information I DID have a couple years ago from a fellow busnut regarding tv lifts or does anyone else have anything they could recommend? The tv I'm using is a flat screen, small in size about 12.5 inches tall (might upgrade to a larger size in the future but for now, that's it! We are in the process of making the cabinet now.
I have seen one on the net called Nexus 21 but wondered if there are any others that have been used and tested by you guys!
Oh, the TV lifts does just that! It lifts the TV from inside a cabinet and returns it when not in use as in out of the way!
Thanks!
Ace
Ace,
Someone has been advertising such an animal in BCM. Could not find it in the latest mag. Must be in some back issues. I'll look when I get a chance. Maybe Editor Dennis would know. ;)
Paul
Ace, check your local thrift shops like Goodwill and tv repair shops Mitsubishi used that several years ago I bought 2 TV's for the system paid 10 bucks each from Goodwill and the manufacture that made it for Marathon Coach and others wanted over a $1000.00 for it
Ace are you looking for the gear drives to raise them up out of a cabinet? Bontragers had a bunch of them but I didn't price them out but saw them there.
Ace - Try this - HTH
http://www.tvliftkit.com
www.FirgelliAuto.com
Ace, here's one more:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/GmSearchResults.aspx?q=linear+actuator&SearchTitleDescr=True
Hope it might help. 8)
Ace,
If you cant find one, maybe a pair of quality full extension drawer slides and a linear actuator? I think Rockler cabinet harware had one at one time www.rockler.com Jack
PS: Come to think of it I may have a small actuator in the shop office. I try to remember to look, i'll let you know
Thanks guys! I knew I could count on you.
Niles that's the one I remember!
Jack that would be great if it has enough throw! I'm thinking since its a small tv (only 12 inches) it shouldn't need a lot of throw!
Ace
Ace,
It is raining here (as usual), but I will check in the morning. Jack
I don't know that I would get the parts from them - just use their design - figure out what you need and buy the parts on *bay
go to a wrecking yard and buy a trunk closer from a Cadillac or other models it will handle more than a 12 in tv
Ace,
Another option would be the linear action on the older large Cband satellite dishes. Most of them had a 24volt unit on them. The one I had was probably an 18-20 inch throw in order to position the dish. There are lots of them just sitting as ornaments in yards now with the advent of the small dish. Also you could check with some of the older TV places, they may have some laying around.
Jim
By TV lift, I am guessing you want a mechanism to raise and lower a built in TV. What about a car electric window stuff?
Ace,
Check out www.surpluscenter.com (http://www.surpluscenter.com)
Lots of them
Cliff
My question is how would you figure how much stroke you need? If the TV is say 12.5 inches tall, do you add anything to that measurement such as cabinet thickness, mounting brackets, ect.!
I've never seen one of these behind the scenes other than the satellite actuator which I think is a good idea but those seem like they would be pretty large!
I've also seen actuators in 12vdc 24vdc and 115. Does it matter which one. I know 12vdc would work for me since I have a 12vdc panel but I also have 115 plug right there at the cabinet.
I also saw some from a custom car shop on ebay that offer them cheaper to raise hoods, trunks, etc. and anything else that has to be lifted. Are these the same and would they work? Price is way cheaper than others that I have found so far!
There so many different types to choose from and since they are not cheap, I want to get the right one the first time if you know what I mean!
Thanks
Ace
Ace,
Stroke listed on a linear actuator is total distance the arm will move from fully retracted to fully extended. If your TV is 12.5" and you want the bottom of the TV even with the top of the cabinet when raised, you will probably need a minimum of a 13-14" stroke (to allow top of TV to be slightly below the top of the "fireplace" when retracted. Note: designing a bell crank with uneven arms can allow a shorter stroke actuactor to be used, but involes quite a bit of design and fabrication.
As far as 12 or 120 volt, your call. Since you have to have 120 to operate the TV, 120 for the actuator would be no problem. I do not know what the difference is in operating life or price between the 2. I looked for the linear actuator I thought I had. I must have already gotten rid of it. Jack
Ace,
Her's an idea to borrow or modify....
http://www.tvliftkit.com/ (http://www.tvliftkit.com/)
Cliff
Thanks guys! I think I've got it all figured out now. Look at many different types and styles. Will start building the fp/tv cabinet tomorrow. Got all the wood needed today and tomorrow I should get a price quote returned to me about the lift. One way or the other, the new cabinet HAS to be made, now that I tore the LR apart! With any luck I might have this done before our next trip on the 4th. Well almost done anyway! I will take pics along the way just for you all!
Thanks again...
Ace