Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Postby timothyg on Sat, 21 Dec 2013 6:22 +0000

Guys, need some advice from electronics guru here. As per title, I'm trying to come up it. Trying to get a motorized flap that with a flick of a switch, it'll pull up the cover and retract to close. How can this be done? Stepper motor with arduino or other simpler methods like using them auto plate covers to hide plates from speed cameras?

Reason being, i need covers for the bars i have on my rack. Not interested in using current covers ie: rigid industries covers- found through my experience, too often in putting on and off the covers, makes the light bars susceptible to water ingress. Plus regulation demands all light on roof racks be covered when on road.

All constructive ideas are much appreciated.

Thanks in advance. Tim
User avatar
timothyg
 
Posts: 362
Joined: Sat, 17 Dec 2011 9:36 +0000
Location: Sabah - Land Below the Wind


 

Re: Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Postby cuzo4x4 on Sat, 21 Dec 2013 6:27 +0000

Awesome idea, watching with interest
If I have anything Good to Say it will be Above.
My Shed: cuzo's Build
Pssst, if anyone asks, I was here between 10pm and 3am last night.


Shawn
07 SR5 Dual Cab
User avatar
cuzo4x4
Moderator
 
Posts: 1658
Joined: Sun, 03 Jun 2012 7:49 +0000
Location: Kellyville Ridge

Re: Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Postby hylux on Sat, 21 Dec 2013 6:47 +0000

Hi you could look at using an electronic drop bolt. These are used to lock doors on security system. They push a 15mm bolt into a door frame about 25mm so you could modify it and connect a rod onto something like a piece of hinged perspex. Search the net for brands like padded efs etc in security providers. Maybe you could see if a locksmiths or security company has old old dead one you could play with before buying. They run on 12v
I love hybrid cars - means more fuel for me
User avatar
hylux
 
Posts: 575
Joined: Mon, 11 Oct 2010 1:34 +0000
Location: Newcastle

Re: Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Postby jimmi on Sat, 21 Dec 2013 7:44 +0000

Big O 4x4 does these, donno if this helps

Image
Image
Image

or a number plate flipper

Image
jimmi
 
Posts: 254
Joined: Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:05 +0000

Re: Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Postby andy666 on Sun, 22 Dec 2013 8:06 +0000

jimmi wrote:
or a number plate flipper

Image


:lol: :lol: imagine trying to make a getaway in a hilux :lol: :lol:

The problem with any thin cover that just flips up or down would be that the wind @ 100kmh would simply rip it off. Even if it was 5mm alloy, just secured at either end of the light bar I recon it would bend from the wind force.
If you are dead set on making it motorised a better option would be to roll the entire light bar so it faces down, then when switched on it rotates up again.
666 High Idle Kits to suit 05+ hilux Available Here
My Build Thread.
User avatar
andy666
 
Posts: 908
Joined: Sun, 12 Dec 2010 6:07 +0000
Location: Brisbane

Re: Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Postby ashh on Sun, 22 Dec 2013 4:49 +0000

Yeah roll the whole bar, would a central locking motor be any any good?
User avatar
ashh
 
Posts: 323
Joined: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:03 +0000

Re: Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Postby StevenS on Sun, 22 Dec 2013 5:22 +0000

What about a more high tech solution? Electric tinted film?

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/13263 ... _used.html

Shouldn't be tooooooooo exy for something as small as a lightbar.If you're handy you could probably disassemble the bar and mount it on the inside of the glass.
User avatar
StevenS
 
Posts: 1172
Joined: Tue, 21 Feb 2012 7:49 +0000
Location: SE QLD

Re: Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Postby timothyg on Sun, 22 Dec 2013 5:43 +0000

Good ideas indeed. Thank you all. Still keen on doing an automated flap. Please share info on motorized items if you have any for the flap.
User avatar
timothyg
 
Posts: 362
Joined: Sat, 17 Dec 2011 9:36 +0000
Location: Sabah - Land Below the Wind

Re: Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Postby cadeo1 on Sun, 22 Dec 2013 6:10 +0000

StevenS wrote:What about a more high tech solution? Electric tinted film?

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/13263 ... _used.html

Shouldn't be tooooooooo exy for something as small as a lightbar.If you're handy you could probably disassemble the bar and mount it on the inside of the glass.



This is awesome
cadeo1
 
Posts: 190
Joined: Mon, 06 Jul 2009 7:41 +0000

Re: Auto flap cover for LED light bar

Postby timothyg on Wed, 25 Dec 2013 4:57 +0000

Might be using a more simpler method. Simple hinge construction with a linear actuator. Waiting for my rigid industries E2 40" to be delivered and custom made roof rack.
User avatar
timothyg
 
Posts: 362
Joined: Sat, 17 Dec 2011 9:36 +0000
Location: Sabah - Land Below the Wind


Return to Electrical

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests