[drwolfe]

Thanks Bob; its not really about just controlling blinds, its about custom creations. Power furniture

As an example I have an dedicated closet with all my av equipment contained in a custom cabinet. The custom cabinet is on wheels with tracks that allows the cabinet to be pulled out to facilitate component wires, power connections etc. The door is beefed up and is lockable from the inside by way of power automotive power door locks. Out of sight and very clean install. I open the split door and pull the cabinet out some so I can see the components and allow ir from the remotes to reach the components.

I have a hidden switch that throws a 12 volt power door locks. Total cost from the surplus store cost $10 for the power supply, two power door solenoids and switch (new).

When I'm done with the av equipment or going out. I push the cabinet in, close the doors and throw the switch to lock the closet. My goal is to automate this process automatically.

Its very easy to wire up manual switches to power up the drill and forward/reverse direction to existing wiring.The cost for a drill, threaded rod, mounting hardware including switches is about $40. Spin the rod the cabinet extends/retracts. A set of gears slows the spin and increase torque cost $10-20. We now have a platform. Use four rods attached by gears/chains similar in principle to a portable plainer height adjustment. and instant power lift to lift the flat screen up out of a cabinet. These devices are commercially available at hundreds or even thousands. Building it your self may be a pain but all the basic principles can be adapted. I'm building one and the top of the island will raise to expose the toaster, coffeemaker, microwave etc. all on one shelf. I have built this stuff before. When I'm done, turn a hand crank and it pops up like a camper trailer and you can still put stuff on the top of the island while cooking. So there we go, hide the stuff when not in use.
Cost effective solutions for everyone, motor control is the key.
DRWolfe