Automatic Door Opener

[spartacus_63]

Quote:
A "photo cell" is just a switch. One can be used with any system. I do not know if discount automation offers one. You would be taking this system to a new level though. How the D20 motor works; the motor activates when power is applied. The motor turns in one direction until it reaches a predetermined limit where a stop is activated. At this time, the direction of the motor is also changed. For this application to work, the power must be interrupted (turned off). When power is reapplied, the motor operates in the opposite direction.
A photo cell switch could be placed in front of a timer, but that would be over kill in my opinion. The system is pretty simple out of the box. You can get a timer from Wal*Mart or where ever you shop or you can get one from Discount Automation. The timer must have two on and two off settings. Again, this is a simple application. The timer is set for the current time, the first "on" setting is set for the time you want the door to open. The first "off" setting should be set for an hour or so after the first "on" setting. The reason for this is that the motor does not need power running to it after the door is opened but you must allow adequate space for the switch on the timer to operate. The second "on" setting is set for when you want the door to close. The second "off" setting is set similar to the first.
This is not as hands free as a photo cell, but it only need be adjusted a few times a year, and if you have birds that like to stay out a little later than dusk, it can be adjusted for easily.

 

[DVTO2]

Before you jump on the add a motor as the cheapest option, think about how you will power it. The company sells a battery, solar charger, and timer for $81, which brings the cost to about $160, plus whatever shipping will cost. If you have a spare battery, you'll still have to charge it somehow, as well as provide a timer and a door. The foy's set up is about $250, delivered, but you get a door, a photocell, and it runs on AAA batteries for months - I haven't had to replace them in six months. The foy's is a very convenient set up.

 

[spartacus_63]

If you don't have electricity in the coop and you buy the entire kit, it is still worth the money and with the solar option, charging the battery will probably be comparable to replacing alkaline batteries over time.

You can also get solar chargers and timers cheaper from independent sources, but some times the convenience is worth the cost. I have nothing against the Foy or any other door opener. I'm not sure how much weight any other than the D20 can lift, but having a lite door with no catch could leave you vulnerable to predators. Also moisture and DUST should be considered when deciding on which motor to go with. One other consideration would be, depending on region, how well the motor works in your climate.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

We went with the Foy style door because we wanted the light sensor. We didn't want to have to constantly change the timer, to keep the chickens safe. In an area where predators aren't as much of an issue, you can afford to leave the door open longer and not change the timer as often.

 

[spartacus_63]

Quote:
I change my timer 4 times a year. That is the same number of times, Foy recommends you change the batteries. I could get away with only changing it twice, but since I go to the coop at least once a day, and it takes 10 seconds or less to change the settings, I splurge.

 

[Green_Eggs_and_Ham]

Quote:
What is your door made from? I notice on the instructions, it says not to use wood because of swelling, etc.

I have a metal door. Probably 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Aluminum?

It doesn't way a ton, but it's not too light either.

I have wooden rails on the sides. It's never been stuck. I also have it drop about two inches below the floor so no little claws can lift it.

I also read some stuff about timers, I bought mine at Lowe's. Less than $10.00 (and DH still thinks that was too much!) Ha ha!

Good luck!

E/

 

[bald egg]

I had the Ad-a-motor and put it on a six pound door. It is rated at 4 pounds. The gears stripped out in 4 months. Sent it back to the manufacturer and he worked on it but it wasn't like new. Lesson learned----WIEGH YOUR DOOR !