Automating a roll off roof

[Gina]

Been thinking about this again.  (May be physically limited by this virus but I can still think )

I've been looking at garage door openers and they seem to have come down in price in the last few years.  I'm considering using one of these rather than a 12v winch which I would have to adapt considerably to control my observatory roof.  Some have a way of freeing them from the motor so that you can open or close your garage door manually in a power cut.

The range seems adequate at around 2.6m.  I need to check but I think I only need 2.4m or less (8ft).   Prices on ebay from around £80 - £130 with a few dearer ones.

I know several members have used them for their obsy roof and would welcome comments and recommendations.

[JamesF]

Most importantly, how do you rig the speakers to play the Thunderbirds theme as the roof opens?

James

[Gina]

Most importantly, how do you rig the speakers to play the Thunderbirds theme as the roof opens?

James

Oh that's no problem   Already have the speakers wired up

[perfrej]

We use one in Provence. Just forget all the slider stuff and get one that doesn't use a belt, but rather a standard bicycle chain - which they all did a few years back.

/per

[Gina]

Thank you Per   I was looking at the ones with chain drive.

[Gina]

This one looks suitable and at a good price.  With the range of wireless remote control specified I could even control the roof from indoors - now there's an idea I hadn't thought of   I was planning to take the unit apart and control the motor myself with relays working off an Arduino but there may be some simpler options.  For instance, maybe I could just let the unit do it's job and take a wireless remote control and drive that for an automatic system.

To cover power cuts I was planning to use battery backup.  These units have 24v motors so a possibility is to use two car batteries in series.  I already have 2 identical batteries - 12v 45AH.  I'm using one as my voltage stabiliser and backup for the imaging rig.

I have a backup use for a garage door opener if I find the one I buy is not suitable for the observatory - it would be nice to motorise my garage door

If I were to be prepared to wait until next year for delivery this one is £12 cheaper for the same model.

[Ptarmigan]

If I were to be prepared to wait until next year for delivery this one

from that page "- and it features carbines to -"

That should be handy to deal with any intruders as well, doesnt say what calibre though !

[Gina]

Actually, I think fitting a garage door opener to my garage door will be a much more difficult job than motorising the obsy roof   It's an up and over door with a sort of lever mechanism each side with heavy duty extension coil springs to counter the roof weight.  I don't know if it's even possible to fit a unit to one of those though some clever mechanics could solve it I guess.

I need to modify my observatory for full automation as the eastern end has a wooden flap that hinges inwards to open.  This has proved to be awkward anyway with a heavy imaging rig taking up most of the clear space in the scope room.

[Gina]

from that page "- and it features carbines to -"

That should be handy to deal with any intruders as well, doesnt say what calibre though !

Don't you just love translations

[Gina]

Got three quid knocked off the quicker one so went for it.  Should be here just After Christmas.

[Earl]

Gina once your roof is automated, you need to sort out a rain / cloud / wind sensor.

Click go, relax and catch soem sleep knowing if conditions change, its in hand

[Gina]

Yes, absolutely Earl   I already have a rain sensor.