$30 Automatic Chicken Coop Door Plans

[jimmywalt]

Pop door radio-antenna

Hokum Coco

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-5-bucks-with-a-radio-antenna-from-a-junkyard

Thank you again for posting the link to my door.

It's SOOOO easy to make and costs next to nothing. I've been using it since about July and it's flawless!!!!

Have you made one like mine yet Hokum Coco?

 

[rhodyray]

I cannot find a 3.6V cordless screwdriver but am able to find a 4.6V at Harbor Freight. Will this require a change in the remaining components or will those in the original configuration suffice? I don't want to put this together and then have everything burn out.

Thanks

Rhodyray

 

[rhodyray]

Mine works great but make sure the door is not subject to freezing as the screwdriver motor will burn out.

 

[rhodyray]

You may find a 3.6 volt rechargeable screwdriver on ebay for around $10. Good luck. Mine works great and it does save me from going out in the cold in the morning and night.

 

[OldFarmBoy]

Thanks so much for putting these detailed directions out there! I was not able to find the Harbor Freight 3.6V Cordless Screwdriver Kit. Instead I am working with the current offering from Harbor Freight: a 4.8V Cordless Screwdriver Kit (on sale for $9!). After opening it up it looks like it has similar components to the details provided on your blog. The only difference is that the charger is 6V instead of 5V. The question is whether any of the components will have functional issues with the higher voltage?

Any thoughts?

 

[rhodyray]

I had the same problem with not finding the Harbor Freight cordless screwdriver and when in a local store found a PowerAll cordless 3.6V screwdriver and used it for the project. I have written to the original creator of the screwdriver without any response so I was lucky to find this screwdriver. Sears and Walmart also have a 3.6V screwdriver for around $10. I find the automatic door opener an excellent invention and recommend everyone make one. During the winter I place a small night light in the box containing the screwdriver and all its controls so that the NiCad doesn't lose power when the timer shuts off.

Good luck.

Rhodyray

 

[OldFarmBoy]

Thanks for the info Rhodyray! I think I will move forward with the 4.8V Screwdriver. Will report back on the result.