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OVERVIEW: Axtell HANDS-FREE Animatronic & Remote Control Systems
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Axtell HANDS-FREE
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EACH SYSTEM IS UPGRADABLE TO THE NEXT!
"This is so exciting!... You are taking puppetry light years ahead! When you consider modern kids and their expectations, these animatronics are going to really WOW the World of kids' entertainment. The World is soon going to be a much funnier place to be Brilliant!...Steve, this is truly incredible! "Doug Roberts, UK |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(Click for Answers)
What characters are available?
What is the difference between the systems?
Are the Systems Upgradable?
What animations and equipment does each character have?
Do you make custom animatronics?
Why are they so expensive?
Can I make money with a Hands-Free Animatronic Character?
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
How do I program and play a program back into the Character with the Magic2 System?
How is your system different than other systems?
Where does the sound come from?
What is the warranty we get when we buy one?
What kind of training or tech support is available?
How far away can you operate it?
How long will the batteries last?
How difficult is it to operate?
Have you sold these to other people and are they satisfied with them?
How do I order one?
"Unbelievable. As a trade show traffic builder, it's worth its weight in Gold."
Dale Brown
"What can i say?!!! This is unbelievable!. This is what I've dreamed for (for years)!"
Henk van den Bos , Netherlands
Magician Frank Glab improving with the Axtell Hands-Free Magic Toucan using the LIVE mode with the Transmitter at the IBM/SAM convention.
It was the HIT of the show
... as they always are!
Optional Portable Wireless PA System -
Click for details
Optional Stand Carry Bag
Carry the Hands-Free Stand to and from gigs with the Carry Bag. $49.95
PROTECTIVE CASE $499.95
For Toucan, Chimp & Monkey
Optional Carry Case
(Fits Toucan or Chimp)
Ron Palmer & Steve Axtell
Ron was one of my original co-designers of the Hands-Free Puppet Mechanics and Control System Concept.
He was an amazing man who died April 2009.
Ron had 40 years in the robotics industry. He made the famous car "Kitt" from "Knight Rider" and the robots in "Buck Rogers in the 21st Century". His work will live on in our animatronic characters.
Jose
Character Skins and Finishing
The Axtell "Hands-Free Animatronics" Team
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John
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Ron |
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Chuck |
Greg
Programming & MagicTrax Production
This is a 20 minute stage show Steve Axtell did in England.
The first half is ventriloquism using a Toucan hand puppet, then switching to the Hands-Free Animatronic Toucan and a Magic Drawing Board.
The first half is ventriloquism using a Toucan hand puppet, then switching to the Hands-Free Animatronic Toucan and a Magic Drawing Board.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What characters are available?
We have many new characters coming. Currently we have these stock character available as Hands-Free Animatronics:
Youcan the Toucan |
Realistic Chimpanzee |
Big Book |
Dusty the Dragon |
Cheeky Monkey |
... and more on the way! |
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What is the difference between the systems?
Each System is fully upgradeable to the next system. Click on the links to see more information.
EZ LIVE Animatronic System.
This system controls the character with a LIVE Remote Control Transmitter Radio, or by playing official MagicTrax into the Transmitter for automatic wireless control of the character. This system is not programmable, nor does it have hardware based Auto-Alive, MotorMouth or Vent Mode. It is an amazingly powerful entry level system that is upgradeable to the Advanced Magic2 System.
VENT Remote Control System.
This system will allow a ventriloquist to operate the puppet hands-free with a small remote FOB. You control the mouth and head turning while the body is moving with Auto-Alive. This system is not programmable and will not playback MagicTrax, but is fully upgradeable to the Magic2 System.
MAGIC 2 Advance Animatronics System.
This system contains all the full features and equipment to program and playback your own tracks, as well as perform LIVE with the Transmitter, or use a FOB (small handheld remote control) to control the character in VENT mode, or to use MotorMouth (speaking into a microphone to control the mouth of the puppet), has hardware based Auto-Alive (keeps the character moving as if alive between tracks and during VENT or MotorMouth modes, and is upgradeable to MediaStar for multi-character control during the same routine!
HANDS-FREE MAGIC DRAWING BOARD.
This is different technology but still is in our Hands-Free family of products. You can now program a Remote Control Drawing Board with the Hands-Free version! This will allow playing our MagicTrax made for the board with full programming and motion control....as well as still controlling the board LIVE with the eraser like the Remote Control Drawing Board. The HFMDB will be replacing the RMDB soon.
What animations and equipment does each character have?
| CHARACTER | TOUCAN |
REALISTIC CHIMP |
DRAGON |
BIG BOOK |
| ANIMATIONS | EZ & MAGIC2 |
EZ & MAGIC2 |
EZ & MAGIC2 |
EZ & MAGIC2 |
| ACCESSORIES INCLUDED with Character: (Not including the Control System Equipment) |
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Book Is Mounted to a Base |
| Below are the different Control Systems and Additional Options not included with every character. | ||||
| EZ SYSTEM EQUIPMENT | EZ SYSTEM includes: |
EZ SYSTEM includes: |
EZ SYSTEM includes: |
EZ SYSTEM includes: |
| MAGIC2 SYSTEM EQUIPMENT | MAGIC2 SYSTEM includes: |
MAGIC2 SYSTEM includes: |
MAGIC2 SYSTEM includes: |
MAGIC2 SYSTEM includes: |
| VENT SYSTEM EQUIPMENT |
VENT SYSTEM includes: |
VENT SYSTEM includes: |
VENT SYSTEM includes: |
VENT SYSTEM includes: |
| ADDITIONAL OPTIONS Not Included |
Optional Wireless PA System |
Optional Performance Stand |
Optional Performance Stand |
Optional Wireless PA System |
Are the Systems Upgradable?
Absolutely. We designed them to have an upgrade path. You can start with the introductory system EZ Live, then you can upgrade to the VENT system, then upgrade to the Magic2 System, then add MediaStar for Multiple Character control.
Do you make custom animatronics?
Yes we have a full custom character service. Our custom puppets are used by the top professionals in the business as you can see here on our CUSTOM PAGE. We can also turn any custom puppet into a unique animatronic character with our team of engineers. Any animation you can dream up, can become a reality with Axtell Expressions at a very reasonable price.
If you already have a Trademark branded Character we can turn it into an animatronic, or if you would like one developed by us for your show or business, email Steve and get it going!
Why are they so expensive?
They're not expensive for what they are! These are professional high tech systems built by our professional team of engineers and techs. Just because they are funny attractive characters don't think they are like electronic toys. These are professional entertainment devices and income generating machines! Once you realize how involved these are mechanically, electornically and how cutting edge the technology is, you'll see that they are cheap! it is acutally the the first time in history that an animatronic line as powerful as these were made available at such a low price! Just a few years ago before we entered the scene, something like these would have sold for $30,000 to $50,000 and even much, much higher. We have spent many years and a invested heavily in their development to bring you cutting edge technology on a budget! Growing up Steve Axtell always wanted to own an animatronic character but could never afford one. Then with the help of a great team he created the Axtell Hands-Free Animatronic Systems and brought the costs way down. It's kind of a revolution! So they really are an investment...if you want to see the power of these characters, and can afford to invest in your business or show, you need to get one at these introductory prices.
Can I make money with a Hands-Free Animatronic Character?
YES! If you are a variety performer such as a magician, ventriloquist, clown, juggler you can put your show on steroids by adding one of these characters to the show! We have heard from many full time performers who have seen BIG increases in their show bookings once adding a character. It really is that "something special" that can get you more bookings over the competition. Not only will your stage show see increased bookings but you can now strictly make money with the character too!
You can hire out the animatronic character and yourself as entertainment at events like Festivals, Concerts, Trade shows, Parties, etc. Based on the increase of traffic your character can generate you can charge quite a nice sum, depending on your area. One of the best ways to generate traffic is to hide yourself and operating the character in LIVE mode. You can have the character commenting on people watching them and strike up very funny conversations. they will come running from all over to see it in action!
Retail stores, malls, restaurants and theme parks can also generate much more business and word-of-mouth by adding one of these characters to greet your guest or present information. Imagine a Toucan greeting your guests and telling them about your events and specials!
How do I program and play a program back into the Character with the Magic2 System?
It's amazingly simple with our breakthrough technology. First you record the voice and create a sound track. Then you perform the character to that tack with the LIVE Transmitter and it is captured on the computer. The program is saved into a special mp3 file called a MagicTrax. That file which contains both the audio and the synced animation data is played from any source (computer, iPOD, mp3 player) into our Hands-Free Animation System to wirelessly control the character! Don't worry about how it's done yet.... we have full tutorial videos, instructions, an owners forum and free tech support from our animatronics department!
How is your system different than other systems?
We have spent years and a huge inestment to develop a robust system packed with features that would be simple to operate. Some other systems are so complex that you need 4 years and a degree in computer programming to work it, and then just try to get some help! Ours is a dream to operate and comes will full free tech support and is also FCC approved and CE certified. Most other hand-made or hobby systems are not even tested, so you run the risk of illegally operating equipment which might cause problems with other wireless devices. You do NOT want that to happen! Play it safe with the Axtell system.
Where does the sound come from?
The audio sound comes from the mp3 player into your PA System. We did not pack tiny speakers into the character because the sound would be garbage. You need high quality audio for a great presentation. Your audience needs to hear the character well and will laugh louder and enjoy the show better when the sound is quality and loud enough to be heard well. Technically the audio is played from the Netbook or other mp3 player into our Magic2 Box, then from the audio out jack it plugs into your PA system. The box also wirelessly transmits the movement to the character.... it is amazing technology. Different sized crowds and environments require different systems. If you need a small portable wireless system for small to medium sized crowds we have one available HERE.
What is the warranty we get when we buy one?
The Axtell Hands-Free Animation Control System is 12 months limited warranty on the curcuitry and hardware.
The character, face, body covering, servos, linkage, receiver and battery is 3 months.
The Transmitter Radio is 3 years.
The Netbook computer is 1 year.
Only parts and labor provided by Axtell Expressions are covered under the warranty during the term. Othere costs such as shipping, import taxes, insurance, etc. are not covered or reimbursed.
We have full free tech support from our animatronics staff and very quick turn around for any repairs needed.
What kind of training or tech support is available?
We have instructions, a full library of video tutorials, a private Hands-Free Customer forum for owners to discuss technical issues and marketing ideas, and free Technical Support from our Animatronics Staff HERE.
How far away can you operate it?
The Transmitter Radio is 2.4 GHz so it can operate for greater than a mile away, but you would want to be closer to your character than that so you could hear the crowd and interact. The VENT remote FOB works within 30 feet, and the FOB to control the Netbook Computer MagicTrax is 150 feet! All of our wireless technology is RF (radio frequency).
How long will the batteries last?
Most of our customers have reported between 3 and 5 hours of running time from a full charge, however it depends on the age of the battery and the amount of use it gets during performances. We also provide a universal AC adapter for wall power.
How difficult is it to operate?
It's more difficult than reading your watch, but it's much easier than the other systems out there. If you are really technically challenged, get frustrated easily by details, and haven't even set the clock on your DVD player.... you might just want to get one of our hand puppets instead of this.....BUT if you are up to a little learning and are excited about using some cutting edge technology to bring characters to life..... get this now! Performers in over 20 countries are using them now!
Remember, we have instructions, tutorial videos, a private owners forum, and free tech support to help you bring your dreams into reality with the Axtell Hands-Free Animatronic Systems!
Have you sold these to other people and are they satisfied with them?
OH YES we have a very excited user base and have them operating now in over 20 countries! Some are installations in stores and theme parks, but some are individual performers like these HERE!
How do I order one?
First we will need a $2500 deposit to begin making your system. We have provided a BUY BUTTON on each system type which you can use to pay the deposit in our secure shopping cart system. Once you have paid your deposit, our Customer Service Department will contact you with follow up questions as to which character and what accessories you want to order. They will also work up a quote with shipping to your address.
For the EZ and MAGIC2 Systems you can find them on THIS LINK.
For the VENT System use THIS LINK.
For the Hands-Free Magic Drawing Board use THIS LINK.
You can also contact our Customer Service directly with Questions or to make your deposit by phone:
Telephone 805 642-7282
Email - order@axtell.com
Fax - 805 650-2139
