Pop-up TV Lift

How to make a pop-up TV lift

The parts you need to build a pop-up TV lift are basically a DC linear actuator, 12VDC power adaptor, guide rails, a universal TV bracket and a switch or remote control.

Th idea is to build a drawer-like structure that slides up rather than out.  For most projects this entails a building vertical supports out of 2x4's (or using the cabinet interior if the size is right).  The 2x4's are mounted straight up and down with off-the-shelf L-brackets.

Guide rails are connected to the vertical 2x4's and a piece of wide, flat wood or plywood as the support for the TV bracket.  You want to make sure this is as tight and smooth running as possible.  The more design and effort you put into the building of the basic structure, the better the overall quality will be.

At this point you'd have the basic structure for holding the TV bracket and keeping it moving straight up and down.

Next you want to attach the linear actuator to the sliding plywood.  The base of the actuator is mounted in the base of the cabinet (or whatever else is housing your pop-up TV lift), and the shaft end of the actuator is attached to the sliding plywood.  Typically you'd mount the shaft end as high as you can on the plywood to keep the overall height of the lift down.

Now that you have the basic structure and the lifting mechanism (actuator) you need to add the power connection and the switch or remote.

 The linear actuator is powered by 12VDC by way of a power adaptor that plugs into the wall.  Typically you're going to need about 5 to 10 amps of current to ensure there's enough power for the actuator.

With the Firgelli Automations power adaptor and remote control system you connect the +12VDC from the power adaptor to the red power line going to the remote control receiver, the ground from the power adaptor going to the black power line going to the remote receiver.

Next the two wires from the actuator are connected to the remote receiver output wires (one of the channels, blue and white wires).  Now you can plug the power adaptor in and test the application. 

Good luck!  Build something cool!