozzle into
the mouth, and submerge the feeder tube (purple) into water (1-5 gallon
recommended, but works great in a barrel prop where the reservoir is part
of the prop).
When triggered, water will siphon from reservoir, and a fine mist of water
will shoot between 6-12' out of the mechanism tip.
Kit includes 24V valve, back flow prevention valve, 10' tubing, and feeder
system.
(Skull not included)
Price $140.00
DC Vertical Mover
The DC Vertical Mover was designed for use in areas that only straight up and down movement can be applied (ie. no 4 bar lifter mechanisms).
The DC vertical mover is a vertical slide platform that provides 14"
of vertical movement, while removing all side to side movement and stress
that is placed on a cylinder rod during movement. The mechanism houses
a 14" cylinder between two solid steel guides that provide an extremely
smooth movement with a very strong and stable mounting surface(the
travel on this mechanism can be customized up to 48" per clients
request for an additional charge).
Commonly used inside wine barrels, or to lift partial coffins vertically.
Built using 14 Gauge tubular steel and professional pneumatics (bimba
cylinder, SMC valve and fittings). Kit includes everything needed to operate
and control and ships ready to run* out of the box.
Size 32" x 4" x 8"
Price $400.00
DC Prop Builders Handbook (Volume 1)
The DC Prop Builders Handbook is 135 pages of highly detailed prop building instructions, including tons of pictures and diagrams to aid you in the construction of 22 of our prop designs. The designs included in this book are: The Skeletal Organist, Pipe Organ, Stump Jumper, Rocking Chair, two Coffins, Ghost Heads, Pneumatic lifter, Pneumatic Extender, and many more. The book also has a section on basic pneumatics to guide you on your way to create your own (pneumatically driven) Devious Concoctions.
Price $35.00
DC Prop Builders Handbook (Volume 2)
The Second DC Prop Builders Handbook is the newset addition to the DC Prop Builders Handbook series featuring 137 pages of extremly descriptive instructions to create yet another 10 of our unique designs. These designs include the following: Heavy Duty Lifter, Pneumatic Extender (scissor lift/extender), Drop Panels, Un-Dead Coffin (and erector mechanism), Thrashing Corpse, Thrashing Doors, The Mourner, Lightning Window, Air Cannons, & Pneumatic Web Shooter
The second edition was been in the makings for almost two years, so no expense has been spared in detailing every step, as well as the addition of a multitude of diagrams for every drilling pattern and questionable construction step. The second book also has far more pictures added (average of 2 per page) with much higher resolution prints. So the building process should be easy to follow even though the props are slightly more difficult.
The book also has an in depth introduction to computer control and pneumatics, so not only will you have the instructions to build the prop, but the knowledge of it's internal workings and a means of control.
Price $35.00
DC 2001/2002 Haunts (DVD)
2001 is DC's earliest edited haunt footage. Great for showing how
DC has progressed over the past 5 years.
The 2002 DC Haunt video includes 32 minutes of night, infrared, daylight,
behind the scenes, and individual mechanic shots that are not only entertaining,
but informative.
The DC videos are a great compellation to both of the DC Prop Builders
Handbooks, as well as imagery for inspiration.
Both videos are on one high quality DVD, and are great for a mid year
halloween fix.
Price $32.00
DC 2003/2004 Haunts (DVD)
The 2003 DC Haunt video includes 40 minutes of night, infrared,
daylight, behind the scenes, and individual mechanic shots that are once
again not only entertaining, but informative.
2004 Features 30 minutes of all of our newest concoctions.
The DC videos are a great compellation to both of the DC Prop Builders
Handbooks, as well as imagery for inspiration.
Both videos are on one high quality DVD, and are great for a mid year
halloween fix.
Price $32.00
DC 2005 Haunt Video (DVD)
The 2005 video features 25 minutes of all
of our newest concoctions.
The video is professionally edited and includes haunt footage, haunt footage
with actual audio and behind the scenes shots of the cemetery and individual
props. The video is composed on one high quality DVD, and are great for
a mid year halloween fix.
Price $18.00
DC Ankle Tickler
The DC ankle tickler features 6 14" silicon whips that erraticaly
whip around your viewers feet.
Controlled via hand held trigger or with contained controller (controller
and infrared sensor setup will turn on for 30 seconds each time the sensor
is triggered, then turn off for 1 minute).
To opperate, simple secure mechanism behind or on wall (you will need
to drill 6 3/8" holes thru wall if mechanism is located behind wall),
apply pressure to main inlet (runs off 40-120 PSI) and plug in power supply.
The PIR that is connected to the controller will need to be located within
12' of the controller.
Kit includes 24V valve, 6' supply hose, 6 14" whips, controller with
12' corded sensor and supply hose.
w/ Manual Trigger
Price $200.00
w/ Automated Controller
Price $290.00