Automatic Chicken Coop Door - Auto Closes Coop - Beta Version 1.0

[CedarLake]

Why do I keep trying to reply when I should be getting dressed for work

Guys: the circuit I have in mind is basically two 555 one-shots -- one for each direction. They are timed for a bit longer than the door should take to move. Each one-shot starts running when power is applied and shuts off either when the limit switch is hit, or when it times out. By using a 555, you have enough drive for a relay built in without needing extra parts. FOr a low-speed circuit like this one, relays are cheaper than building H-bridges out of transistors or even buying an H-bridge off the shelf.

I don't have a schematic drawn up since my big project right now is a light sensor to get the coop light on when the sun goes down. That will also be the initial control for the door. Once that's all working, I'll build a real timer so I can tell it exactly when to open/close.

 

[Peepthis541]

Any progress brainstormers? I am waiting for a motor in the mail.

I have fish too, and I actually just ordered an automatic feeder for them. It has a digital timer, and runs on batteries, and has a cylindrical food storage container that is run on a motor type mechanism. Anyway, I was just thinking as I ordered it, hmmm, I wonder... I guess I'll see it when I get it. But I want to use it as it was intended, not take it apart!

 

[aiwetir]

still in the just thinking phase, ran out of money til next weekend.

wife left the run door open the other night until i got home at 6:45, everyone was fine but the closer is coming for sure now.

 

[Peepthis541]

Fall/Winter rain is a pretty big consideration here that I will have to think about when considering electronics and motors.
Seems like its been raining a week straight here!

 

[JasonR]

I have been browsing this thread
Thanks everyone for there input
I like the idea of using a threaded rod with some sort of motor to turn the rod up or down,
Also is there a way to use a chain and sprockets?

This is a pretty good site for Stuff
http://www.mcmaster.com/

Jason

 

[CedarLake]

Yes, I've busy with other, related things.

I started work on an automatic coop light that would come on at dusk and stay on for about 3 hours. Now after reading a bit more, I'm wondering if it's needed. Seems a lot of people in northern areas are reporting that their hens keep laying all year round without extra light. I think I'm going without the light this year to see what happens.
But I am still building a simple light so I can do a count/egg collection when I get home after dark. I have a light built, but it's much brighter than I need (uses lots more power) so I put together something with six small white LEDs that gives just enough light to see what I'm doing.

Now, as a result of all that, I'm thinking that my door closer should be triggered by darkness rather than on a timer. Light sensor is easy and cheap to build. I'll post a schematic on my site when I have everything dialed in.

Door closer: I have started building hardware! 36" 1/4-20 threaded rod was only $1.70 at Home Depot. I made a holder for a 1/4" nut that will screw onto the door. And the door will roll on rollerskate bearings since I have lots of them lying around.

Still working on coupling the motor to the rod. I plan to get around the ice/dirt problem by mounting all this stuff on the inside and my door will slide horizontally since that's where I have more room.

 

[gumpsgirl]

How cool is that?!?! I am going to be showing DH this one!

 

[Peepthis541]

Quote:
Would love to see pics of the hardware and how it is all coming together.
I am considering the threaded rod option, but I am wary of oxidation, chicken poop, dirt, etc causing harm to the system.

Dave

 

[aiwetir]

i don't know if i said it, but i'm going to do a bungee on my 'man' door and an actuator it's really simple with my setup. still thinking about the solar / timer thing. i'll have money on friday and maybe start getting it set up soon.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

CedarLake, I think you are on the right track. I use to be anti-light sensor, but then I played with one where I could adjust the sensitivity and think it is a good idea now.

A light sensor with a trim pot (to dial in sensitivity) is a must. That way people can really dial it in based on the location of the sensor and coop.

Peepthis541, using zinc coated parts or even stainless steel would be a good way to go. Also, you could mount the motor and drill at the top of the door to avoid dirt and poop.