can speaker cable current power an electric motor

Bill poster · 6th August 2011, 01:03 PM

I want to have a powered flap/cover over the drive units for my next build- they open when the amp powers up etc. Any advice on how I do this- what motor to use?

18Hurts · 6th August 2011, 02:32 PM

I would use the switched outlets on your receiver or pre-amp to power up a DC power supply (wall wart etc) You can do it with two leaf switches, or for more exotica--optical sensors to tell if it is open or closed.

12 to 14.4 VDC automotive drive motors will work well with a wall wart type power supply, just make sure the amount of amps the wall wart puts out is at least double the motor current rating.

If you don't have switched outlets, then it gets a little tougher. The power light on the amp can trigger a light sensor to trigger a relay to drive a motor. If you do it that way, then use light (infared) and additional optical sensors to trigger the relay to shut off. (two relays) Install backup limit switches to mechanically break the connection if the sensors fail, get dirty etc. If you are really paranoid, the optical sensor can also trigger a timer so if the drive jams, it will time out and shut off the motor protecting everything.

So you are going to put a motorized panel on the front of your speaker for protection (or to hide it) and have it open when listening to music? Interesting...

Bill poster · 6th August 2011, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18Hurts

I would use the switched outlets on your receiver or pre-amp to power up a DC power supply (wall wart etc) You can do it with two leaf switches, or for more exotica--optical sensors to tell if it is open or closed.

12 to 14.4 VDC automotive drive motors will work well with a wall wart type power supply, just make sure the amount of amps the wall wart puts out is at least double the motor current rating.

yes its a flap that covers the drive unit and lifts up- a 'soft' powered type system wd be nice.

I want to avoid any extra wires- maybe a battery powered motor?

AllenB · 6th August 2011, 03:58 PM

You could 'sense' the presence of a signal in the cabinet using circuitry that buffers the motor from the input.

6th August 2011, 01:03 PM	#1
Bill poster diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: London	can speaker cable current power an electric motor I want to have a powered flap/cover over the drive units for my next build- they open when the amp powers up etc. Any advice on how I do this- what motor to use? __________________ Cool Loudspeakers Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...24506880902633

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6th August 2011, 02:32 PM	#2
18Hurts diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2010	I would use the switched outlets on your receiver or pre-amp to power up a DC power supply (wall wart etc) You can do it with two leaf switches, or for more exotica--optical sensors to tell if it is open or closed. 12 to 14.4 VDC automotive drive motors will work well with a wall wart type power supply, just make sure the amount of amps the wall wart puts out is at least double the motor current rating. If you don't have switched outlets, then it gets a little tougher. The power light on the amp can trigger a light sensor to trigger a relay to drive a motor. If you do it that way, then use light (infared) and additional optical sensors to trigger the relay to shut off. (two relays) Install backup limit switches to mechanically break the connection if the sensors fail, get dirty etc. If you are really paranoid, the optical sensor can also trigger a timer so if the drive jams, it will time out and shut off the motor protecting everything. So you are going to put a motorized panel on the front of your speaker for protection (or to hide it) and have it open when listening to music? Interesting...

6th August 2011, 03:58 PM	#4
AllenB diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2008	You could 'sense' the presence of a signal in the cabinet using circuitry that buffers the motor from the input.

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