Abstract: A mechanism for selectively raising selected threads in the warp of a weaving machine to form a shed includes a plurality of vertically movable rods which raise the selected threads and which are electronically controlled by a rod control apparatus. The rod control apparatus may be in the form of a solenoid or an electrical coil combined with an electrically neutral seat member. The mechanism is part of a block structure which rises and falls. When the block structure rises each rod either moves up with the block to raise a thread or the rod remains stationary, depending on the status of rod control apparatus.