[NJARC] Antique Radio Project

[Billoradio at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/18/2007 3:51:10 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
arena3 at tcnj.edu writes:
 
Hi Matt. I will as always offer a different slant with some possible  
finantial commitment notes.
Bill 
610-853-3199
Havertown, Pa.

I am a  senior technology education major at The College of New Jersey
(formally  Trenton State).  I am currently taking a class called Senior
Design  which requires us to build an intensive project. 
Yes it is.

I have  decided
to make a small entertainment center that looks like an antique  wooden
radio.  
No Major problem it seems.

When the  unit is off, it will look like an antique wooden radio. 
However, when it  is turned on it will open up 
Try using a roll top design so the top of the face has somewhere to go.  This 
will require a motor, speed reduction and a drive system along with  limit 
switches or current sensing to stop in the open or closed position. A  power 
supply and directional control circuitry will also be required.

and  reveal a flat screen
television, DVD player and speakers.
An amplifier is required. The speakers can fire out the sides and be  vintage 
concealed or fire out of a grille in the front with no stereo  effect.


I have chosen to undertake this project because I  feel like newer
televisions and electronics in general have lost all  aesthetic appeal and
craftsmanship.  As an avid woodworker, I  appreciate the craftsmanship
that went into old wooden radios and how they  can make a room feel warm
and comfortable.
Amen


Unfortunately, I am pretty broke because I was  student teaching in a high
school last semester and did not have time to  work.  I would greatly
appreciate any dials, knobs or other pieces  that I could incorporate into
the shell of the radio.  I should be  able to attend your next meeting on
February 9th to pick up any donated  parts.
 


Further, I need a mentor for this project if anyone  has a strong
electronics and mechanical background.  I need to  determine how I will
automate the unit to open and close when it is turned  on and off. 
Look for an existing product to adapt to the project.

I  also
need to figure out how to make everything work together so that the  unit
will open and the television will turn on with one click of the  remote.
That will be more work, but the Radio Shack remote control systems  might be 
still around


I  thank you for your time and would greatly appreciate any parts, advice,
or  help you can provide.
Conclusion. Find an existing electronic product to modify. 
A 12 volts DC power supply could possibly run the motor and  circuitry, DVD, 
TV, and audio amplifier. 
Old car headlight door rotate mechanism to rotate the faceplate 180  degrees?
Mechanisms from old VCR's to activalte levers etc?
Shop the electronic store for inspiration.
Junkyard car GPS parts for a rotating screen?