Due to the shallow depth, it looks like you may have to hinge the actuator too.

 

Alright so I cut out the mdf cover for the hatch including the hole for the tv. I won't need any supports because of the existing supports so it works out well. I will upload pics tonight, I just have to figure out how exactly to do the actuator with what length, should be interesting, again if anyone has actuator experience please let me know. Thanks

 

Throw an 'L' link in there to make the assembly more low profile. Just remember to think of the linkage like a see-saw, you want to make sure the actuator gets a long enough lever on it's side of the fulcrum to allow it to easily flip up the lcd.

Something like this:


Also a common brand for linear actuators like this is Autoloc. If you don't like their models, call shops that make conversion vehicles for people in wheelchairs, they use actuators like these all the time and can probably give you an idea on load and reliability.

 

^^^ oh, and the little circles there are pivot points. The actuator in the above diagram cannot be mounted totally stationary, the far right side must be allowed to swivel so it doesnt bind.

 

attach cables to the hatch so it opens w/ the hatch.

 

Wow could you show a picture of the tv in the up position so i get a better idea? Where would this L hook into the tv at? What kind of metal and where can i get those pivot joints?

 

It'd probably be easiest to make a thin frame around the LCD which you could attach the 'L' shaped bits to. Then make a box/frame to mount the actuator and the fulcrum points to. The moving parts could just be cut out of a flat piece of 1/8" thick steel or aluminum depending on whats easier for you. The box would be fine in 1/2" mdf.

You should fab up a fake prototype using cardboard if you need a better idea of how this will work, easier than wasting wood and metal.

 

Hmmm, i'm gonna try it another way to try the low profile and if it doesn't work it doesn't work. Thanks for the help.

 

I'm thinking of using a gas strut for now because i don't feel like buying the actuator and mounts right now. Does anyone know what size power verter should i use? Doesn anyone know?

 

a gas strut?

uh...... thats gonna whip that tv up so fast its gonna break it. do it right the first time and get an actuator

 

a gas spring thing. That holds the hatch up. It's just so i can get it all installed and working. I just have to figure out what power inverter to get because i don't know how much draw my lcd has.

 

yeah i know.... thats not smart it wont work the way you want

 

Anyone know what size power inverter?

 

how many watts does the tv use? should say on the back then just get one with say 100-200 more to be easy on the inverter. Just my opinion though.

Take my 32 inch dell for example. Uses 120v at 2.5amp so the following works. Should give you a ball park to figure yours out and what you would need.

To Find Watts

1. When Volts and Amperes are Known

POWER (WATTS) = VOLTS x AMPERES

*

We have a small server with a nameplate shows 2.5 amps. Given a normal 120 Volt, 60 hz power source and the ampere reading from equipment, make the following calculation:

POWER (WATTS) = 120 * 2.5 ANSWER: 300 WATTS

 

My tv says power input 100-240 is that what i'm look at?

 

yeah, 100 (120v) is what you use, now how many amps does it require? usually like 2.5a or 3a

 

it says 1.6-0.8 A on the back.

 

so 100v * 1.6a = 160watts So if your not going to be using other accessories I would get a 300watt one if they make or sell them in your area. They aren't cheap though. http://www.walmart.com/search/search...e=Find&ic=24_0
I think the whistler 400 should work just fine for what you need. Shop around though and check other stores.

 

Well i need to run an xbox 360 also.

 

it says 12V dc 16.5 V