[SML] Sequential triggering of solenoids with one input

[Jerry Durand]

ratchet mechanism if you want old school.  Each time the solenoid is 
powered it pulls a pawl and advances a rotary switch 1 position.  You 
could also use a car door lock mechanism in place of the solenoid, if 
you wish.


On 01-Jul-25 8:37, Joe via Stagecraft wrote:
> I am designing a simulated knife throwing effect. The kind that would 
> be used in Pajama Game.  But, I am attempting to do it with a target 
> that would not be able to hide someone behind it, to trigger the 
> knives. So, I will be using solenoids to release each knife. Rather 
> than eat up a dimmer channel for each knife, I am hoping to use just 
> one DMX dimmer channel to trigger them.
>
> At first, I figured I would put a snap-switch on each knife, which 
> would close as soon as that knife were released. That switch would 
> then permit the next knife to be connected electrically to my DMX 
> dimmer channel. However, I soon realize that this would only work as 
> long as I carefully control the length of time that the power is 
> applied. Otherwise, all the knives would be released in rapid 
> succession.  I realize that the knife will not instantly be released, 
> because it will take short time for the knife to actually travel far 
> enough to activate the switch. But, perhaps there is a more robust way 
> to do this.
>
> I know it it is possible to do it with something like an Arduino, but 
> I am also trying to avoid the more complex electronics.  I figure 
> there must be a way to do it with just relays... but I can't figure it 
> out.
>
> The next approach I thought of is to use a "Selector Switch".   These 
> are commonly used on electric guitars, to select among multiple 
> pickups. There are even ones with the 6 positions that I need.
>
> I also recall that there are (Used to be?) motorized selector switches 
> in industry that would advance to the next contact for each time the 
> motor was energized. Though, I imagine modern electronics have 
> replaced those devices.
>
> I guess I could create a clock type of mechanism that would be 
> activated by a solenoid to push the guitar selector knob. But, of 
> course, I am hoping for a simpler solution that doesn't require as 
> much finesse to create.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> -Joe
>
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