The Magic of Automation & Animation
Learn old tricks to bring NEW TWISTS to excite your audience .... have you ever seen magicians fly silk handkerchiefs across the stage? Or inanimate objects and props collapse in accordance with perfectly accurate timing to create surprise and laughter?
Let’s look a few incredible acts:
Back in the 1980s, Collector's Workshop, a well-known developer of premium magic apparatus, created the "Jumbo Side Kick" – one of the greatest ever comedy effects. Originally it was designed by Rich Bloch and Nick Ruggiero; with exclusive permission from George J. Cook. It was a highly impressive effect, supported by accurate mechanics and surprisingly reliable electronics. It literally laid the audience in the aisles ....
To watch this 30 year old historic demo – click here.
All those decades ago, it was a supreme challenge to provide a sequence of 4 different effects, while still assuring the magicians could be absolutely confident that everything will happen “on time”. The development team didn't leave anything to chance.
Today, in the 21st Century, electronic components are so much more reliable and readily available to the public. With a touch of your own creativity and the will to build by yourself, you can easily empower your show with fantastic effects for surprise and humor.
We invite you to join the flourishing global “MAKERS” trend and enrich your performances with dramatic visual effects.
But before we dig into this treasure trove, we must post a disclaimer:
If you’re the type of person who needs to be 100% sure that your electronically controlled equipment will work when it's needed, we strongly suggest that you contact only the professionals and/or buy only highly reliable magic products. But if you feel sufficiently confident and more flexible, able to allow for some percentage of uncertainty - you can produce great things all on your own, enjoying both the process and the results.
Before we get into the “nitty-gritty” of components, sources and methodology, let’s look at a few more famous samples:
Hector Mancha from Spain, an FISM Grand Prix winner, ends his manipulation act by having all the dollar bills he has collected out of the thin air, fly up to the sky (or to the ceiling of the theater hall) using very simple components.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62hPG_umGCU
Mario The Maker Magician, animates robotic figures, using electric motors and simple electronics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsTzQt-fif4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekrr-oA5TQA
The object of this GUIDE is to motivate YOU to learn how to utilize simple available components and thus enhance your magic shows with automation and animation effects, in a few easy steps:
Flesh out your idea:
- Define the effect you want to create
- List the components you need
- Make a rough sketch of the whole assembly
- Build a prototype and try it out
- Correct as needed and improve the design
Now, here’s a list of the components that you’ll need to find:
Electric motors:
There are many motors in the market with different power (voltage) and different RPM (rounds per minute). The motor’s power must suit your power supply and the RPM should suit the functionality. For example :
6 volt DC motor 300 RPM (will turn fast)
OR
12 volt DC motor 50 RPM (will turn slowly)
Solenoids:
A solenoid is a linear arm that enables you to push or pull a small pin.
Here too, you must use the same voltage as your power system (e.g. 220 or 110 volts).
For examples, google this : 6V solenoid OR 12V solenoid
Led lights
You can use LED lights or LED strips or LED buttons.
As above, they must be of the same voltage as your power system
Batteries
The best battery to use is a LIPO battery. You need to choose the same capacity as required by your system.
Remote controls:
The most common rf receiver is the 12V 4 channels relay kit – you can just Google it.
We have gathered a lot of information for you about different characteristics of components, reasonably priced dealers and more. As we frequently update this list, we are not posting it here.
If you need further assistance with your own project, don't hesitate to contact Yanit at Cobramagicint@gmail.com
A few more example videos
How to Make a Mini Robot bug - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcBeDbs8n9k
