Automatic Pop door visual alert

[Davidhalpern2]

i have been using a D20 Add a motor as my pop door opener for 3 years and love it. My issue was that my coop is not visible from my house and I wanted to be able to visually "see" the the door was opening/closing as scheduled. The digital timer I use for the door has two outlets. I made a simple light fixture from treated 2x4 lumber and a 7 watt night light bulb. Mounted it on a fence that was visible from my house and ran electric cable to the other outlet on the timer. Now when the timer goes to "on" the light also is on and I can see that the door is operating without having to go the the coop. Since the D20 needs on and off cycles I just adjusted the timers off to a few hours past on so I have a 3 hour window to check.

 

[MandalaMaMa]

i have been using a D20 Add a motor as my pop door opener for 3 years and love it. My issue was that my coop is not visible from my house and I wanted to be able to visually "see" the the door was opening/closing as scheduled. The digital timer I use for the door has two outlets. I made a simple light fixture from treated 2x4 lumber and a 7 watt night light bulb. Mounted it on a fence that was visible from my house and ran electric cable to the other outlet on the timer. Now when the timer goes to "on" the light also is on and I can see that the door is operating without having to go the the coop. Since the D20 needs on and off cycles I just adjusted the timers off to a few hours past on so I have a 3 hour window to check.

Very clever idea. We are currently building our second hen house and are thinking about adding an electrical door opener. It sounds like you really like the D20. Any suggestions you can offer and why did you go with the D20.

 

[Davidhalpern2]

For under $100 it can't be beat! Use a digital timer with a built in back up battery. I used 1/8" plywood for the door and 1/4" aluminum channel for the side runners.

 

[Davidhalpern2]

Video during coop construction of the d20 in action

 

[MandalaMaMa]

Video during coop construction of the d20 in action

WOW - thanks for the quick response and for sharing the video. Looks like a good system.