DIY Electric Masking

[jarth3000]

Ok, so I'm framing my basement right now and getting things lined up to build a DIY screen and want to do a masking system as well.

My thoughts are to use a pully system that utilizes a linear actuator to push up the bottom horizontal masking piece while at the same time causing the pully system to pull the top masking downward. I'd like it to have 3 settings since I'll be starting with a 1.78:1 screen; I'd like it to be able to go to 1.85, 2.35, and 2.40.

Preferably I'd like to have a remote that would allow me to do this, but I could also do switches on the wall.

Has anyone done anything like this before? I know that from what I've researched I'll need a microcontroller to operate the actuator in this fashion, but I'm not exactly sure how to do any of that. Any links/suggestions/tutorials anyone knows of?

Thanks in advance guys!

[JamesN]

Originally Posted by jarth3000

Ok, so I'm framing my basement right now and getting things lined up to build a DIY screen and want to do a masking system as well.

My thoughts are to use a pully system that utilizes a linear actuator to push up the bottom horizontal masking piece while at the same time causing the pully system to pull the top masking downward. I'd like it to have 3 settings since I'll be starting with a 1.78:1 screen; I'd like it to be able to go to 1.85, 2.35, and 2.40.

Preferably I'd like to have a remote that would allow me to do this, but I could also do switches on the wall.

Has anyone done anything like this before? I know that from what I've researched I'll need a microcontroller to operate the actuator in this fashion, but I'm not exactly sure how to do any of that. Any links/suggestions/tutorials anyone knows of?

Thanks in advance guys!

Best DIY automated masking system I've seen is this guy's.


Edit: I see now you are thinking about vertical masking, and the link I posted was for a horizontal system. Still it might give you a few ideas. Also, have you looked into the Masquerade systems from Carada?

[MrFattBill]

Originally Posted by JamesN

Best DIY automated masking system I've seen is this guy's.

That is a nice looking setup he did.

Bill

[JamesN]

Originally Posted by MrFattBill

That is a nice looking setup he did.

Bill

You should also check out his master build thread. His craftsmanship is amazing.

[MrFattBill]

Originally Posted by JamesN

You should also check out his master build thread. His craftsmanship is amazing.

The work Moggie did is out of control

I like all the work this guy did as well, especially the chairs
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1168905

Bill

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by MrFattBill

The work Moggie did is out of control

I like all the work this guy did as well, especially the chairs
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1168905

Bill

That is awesome. One of the coolest build threads I've seen.

[seigneur_rayden]

Originally Posted by Deadset

That is awesome. One of the coolest build threads I've seen.

Word!!!