I'm looking for a light weight winch to raise and lower hinged "walls" for an automated effect. 100-200 # load cap. should be enough. Can be DC or AC.
If someone has another idea...I'm open, but I want to keep it simple.

Jack

If you haven't already done so, try a theatrical supply house in your area. If they can't get it for you, they can probably direct you to a good source.

Try Harbor Freight at http://www.harborfreight.com

Have you thought about "Gas Springs" the shocks that support and raise the tailgates on minivans.
They are avalible in lots of lenghts and spring rates.


Just a thought

I've tried theatrical supply houses with no luck. The gas spring won't work because the lowering AND raising needs to be automatic...NO hands on. Harbor freight has only LARGE winches. I need one to no more than about 12#'s total weight.
I may have found one at Graingers, but it's still not exactly what I want.
Thanks for the ideas...please keep them comming!!

Jack

Okay, here's a wild idea. I'm fascinated by this only because you're being so "mysterious" about what it's for, and I tend to do the same thing...

How about the winches that mount on the front of RV's for spooling in a cable? You see these every now and then, and they seem to be small. Probably also work on 12VDC. I've never used one, so I don't have a clue as to weight, etc., but it may be worth a phone call.

Anything automotive/RV related has been just too big. I need one "fist" size or maybe twice that size. Pulling no more than 100-200 lbs.

Jack

Have you tried a ATV retailer. Something that would go on the front of a 4-wheeler. This may still be too big. They also make smaller ones that go on the front of trailers or even a boat trailer that helps pull cars or boats onto trailers.

Hope this helps,

Tim

I appreciate all suggestions so far, however I still haven't found what I'm looking for!!
More suggestions appreciated.

Jack

Hi, don't know where your based but have you tried Flints theatrical supplies in LOndon, sounds like you'll find what you need there, and I'm sure theyll ship internationally
Px

I appreciate the reference of "Flints theatrical supplies", but would you have any contact info on them?

Jack

If you still haven't found anything, go to a high end custom car or custom wheel shop and look at 'actavators'. There are liniar motors, screw jack and pneumatic lifters. These aren't cheap, but thay're small, quiet, remote controlled and designed for custom installation. Hope it helps.

This seems to be a dead end as well! I called a custom car shop and was told the liniar motor only had an 8"-10" travel. I need 8'-10'.

Jack

There is a company that makes small hoists for stage props but I cant find it. They make a smaller version of hoists like these http://www.rigging.net/hoists.html

Fitz

Jack, take a look at these just in case:

http://www.kinetic.bc.ca/CompVision/winch_package.html

http://www.ckdesigntech.com/

http://www.spiveydesigns.com/Welcome.htm

They´re all companies I´ve come to know as a special effect technician. Hope this helps.

Jack,

If you can find someone who works on Cessna and other personal planes, ask them about the motors that set trim on small aircraft. (Used they are not worth much. They are not "broken" when they change things out.)

Another to look at is the power window motor (12 volt) from an automobile. (Don't forget they have tailgates!)

Don't overlook equipment that moves wheelchairs and handicap equipment. Camper and RV repair sources also have some very strange 12 volt motors, etc.

Good Luck!

Gary Oullet´s "Shadowlands" illusion uses a similar thing. I think it´s built by Willy Kennedy. No I don't know how helpfull he would be but it might be worth a shot to ask him for a tip.

Buy an inexpensive garage door opener.
Take the guts out and your all set.
The motors are small like you need.
To top that they also are remote controlled.
You can set the travel to the length you need and it can go up, down, left or right depending on how you rig it.