Greetings,
So along time ago, I cut the "cable." The cable company's cable that is. So I use my computer for all my entertainment. I use a 32" LCD TV as my main monitor. But one issue that has always been present since is, given my current room setup, a desk side, and a bed on the other side, I have to manually turn this TV around on my desk when I switch "modes." Modes being, at night the TV faces away from the computer chair. In the morning, this TV faces the computer chair. I tried a turn table, but it really didn't work out. Overall, it was more fuss than just picking up the TV.
Room setup:
(Orange if the bed and blue is the chair. With the TV in the middle.)
So the idea is a simple square frame, which the TV rotates within. I can use the screws on the back on the TV to attach it to the frame and clamp this contraption to my desk. The confusion comes in with the automation. The screen on the monitor will have to flip; inverted. It's really easy to do this manually, but why not strive for automation? I use an AMD gpu, so I can use the Catalyst Control Center to mange the monitor's state. I can even set keyboard shortcuts for said modes. Eventually, I want to add a motor and have this rotate itself, given the time of day, or manually, so I know I'm going to use Arduino and a serial data feed. A roller switch would be enough for detection.
I was just wanting to ask before I jump in head first. I have some knowledge of how Arduous work, generally how to code in C garble, but I never simulated keyboard strokes presses etc. Also I was curious if there are any other non-keyboard solutions to flipping a monitor's screen? Anything in regards would most likely be appreciated!
it is actually very simple.
get a lazy susan, bolt it to the desk, bolt the TV to the top. this will prevent it from falling off or being moved so that movement will have it push itself off.
use a simple stepper and pulley, add two end switches. now, when you want, flick the switch and the stepper will rotate the TV until it hits and end-switch and then stop.
cable management becomes an issue. twisting the cable will weaken it and it could short out.
to ardinofy it, add a remote and use the arduino to create the pulses for the stepper.
add a motion sensor and have it 'follow' you around the room.
have it change from the monitor to TV at some angle of rotation
dave-in-nj:
it is actually very simple.
get a lazy susan, bolt it to the desk, bolt the TV to the top. this will prevent it from falling off or being moved so that movement will have it push itself off.
use a simple stepper and pulley, add two end switches. now, when you want, flick the switch and the stepper will rotate the TV until it hits and end-switch and then stop.
cable management becomes an issue. twisting the cable will weaken it and it could short out.
to ardinofy it, add a remote and use the arduino to create the pulses for the stepper.
add a motion sensor and have it 'follow' you around the room.
have it change from the monitor to TV at some angle of rotation
(YES! BSOD right before I hit the Post response button! Just in time Windows, PCI ethernet adapter driver, thanks <3.)
I like the lazy susan route and I tried it before; manually speaking. However, the TV is 32" wide so as it swings, it knocks everything off my desk lol. I could make a custom TV mount to connect it to the susan and raise it up a bit to clear the keyboard.
The only thing I don't like about it is, the obvious methods of connecting the susan would have me drill into in my brand new desk. I prefer a portable solution that don't leave permanent marks. Although, the lazy susan route would save a lot of effort and make the build less confusing and more reliable not using software.
steinie44:
Just move your desk farther away from the bed. Put the chair by the bed. Then you don't have to turn the monitor/TV.
I have an 'L' shaped desk. If the chair and bed were on the same side, the elbow of the desk would be away from the wall. Also given all the other elements, that would increase the distance from the bed to the TV and I wouldn't be able to read text.
you can put in a goal post and add the axis on the sides. think rotisserie
you can use clamps to lock the unit to the desk for some stability. also, by securing it in place your swing will be a fixed location in space.
you can mount the unit on a pole, then raise the pole, rotate, then lower the pole.
I'm not looking to get to adventurous. It usually doesn't end well for me. XD
But hey! What about a rotisserie style design, but with a vertical axis. Then, have a standalone; stand!
A simple change of axis motion get rid off all the screen rotation complications. More space on the desk would be great. I'm looking to pick up smaller speakers and wall mounts for my monitors anyway. The stand would also let me hide the electronics. If I'm going that route, I'm thinking PVC pipe.
I prefer a portable solution that don't leave permanent marks. Although, the lazy susan route would save a lot of effort and make the build less confusing and more reliable not using software.