For 2018, we took our E3 controller and updated the interface to a full color LCD display. The E3 has proven itself to be a flexible and reliable workhorse controller performing in haunts, amusement parks and museums around the world. Now with the updated user interface it is easier to use than ever.
What type of application
is the E3 designed for?
Perhaps you want something
to pop out of a crate then fire an air cannon while a light flashes, and
you want sound- good CD quality sound, Oh! And make it loud! That is a perfect
example of the niche the E3 fills.
Inputs & Outputs
For starters, there is 1
trigger input and 3 relay outputs. Each relay can switch up to 3 amps of current. Control lights, solenoid valves attached to air bags or pneumatic cylinders, relays- anything you can turn on and off with a switch can be automated with the E3.
The normally open and normally closed side of every relay is available on the
output connector. The trigger input will work with a variety of switches, sensors
or contact closures.
Programming
The E3 is programmed using
4 buttons. A full color LCD display guides you through the process. Pressing the buttons
allows you to create your show in real-time and see it live while it happens.
Through the built in menus
you can choose to create up to 9 different shows -each of these shows can have
a unique sound track. You can enable a 10th ambient show that will loop continuously
between triggers, and yes, the ambient can have a sound track too. There are
pre and post show delays available for every show. You can also
choose a normally open, or normally closed trigger input.
Sound
The E3 can hold nearly 10
minutes of high quality MP3 sounds files. Although capable of
playing WAV files, we recommend using MP3s to maximize storage capacity.
This sound is then played through the internal 40 Watt mono amplifier. There
is also a stereo line out jack if you want to add an external amp or if you
want access to both left and right channels. An assortment of sound effects
are preloaded on the E3 when it ships, so you can hook up a power supply and
literally use it right of the box. A standard USB jack is provided on the front
of the controller to download your own sound files. Alternately, we can ship you the E3 preloaded with your sound files. Select the "Preloaded With Your Audio" option at checkout. We will contact you via email regarding the sound files
Hardware
HauntBots builds the most
rugged controllers available. Our extruded aluminum enclosure is literally strong
enough to drive a car over. And, the entire circuit board is protected inside
that enclosure. The only things that stick out of the enclosure are buttons
and connectors. Speaking of connectors, the E3 uses the same plug in style connectors
as our other HauntBots products. In the unlikely event of a failure, just pull
the plugs and drop in a replacement.
Software
The USB port that is used
for downloading your own sound files can also be used to read/write show files
between an E3 and a computer or to update the firmware. For prop manufacturers, this means creating the
show once and then just downloading it to subsequent props.
