Halloween FCG motor (Prop, Animated, Flying Crank Ghost)

Halloween FCG motor (Prop, Animated, Flying Crank Ghost)

This action is for a cheap FCG motor and optional partial frame (shipping may depend on size of frame – see details below).

This is a gear motor bought as surplus. Specifications are as follows:

Merkl Korff compact gear motor
115v AC (household current)
6 RPM
0.8 amps
Shaft is 5/16" x 1" w/pin hole
3" x 3" x 5" size
Parallel shaft gear motor
Not sure of the torque

The motor has 4 female mounting threads underneath the unit, around the shaft. They are standard thread screws you can buy at the hardware store.

There is a hole through the shaft for a pin or screw if needed. For a FCG, you will need to extend the shaft in some manner.

I created a cheap FCG using the same motor with ½ inch (diameter) CPVC pipe extending through a 2x4 piece of wood. It was able to drive a light weight ghost all night long.

Included in this action is the motor, a house hold extension cord soldered to the motor for power, and the motor mounted on a 2x4 piece of wood (you choose he length – up to 2 feet) as shown in the picture. The 2x4 makes for an increased cost in shipping (see options below). If so desired, I can cut down the 2x4 into a shorter size or remove it all together. Having a section of the 2x4 might be good for use as a template for your own mounting.

I have some pictures from a website “How To” page that no longer exists. The pictures are small, old, and have no instructions, but might give you enough information to build your own FCG frame (see picture link below). Basically, the main section of the frame is the 2x4 and the “wings” at the end of the main section simply consists of a 1x2 piece of wood 40 inches long screwed into the end of the 2x4. This creates a “T” shaped frame. All that is needed is to put eye hooks and (optional pulleys) at each of the 3 ends.

The pictures also tries to demonstrate how to use ½ inch (diameter) CPVC and washers to build the crank shaft and the tip of the shaft. Note, the end of the CPVC (right angle) was not glued onto the shaft until after the motor was mounted with the shaft extended through the 2x4.

Shipping Options

1. Motor only with extension cord (shipping as indicated in auction)
2. Motor mounted on 2x4, 8 inches long (gives you an example for mounting) (shipping as indicated in auction)
3. Motor mounted on 2x4, 2 feet long – 6.0 lbs (postage is different than listed in auction – calculate based on box size 30 x 24 x 12, USPS Parcel Post shipping from 46033)

Pictures can be seen at the following link below. Check back for more recent/better pictures later.
http://jseiler.smugmug.com/gallery/5822549_rGiud#360945771_2rGWL

The original FCG DIY can be found at the following link.
http://www.phantasmechanics.com/fcghost1.html

To the purchaser,

Enclosed is the FCG motor attached to a section of the 2x4. The long end of the 2x4 was cut in half, about 12 inches to allow it to be shipped. Both pieces are included in the shipment. Also included are : 1 screw in eye hook with pulley. 2 bolt eye hooks, 1 crank shaft.

If you don’t want to do a lot of work, I suggest using the motor as mounted and buy another piece of 2x4 that you overlap onto the existing 2x4, possibly bolting the two pieces to together or using wood glue (or liquid nails) and wood screws to attach the two pieces so that they are secure. I suppose you could try and reattach the 2 cut pieces of the 2x4 using some overlapping pieces, maybe left over 1x2 pieces that you will need to buy anyway (see next).

You will need to purchase the 40 inch 1x2 to create the “wings”. Attach to the long end of the 2x4 using at least two screws (so it won’t pivot). Enclosed eye hooks should extended through the 1x2 on each end and secured. The eye hook with the pulley should be screwed into the short end of the 2x4.

Included in the package is the CPVC crank arm with a make shift washer apparatus at the end. Some pre-existing string may or may not be already attached. I suggest using a lighter weight string, not thread, something stronger. I’m thinking of fishing fly real string, black, sort of material looking, feeling, but 40 lb strength.

I suggest hanging the FCG rig using bungee cords… by each eye hook. I’ve screwed the rig to the ceiling of my porch before using wood screws through the 2x4. I’ve also hung in my garage from the ceiling using garage hooks in the ceiling and bungee cords.

If you choose to “unmount” the motor from the 2x4, you will need to saw off the CPVC elbow using a hand saw or hack saw. The CPVC was cemented using PVC cement to insure the shaft and crank arm wouldn’t slip. Then unscrew the motor screws and remove the motor. To reattach, you will need to replace the CPVC crank shaft using ½” CPVC pipe and elbow (+ cement or glue)…not very expensive at your local hardware store.

I’ve run the motor dusk til dawn throughout the month of October without issue. Midwest Octobers are a little cooler… so I never had a problem with overheating or continuous duty.

The electrical connections to the motor sometimes are a little touchy. I’ve soldered them and they should be working fine. However, if the become unsoldered for any reason, check to make sure the connections are secure. Unplug before touching anything.

Good luck !