Rising Panel

[idi]

I have a control panel on my desk which controls almost everything in my room. Here is a picture so you get the idea:

**broken link removed**

**broken link removed**

At the moment is is screwed into the desk. If i make a hole in the desk big enough for the whole panel to fit into, is there any way i could attach motors to some sliders to make it rise up electronicly, and then go down back into the desk so it is flush with the top of the desk. (so it cannot be seen from the top)

I dont mind if anything goes under the desk, since it is all going to be hidden from the front.

The mechanism that controls it must be pretty strong, since all the buttons are going to be pressed when it is risen.

I hope i have done a good job of explaining, if not, al draw a little image using MS paint lol

 

[davecla]

punch "linear actuator" into google, they will do the lifting/retracting. The arms are pretty strong, you'll need to fashion some sort of guide.

Drawer sliders would probably do the job.

Lots of stuff on the firgelliauto web site

 

[atferrari]

Servocity as well.

 

[SABorn]

Nice panel, but think getting off your ass now and then to do a few of the functions would do you more good than harm.

More suited to the disabled than the able bodied.

Pete.

 

[idi]

the firgelliauto site seems to have the right stuff.

Will i need two or just one?

 

[kinarfi]

You could lay it down on it's back with a plastic cover that is flush with the desk top and hinged so you can open it and hit the button you need, maybe a mirror behind it to show whats lit up.
Kinarfi

 

[davecla]

one actuator would be plenty, take a look at the weights they are rated at.