Omlet Auto Door Problem

[Bigfishbobby]

Wifi tends to suck the life out of batteries since it runs all the time, so that's probably the issue.

You are probably correct. Honestly, I think the battery power is a no-go and it was causing the unreliability. My only beef with that is to just be up front and say this is a plug in only model. I would have never bothered with it knowing what I know now.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

I would ditch the wifi version and revert to the disposable battery option - much more reliable. Frustrating for sure. When it comes to live animals, I don't always trust technology.

Totally agree and since we swapped back (close to a week now) it has been flawless. No battery drain, open/close on the money. The app notifications are so dang handy, I REALLY want this to work.

 

[UpstateChickenDaddy]

I had two different chickens that got caught in the door but I was there to quickly open it manually. When I spoke with Omlet, they said the sensitivity is what controls when the door stops but the chicken body was fully in the door way, not just the head, so it should have immediately recognized an object when it hit the side of her body but it still closed on her. The auto door is the greatest risk so I've learned not to trust it and use the manual mode. It means having to be out at roost time but I'm watching the door anyway to ensure it works properly. I hope they improve how this works so future customers don't incur this problem. It's a good thing you were there to help her. My goodness.

This is my fear. The ChickCozy has large spring bars that run the length of both doors. Like older elevators before magic eyes. Something as small as a piece of bedding has stopped it immediately. I love the wifi option but think I’ll stick with the cozy.

 

[Bawkbok]

The real issue becomes - what happens if wifi goes down or a cell tower is non functioning in your area? Creates too many problems. Disposable batteries lasted 8 months for us before replacing and that's in extreme heat. No issues with them corroding or leaking.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

The WiFi can be turned off from what I understand. I probably should have done that first but I was too irritated to think that through.

 

[UpstateChickenDaddy]

The real issue becomes - what happens if wifi goes down or a cell tower is non functioning in your area? Creates too many problems. Disposable batteries lasted 8 months for us before replacing and that's in extreme heat. No issues with them corroding or leaking.

Good point. In our part of upstate NY unless I turn on wifi calling my cell phone is a brick OR connects to Canada on the other side of the lake.

 

[Bawkbok]

Oh, that changes things. But that kind of defeats the purpose of using ones' phone as the remote controller while away......but what do I know.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

Exactly. I guess it’s so that new unit has the capability to completely replace the original unit. I should have turned wifi off to troubleshoot the battery thing but honestly, I’m too disappointed to do it.

 

[UpstateChickenDaddy]

Oh, that changes things. But that kind of defeats the purpose of using ones' phone as the remote controller while away......but what do I know.

I can use it everywhere but on my property oddly. And our wifi is splendid so if the doors connect to wifi we will have no issue. (We had to run fibre optic cable 1/4 mile from the caretaker’s house at the street to get internet, wifi, etc. The sticks may be great for not worrying about our roos but they can suck for modern conveniences)

That said I am still way more concerned about the door and its safety feature. My chickcozy works well and as I have electricity out in the coop I don’t need to rely on batteries except as a backup.

These discussions fascinate me. So happy I found this group.

 

[Bawkbok]

I understand your sentiment. Why do things have to be so complicated and not work as expected? Seems to happen frequently these days.