The Screening Room

The Halloween Video Library

A curated, searchable archive of the dark craft — DIY props and animatronics, home-haunt walkthroughs, makeup, lighting, fog, and effects. Every film embedded from its creator, organized so you can actually find what you need.

Solid State Versus Relay Outputs on Prop Controllers

This FrightProps tutorial breaks down the two main output types found on Halloween prop controllers — solid state and relay — explaining how each functions at a practical level. The video highlights the key differences, strengths, and limitations of both switching technologies to help haunters make informed decisions when selecting or wiring controllers. At roughly eleven minutes, it serves as a focused reference for anyone building or troubleshooting prop control systems.

FrightProps· 655 views

Controlling a Fog Machine with a Prop Controller or Relay

10:09

Fog & Chiller EffectsIntermediate

Controlling a Fog Machine with a Prop Controller or Relay

This FrightProps tutorial demonstrates how to automate an inexpensive fog machine by intercepting its wired manual remote and routing control through a relay or solid-state output on a prop controller. The technique — often called 'hacking the remote' — is presented as a practical workaround for fog machines that lack DMX capability. Both haunt-focused controllers like the PicoBoo and escape-room controllers like the EscapeKeeper are shown as compatible options. The result is timed or sensor-triggered fog activation without needing a premium DMX-enabled fog machine.

FrightProps· 27,416 views

Controlling a Linear Actuator for an Escape Room Puzzle

6:59

Arduino & ControllersIntermediate

Controlling a Linear Actuator for an Escape Room Puzzle

This FrightProps tutorial demonstrates how to wire and program an EscapeKeeper controller to drive a linear actuator for an escape room puzzle. The actuator extends when an object is placed on a trigger point and retracts automatically when the object is removed. The video walks through the relay wiring needed to achieve bidirectional actuator control from the EscapeKeeper's outputs.

FrightProps· 2,974 views