HighTech Coop Project - Solar Auto pop door with LED coop light on timer

[ambishop]

the antenna does not draw very much power, so you really just need a trickle charger on it. I am thinking of upping the solar power to also allow for the recharge of the lighting. just the antenna door really simplifies things. You can make it as fancy as you want by adding a second power switch such as car door lock remote control for remote open close (but would want a time on that so it does not over ride the light switch)

With a 12v system you can pretty much do anything that you might have in a car. You could get a small 12V heater, 12V lighting (LED is most efficient) and anything else you can envision. Plus 12V solar power is inexpensive along with the 12V simply power regulator.

the antenna should be able to get most doors open, but not sure on what the max would be. I would try to keep the load light in order to not wear out the antenna. The antennas can be found used for much less. Most of the items could be picked up for scrap costs. Using an old car battery would be fine, as long as it was not completely flat. Most car batteries are replaced with just under 12V. 12.6V is fully charged (6 cell 2.1V each =12.6V car battery) under 12 is considered time to replace typically.

You could even put the heater on the same circuit as the lights so that when the door is closed the heater turns on, or a 12V heat lamp. I would up the battery and solar system of going with a heater. a trickle charger 5W panel will not do much to recharge if you draw that much power!

 

[ambishop]

wireless broody hen cam could run on 12V as well. Mine is 5V and would need to be stepped down, but those car charges for phones easily do that and I am sure I can find an old telephone charger for the car that is 5V

 

[Navigator]

I am working on this same project - I must have seen the original link you mentioned. I have the exact same antenna,and a different waterproof photo sensor. I plan on using a digital timer to power the whole thing on and off (off for most of the 24 hour period to reduce battery drain).

I do have a question. The antenna extends when a 12 volt power is supplied to the signal wire, and shortens when that power is removed. A photo sensor supplies power through it when it gets dark and ends power when it gets light, so why the relay?? why not just have the antenna close the door when it gets dark (power supplied by photo sensor) and open at daybreak ( power removed by photo sensor)??

 

[DJay]

I need some help with wiring in the use of a battery instead of the solar panel. I have a 12v battery, a trickle charger, photo light sensor, 110v timer, led indicator light, the antenna and a 12v relay. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks much!

 

[Llamaranch]

Great idea using the antenna! Makes a great linear actuator and it is small. Do you think over time time door will remain parallel in the ways it rides up and down in or is there enough clearance to keep it from jamming? It might make sense to lift from the top to minimize the possibility or add a guide to follow the antenna as it goes up and down.
I have seen the smaller PV panels with the controller built right on the back of them encased in epoxy so moisture is not an issue. A note on the battery, you can get a small sealed cell cell AGM (like Corazon Ranch mentioned) 5Ah for a bit over $20 or so. Makes it nice so it can go inside on a shelf...neat idea great job and thanks for sharing...

Bill

 

[Davidhalpern2]

A car battery is overkill. I'm using a small 12v deep cycle I bought on EBAY for $15. After all it only needs to power the antenna two times in a 24 hour time frame. Photo cells didn't work for my flock, closing the door before they all got in so I switched to a 12v timer.