Design help. Put on your thinking caps!

redspot321 · 07/26/2007, 07:28 AM

Hi everyone, I need help here. How can I configure a pulley system so that I can raise and lower my teklight?

Specifically I need to know how to route the rope within the pulley system. Anchor point and all that. Thanks!

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redspot321 · 07/26/2007, 10:56 AM

This is the best I can come up with. The draw string is in the middle. Can anyone else out there think of a way I can design this so that the draw string is on the side like on a set of window blinds?

three-spot · 07/26/2007, 11:18 AM

This would work a bit smoother:

redspot321 · 07/26/2007, 11:43 AM

So Im assuming by adding additional pulleys, Ill be spreading the force around a bit more, reducing the strain on the celing pullys.

Its that right?

csb · 07/26/2007, 01:03 PM

It might be easier to place hooks in the ceiling and hang the light with a light-weight chain.

MrSpiffy · 07/26/2007, 01:38 PM

You could just make one rope longer to run it to one side, and make the other shorter. Either way, you'll pull the same amount of rope from both sides, so it should go up evenly. You shouldn't need to combine the ropes until it reaches the side. I'd tie them together to make sure it raises evenly.

Myrphie · 07/26/2007, 01:47 PM

Sorry I don't have time to draw this, but hopefully you can picture it yourself.

Mount two pulleys on the top of the light, mount the end of the rope to a hook on the ceiling above one pulley, run it down to the pulley beneath it, then across to the other pulley on the light, then up to a pulley above that on the ceiling. When you pull down on the rope, the lamp will raise but will remain level due to the two pulleys on it.

Ugh... even to me that seems complicated, but it works, I've seen a few tanks like that. I'll see if I can whip up a drawing for you in a bit.

b.branscombe · 07/26/2007, 02:52 PM

Easiest way I can think of:

rsw686 · 07/26/2007, 03:09 PM

They have bike rack mounts that use a pulley and go on the ceiling. I have them in the garage. Maybe you could modify something like this.

http://www.acehardware.com/sm-racor-...i-1296146.html

redspot321 · 07/26/2007, 03:42 PM

rsw686, Thanks for the link. I think this is the basic design Im looking for. I will do it diy though to try and clean it up a bit.

07/26/2007, 07:28 AM	#1
redspot321 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: palm bay fl Posts: 1,711	Design help. Put on your thinking caps! Hi everyone, I need help here. How can I configure a pulley system so that I can raise and lower my teklight? Specifically I need to know how to route the rope within the pulley system. Anchor point and all that. Thanks!

07/26/2007, 11:18 AM	#3
three-spot Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: windsor, ontario, canada Posts: 201	This would work a bit smoother: __________________ Julian

07/26/2007, 01:03 PM	#5
csb Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 541	It might be easier to place hooks in the ceiling and hang the light with a light-weight chain. __________________ Winter ski bum, summer reef bum. Tank pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/snojrnl Current Tank Info: 30g mixed reef

07/26/2007, 03:09 PM	#9
rsw686 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: VA Posts: 549	They have bike rack mounts that use a pulley and go on the ceiling. I have them in the garage. Maybe you could modify something like this. http://www.acehardware.com/sm-racor-...i-1296146.html __________________ The Reptile File Forum (Google It) Discussion forum dedicated to geckos, lizards, snakes, turtles, amphibians, and other reptiles. Current Tank Info: 90gal reef w/ 20 gal sump, Aquactinics TX5, Octopus NW150, AquaController Jr.

07/26/2007, 10:56 AM	#2
redspot321 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: palm bay fl Posts: 1,711	This is the best I can come up with. The draw string is in the middle. Can anyone else out there think of a way I can design this so that the draw string is on the side like on a set of window blinds?

07/26/2007, 11:43 AM	#4
redspot321 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: palm bay fl Posts: 1,711	So Im assuming by adding additional pulleys, Ill be spreading the force around a bit more, reducing the strain on the celing pullys. Its that right?

07/26/2007, 01:38 PM	#6
MrSpiffy Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 1,300	You could just make one rope longer to run it to one side, and make the other shorter. Either way, you'll pull the same amount of rope from both sides, so it should go up evenly. You shouldn't need to combine the ropes until it reaches the side. I'd tie them together to make sure it raises evenly.

07/26/2007, 01:47 PM	#7
Myrphie Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: El Paso, Tx Posts: 177	Sorry I don't have time to draw this, but hopefully you can picture it yourself. Mount two pulleys on the top of the light, mount the end of the rope to a hook on the ceiling above one pulley, run it down to the pulley beneath it, then across to the other pulley on the light, then up to a pulley above that on the ceiling. When you pull down on the rope, the lamp will raise but will remain level due to the two pulleys on it. Ugh... even to me that seems complicated, but it works, I've seen a few tanks like that. I'll see if I can whip up a drawing for you in a bit.

07/26/2007, 02:52 PM	#8
b.branscombe Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 407	Easiest way I can think of:

07/26/2007, 03:42 PM	#10
redspot321 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: palm bay fl Posts: 1,711	rsw686, Thanks for the link. I think this is the basic design Im looking for. I will do it diy though to try and clean it up a bit.