ACS-50

The ACS-50 is a Playback and Programming Control Unit produced by Sally Industries. Typically configured by Sally Industries at the factory, depending on the customer’s specific application.

Function

The ACS-50 controls up to 24 channels or circuits of animated movement, Special Effects, Lighting, curtain motors, and is capable of controlling operation of audio equipment, such as starting, stopping, and rewinding a tape recorder. It has 24 signal wires, and at least one common wire. the ACS-50 can also be used to program custom tapes for the show, allowing it to double as a programming unit unlike other common controllers

Rear Panel

Some components on the rear panel may vary by customer configuration.

Power

The ACS-50 cannot function without a power connection

5 amp Breaker

used to switch the ACS-50 on or off

Unswitched Electrical Output

A female electrical receptacle that can always be used to supply power as long as the ACS-50 is plugged in

Switched Electrical Output

A female electrical receptacle that can only be used to supply power if the ACS-50 is switched on

Remote Start

An input connector, that when used, can start the system manually from a distant location. Functionally the same as the Start button on the Keyboard

Audio Connectors

Play - Input for Data from the Tape Record - Output for recording data to a tape Audio in - Input for Auto Vox Audio Out - Output from Auto Vox. May have a 2nd connector for use with Dual Func

Centronics 50-pin Connectors

Control - Output of signal wires and Common Wires Output 1 - Output of signal wires and Common Wires for Character Cables Output 1 Aux - Output of signal wires and Common Wires for Character Cables Input - Input for the Remote Programming Console, which can be used to operate a show from a remote location rather than the console of the ACS

ACS-50 Keyboard

The left side of the keyboard contains three rows of 7 buttons, called Program Control Keys, which are used for activating individual show bits, or configuring settings such as the Timer. The right side of the keyboard contains three rows of buttons used to switch the mode the ACS-50 is in.

Standard Configuration

Start - Starts the Tape deck and show Stop - Stops the Tape deck and show Rewind - Stops the show and puts the tape deck in Rewind

Record

When pressed while the ACS-50 is already on, it’ll enter Record mode, which causes it to stop decoding signals from the Play Audio Connector, and output Sally FSK Data through the Record Audio Connector. This can be used to program your own cassettes using the ACS-50 If pressed before turning the ACS-50 on, it will instead put the ACS-50 into Edit Mode, which allows the ACS-50 to decode data from the Play Audio Connector, and program onto the data, which can be used to add more signals to the previous pass made inside of Record mode. It’s important to note that once in Edit mode, it’ll no longer generate its own Sally FSK data like in Record mode, it’ll only edit the existing data as it passes through the Play Audio Connector, and output the edited data through the Record Audio Connector. For more information on the procedures for making a custom programming using the ACS-50, refer to the ACS-50 Series Operating Manual

SEQ.

The Sequencer allows up to 30 Seconds of movements to be programmed into the ACS-50, which allows the characters to keep moving in a life-like manner in a 30 second loop whenever the ACS isn’t receiving data. To activate this feature, just press the Sequencer button, the button will latch and the LED will illuminate, and it’ll now play the programmed Sequencer loop if there is one stored. To program a Sequencer loop, press the Seq button, then the Record button, then you can now press the keys of the signals you want to activate, and the ACS-50 will restore this into memory. The ACS-50 has no ability to store information without power, therefore, to save a sequencer programming, you must first depress the SEQ button and the Record Button, then begin recording onto a new tape, release the SEQ button, and the programming will automatically be saved onto the tape in less than 1 second. To restore this programming, simply make sure the ACS-50 is in playback mode, and play the recording of the Sequencer information.

Timer

When the timer is activated, it’ll automatically begin a countdown when the tape is rewinding or stopped, and will activate the PLAY signal when the countdown is complete. To program the timer, depress and latch the Timer button, and depress and latch the Record button. The currently set timer will be displayed using the LEDs on Group A of the keyboard added togther This table displays how much time each key is equal to

To erase the timer, depress Rewind while in the Timer Set mode To set the timer, simply press the keys in Group A for the amount of time you want.

Auto Vox

Auto Vox, when activated, will override the Preconfigured mouth signal, and instead automatically activate the signal based on audio input in the Audio In Connector.

Dual Func

On ACS-50 units that have this button, when activated, it will switch the Auto Vox function from one Preconfigured signal to a different Preconfigured signal. Useful when operating two characters live. Some ACS-50 units may reconfigure this button to control a signal for the show, rather than being used with Auto Vox

ACS-50 Configurations

Celebration Station - Jethro P. Hogg

Dual Func Button is replaced with Mailbox B. Day Sign

Jethro P. Hogg - Solo

Uses

Every unique setup an ACS-50 has been used in. Jethro P. Hogg - Solo Jethro P. Hogg - Celebration Station Funshine Bear - IAAPA 1987