The Turtle Brain

Now Available for Purchase

Introducing the Turtle Brain, the all-in-one, inexpensive solution to remote control, containing everything you need to add RC technology to your existing theater props. And when you're done with one production, your Turtle Brain easily moves into other stage assets. Buy once and discover the endless possibilities for remote control in your theater.

Learn More! Buy on eBay

Check out the latest version of the User Manual for prerequisites, installation and usage instructions

The Turtle Brain RC Kit

The Turtle Brain RC Kit lets theater groups of any size harness the power of remote control on stage. Instead of worrying about high rental and shipping costs for full stage assets, we've consolidated all of the RC components into one easy-to-use package.

Each Turtle Brain RC Kit includes:	Item Description Note: Actual items may differ from what is pictured below
1x Turtle Brain RC Module	This contains all the special RC hardware, with convenient inputs for the motors, battery and kill switch.
1x RC Radio System	The radio you'll use to control your stage assets, pre-set to the receiver inside the Turtle Brain
2x Motor Pigtails	These motor pigtails feature a plug on one end that fits the Turtle RC Brain, and 10AWG wires for you to connect to whatever motors you decide to use.
1x Battery Pigtail	The battery pigtail features a plug on one end that fits the Turtle RC Brain, and ring connectors on the other end to connect to a 12V battery.
1x Tethered Kill Switch	If someone will be riding on the stage asset, this killswitch attaches to the Turtle RC Brain Module and to the rider, ensuring that power to the Brain is cut if the rider falls off. Safety First!
1x Killswith Bypass Loop	If no one will be riding your prop, or if you need to bypass the killswitch during testing, this bypass loop is what you need. Remember, do not use the bypass loop if someone will be riding on your prop.
1x Motor Inverter	This inverter loop is a simple way to switch the polarity of a motor without having to cut connections or undo wirenuts.
1x User Manual	User Manual on how to use the brain.
(Optional Add-On) 2x Motors and Wheels	We are more than happy to provide brand-new motors and wheels with our Turtle Brain, but new motors are very expensive. If you would like to save some money, motor/wheel combos can always be found on eBay at huge discounts.

Buy the Turtle Brain RC Kit Now Available!

Buy on eBay

Subscribe to updates about new features under development for the Turtle Brain! Click here to Subscribe!

Frequenty Asked Questions

What motors should I use with the Turtle Brain?

Typically any brushed DC motor will work with the motor controller housed inside the Turtle Brain, including fractional horsepower permanent magnet motors, wheelchair motors, scooter motors, and brushed cordless tool motors. Most two-wire permanent magnet motors can be made to work. For our own stage props, we have exclusively used motors harvested from powered wheelchairs. We have specifically tested motors used in Pride wheelchairs, from their Jazzy, Jet, and Quantum models. Your best bet is to search for a pair of these on eBay. Check to make sure that your motors come with wheels too, or else you'll have to find those elsewhere.

What battery should I use with the Turtle Brain?

The motor controller inside the Turtle Brain will return a small amount of energy to the battery when braking is commanded, so only rechargeable batteries are recommended for the main power source. Otherwise you can use a variety of battery types, including Lithium Polymer, Lithium Ion, Lithium FerroPhosphate, Lead Acid, Nickel Metal Hydride, or Nickel Cadmium. For Model A Brains, DO NOT USE HIGHER THAN 12V AT THE INPUT

In our test house we use 12V AGM Lead Acid Deep Cycle batteries with 35AH capacities. These types of batteries are typically used in wheelchairs which makes them an easy fit for our needs.

What kind of charging equipment do you recommend?

Your charging equipment needs will depend on what battery you've chosen. If you end up using a similar battery to the one we have in our test house, we've had great luck charging and maintaining it with the KeyLine Charger KC-75A-MP

How much current can the Turtle Brain handle?

With a healthy safety margin, Model A Turtle Brains are fused at 40A. Model B Turtle Brains employ a simpler "circuit breaker" model that will trip at 50A. This protects all of the internal components and wiring should a motor stall and try to draw too much current. If the fuses on a Model A brain keep blowing on you, or the breaker on Model B keeps tripping, discontinue use and double check that your motors are in good working order and are not trying to draw too much current from the Brain.

(Model A only) I need a new fuse. What size and style do I get?

The Model A Turtle Brain uses 40 Amp AGU fuses. These can be found at a number of online retailers. To replace the fuse, gently pull enough wire from inside the Turtle Brain so you can unscrew and move one of the end caps on the fuse holder. You may have to remove both ends depending on whether the fuse is stuck on one cap. Discard the old fuse, install a new one, and replace the end cap. Gently push the excess wiring back into the Brain. Do not force it.

My motor is making noise but the wheel isn't turning. Help!

One of three things is happening:

1) Your motor gearbox is not engaged. Lots of electric wheelchair motors have a small knob used to engage or disengage the gearbox. If it isn't engaged, your motor will spin but the wheels will not.

2) Your motor has an electro-magnetic brake that needs disengaged. Many models of electric wheelchair motors have EM brakes installed that lock the motor unless power is supplied to the brake (a safety feature in case the wheelchair loses power on a hill). You have 2 options here. Either supply the correct voltage to the brake (which may vary depending on which motor you have), or remove the brake from the motor. You can view our guide here on removing motor brakes.
3) Your motor and/or gearbox might be going bad. Uninstall the motor from the prop and carefully inspect all the working parts. It may need replacement.