[SML] Sequential triggering of solenoids with one input

[Stuart Wheaton]

You can do it with two dimmers for firing and alternating between them, 
using DPDT switches on the knives.  By alternating two circuits and 
using a double pole switch, you break the cascade that your initial idea 
was prone to.   I can sketch this out for you after work and send it if 
you need it.

Stuart

On 7/1/2025 5:07 AM, Jerry Durand via Stagecraft wrote:
> 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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>
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