Pop-up TV Lift

How to make a TV Lift

The components needed to build a TV lift kit are a 12VDC power adaptor, DC linear actuator,  guide rails, a universal TV bracket and a switch or remote control.

You need to build a vertical drawer-like structure that slides up rather than out.  For most projects this involves using 2x4's for vertical supports The 2x4's are mounted straight up and down with off-the-shelf L-brackets or by using 2x4's cut at an angle to provide that lateral support.

Guide rails are attached to the vertical support 2x4's and a piece of wide, flat plywood is used as the support for the TV and TV bracket.  Ensure this is tight and smooth running as the more planning and effort you put into the constructing the base structure, the higher the quality of the TV lift will be.

Now you have the base structure for connecting the TV bracket and flat panel TV and keeping it moving smoothly up and down.

Now attach the DC linear actuator to the plywood used for holding the TV.  The motor end of the actuator is connected to the base of the cabinet with a mounting bracket, and the rod end of the DC linear actuator is attached to the plywood.  Normally you'd mount the rod end as high as you can on the plywood to minimize the height of the TV lift.

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 dC linear actuator is powered by 12VDC by way of a transformer/power adaptor that plugs into the wall.  You're want about 5 to 10 amps of current to ensure there's enough power for the actuator (double-check when you buy your linear actuator).

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

Now the two wires from the actuator can be connected to the first channel pair on the remote receiver (one of the channel pairs, blue and white wires).  Now you can plug the power adaptor in and test the application. 

Good luck!  Build something cool!