Motorized damper advice needed

[iostream212]

Hello,
I am working on adding motorized dampers to my HVAC system, but ran into a little issue. All the motorized dampers I see online are usually square or circular. When I popped in the attic to measure my ducts I found this:

 
Its an insulated box with two manual dampers on top. I am not too familiar with HVAC and am wondering if I need to open this thing up and swap out dampers, or if I can rig a motor up to the existing manual damper. If I can do the later, do I just buy any motorized damper and take the motor off? Thank you in advance.

 

[ano]

I just did some of this yesterday, actually. 
 
O.K. Describe a bit more on your damper? Does it control the output to your house, or something like input from an outside air system.  (I have several of each)
 
You picture is not too descriptive but there is a silver "box" for intake and output.  You NEVER tap into the ends, only the sides. Are you adding a damper to an existing duct, or adding a new inlet/outlet?  I'm guessing your ducts are round, I see some flexible round ducts in your picture.

 

[iostream212]

Thanks for replying. The silver box is the end of the HVAC system. It has several flexible ducts coming out of it, like 5 or 6. I haven't tested the controls on the top of the box extensively, but I assume that one controls HVAC output airflow to the upstairs and the other to the downstairs.  I can visually trace the runs later to confirm.  I'm guessing I don't want to mess with that box. That leaves me with rigging up some motors to the damper handles shown in the original post. Anyone who has done this confirm if this sounds like the right track? Thanks.

 

[ano]

Don't touch the silver box OR the dampers. Leave those. If you really want to add control dampers, you can, you cut the flexible duct, and you need to splice them in, but you really need to know what you are doing.  Even if you get a zone controller, and add thermostats, I will tell you to be very careful unless you know what you are doing. You need duct mastic, tie staps, a tie strap tightner.  You almost NEVER use duct tape.
 
Your HVAC system was designed for the ducts you have with most of them open.  You just can't close all the vents and expect it to work. 
 
First, do you have a variable speed furnace?  Do you gave a two stage compressor for AC?  If you restrict the air flow of your HVAC system, you could very likely damage it.  My advice is not to touch it until you fully understand what you have and what your goal is.  Controlling one room is fine, but beyond that I'd be very very careful.

 

[iostream212]

Oh I agree! Must be very very careful when messing around with the A/C system. I'll read up a little more and maybe get a second opinion before moving forward. Thank you.

 

[iostream212]

Finished researching this. The answer is a direct drive actuator. Looking into this model here.
I am going to try to remove the existing handle and then mount this unit directly onto the exposed shaft. I will have to drill for the anti-rotation shaft, but if space in the recess is a concern I will just extend the shaft and mount the actuator to some sheet metal over the recess.