[bschulz70]

I want to install motorized roller shades for two very different purposes, but I'm appalled at the cost of these simple devices.


Application #1: The obvious....light blocking shades for window covering. Will tie into X10 theater automation system. I particularrly liked Lutron's two stage system at CES. One artsy shade for the wife and an alternate blackout shade for movie time.


Application #2: A DIY version of the Art Screen TV masking system by Vutec. www.vutec.com. This system uses a dumby picture frame and a motorized roller shade with a variety of art applied to its surface. Place it over your favorite recessed TV and walla....instant SAF. Its cool, but expensive. I think in the $3000 range.


I'm looking for a low cost motorized roller shade for both applications. I am very DIY able, but would prefer to buy a system.


Any Ideas????


-Brad

 

[Deane Johnson]

Someone posted this link on the forum the other day to some DIY motors for roller shades. They may still end up being too costly, but it's something to check out.

http://www.tubularmotors.com/2.htm


HunterDouglas is coming out with remote control motorized shades in the next month or so. They will be 110v., have internal RF receivers for remote operation. I don't think there will be a blackout fabric available, which seems foolish, but they didn't ask me. Pricing hasn't been released yet, but it's intended for a mass market, so they might not be as bad as some.


I'm already thinking ahead to screen masking. What if one used a roller at the top and another at the bottom of the screen with black velvet instead of shade fabric. Closed position could be set for 2.35:1 and open could be 16X9. The bottom shade would need counter weights to pull it upward, but that would be little problem. I did something similar for my masking, but these would be completely self contained including remote control. It would be similar to mine, but probably wouldn't need the nuetralizing weights.

http://www.kathiejohnson.com/masking.html


I don't know if Hunter would allow these to be purchased separately or not, and they probably wouldn't be super cheap, but things that work really well frequently aren't.


Deane

 

[Brucer]

You best me to it, Deane. I had posted those motors/controls for a DIY projector lift idea to fit in a confined space.

 

[rdwalt]

If you want cheap motors and you're handy, ebay has DC geared motors for $9.99. You'd have to figure out rpm's needed and you'd need a power converter but the motors are cheap!

http://www.stores.*********/id=6908834&ssPageName=L2

 

[Deane Johnson]

What goes in the link where the asterisks are?


Deane

 

[rdwalt]

Hey? That would be '*********'

 

[rdwalt]

(Doing my best Curly impersonation) Oh? A wiseguy! ebay . com

 

[Deane Johnson]

No, not a wiseguy, just not too bright.


I tried ebay, forgot the .com, and gave up.


Those motors are intersting. One would need to come up with something to stop them, probably a microswitch.


Deane

 

[rdwalt]

Oh no, I wasn't calling you a wiseguy. I was referring to the AVSF system preventing me from posting the ebay address. I find that odd.


You would also need a switch to start them. There are a lot of possibilities. When I finish my basement I can experiment and I will post my findings.

 

[johnd393]

Maybe you could do something with a automotive power radio antenna motor.

 

[Toxarch]

In that masking system, why did they put in all those plugs? I would have just mounted a couple of power strips.



How about a $90 X10 controlled motor with built in stops like this one?

http://www.smarthome.com/3142.html


Some have said this motor is a little too audible. My uncle uses it on his velvet curtains over his screen and he said it's quiet except it strains a little when close to all the way open. I haven't been to his theater since he installed it so I can't say how quiet it is.


They also have more expensive quiet motors if you want those. They handle bigger loads, but the one above should be fine. I saw a website a year or more ago that had a masking system like the one posted, but they used the $90 motor that I posted.

 

[rdwalt]

Quote:

Originally posted by johnd393 Maybe you could do something with a automotive power radio antenna motor.

I've also seen an automotive power window motor used.

 

[Deane Johnson]

Originally posted by Toxarch
In that masking system, why did they put in all those plugs? I would have just mounted a couple of power strips.



How about a $90 X10 controlled motor with built in stops like this one?

http://www.smarthome.com/3142.html


Spacing. Since most of these outlets were for plug in modules of some sort, some being rather large, plug in power strips have the sockets too close together. The selection gets even more limited when you have to make sure they don't have any surge protection or clampling circuits buried in them.


Here's a link to a masking system using that motor. It's a nice simple and inexpensive design.

http://www.lastrange.com/ht/pictures.shtml


Deane