For a while now, we’ve had this idea of a grim reaper-esque figure, standing over the graveyard, and being the thing responsible for the zombies and skeletons coming to life in the graveyard.
We’ve made a few attempts to create a version of Ray with enough grandeur and movement to pull it off.
Admitedly, we cheated a little, taking advantage of the Home Depot Reaper as a start for the prop.
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210730_234808.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210730_222655.png)
But as you have probably figured out by now, I can’t leave well-enough alone
I wanted Ray to rise from the ground, with some accompanying lighting. That meant that he needed a rig that could lift him off the ground, without impeding the animation of the prop.
Ray’s rig is a testament to tinkertoy builds— steel, pivots, counter-balances, and pneumatics!
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210829_115910.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210829_181705.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210829_182055.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210910_160116.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210910_171227.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210911_001344.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210920_192705.png)
The design took shape based on the lengths of perforated steel tubing I could find. Oh, and also, the 30inch cylinder I’ve been trying to find a use for. At first, I imagined lifting Ray from his base. Then I decided the Home Depot stands are not known for being sturdy. I had to shift things around a bit, and decided to lift Ray from his waist instead.
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210924_002608.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210924_002615.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210924_002716.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210924_002620.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210924_002753.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210924_002814.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210924_002630.png)
The rig needed to be spraypainted flat black.
Becky decided she didn’t like his eyes … 3 LEDs in each eye lense, just looked weird. We adapted some ping-pong eyeballs as covers. Finally, it was time to take him outside for testing…
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211002_093354.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211002_093404.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211002_093415.png)
Once mounted outside, we were able to remove the bottom of Ray’s stand, but that meant the scythe would be unsupported. We corrected that with a little outrigger that could go up and down with him.
The controls for Ray were pretty cool. An Arduino nano drove the show.
- A motion sensor sets everything in motion
- A spotlight turns on, drawing attention to the figure.
- The test-mode animation of the prop is triggered. Ray starts talking…
- …and a few seconds later, the rig begins lifting Ray in the air.
- At the top of the ascent, the first audio program/animation ends…
- …then we trigger the second audio track…
- …and Ray descends back to earth.
- The second audio track ends, and the spotlight turns off.
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211005_134859.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211010_001228.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211010_001239.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211031_171738.png)
(We also had a fog machine frequently backfilling the space with fog to hide the rig)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211017_212523.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211017_212527.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211017_212533.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211018_193237.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211031_180616.png)
![](https://demonground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211031_180626.png)
Ray History:
This prop has evolved over the years…