Hi, i've done a few searches on this and i have a few un answered questions.
1: if you were to use a door lock actuator, wouldn't the "door handle" be stuck open when you pressed the button because the actuator would be "unlocked" and fthen finally closed when you press the button again
2: how much power do you need? is a 45lb actuator/solinoid nessesary
3: do you need a relay?

 

1. Although I do not have shaved handles, nor am I experienced with the mod, I have "played" with a few door lock actuators, and from my experience I've noticed that they just "pop" but can easily retract. Maybe if you put a "return" spring somewhere in the handle mechanism, it'll "pop" it open and retract...maybe you can do something like a coil-over type thing. With the rod inside the coil/spring...
2. I would get the biggest, strongest solenoids as possible, these doors are HEAVY as HELL!
3. yes...and inline fuses...

Good luck, keep us updated

 

thanks for your help... i'm probly just going to buy a kit... it sthe price that bugs me... for a 45lb solenoid kit its like.... $100 before shipping, and i like in canada, and these things are in the states... so my shipping is heaftier than i'd like...

 

Where in Canada are you?

 

BC (vancouver island)

 

I would disagree with #2 - using the strongest solenoids is not worthwhile and can cause problems (they do make solenoids up to 100lbs). Mine (I think they are 45) actually snapped the door linkage in half due to their strong pull. You have to ask yourself how much force it actually takes to lift the door handle (thus causing the linkage to 'open' the door). The weight of our doors has little to do with opening them, and that is a concern with proper placement of the door poppers that actually 'pop' the door open after the solenoid engages the door latch.

I would say 20-30 would be ideal