Wooden Lockbox With Key Access

Video link is at the bottom of the page.

Step 1: Gather Parts

Parts:

1x Key switch
1x momentary Pushbutton switch
1x Pull type linear actuator
2x 9v battery's
2x 9v battery clips
1x 5v voltage regulator (7805 from RadioShack)
1x 12v voltage regulator (7812 from RadioShack)
1x circuit board of any type
1x large enclosure with hinged lid (I got mine from hobby lobby for $10)
Red and black wire
1x 1k resistor
1x LED of any color IF YOU DONT HAVE A LIGHT BUILT IN THE BUTTON ALREADY LIKE I DID!

If there is anything you think I should add to the instruction, please let me know in the comments and I will add it.

Step 2: Gather Tools

Tools:

Drill with bits
Bandsaw
Soldering iron
Hot glue gun or wood glue
Dremel with sanding bits

OPTIONAL: breadboard and jumpers

Step 3: Adjust Your Box

I made a false bottom for my box to hide all the electronics. I cut a few slices of wood spacers 3/4 of an inch high for the false bottom to rest on. I also made an angled piece of wood to hide the key switch the Pushbutton and the actuator.

Step 4: Start Testing

Once you are satisfied with the way your box looks, you are going to want to test all of your parts. I used a bread board, jumpers and alligator clips to test everything.

Step 5: Wire You Circuit Board

Wire the 9v battery clips in series. Then connect the positive lead of the clip to one lead of your key switch and another wire from the other lead of the switch to the input pin of your 12v regulator(NOTE: you have to use the 12v regulator first or the circuit won't work!!). Connect you negative lead of the battery AND 2 black wires to the ground pin to the regulator. Connect 2 red wires to the output pin of your regulator. Connect one of the red wires to the input pin of your 5v regulator and one of the black wires to the ground pin to the 5v regulator. Connect the red and black wires of the 5v regulator to your LED using a 1k resistor on the positive lead. Connect another wire to the ground pin Of your 12v regulator and a red wire to the output pin of your 12v regulator. Connect the red wire to one terminal of your Pushbutton and another red wire to the other terminal of your Pushbutton. Then connect the positive and negative wires to the actuator. Connect the 2 9v battery's and test your circuit. If it doesn't work, check all of your connection and try again.

Step 6: Make the Latch for Your Box and Drill Your Holes

I mocked everything up with some tape and scrap wood. I took my measurements and started to make my latch. Since my actuator had a cylindrical pin I just drilled a hole in a long rectangular piece of wood. I then cut a slice out of the angled piece of wood on the false bottom so the latch could reach the actuator. Once everything worked the way I wanted it too, I marked and drilled the holes for the key switch and the Pushbutton. ( if you added a separate LED the you will need to drill another hole)

Step 7: Stain Your Box If You Want

Once your holes are drilled and your switch and button fit, stain your box if you want to. I used a darker stain and applied 3 coats.

Step 8: Glue Your Circuit Board

After the stain has dried for 24 hours. Glue or tape your circuit board and your battery's down.

Step 9: Put Your Actuator In

Place your actuator in a position that allows enough clearance for the latch to release and allow the lid to open. Glue the latch to your lid once a suitable position was found.

Step 10: Replace the False Bottom

Replace the false bottom to cover up all of the electronics so nobody can see them.

Step 11: Your Done!!

Step 12: Pictures

You can see the actuator that I used and how it latches through the hole on the latch.

Here it is in action:

http://youtu.be/M-AE-1dXyZ0