The concept is simple. I wish to add a motorized control to awning mechanism so that it can be extended or retracted with the push of a button.
This is a picture of the external method of doing it now:
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The slender, silver cylinder you see is is inserted in the larger, barrel-shaped control. Approximately 46 revolutions are required to extend or retract the awning, as pictured below:
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Basically, I envision a motor-drive shaft permanently mounted and controlled via push-button from inside the RV. The requirements are these:
- Must run on 12 volts, DC, roughly 14 amps
- Must be able to sense full extension or retraction via the number of turns or allow partial on either while the button is pressed. If this button is pressed again, it must begin an opposite operation, similar to how a garage door opener control works.
- Motor drive must of be sufficient torque to carry the entire operation without stressing the electrical system or blowing a fuse.
- Must be weather-proof and able to remain permanently mounted.
Now, some nice additions would be:
- Remote control
- Integration of wind/weight sensors to auto-retract at pre-defined levels
- A "slider control" for operation, as opposed to a push-button. Levels 1 through 10, with 10 being fully extended and 1 being fully retracted, etc.
So, if you are a whiz at circuit design, send me your entry via email to bragle@gmail.com . Make sure to include easy to find parts, such as can be had at Radio Shack or Lowes. I will review all entries and decide on what works best for this situation. If I choose your entry, your name will appear here along with a video of your design being built from scratch by me, up to the final installation and test.
Yes, posterity is cheap, but a Budget Restriction is also in place by Wife. What's a guy supposed to do?
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1 comment:
You cant drive that off the motor directly, you need a gearbox in between. So your fast task is to obtain a suitable motor and gearbox. Only when you have that will you be able to properly design the electrical elements (Which will basicly be a couple of high-current relays and buttons).
Depending on how much torque is needed, you might be able to use something like a cordless electric drill - that will give you a motor and gearbox connected together conveniently, all you need to do is join the drill output to the driveshaft and put together a new controller.
As for limit sensing... you might be able to get away with a simple overcurrent protection, perhaps?
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