So, I wanted an automatic Coop door .....

[Dingpa]

Hello all,
As stated in the title, I wanted an automatic Coop door for my chickens. Yes I do love interacting with them daily, but they are free range and as you know, things come up in life which sometimes prevent me from being home at dusk. Then it's always a rush to get home to ensure they are safe and locked up for the night. Also, sometimes it's raining and I just don't feel like going out to shut the door. Going on vacation is another reason So my search began...... Now I know I'm a little frugal, but $200 for a chicken door still seems expensive. Also, I wanted remote access to the door, being able to open and shut it from my phone/computer from anywhere.. as well as a timer option. I thought being that we are in the times of rapid tech advances, someone should have already addressed this need. But I could not find any, and if I did, it would most likely cost over the $200 price tag of those timer only models.
I began my supermarket engineering. Using existing parts to construct exactly what I wanted. And after a week of testing, I can announce success! I was able to construct a simple circuit controlled by an inexpensive automated switch for a total cost of $75. This could be as low $50 as my trial and error will develop the most cost-effective means.
I am posting this to see if there is any interest in this idea. If there is, I would be happy to post a tutorial via YouTube as well as providing the circuit for those who are intimidated by the wiring.
So, send me an email, or respond to this post, whatever. Let me know if there is a interest in this idea.

 

[Da Hof]

I would be interested. I'm a maker of sorts and have tons of Arduinos and other gizmos. Would be interested to know which linear activator you used. How far does it travel?

 

[Dingpa]

I'm sure you are more advanced than I. This is a simple circuit using two automotive relays. The actuator is 10in and rated for 225lbs. I use a wyze plug to control the relays remotely. It works great! I can set a schedule or remotely open and close via phone. Simple setup

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Wow this is so cool. Because you can control it remotely, does the system need wifi? I don't have wifi, but I'm scared to death of trying wireless options after reading too many horror stories.

 

[Dingpa]

Yes you would need WiFi. I was assuming everyone had wifi, sorry.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Wow this is so cool. Because you can control it remotely, does the system need wifi? I don't have wifi, but I'm scared to death of trying wireless options after reading too many horror stories.

What horror stories? The worst that’s ever happened with my WiFi is that it went out

 

[humblehillsfarm]

What horror stories? The worst that’s ever happened with my WiFi is that it went out

I meant automatic, not wireless. Apologies!

I read the reviews of several brands of automatic doors with a timer on Amazon. None of them have a motion safety sensor with a garage door and several hens late to the roost were squashed to death, sometimes so forcibly their inwards with forced out. It wasn't just one brand, it was several. If I *had* to get one, I'd set the timer much later after dark, at least 30 minutes after dark and try to count my birds before it was set to shut. My favorite hen is frequently 10-20 minutes late to roost after all the other birds have gone in for the night.

 

[rosemarythyme]

None of them have a motion safety sensor with a garage door and several hens late to the roost were squashed to death, sometimes so forcibly their inwards with forced out. It wasn't just one brand, it was several. If I *had* to get one, I'd set the timer much later after dark, at least 30 minutes after dark and try to count my birds before it was set to shut. My favorite hen is frequently 10-20 minutes late to roost after all the other birds have gone in for the night.

This is why I set my timer for later than nightfall, just in case.

I'd be impressed if my door could actually squish an adult hen, considering how slow it closes and the fact that it's maybe 1 lb at most and closing via gravity. The worst that could happen would be a guillotine type accident if the cord to the door snapped, so that's why I frequently check the cord for any sign of damage or wear.

A door with remote access and timer option would be pretty cool, especially if used with a coop cam (so you can verify that all birds are in, then shut it) - or like when I'm on vacation and have the WiFi off, then it'd be strictly timer. Not currently in the market for a door but I could see people being interested in it.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Yes you would need WiFi. I was assuming everyone had wifi, sorry.

Nope this gal lives in the boonies. No internet for me!

 

[Dingpa]

I was thinking of just making an easy kit for the wiring. All the parts are cheap and easily available on Amazon or your local hardware store. The only slightly complicated part is the relay wiring. Other than that, anyone can do it. It uses Wyze smart switch to open and close. Wyze is a free service and you can also get a Wyze cam for the coop. Both the cam and switch add up to only $35 and you get a spare switch. The actuator motor can be as cheap as $20 or as much as $150, depending on the power you desire. I went with a $40 linear actuator with 225lb power rating.
This is the way to go, it covers everything at a cost of less than half of what's out there. Also, if the few parts involved break, they are easy and cheap to replace.
Like I said initially, if I get more interest, I'll post a video and possibly a wiring kit.