Automatic Solar Coop Door

[notiones]

In designing my coop I had intended to install the AD20 motor and solar kit from Discount Home Automation but they have discontinued the kit because the timer is no loner available and they don't have anything comparable. They do have all of the other components though.

I guess my question is to anyone that did install the solar kit was it worth while? If so I will try and source a timer. Or, does anyone know where I can get a comparable timer?

Alternately, I could go with http://www.chickencoopdoor.com/show...78&pageid=257591&storeid=54121&siteid=1&cid=0 but it's a little out of my budget. Plus everything is already there in my coop except for the electronics.

 

[fishnet1971]

In used the kit from them last year for the solar door. The solar panel is a 'trickle charger' to keep the small battery charged all the time. I love it. It works awesome! The only thing i can say bad is that it didnt come with enough wire for the door and the instructions how to set it up weren't great. That goodness DH is mechanically inclined!!!!! I used 80 fishing line for the pull wire and i have an 8 pound wooden door that it lifts.

You can use any timer to hook up to the kit. you can buy the one at Home Depot, Lowes or any hardware store. It was definitly worth the money.

Here are a few links to my door once i got it installed.

 

[Quahog]

I bought this one $200 I am a mechanic and was going to build my own. There are a bunch different ideas on youtube. I just didn't have time and this one has either a timer or a light sensor! The girls go to bed well before the door closes and I don't have to get up early to let them out. I like the fact that there are no strings or cables to operate the door.

http://www.chickendoors.com/

 

[fishnet1971]

I looked at that one as well first off. The only thing i worried about on that one is that the door comes with it and it is not very sturdy or weatherproof. I wanted to be able to use my own heavy duty door. It does look pretty nice though.

 

[notiones]

Well, I found the timer I needed at Optics Planet. They have assured me it is the correct one. I guess we'll see when it gets here. The link for the timer is http://www.opticsplanet.com/american-hunter-digital-timer-for-deer-feeder.html

I was able to order the rest of the parts through Discount Home Automation. Their prices seemed to be the best.

Now hopefully this system will be robust enough to last a few years.

 

[kellanv]

I looked at that one as well first off. The only thing i worried about on that one is that the door comes with it and it is not very sturdy or weatherproof. I wanted to be able to use my own heavy duty door. It does look pretty nice though.

Not sturdy? Its machined aluminum with brass hinges. Unless you have critters with metal cutting teeth I would be pretty surprised if anything could get through. My only concern was something trying to pry the door but it looks to be designed so there is very little tolerance between the door and frame for a paw to squeeze in.

 

[notiones]

Update:

Optics Planet blew it. The timer I received was not what I ordered and not compatible with the D20 motor.

I did find a very good timer at http://www.foreverlast.com They have two compatible timers. The least expensive is the Redneck Timer. It looks more than capable. The other is "The-Timer", which is the one I bought. There is no documentation and the company wouldn't respond to email requests for more info, but I ordered anyway and found the timer to be well built and easy to install, though it didn't come with documentation. It is compatible though.

The whole thing has been working well for over a month