Design help. Put on your thinking caps!

[redspot321]

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]

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?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v683/redspot321/untitled.jpg

[three-spot]

This would work a bit smoother:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o297/julianguathier/untitled.jpg

[redspot321]

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]

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

[MrSpiffy]

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]

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]

Easiest way I can think of:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/128860dfssfa.JPG

[rsw686]

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-and-reg-ceiling-mount-bike-lift-pbh-1r--pi-1296146.html

[redspot321]

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.