Couch rumbler, THX Effects How do I make one? Huge Vibrator

[stevef22]

I want some big THX Effects in my couch. like a jumping or vibrating couch!
Where can I find these units? Or better yet build a vibrating box myself....



Any links or info is much appreciated!

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

Not this type of couch jumping. : )

 

[MarkRehorst]

A pager/phone vibrator is just a motor spinning an unbalanced weight. It shouldn't be too hard to scale it up... use a big motor and a big weight.

I_F

 

[wboyd]

You can take a look at these....http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=299-028&CFID=8729264&CFTOKEN=51593943

Or...if that is beyond your budget...they are pretty simple to build...You can do as I_F stated or look for an old (cheap) bass driver and use it. I have seen this done on a couple DIY HT sites....a little research and you are on your way!!!

 

[stevef22]

Thanks for the links, How would I make my own giant vibrating motor? I looked on youtube and found how to cell phone vibrating motors work. Basically a mother with a uneven weight video.
How would I make a giant one from household appliances? I have a spare blower that I could take apart.

 

[MJL21193]

You would need a VERY sophisticated motor controller.

 

[wboyd]

Are you looking to shake people off your sofa....or just want them to "Feel the Bass"?

Ok....one more little hint for ya....Google "DIY Tactile Transducer" and I promise you that you will find all the info that you need.

Have fun,

Wayne

 

[MarkRehorst]

Thanks for the links, How would I make my own giant vibrating motor? I looked on youtube and found how to cell phone vibrating motors work. Basically a mother with a uneven weight video.
How would I make a giant one from household appliances? I have a spare blower that I could take apart.

Get a motor. Bolt a weight to it. Done. The very sophisticated controller required can be as simple as a switch or as complex as you want to make it.

I_F

 

[MJL21193]

I have a spare blower that I could take apart.

Blower from a furnace? An induction motor? Induction motors, on single phase power, run at a fixed RPM - either 1725 or 3450. They are made to run economically for long periods of time. They are NOT economical to start, where they can draw 14 times their run current, this is the purpose of the big start capacitor attached (usually) to the side. Controlling such a motors speed means switching it off and on for short durations. This means that it will rarely reach it's full rotational speed (where current draw falls off significantly). That's what I mean when I say sophisticated - you're dealing with a lot of current (totally wasted).
For such a contraction, use an easily controlled universal motor (variable speed drill motor or similar). Something with brushes.

 

[ecir38]

Do a search for diy transducer. Here are a clouple links

http://www.sdinfo.com/volume_4_2/tactile.html
http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17062&pid=197947&st=0&

I use a buttkicker. One is more than enough to shake a couch.
http://www.thebuttkicker.com/

 

[Pano]

I don't know why you just wouldn't buy the bass shakers at Parts Express. They're less than $40 each. And made to do what you want to do.

 

[dangus]

I've considered using a low-inertia servo motor... put a reasonable weight on the shaft and it should shake a couch nicely. Low-inertia servomotors aren't all that cheap, though, unless you happen to find some at a local surplus dealer. And since they tend to have voice-coil resistances down around 1 ohm, you may need to use a transformer to drive 'em, or put a few ohms in series.

 

[wboyd]

panomaniac makes a lot of sense....buy something like the "Bass Shakers"....or potentially spend twice as much (time and money) working on something that may (or may not) **** off the guest sitting next to you on your sofa.

I have this feeling that using one of those low inertia motors is going to be like those old hotel room beds - you know the ones that I mean....stick a quarter in and get ready for a shake.....more annoying than enjoyable....

An easier solution might be to just mount a really cheap old bass driver directly under the sofa frame....or even a solinoid.

Just my .02

 

[Cal Weldon]

I don't know why you just wouldn't buy the bass shakers at Parts Express. They're less than $40 each. And made to do what you want to do.

Agreed.

An easier solution might be to just mount a really cheap old bass driver directly under the sofa frame

That's how we used to do it.