Thread: Garage Door Opener Prop (for 3 Axis Skull)

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Been working on using a garage door opener to move one of my 3 axis skulls.

Im building a house facade with a front porch and I want to have the front door open and one of my skulls come out and do its little bit. So a screw opener seemed like the best solution.

The only problem was I needed to mount a 3 foot skelli on top and the track itself was very flimsy. So I added a track to both sides for a little more support.

I only need the track to move back and forth enough for it to clear a 32-inch opening door so i am only using two of the three track sections.

Works pretty well, shakes a little more than id like when it stops but good enough.

Heres some photos and quick clips.

Its not painted yet, and please excuse the welds (im not a welder).








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Such a cool idea! Two questions:
How are you planning on triggering/controlling the opener?
How will you keep the opener from overheating when used that often?

I'm planning on using it in a vsa routine trigger by a relay via DMX and the routine won't play but every 15 mins or so. So it won't be too often but I'm also going to put a fan next to the motor to keep it cool.

What an ingenious idea!! That's going to be so cool. Can't wait to see the final version in the door of your facade!

MsM

I'd be interested to see how you wire the opener to be triggered via DMX. I've tried using relays before, but just can't seem to get them to work. And I'm always interested in using DMX to control props. If you can get all that worked out (which it sounds like you have), that's gonna be one cool prop!

Excellent Work!! Where did u get the groove bearings?

The wheels are ball bearing Screen Door Wheels, found them at the depot.

very clever! how tall is he?

Cool I had talked with someone last year on using a Garage Door Opener and had posted a design.
Great job.