Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: Slatz on April 01, 2008, 18:51
-
With Apologies for the picture, my ideas for a DIY pop hole opener.
All the bits can be had from Maplins but can be sourced cheaper on Ebay.
Theory is the light activated switch starts the motor turning at dawn until the door hits the microswitch and stops. When it gets dark the reverse happens.
List of parts
2 microswitches £3.17
1 Motor and bracket £6.99
2 6V batteries £13.98
1 Light sensitive switch £5.99
1 Solar powered charger £14.99
Total £45 ish, bit of time with the soldering iron, when I've built it I'll report on success/failure (£33 if you get the bits off Fleabay)
(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff221/Aunt__Sally/34flmdc.jpg)
-
I gave this a lot of thought a couple of weeks ago and couldn't figure out a way of fixing the microswitches nor returning the door unless i used a solid rod.
we have a sideways opening hatch which can be a bit sticky at times.
well done for sourcing it all. be interesting to see the working model.
rob
-
Just spotted this motor and gearbox, cheaper and probably less chance of the door slipping closed.
For a sideways opening door could you do something with rack and pinions?
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=rack%20and%20pinion&source=15&SD=Y
-
That looks a good way of doing it. Are the microswitches IP rated or would they need to be internal ?
I'm very good at picking holes in someone else's hard effort ! :wink:
Rob
-
Cheap and cheerful, internally mounted.
Whole thing to be mounted in a ice-cream tub. (Bonus, I'll have to eat some ice-cream)
-
Spoken like a true engineer !! :)
Being a forward thinking designer, I mounted my door externally.
I could modify it to an internal vertical slider but at the moment my OH is getting up at 6.30ish so unless she starts holding me at knifepoint to do it, I'll leave things as they are.
I'm lucky in having a 240v supply to my shed next to the chook house so I could use an ac/dc psu in the shed to power it all. But at the mo I need to do other things first so I'll watch you do all the tweeking, then copy, and claim all the glory. 8)
Rob
-
If you want the final production drawings doing on Autocad, let me know.
Rob
-
Fine by me, all bits ordered, I'm now at the mercy of Royal Mail before I can start building.
-
sorry to be a pain that drawing doesnt work, trying to do one for you now
-
Ignore me if you want, just trying to help, dont think it can be done with micro swithes either end as as soon as it opens/close you break the circut, you cant take 6v paralell from a 12v series. either.
on the light swith theres to many variables, i.e clouds, birds mess, leaves etc.
water would get straight in and short it.
What happens if you want open it manualy?
How about using more of a ram system, to eliminate the motor and 2x micro swithes, and a timer to eliminate the light switch, and have some kind of quick release clip so you can open manualy.
Hope i havent P***ed you off too much
Mal.
-
oh just get up early :lol:
-
Not p'ed off at all. This is an experimental set up so all feedback appreciated.
-
Is is just me or are these guys speaking in a foreign language - judging by the hierogylphics (slatz!) some sort of Egytian? :shock: :shock: What sort of chickens do you have in Egypt then? :lol: :lol:
-
Ooooo crikey! My brain is aching just looking at this lot (well surpasses long forgotten Physics GCSE) :lol:
Best of luck as in theory it sounds like a great idea. If it works could you post an idiot (and I MEAN idiot) proof plan - failing that you might want to go on Dragon's Den........
Good luck xxx
-
Ignore me if you want, just trying to help, dont think it can be done with micro swithes either end as as soon as it opens/close you break the circut, you cant take 6v paralell from a 12v series. either.
on the light swith theres to many variables, i.e clouds, birds mess, leaves etc.
water would get straight in and short it.
What happens if you want open it manualy?
How about using more of a ram system, to eliminate the motor and 2x micro swithes, and a timer to eliminate the light switch, and have some kind of quick release clip so you can open manualy.
Hope i havent P***ed you off too much
Mal.
I know http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/door_opener.htm use a photosensitive opener. Be interesting to know how they keep theirs clean. I guess you'd just have to wipe it every so often.
Think you'd have to have some sort of latching relay somewhere.
I'm a bit rusty on this sort of thing.
If you use an ip54 box for it all, water or dirt wouldn't be a problem.
The rack and pinion system seems a good positive idea. Or a very good gravity (ie. weighted door) return system.
Could even run the motor for a set number of seconds to drive it up then again down.
It'll need a lot of testing and tweeking but I think it's a nice project to play with and could give you a few good lie-ins. :)
Rob
-
OK I have a photosensitive door opener - I have never had to wipe it clean in 2 years and has worked perfectly -please dont ask me any questions :shock: but happy to post piccys!
-
Thanks Foxy. Obviously solved that one !! :)
I'm just trying to work out a circuit diagram for the rest
-
Right then. I may be wrong but I'll have a go at describing it.
limit switches are normally closed.
light switch has changeover contacts.
common on changeover wired to +ve
n/c on changeover wired to 'closed' switch.
n/o on changeover wired to 'open' switch.
other side of limit switches commoned and wired to motor +ve.
rest of cct much as slatz's. But 12v motor would be easier.
Now tell me I'm completely wrong !
It's been about 6 years since I worked in control systems.
Rob
-
You're wrong :D
-
* :x
-
Don't know if you are wrong or not, it's just you invited folks to tell you that you were.
Once the bits arrive I can start experimenting.
Light sensitive switch from Maplin is this one.
http://www.velleman.be/downloads/0/manual_mk125.pdf
-
That's always the danger with these forums. I can't wallow in the fantasy of being perfect. There's always someone out there ready to shatter my confidence with the terrible truth. :?
I sketched it out a few dozen times and I think it would work. It's not terribly elegant but the whole thing revolves around getting the motor to drive then stop and then go back again. Mine is similar to yours except the limits are n/c and the changeover common is wired to the +ve.
A 12v motor would make it easier but then I've not sourced anything.
I'll do a schematic tomorrow and post up so you can properly see where I've gone wrong ! :wink:
Unless i come up with something better meantime.
Best of luck. Enjoy the experiment. :)
Rob
-
nerds :roll:
....I'm only jealous :wink: :lol:
Actually my bro is a spark....might get him to sort mine out...he only lives 3hrs away and usually solves my leccy troubles via phone and my useless description of switches and wires n stuff...so that should be no trouble!
-
I once tried to diagnose the strange bleeping that was coming from my mothers burglar alarm over the phone. Turned out is was the smoke detector battery needed replacing. You can't tell which direction the noise is coming from over the phone.
-
Reminds me of a friend who complained to me for weeks over the phone about her neighbours burglar alarm making strange noises...it was only when I went round and we sat and listened to try and catch the offending neighbour, noise pollution complaints drafted to the council...that we realised it was her alarm :oops:
-
Having spent the morning doing something useful I've had another look and I retract my comments.
It should work and I was ignoring the polarity change on the motor in mine.
I think you may have problems with the lowering of the hatch due to friction unless you've got some cunning easy slide mechanism ?
Can't wait to see it wired and in place.
I will expect to see a video of it by Saturday. 8)
Rob
-
Give the postie a chance! I only ordered the bits yesterday.
As for closing the door, your good friend and mine Isaac Newton will be lending a hand with his new invention, gravity.
-
My money's on his nemesis friction ! :D
But a nice lump of steel on the bottom edge should give it a hand
-
:shock: as long as you don't end up with decapitated chickens!!
-
Hi all, I am not at all technically minded however I fitted an "off the shelf version" last October, we have never had a problem with the light sensor and it has never been wiped. The only problem we had was when the door warped and would no longer move smoothly up and down the runners. This problem was soon solved when OH decided to replace the wooden door with my plastic chopping board which was exactly the right width and was waterproof! If I want to close the door manually I simply disconnect the wire from the hook on the door and allow gravity to do the rest, If I want to open the door early for any reason I would disconnect the wire again and use a piece of wood to prop the door up. The girls are very cute at knowing what time the door will close, the timid ones go in early and the daredevils seem to time it to the last minute. I think the automatic opener and more importantly, closer is brilliant as if I am late home I know my girls are safely locked up and out of harms way. Hope this helps. Teresa
-
Hi all, I am not at all technically minded however I fitted an "off the shelf version" last October, we have never had a problem with the light sensor and it has never been wiped. The only problem we had was when the door warped and would no longer move smoothly up and down the runners. This problem was soon solved when OH decided to replace the wooden door with my plastic chopping board which was exactly the right width and was waterproof! If I want to close the door manually I simply disconnect the wire from the hook on the door and allow gravity to do the rest, If I want to open the door early for any reason I would disconnect the wire again and use a piece of wood to prop the door up. The girls are very cute at knowing what time the door will close, the timid ones go in early and the daredevils seem to time it to the last minute. I think the automatic opener and more importantly, closer is brilliant as if I am late home I know my girls are safely locked up and out of harms way. Hope this helps. Teresa
I would love to see a photo of your chopping board Door ! :lol:
Well done to your OH for solving the problem so neatly.
I love innovation. Ours is 6mm plywood with wooden runners opening sideways with a long batten through the wire mesh to open/close it.
We would have to use a mechanical linkage to drive it open and shut.
I did wonder if any would get left out in the cold. Need to have a manual override button and train them to peck at it. There's a challenge for you !
One prob with the light sensor which would certainly be tricky round here is if a PIR light comes on at night it could possibly trigger the door to open.
Especially dodgy if a fox triggered the PIR !
I hope Slatz can get it working well because they would certainly save some early starts. With our dog, it's a case of one up, all up. :)
Rob
-
Plastic chopping board. I like that. Sure the OH has a couple in the kitchen she never uses. (not any more, anyway, muahahaha)
-
Isn't that one of the commandments ?
'Thou shalt not take thy wife's chopping board, whether it be plastic or wood, for lo, there shall come to pass a great wrath which shall bring darkness unto the land'
oh, hang on. Amendment (iii). 'Unless for the use of poultry'.
That's handy.
-
I think I need my afternoon nap
-
I think I need my afternoon nap
And don't forget, two of the green pills and one red.
-
tee hee, titter, chortle :lol:
Ta for making me laugh
I've a mental picture of a stampede of chickens trying to beat the port cullis coming down. Will they all make it 8)
-
don't know if this constitutes treason, but this link
www.kelseyinfo.co.uk/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1203935762
will take you to another idea which looks quite smart
George
-
I don't think that is treason.
It's really cool. Even a video of it working. You could use that set up with the Maplin light activated switch and build it cheaply. I like it. Hmm, drawer runners might be safer than nicking chopping boards.
-
Gotta respect that. Another side opener. It's the future I tell you.
I reckon he could stick a sail on that thing and get to France. Makes my Wickes wood preserver look rather cheap.
..plus I built mine in the kitchen which seriously limited the size (door width) and meant I had to do final assembly in situ without any offering up.
If you get it working OK am I free to steal the design or are you in the process of appointing a patent lawyer ?
Rob
-
Public domain this matey, steal away.
Buy me a drink next time you see me, or buy two copies of Big Issue next time you see a seller.
Karma works.
-
Karma works.
....so that's why my wooden leg got woodworm :shock:
Cheers for that. I'd obviously have to modify slightly but I'll tell everyone where I got the idea when I make my first million :wink:
The chicken-house opener claims several years battery life without any charging system. Bear in mind it operates for about 1 minute/day, I'd be tempted to skip the solar charger and just let the batteries get tired. Maybe manually charge them every couple of months just to keep them fresh ?
-
I agree with all the technical stuff, gonna make one after lunch (http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff294/Frenchconnectionphoto47/Laughing.gif)
-
I agree with all the technical stuff, gonna make one after lunch (http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff294/Frenchconnectionphoto47/Laughing.gif)
Well done Jellyhead.
Will be expecting photos with full technical spec and drawings by 2pm.
Rob
-
"after lunch" could be any time in the next fifty years so I'm not holding my breath.
Just had an e-mail telling me most of the stuff has been posted, light sensitive switch out of stock, will follow next week, so that will be the long pole in the tent.
-
There goes your critical path.
This is the point in Grand Designs where Kevin Mcleod does his close up to the camera and says something like...
'by the time he gets all the bits we could be putting the clocks back again'
...and looks smug. :roll:
But that won't happen !! 8)
Rob
-
Good old Kevin, finds the cloud in every silver lining. At least I don't have to wait for the glaziers.
-
I wouldn't want him anywhere near my project. I reckon he pays off some of the contractors to delay by 3 months.
Even the Huff house was let down by the British concrete and crane drivers. The man's an albatross.
-
Not being at all technical I purchased my automatic door opener off the net which has been excellent, the option I chose was to open it on a timer rather than light sensitive because I do not want my chickens coming out at 5 and 6am in the summer and I like the door down before the sun goes down in the summer also as I often hear foxes barking in adjoining fields. The whole thing is battery operated and has worked brilliantly. Good luck.
-
Haven't changed the batteries in nearly 2 years on my door opener.... :wink:
-
First parcel arrived today, can't wait to get started.
-
IT'S CHRISTMASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
-
Light sensitive switch has arrived. Circuit soldered, solar power set up, door on drawer sliders all set to go....
oh hang on, the motor isn't here yet :(
enter from stage left Kevin McCloud dum dummy dum, dum dummy dum, dum dummy dum dumm (Grand designs theme). If only he had ordered the motor sooner we might have been able to see a working model.
It's the waiting that is hardest.
-
Well done mate.
As kevin would have gone on to say "....the motor is Japanese and made with great precision. It's also delivered with quality assured precision.
But the postal service is British. If only we could match the dedication of the Japanese, Slatz would have a motor. If it doesn't arrive by tomorrow, I'll have to murder several kittens."
It'll be alright on the night. Although you realise that there's no more sunshine forecast until 2013.
Rob
-
Motor arrived. It's carp :(
Light sensitive switch works fine. Gonna watch out for a car aerial on Fleabay. Away this weekend so the creativity will have to be placed on hold.
-
It's the kevingeist haunting your project. The harbinger of doom treading the corridors of the poultry design office.
Well done for gettig this far. Hope you can recoup (no pun :oops: ) the cost of the motor.
If in doubt, move forward.
Rob
-
Motor was the cheapest component. only £4 including postage.
Fleabay aerial on the way. Going to look just like the one on the other forum, just controlled by a light activated switch.
-
Car aerial arrived. Now all set up so it is a light activated automatic pop hole opener. (I know, where are the photos?).
Potential modification is to use an old timer to make it a timed opener.
Going to experiment with light levels tonight to get it all working.
:wink:
-
Good luck. It should test the IP rating too in this weather !
Rob
-
Whole lot has cost me about £55 which includes a light sensitive switch and a solar trickle charger to keep the battery topped up.
I'm playing with an old electronic timer I found in the garage as an alternative to the light switch. Will all be installed this Sunday in preparation for the chooks arriving the following Sunday.
Cheaper than the factory bought one, it has greater functionality and is a special limited edition. I'm feeling like I was run over by a train. (chuffed to bits)
-
Thanks for a great project every one. I saw Slatz idea using a car aerial so got one for free of a Volvo, on testing it I found that it could go 6ft if you let it but if it was restricted in anyway it stopped moving with no current consumption. So I have made a Maplin light switch, a Tesco chopping board (89p) a spare car battery, and it all works very well only travelling 10 inches up and down.
Took my new hens a couple of days to get used to it with the odd one being too slow to get in but I just shone a torch at the sensor to open the hatch and now they all get in before "Lights out".
I had to go this route as is inevitable, forgot to shut them in one night and a Badger got in and decimated the lot, 7 off
Cheers
Arthur
-
Hi Arti. Welcome :)
Great to know you've followed Slatz's idea and made it work well. :)
Any chance of photos ?
If you want to pop over to the welcome forum and introduce yourself to the wider community, that would be great. And if you can put your location into your profile, so we know where in the world you are (cos we're nosy!). :)
Rob 8)
-
Hi rob and all.
I will have to investigate the photo downloading thing never done it before. The whole thing is still working nicely but I think I will have to fit a timer as well as up here in NE Scotland it never gets really dark in the middle of summer.
I charge the battery about once a month weather it needs it or not, it usually shows 11.4 volts when I come to charge it, so it looks like it could go for months before a charge is necessary.
One thing I didn't mention was that I attached the light detector to the back of the PC board so that it protruded about an inch out of the plastic case(an old tub of exhaust sealant) then I used one of those tiny test-tube type things that some seeds come in over the light detector, attached to the case then the whole thing mounted from the inside of the coop with the test-tube poking through a 1/4 inch hole in the wall.
I will get onto welcome sight straight away.
Arthur
-
SO YOU GUYS, have we got a working model yet? How's it going? I work for a museum (battle of britain museum in kent) and i have recently created a wartime garden which includes chickens (yes!).
As I don't live on the premises and the chickens are let out manually about 8am we'd be really grateful to hear your progress. We're a charity so we would obviously be looking to keep cost to minimum.
We have 7 fantastic chickens, CHICKENS RULE!
Look forward to hearing from you guys, Amanda
-
Hello all, finally got some photos of my set up
(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae310/arty252/pophole/autopophole005.jpg)
(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae310/arty252/pophole/autopophole002.jpg)
(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae310/arty252/pophole/autopophole001.jpg)
(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae310/arty252/pophole/autopophole003.jpg)
(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae310/arty252/pophole/autopophole004.jpg)
The whole thing cost about sick squid as the aerial was free not counting the battery as I already had that, it's on the other end of the white flex from the pot going into the shed next door.
-
Well done arti ! :D
Don't be a stranger. Tell us all about your hens on chicken chat :)
Rob 8)
-
I want one now, shall have to show this to OH :lol:
xx