I'm looking for an electric pulley system that can raise and lower (like an elevator) with a switch of some sort.

It needs to be rather small, like 10" X 7".

I'm using this for an illusion, any ideas?

Thanks!
Josh London

Can you give us a bit more to go on - size, weight, etc.?

It doesn't need to hold much weight, say 2-3 lbs, if that. I need it to drop about 1 foot, then come back up when I want it to.

The size of the platform I'd like the pulley to pull would be roughly 10" long X 7" wide.

Is there a website where I can go look at these things? I guess I'm looking for a little, very little elevator.

Thanks!
Josh

Will it be mounted above the stage, or does it need to be self-contained?

From your description I'm not sure you are really looking for a "pulley system", but a "gearmotor". Go to http://www.grainger.com and search for "DC gearmotor". There are several different speeds available in the $40 - $45 range. I don't think the capacity will present a problem for something that small and light.

If you really are looking for pulleys, your local hardware store should have many to choose from.

It will be self-contained in a table. I'm going to be using a black art idea and the platform will be lowered behind the black art, and then raised back up.

I'll take a look at the gear motor. It sounds like what I need.

Thanks!

If it needs to stop at a preset point, make sure you include a limit switch of some sort in the circuit, otherwise a fairly powerful gearmotor could cause some significant damage.

Sounds like you need the PTS system.

Best,

Tim

Before you pay full price at Grainger you might have a look here:

http://www.allelectronics.com/

You might also look at a system of pulleys with a counter weight to return the platform to the up position. The platform could be push or moved down and lock in position until it was ready to be released and return to the up position.

Not sure how much area you have to work with but it sound as though you want to use a screw drive type system. Check out this website and it may help with your design.http://www.engineersedge.com/motors/lead_screw_drive_system.htm

I've been experimenting with a linear actuator. It runs on 12V and can raise/lower 12". Cost is $80 and it lifts 25lbs. The only problem in the noise and you need 12+ inches to hide it. With good insulation, you could not hear it from about 8 feet. Music could cover the sound. It is 24" when extended. It comes with a limit switch.