Geeky Gadgets for Halloween Parties?

Neurotoxic666 asks: "Like many others, my friends and I are going to hold a costumed party for Halloween, however we do not want it to be the typical haunt. We have some talent in computers and electronics, but we're short of ideas. Are there any good gadgets and props that the average geek can build to spice up the party? Of course, there will be the usual ambient sounds and decoration, but we're looking for more interactive, dynamic and techie stuff. One idea I've had is to use the living room computer on the TV and have white noise, ghosts and other creepy effects appear throughout the night. Does anyone have some suggestions, ideas we could build, effects that worked well in your parties? Anything from heart-beating books to special lightning to mad science devices is welcome!"

Dot matrix printer motion controller

[G4from128k]

If you have an old (pre-USB) computer and an old dot matrix printer, then you can use it to create two axes of motion control for moving dismembered hands, dangling spiders, etc. Sending the right bytes out through the serial or parallel port will cause the print head and feed rollers to move on command. For extra credit, one can wire switches into a keyboard so that the system detects when a door opens, etc. With a bit of programming, the system can be quite interactive.

The modern stuff is not as easy to hack in this way because its hard to talk directly to the hardware -- too many drivers, libraries, and embedded smarts between the CPU and the printer's motors.

mad scientist props

[delirium of disorder]

There are all kinds of electric devices you can make that look like they are straight out of an old horror movie. Jacob's ladders [demon.co.uk] are quite simple to build. You can find all the parts on ebay [ebay.com]. If you are more ambitious, you might want to try a tesla coil [amasci.com].

Bad Idea

[keithmo]

Would you run anything from a CD you received on "trick-or-treat" night?

Re:And for those who are really daring...

[schon]

The scariest thing I can think of (and any experienced tech will agree with me here)

Salesman with a screwdriver.

Now that you mention it...

[edunbar93]

We usually go to BSDM play parties for Halloween. Or host them, if we really feel like it.

Kinky and/or goth girls really know how to party. :)

Re:mad scientist props

[entrigant]

So many links at that tesla coil site, but not a single "wtf is a tesla coil" link. I hate websites like this. Do such website creators not even considering the f'ing possibility that somebody might now know wth their site is about?