Motorized Séance Table

NEU: Theatre Department, The Blithe Spirit, Special Effects
Spring 2019

*Photo Credit to the NEU Theatre Department

Problem

The NEU Theatre Department needed a motorized séance table for a production of The Blithe Spirit. I had a strict deadline of 3 weeks and a budget of $125.

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Action

• Calculated the motor torque required to lift the tabletop 2-3 times a second

• Sourced a suitable DC motor and an AC power supply, keeping the budget in mind

• Troubleshot the AC power supply, ultimately replacing it with a variable power supply

• Created an Arduino-based control circuit to give the actors hands-free operation

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Results

The final cost came in at $88, well under budget. The séance table was quiet enough that the audience couldn't hear it during performances. The actors were able to operate it without any issues. 

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Skills Demonstrated

• Managing a strict budget

• Sourcing materials

• Motor selection