Budget automatic coop door or diy?

[Ilovemychicks08]

x2 on the Run-Chicken T50
I looked at pretty much all of what's out there, the T50 seemed like the best bang for the buck to me, so I bought one. No complaints, seems well built and worked as expected. Had to stop using it last fall because of bobcat picking off chickens inside our extended run (fence only, no overhead protection). Will be using again once I find time to secure the top.

Is this door really good. I have a ChickenGuard and it is the worst door ever. I have looked into them and they seem good just dont want to buy another junk door.

 

[Chooko]

I'll be flat out honest and say that you really don't need it. Yes most of these Linear Actuators used for chicken doors, they move slow enough.

I myself never saw the need for a safety feature like this. The only reason I came up with this is because every time I would advocate for the use of a Linear Actuator instead of less secure & less stable and more time consuming to put together doors, (like string doors, and those car antenna doors), I would get the ole' "but they will crush the chickens". Now I am 47 years old and I have never seen or heard of an actual first hand account of any chicken being killed by an actuator door. Only time I hear it is when some claims they heard or seen it happen. Mind you this is only when they are against using an actuator. it's not like it gets brought up in normal conversations like
"... so you are saying she couldn't have it removed because it was too big? wow! Oh by the way,... one of Jennifer's chickens was crushed by that super slow actuator."

anyway I'm ranting.. LOL

Either way, because I got tired of hearing that, a chicken would get crushed, I came up with this no programming needed, just the ability to follow a diagram, way of doing this.

You can add a motor speed controller to this. You can also have it go down, even slower than it already is, but if the safety feature is triggered it will go up at normal speed.

"It is better to have it and not need it than, need it and not have it." - unknown

If you want to drop the safety feature all you need is this.

View attachment 3103145

More diagrams of the the same circuit just using different connectors.

MHCOZY 4 Channel Smart WiFi RF Bluetooth Wireless This is a cheaper version of the SONOFF but it has all the same features. Plus Bluetooth. And it is smaller. I will be ordering one for testing soon.

Thanks for all the help. I'm looking at buying all the components now, many of it coming from China, so there will be a bit of a wait.

I am looking at getting this as the one u suggested isn't available here, https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08SGP...olid=2XK9OD1FTANF3&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Would this work?
Also how would the wiring up look like to include the solar panel and charge controller. Sorry for all the questions

 

[Mouthpear]

Thanks for all the help. I'm looking at buying all the components now, many of it coming from China, so there will be a bit of a wait.

I am looking at getting this as the one u suggested isn't available here, https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08SGP...olid=2XK9OD1FTANF3&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Would this work?
Also how would the wiring up look like to include the solar panel and charge controller. Sorry for all the questions

If you give me your Country(I'll change my VPN to match) and budget for the Solar Charging system I can search for the best possible kit, for you. I cannot see the price for the one you linked to, so I cannot give you the best possible opinion on it. However I can give you this.

1. The wires maybe too small. They might work for you small low wattage/Amps setup but is you wanted to add lights or feeder to your setup, the wires from the battery to charge controller are too small. Reason I bring this up is that the SONOFF 4CHPROR3 and MHCOZY 4 Channel Smart WiFi RF Bluetooth Wireless both have 4Chs. Two for the door and two more for whatever you need. In the future you may want to use those. Like adding LED lights, A timed/manual Chicken feeder to dispense treats, or even a perimeter solenoid controlled water sprinkler system that scares off predators when they get too close. Or even a fan and vent door to open and close for hot & humid days and nights.

2. I don't like the fact that on the product page, they show TWO different images for the charge controller. Makes me think that you may not get the one you want and it seems like the seller would be less reliable.

3. The connector types are ok but I prefer many others for their capability to be put on different sized wires. They don't sell these type of connector, that you can put on wire yourself. You have to by them in premade lengths of wire. So you might have too much wire left hanging or WORSE , NOT enough wire to make it to the controller/door. Remember your best place to mount the solar panel may be farther to the controller/door then the wire supplied might be.

Here are some more suggestions, that I personally would actually buy, if I was to purchase an actual kit. Listed from least to best (least not meaning quality, I would just prefer the last on the list)


SUNSUL 30 Watt 12V Solar Panel Kit Battery Maintainer Trickle Charger $59.99

HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit with 10A PWM Charge Controller $109.86

Topsolar Solar Panel Kit 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Off Grid System $138.98


I, myself would buy separately, but if was to buy a kit, it would be one of last two or something very close to it. The connectors, splitters and extensions are very easy to find.

Here is the diagram of what it may look like.

 

[Mouthpear]

I'm looking at buying all the components now, many of it coming from China, so there will be a bit of a wait.

BTW If you post me this links to the actual products or model numbers you are purchasing I can make a specific diagram.

 

[Chooko]

BTW If you post me this links to the actual products or model numbers you are purchasing I can make a specific diagram.

Thanks. I live in Australia. I'm happy to get the solar panels separately, I dont really mind, but would like to keep cost low.

 

[Chooko]

If you give me your Country(I'll change my VPN to match) and budget for the Solar Charging system I can search for the best possible kit, for you. I cannot see the price for the one you linked to, so I cannot give you the best possible opinion on it. However I can give you this.

1. The wires maybe too small. They might work for you small low wattage/Amps setup but is you wanted to add lights or feeder to your setup, the wires from the battery to charge controller are too small. Reason I bring this up is that the SONOFF 4CHPROR3 and MHCOZY 4 Channel Smart WiFi RF Bluetooth Wireless both have 4Chs. Two for the door and two more for whatever you need. In the future you may want to use those. Like adding LED lights, A timed/manual Chicken feeder to dispense treats, or even a perimeter solenoid controlled water sprinkler system that scares off predators when they get too close. Or even a fan and vent door to open and close for hot & humid days and nights.

2. I don't like the fact that on the product page, they show TWO different images for the charge controller. Makes me think that you may not get the one you want and it seems like the seller would be less reliable.

3. The connector types are ok but I prefer many others for their capability to be put on different sized wires. They don't sell these type of connector, that you can put on wire yourself. You have to by them in premade lengths of wire. So you might have too much wire left hanging or WORSE , NOT enough wire to make it to the controller/door. Remember your best place to mount the solar panel may be farther to the controller/door then the wire supplied might be.

Here are some more suggestions, that I personally would actually buy, if I was to purchase an actual kit. Listed from least to best (least not meaning quality, I would just prefer the last on the list)


SUNSUL 30 Watt 12V Solar Panel Kit Battery Maintainer Trickle Charger $59.99

HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit with 10A PWM Charge Controller $109.86

Topsolar Solar Panel Kit 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Off Grid System $138.98


I, myself would buy separately, but if was to buy a kit, it would be one of last two or something very close to it. The connectors, splitters and extensions are very easy to find.

Here is the diagram of what it may look like.

View attachment 3107912

View attachment 3107913 View attachment 3107914

Sorry , but can you tell me what kind of fuses are the ones in the diagram. I'll have too look into how to install it.

 

[Chooko]

BTW If you post me this links to the actual products or model numbers you are purchasing I can make a specific diagram.

I have come pass the solar charger you suggest as they have their own website https://au.renogy.com/

I am thinking down the track I may add a light but I don't think anything else. I don't think I would need a 100watt panel. Currently on the website the 30watt and 50 watt panels are the same price.

 

[Mouthpear]

Sorry , but can you tell me what kind of fuses are the ones in the diagram. I'll have too look into how to install it.

Any fuse or breaker that you want to you as long as it is the right size fuse for the components. I can't tell you those sizes are until I know exactly what the specs for your specific components are.

But in general.

For the 30W solar panel I linked to it says 5Amps add a 25% "industry rule" so 5A x 1.25 giving the fuse rating of 6.25A.

From controller to battery use the max draw of all the components on the load side and add the 25% "industry rule" So in this case with a SONOFF and a 12VDC Linear Actuator rated at 3Amps max I only use a 2Amp slow blow fuse. When motors turn on the amps shoot up then level out. A fast blow fuse may blow too fast so use a slow blow fuse.

From the Controller to the load use the same.

Mind you this is ONLY for this setup. Most people will put the same fuse/breaker across the board. Like this one that use 3 x 10 Amp breakers. (Beautiful). Then each gets its own sized fuse/breaker.

Breakers at Aliexpress

 

[Chooko]

BTW If you post me this links to the actual products or model numbers you are purchasing I can make a specific dia

So these are the components I'll be getting:
https://au.renogy.com/renogy-50-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-solar-panel-new-edition/
https://au.renogy.com/renogy-wanderer-10a-pwm-charge-controller/
linear actuator 12v 10inch 1500N - on aliexpress
https://www.power-sonic.com/product/ps-1280/
- 12v 8ah SLA battery

https://www.jaycar.com.au/black-hea...5f8cca341a7d56064867c0bfeaecac&sort=relevance
I think these wires should work?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-10a-miniature-circuit-breaker_p0167736
I have these circuit breakers available locally which come in 10a, 16a and 20a.
So would I use 10a circuit breaker from the solar panel, then 16a from battery to controller and 10a to the actuator - or is it to high. Can i use just 10a for all the fuses?

 

[Mouthpear]

So these are the components I'll be getting:
https://au.renogy.com/renogy-50-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-solar-panel-new-edition/
https://au.renogy.com/renogy-wanderer-10a-pwm-charge-controller/
linear actuator 12v 10inch 1500N - on aliexpress
https://www.power-sonic.com/product/ps-1280/
- 12v 8ah SLA battery

https://www.jaycar.com.au/black-hea...5f8cca341a7d56064867c0bfeaecac&sort=relevance
I think these wires should work?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-10a-miniature-circuit-breaker_p0167736
I have these circuit breakers available locally which come in 10a, 16a and 20a.
So would I use 10a circuit breaker from the solar panel, then 16a from battery to controller and 10a to the actuator - or is it to high. Can i use just 10a for all the fuses?

No do not use a 10A for all. That's only if you plan on adding other heavier draw circuits. Plus your Solar panel is only rated at 2.69A. If you put too large a fuse/breaker it can be possible for the system components to fry before it ever gets to the point to where the fuse/breaker will blow/trip. BTW If you put a fuse/breaker that is too small you can always up size. If you put a fuse that is too large you run the risk of frying your parts. I linked to breakers from Aliexpress at bottom of post #18

"linear actuator 12v 10inch 1500N - on aliexpress" Most people use a 12" Actuator. Is there a reason you are will be using a 10"?

Battery looks good.

Wire looks good.

With the components you listed I would do it like this.