Im trying to figure out the simplest way to make an automatic garage door for my daughters doll house. Trying to basically model it after a normal one. Any advice?
Thanks.

 

Hello,

At what scale do you want to make the garage door?
Here is an example of a garage door with several panels:

The image comes from this page wich talks about the different doors:
http://gromolniy.com/garage-door-lift-spring/

Bertus

 

Are you thinking one piece door or sectional?
One cheap and possible way is a miniature geared DC motor with a small drum with a continuous cord arangement that winds up one cord as at releases/unwinds the cord on the other half of the drum.
Max.

 

If i were to use a dc motor what type of switch would i use and how would i make it reverse? I would like there to be a switch to be able to open and close it. It would just be a small single panel door.

 

Ah.. forgot that part, you need a couple of small Limits SW's or reed switch with button magnet.
You could put single miniature P.B. sw or simpler circuit would be two, up & dwn or small toggle.
Max.

 

Do you think you could show me a little diagram of how the small circuit with 2 sw would work?

 

Do you think you could show me a little diagram of how the small circuit with 2 sw would work?

Post when I get back to the desk.
Max.

 

I dunno, a hobby servo? They make some pretty small ones that might work for your scale. Wouldn't need limit switches. No feedback, though.

 

Take a look at the 'one piece pivot door' on page 11 of this Chamberlain opener manual. A single piece door with A frames on the back to pick up a single pivot point looks like a natural for a hobby servo.
Have fun!

 

Here is one diagram, uses a small DPDT toggle switch, you can also get centre off if needed.
If you want auto reverse or single button operation as in a full size door, then it gets a little more involved.
Max.

 

Thank you

 

Here is one diagram, uses a small DPDT toggle switch, you can also get centre off if needed.
If you want auto reverse or single button operation as in a full size door, then it gets a little more involved.
Max.

Is the forward ls and reverse ls limit switches? Like would a micro switch with or without roller work?

 

A micro type switch is what I had in mind.
If it hits the limit and keeps running it is usually because the diodes are backwards for the specific limit, in that case both are changed/reversed.
Max.

 

Coincidentally a friend asked me to come up with something to simulate the control of a typical garage door with all the logic using 1 P.B. to control up/dwn/stop/fault (if both up/dn limits open) etc.
I am using a 8 pin Picmicro.
Max.

 

You may want to look at a miniature motor with a high reduction gear box, this enables a smaller motor to be used and less demand on the battery.
Also helps in scaling the operation rate to a realistic level.
Max.