Props that react
A motion sensor sees someone coming. A skull’s eyes light up, a coffin lid rattles and the fog machine starts, each on its own board, all on the same cue.
PropMesh
Small radio boards hidden in your props talk to each other, so a sensor at the gate can set off a skeleton by the porch. No wires across the lawn, and no internet needed.
What you can build
Section titled “What you can build”Lights that set the mood
LED strips with a flickering fire effect, dimmable lanterns and inexpensive Bluetooth flood lights, all run from the same show.
A show that runs itself
Set it to come on at dusk and go quiet at bedtime. There is a STOP ALL button for when you need everything off right now.
No wires between props
Boards pass messages along to each other, so a prop in the far corner of the yard works even where your WiFi doesn’t reach.
What you need
Section titled “What you need”- ESP32 boards, about $5 to $10 each. Which one?
- A computer with Chrome or Edge for setup. Everything happens in a web page, so there is nothing to install.
- Whatever your props already use: servos, LED strips, relays, motion sensors.
You don’t need to solder to get started, and you don’t need to write any code.
Where to next
Section titled “Where to next”Try it with no hardwareOpen the console with a pretend yard of boards and click around.
Install the firmwarePlug in a board and press one button.
Choose a boardThe boards PropMesh runs on, side by side.
Build a showSequences, triggers, schedules and the yard map.
PropMesh is free and open source, for the home haunt and holiday display community. It is in beta, so leave yourself time to test. If something goes wrong or a page here is unclear, open an issue or come help.