Automatic Duck Door?

[Cuqui18]

ive seen online a lot of solutions involving drapery motors and such, but those are so expensive! even on ebay and amazon and such sites they are like 80 bucks!!! anyone have an automatic coop/duck pen door design or idea that doesnt involve this? or maybe somewhere they know i can get the supplies for the drapery motor for cheap???

 

[Slimson]

The best/cheapest idea I've heard is to use a car radio's electric antenna mechanism from a wrecking yard.

Before hearing of this, I managed to cobble together an auto door operator from a car's electric window operator. It's been working fine for several years now. Cost around $15 in parts.

If I build another, it will be with a car's electric antenna motor because it would be simpler. You just have to connect the end of the antenna to your door to move it. Plus it is wired to retract when power is removed, making the wiring simpler.

 

[Cuqui18]

Quote:
that sounds like a much better idea. could u possibly post picks? im not really sure if i understand??? thanks!

 

[Slimson]

I don't have a picture of a radio antenna operated door, as mine is operated by a window motor. Mine is overcomplicated and that's why I say the antenna motor is a better option.
The door needs to be a sliding type, like a piece of plywood in a track, and the motor is mounted above it with the antenna that moves in and out attached to the sliding door. I have seen pictures somewhere, -you should be able to find some with a search.