Portable garage: Remote controlled, roll up door! What kind of motor will draw rope and raise a fabric door?

Question

I need to erect a portable garage. I have found one that suits my needs. However, I cant seem to find a company that makes remote controlled doors for this type of garage. This is where I need the smarts of the good people here at yahoo.

Its simply a drawstring type door, almost like pulling a window shade open. I need a motor that will be robust enough to stay oustide under this canopy, also it needs to be remote controllable. If its raining out, I do not want to get out of the car, pull on a drawstring, open the door, get back in the car.......

So this remote controlled motor that I have yet to find seems to be the answer.

I know someone knows of something that will work. Please help me!

Thanks

DamnAlien

Answer 1

A remote controlled motor... The first thing that comes to mind is, well, a garage door motor.  You may find a replacement motor without all the extra hardware required for a standard garage installation, but from my experience they seem to come in kits only.  One advantage to the kit, is the inclusion of sensors to tell the motor to shut off once the door is raised.  To avoid snapping any string in your hookup, this may be the best option for you, and the motor will certainly handle a fabric door.  

Another option, is purchasing a motor and remote control unit separately.  I know there are simple units for say, holiday lights, where a handheld remote controls an on/off relay that plugs into a standard outlet, and contains an outlet to plug holiday lights in.  (The idea being, you can turn on/off your outdoor decorations from inside the house).  These are available at home improvement stores such as Home Depot.  Plug the motor into the relay unit, and use the remote to control from your car.

A simple setup might just be a motor with a small diameter pulley (small diameter, to raise the door in a smooth, controlled manner).