Linear actuator HELP!

[Ladobaze]

How much did you spend on this soo far? Was thinking it might have been a better choice to just buy one made for chickens outright........ save you from headaches too.

haha. I only spent $45 which is why I wanted to give it a try because I love saving money. But ive already started the return process and im just going to buy the chicken guard. *shrug*

 

[ZedikerStation]

LOL, you just need a trigger that works... (clock)

 

[junior67]

@Ladobaze Could you tell me what battery you were using? I am going to try to build my own as well and think I found all the right parts but no clue on what battery to use. Thought I saw that the only power source you had was the battery so hoping you can help me out.

 

[Ladobaze]

@Ladobaze Could you tell me what battery you were using? I am going to try to build my own as well and think I found all the right parts but no clue on what battery to use. Thought I saw that the only power source you had was the battery so hoping you can help me out.

It was a power wheels car battery. Ha. I happened to have one from my kids old car.

 

[junior67]

It was a power wheels car battery. Ha. I happened to have one from my kids old car.

Thank you.

 

[ZedikerStation]

It was a power wheels car battery. Ha. I happened to have one from my kids old car.

Are you sure that is not a 6 volt battery?

 

[ZedikerStation]

@Ladobaze Could you tell me what battery you were using? I am going to try to build my own as well and think I found all the right parts but no clue on what battery to use. Thought I saw that the only power source you had was the battery so hoping you can help me out.

I have used a small 12 volt battery from Rural King. They are around $25.00. I also use an inexpensive battery tender to keep it fully charged. I've gotten 2 years and counting out of that battery.

 

[B-Goock]

Are you sure that is not a 6 volt battery?

That could also explain the actuator moving very slow like she said.

Keep at it you two.

 

[ZedikerStation]

That could also explain the actuator moving very slow like she said.

Keep at it you two.

That's why I asked. Based on the trouble shooting (without a multimeter), a 6 volt battery might operate the clock, but probably won't energize a 12 volt coil in the relay.

Mine is a bit more complex, as I designed it to operate using Samsung's SmartThings. I can control it from the app on my phone. I also wired in safety switches so it doesn't cut a chicken in half!

Works perfectly for 2 years now. The benefit of remote operation (one of) is if you want to close the coop and you are not there, you can. Like when this Coopers hawk decided to perch on top of the run. Once we verified they were all inside, we hit the button and closed the door.

 

[Ladobaze]

Are you sure that is not a 6 volt battery?

It’s 12.