need help with high school prom props

[rudyeb]

I am making a prop for my sons high school after prom which starts right
after the prom ends and goes to 4:00 AM. This gives the kids an alternative
to getting drunk or in trouble other wise. It's a great program. This year I
have been asked to make the small scale replica of the ball that drops at
Times Square on New Years Eve. I have made the ball and intend to have it go
up and down on a threaded shaft via a linear motor. I need a way to make it
stop at the bottom, wait 2 -3 minutes and then reverse the DC current so the
motor reverses and send the ball back up to the top. When it gets to the top
I need it to wait 2-3 minutes, reverse the polarity to the motor so it goes
down again. I will need this continuous motion of up and down to last the 4
hours of the party. I have found the motor that I think will work on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7514612658
but need help with the up, down and time delay part of this deal. Any help
or guidance would be greatly appreciated. They have also asked me to make a
device that they can attach a mock up Planters peanuts can to that will make
the mock-up turn, and tilt so the can will empty out peanuts and then go
back to the upright position. This is to replicate the one that is now in
Times Square. If anyone can help me with that project I would also be most
appreciative..
Thank you,
Rudy

 

[Rich Grise]

I am making a prop for my sons high school after prom which starts right
after the prom ends and goes to 4:00 AM. This gives the kids an
alternative to getting drunk or in trouble other wise. It's a great
program. This year I have been asked to make the small scale replica of
the ball that drops at Times Square on New Years Eve. I have made the ball
and intend to have it go up and down on a threaded shaft via a linear
motor. I need a way to make it stop at the bottom, wait 2 -3 minutes and
then reverse the DC current so the motor reverses and send the ball back
up to the top. When it gets to the top I need it to wait 2-3 minutes,
reverse the polarity to the motor so it goes down again. I will need this
continuous motion of up and down to last the 4 hours of the party. I have

See if there's anything useful here:
http://groups.google.co.uk/groups?q=curtain+controller

Good Luck!
Rich