VSB Automatic Door

[ZoeStevens]

It just broke my heart this morning to leave the chickens in the coop all day because I was going to be away late tonight, so I've been looking into automatic doors. I am complete dullard when it comes to electrical-type stuff but I think I have settled on the VSB door:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VSB-AUTOMAT...t=UK_Pet_Supplies_Poultry&hash=item2c603fa9f6

I am going for this one because it runs on batteries (no power in the coop), it's small, and it appears to be an all-in-one unit... As in I don't need to buy a battery, or a solar panel, etc. I could also buy JUST the motor part, and then I think I could install my own door as long as it's light enough.

My question is... do I have this right? As in, is it truly an all-in-one thing (less the door of course)?

Thanks!

 

[N4HHM]

I built my auto door from scratch. total cost about 150.00. Used the Addadoor motor unit $ 85.00, Solar panel 30.00, battery 20.00, timer 10.00. Made the door from old road sigh 12x14 aluminum. made the tracks from hardwood strips and presto your done. I chose the
aluminum door because there is no chance of swelling caused by humidity. Door opens at 6 closes at 8:15. Electricity is not big deal as it is a simple setup. Does require resetting the timer every couple of weeks but that takes less than a minute.

Good luck, Henry

 

[2Old2Crow]

Hey Henry. You got any pics of that setup????

 

[2Old2Crow]

Oh yeah. Also, why do you have to reset the timer so often?

Thanx

 

[Yiannisk]

It just broke my heart this morning to leave the chickens in the coop all day because I was going to be away late tonight, so I've been looking into automatic doors. I am complete dullard when it comes to electrical-type stuff but I think I have settled on the VSB door:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VSB-AUTOMAT...t=UK_Pet_Supplies_Poultry&hash=item2c603fa9f6

I am going for this one because it runs on batteries (no power in the coop), it's small, and it appears to be an all-in-one unit... As in I don't need to buy a battery, or a solar panel, etc. I could also buy JUST the motor part, and then I think I could install my own door as long as it's light enough.

My question is... do I have this right? As in, is it truly an all-in-one thing (less the door of course)?

Thanks!

It is really all in one worth the money I have it for more than a year it never let me down it works grate I got it without the door and build the door myself with a piece of scrap plastic (plexy glass)
And the batt need replacement every 4 years they say you do not need the timer the light sensor does the job very well i did not have to change anything just let it at factory setting

 

[N4HHM]

Here's the pics.
I live in a rural area and subject to varmites and plan to let the chickens free range. Therefore needed a lock to prevent door from being opened from the outside. As you can see when lifted the locking pin retracts from the side rail and allows the door to open and the reverse when lowered. The timer is located on the outside for easy access. (voltmeter optional).

 

[N4HHM]

OOps, forgot the door pic. Short answer on setting the timer. "wife says its getting darker later now did you check the timer?"

 

[2Old2Crow]

Veery nice,,,and forgive my ignorance,,,,but what's the electronic gizmo next to the motor??

 

[N4HHM]

To the right of the motor unit is the 12v battery, above that is the terminal strip that connects everything together.

 

[2Old2Crow]

I really like this setup. I also like how you did your roost bars. Hmmm,,,,the wheels are a turnin'!