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The masking system is based on the DrapeBoss 292A X-10 remote controlled
motor system. The DrapeBoss is designed to open and close draperies.
With it's programmable stops and variable speeds, it can be made to perform
exactly as is necessary for home theater screen masking use.
The masking cloth is black velvet. Velvet is used because it is one of
the least reflective fabrics available.
I used metal rollers that are not available to purchase, so a very straight
1 3/4" wood pole would be |
straight
1 3/4" wood pole would be necessary. Kirsch Drapery Hardware distributors
also sell various decorative poles that are of high quality and could possibly
be used, but are more expensive. It is always necessary to specify
"straight" when purchasing.
The "pulleys" used with the cords are replacement wheels for the bottoms
of patio doors from Home Depot. They have built in bearings and work
perfectly. Make sure to oil them and free them up before installation.They
are mounted on |
oak
blocks with a screw through the center. Be sure to take into consideration
how far out you need the pulley to be in order to allow for the sandbag
weight to not rub on the wall or hit other obstructions.
A 1" x 4" piece of dimensional lumber runs through each mask to provide
the necessary support and to make a sharp edge for the mask. I used
Aspen lumber from Home Depot because it is light and stays straight to
make a proper edge for the picture. |
Construction: |
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The DrapeBoss case was taken apart and mounted on oak brackets as shown
in the sketch. This puts the drive shaft in a position that it points
directly at the end of the roller. The small drive wheel that comes with
the DrapeBoss is taken off and turned around. Prior to remounting
the drive wheel on the motor shaft, three holes are drilled in it to allow
it to be mounted to the end of the roller with screws. When the drive wheel
is remounted to the motor, the motor then provides the support for that
end of the roller.
The bottom mask needs something to pull upward on it and keep the fabric
tight. A sandbag weight is placed on each side for this purpose as is seen
in the sketch. |
Just
enough weight to keep the fabric taught is used.
The DrapeBoss motor drive has an internal slip clutch. It was discovered
that this had a tendency to creep slightly over time from the weight on
the rollers. Since this would throw the aspect ratio off, it became
necessary to devise a method of making the rollers weight neutral. This
was accomplished by wrapping a cord around the roller in the opposite direction
of the mask wrap, and placing a sandbag of the exact weight to counteract
the pull of the mask. With a "weight neutral" situation on the roller,
all creep is eliminated. The sketch shows how I had to make my "weight
neutralizer" pull upward on the bottom |
rollerbecause
my bottom roller is located too close to the floor. A bottom roller located
higher from the floor could possibly allow the bottom "weight neutralizer"
to be exactly like the top one.
When programming the DrapeBoss units, the "open position" becomes your
widest aspect ratio and the closed position becomes your smallest. You
can then program up to 6 additional stops for various in-between ratios.
It is unlikely you will use all eight positions. These stops are
accessed randomly by the various buttons on an ordinary X-10 remote control. |
Comments or Suggestions, deanej@cox.net |
