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In the past weeks, several large haunts and Halloween events across the country have announced the cancellation of their 2020 events. In this episode, we delve into why these large shows are canceling now, when to expect similar announcements from medium and small shows, and how to keep the Halloween spirit alive even if we cannot have a normal year.    

Happy holidays everyone, a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Terrifying Krampusnacht to you all! In this episode, we discuss our 2018 season, my haunted wedding, the Legendary Haunt Tour, and a quick tech and tool oriented holiday shopping guide for haunters!    http://www.audibletrial.com/HauntTechTips - Scream by Margee Kerr Haunt audio digital downloads - www.GraveGear.com www.FatherEvil.com www.ShewolfDanaKainAndTheMightyIncisors.BandCamp.com www.Ifixit.com coupon code FIXMAS12 for $12 off Dewalt Drill Driver Kit - https://amzn.to/2UYPNWa Ryobi Hot Glue Gun - https://tinyurl.com/y7h96fbw Hot Wire Foam Factory 3 in 1 kit - https://amzn.to/2ByNbpn Anker Bolden LC40 Rechargeable LED Torch - https://amzn.to/2ByC5QY Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer v2 - https://amzn.to/2EFELAf DJI Osmo Pocket - https://amzn.to/2QHhTGZ Gopro Hero  7 Black - https://amzn.to/2LrNW84 64GB Samsung U3 Micro SD Card - https://amzn.to/2EIM8a4 Come see us at Hauntcon, register with this link for 10% off! https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=819&site=HC&Promo=GAY

If your haunt isn't online, can't be found by a quick web search, has no Facebook presence, and can't be found on Google Maps, it essentially doesn't exist. This is a quick "emergency" podcast for any haunters who need to get their haunt online today, for $30 or less! Step 1 - Create a Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/business/products/pages Step 2 - Create a haunt e-mail and .com web address: https://gsuite.google.com/ Step 3 - Build a free website: https://sites.google.com or https://www.wix.com/ Step 4 - Link it all together, and forward your .com to your new website There are multiple platforms for all of these processes, these are just a few I have had great success with.

Here we are, in the thick of build season for most, and opening week(s) for some! Our haunt is coming along well, but we have been a little sidetracked by a surprise massive renovation and some rainy late summer weather.  In this episode, we discuss our new camera rig: https://youtu.be/Arg-PuINLW0 The Fright Ideas Escape Room Password Controller: https://youtu.be/xLRmgQYdhNg The Fright Ideas PicBoo MP3: https://www.frightprops.com/picoboo-mp3.html Frightprops Air Accumulator: https://www.frightprops.com/air-accumulator-5-gallon.html 100 Days to Terror Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn96JmWaHvcToGMxg-W7uli90gHAZn9l8 For the Aura LED Giveaway, like our facebook page, once we hit 100 likes we will pick one lucky winner! https://www.facebook.com/HauntTechTips

LED strip lights are a great low voltage, low current, flexible, and easily installed option for effect, scene, and prop lighting. Strips range from a few inches to 30 foot +, indoor only to waterproof, and different manufacturers offer kits with various voltages and pattern options.  Recently many custom options have also become affordable and available, including aftermarket connectors to link, split, and even DMX control these light strips. We have recently reviewed a few kits on our Youtube channel as well: Sunjoyco Waterproof 16' LED Strip https://youtu.be/sc14YktZVqA Binzet 32.8' LED Strip https://youtu.be/2elb-Mdpq6E Aura USB Powered LED Tape (Walmart version) https://youtu.be/OwkrAoKxFmk   

This episode is a recap with highlights and show floor interviews from the Halloween Show & National Haunters Convention Boardwalk Empire.  Topics discussed include: http://halloweenshow.com https://www.easternstate.org/halloween http://www.fatherevil.com https://www.audiozombiesound.com http://darkforest.com

DMX, aka Digital multiplex, is a very powerful control system for stage lighting and effects. With the Mobile DJ industry embracing this technology, it is now in reach of home and pro haunters both financially, and in scaled-down applications perfect for single scenes or small home haunts. In this episode, we explain what DMX is, how it works, and how it can add infinite flexibility and capabilities to your show. 

This episode is an awareness level primer on the basics of fire alarm systems, suppression systems, their components, and how not to be ripped off by your alarm company. This is critical to take into consideration while looking for commercial venues. While the majority of this is tailored toward pro haunters, the key takeaways for home haunters are to include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your venue if possible, CO detectors only last 5-7 years, and smoke detectors need to be replaced after 10 years. 

This Episode was recorded at the Haunted Attraction Associations TransWorld show. For those new to the industry, this is the BIG show of the year for haunt owners and operators. TransWorld is hosted at the Americas Center in St. Louis and is host to nearly 300 vendors catering to the haunted attraction, escape room, and themed entertainment industries.    We spoke with a few vendors of interest, and highlight a few others.   Clue Control - Wireless control and automation for your Escape Room http://www.cluecontrol.com Haunting FX - Triggers, mechanisms, and animatronics http://www.hauntingfx.com LifeApe - Low-cost controllers with simple programming https://www.lifeape.com Fear App - Custom augmented reality experience https://fear-app.com Fright props - Prop motors with park positions and Picboo AC 120V controller https://www.frightprops.com/ Dangerously Creative - Controllable lanterns and led flashlights http://dangerouslycreative.co CFX - Torque VR experience, top-notch silicone masks https://www.compositeeffects.com/ Haunted Attraction Association C.H.A.O.S. - Certified haunted attraction operator safety program https://hauntedattractionassociation.com/events/chaos-safety-program/

Fiverr is an awesome web service that safely and securely connects creators with business owners who require graphics design, video, voiceover, editing, web authoring, writing, and other creative work. Jobs start at a low price of $5 and go up depending on complexity and quality.  Check out our demo reel of logos, intro videos, and promo videos we had created all on Fiverr. Everything in the reel collectively cost well less than $100. Fiverr Demo Reel Try Fiverr today and support us by using our referral link: https://www.fiverr.com/s2/30f8310019 

Uninterruptible power supplies are normally seen in server rooms and for mission-critical government and public safety equipment. They also have several uses in keeping your haunted attraction up and running with 0 downtime in the event of a quick power failure or brownout. They will only run a limited amount of electronics for a limited time but can keep your registers, credit card machines, security cameras, media players, phones, and controllers up and running in the event of a power interruption. Here is a video review of a 600VA consumer grade model we have used with success in the past: https://youtu.be/UfZQ018JzAM  

Taxes might just be one of the scariest parts of the haunted attraction business. In this episode we give you some insight how using phone apps that track expenses and income throughout the year can make filing your personal and business taxes a breeze.  Don't miss out on all the mileage, material, and marketing expenses you could be deducting! We use Quickbooks Self Employed, although there are various other versions out there for different business arrangements.  https://quickbooks.intuit.com/oa/selfemployed

Cat5 twisted pair cable is typically used for computer networking. What most people don't know is that it also has countless applications for audio, video, security cameras, sensors, triggers, controllers and more.  Best of all, compared to most other types of cables haunters use, Cat5 is cheaper when bought in bulk! In this episode, we review various uses and applications for Cat5 wire and how they can benefit your haunt. Cat5 EZ Tool with EZ RJ45 ends mentioned in the podcast: http://a.co/cvbZZeL Cat5 100% Solid Copper Wire: http://a.co/f1qf2dS Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show: http://www.haashow.com National Haunters Convention: http://www.halloweenshow.com    

Audio is paramount to immersing your guests into the scenes in your haunt. Low-quality audio on the other hand, with clipping, underpowered, static-filled, or blown speakers, is all too common among haunts. In this episode, we review different types of audio systems and the appropriate applications for them.  Let us know if you need help with audio for your haunt! Products mentioned in this episode Bluetooth Speaker https://www.amazon.com/Anker-SoundCore-Bluetooth-Dual-Driver-Distortion/dp/B016XTADG2/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1517590407&sr=1-4&keywords=bluetooth+speaker Battery Powered Jobsite Speaker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l59gU9XxSp4 2.1 PC Speakers https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Speaker-System-Z323-Subwoofer/dp/B002FU5QM0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1517589263&sr=8-7&keywords=logitech+2.1 Amplified DJ Speaker With USB and Bluetooth https://www.amazon.com/ADJ-Products-ELS15-BT-SPEAKER/dp/B00HN3BSEO/ref=sr_1_20?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1517589891&sr=1-20&keywords=amplified+dj+speakers+usb ButtKicker Transducer https://thebuttkicker.com/commercial-installations/ Distributed Audio Amplifier https://www.russound.com/products/audio-systems/multi-room-controllers/mca-series-controllers/mca-88-8-source-8-zone-controller-amplifier 70 Volt Amplifier https://www.qsc.com/systems/products/power-amplifiers/commercial-amplifiers-dataport/cx-series-2-ch/cx302v/

Teespring is a surprisingly easy and free way to set up an online store for your merchandise. The service hosts your store, handles sales transactions, creates, and ships the product for you. All you have to do is upload your designs, advertise, and collect your payment. www.TeeSpring.com Check out our storefront: https://teespring.com/stores/haunttechtips

Youtube is in the news because they just changed how video creators are paid. For haunters though, this is truly irrelevant as the true value in Youtube lies in the free video hosting platform with a MASSIVE built-in audience. The challenge is that playing by the rules and learning how to be found have never before been more important. In this episode, we cover how Youtube and monetization work, the basics of Youtube SEO, copyright and community standards, and the value of free video hosting. Youtube Haunters United Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2094169324193227/ Haunt Tech Tips Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC99QGVqV9FsanSto_FLOPnw Haunt Tech Tips Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HauntTechTips 

With full HD Various types of video projectors are used for entertaining patrons, storytelling, special effects, decoration, and even simple movie nights at your haunted attraction. In this episode, we discuss the merits and drawbacks of various types of projectors and point out a couple problems that can be overcome while using projectors. For Haunters on a tight budget, this economy 1500 lumen standard definition LED projector will outshine any store-bought digital decoration kit machine. https://goo.gl/YNkJPS 

Welcome to the inaugural post of Haunt Tech Tips. We have a lot planned, covering everything from prop controllers to projectors, and audio to animatronics. Our goal for creating this blog and podcast is to help haunters, be they home or pro, to take their shows to the next level without breaking the bank. This is the story of how I became a haunter. Please let us know how you joined the industry, or if you need help doing so.