Simple automatic chicken coop door

[@areebabdullah5001]

Hahaha chicken taj Mahal

[@dougiequick1]

I used a cheap electronic magnet a spring and a timer really super simple if you have power to your coop not self closing but we need to check the chickens a couple times a day anyway so this was a really good compromise for us ...the spring I used was just a screen door spring $3 at TS ...the door magnet was Amazon I think less than $15 and any timer with on and off will work ....All told it was less than $30 and foolproof! I set the timer to energize like at 5pm and turns off at sunrise time....we simply go down every night and make sure door is clear and just pull it closed so the magnet holds it then with the timer denergizes the spring yanks the door open! Cheap and simple! You could also use a 12v magnet and a battery and have a little solar charger to charge the battery ....worse case if the battery crapped out early the door simply opens as opposed to the fully automated doors which I would just stay closed ....a disaster if you are away on a weekend

[@charlieshendeleon9840]

I love it. Thanks for sharing!

[@kevinholbrook7174]

I love the way you have your automatic door system setup! I would like to see a more detailed information and video of how it is hooked up! Thanks 🙏

[@aaronforestier7260]

How many your power antenna has you the only one that has what l looking for . Can you help me with your wiring. Thanks

[@ronwest7930]

Simple and cheap compared to what people are selling as auto chicken doors. I don't know what timer you used but maybe a dusk till dawn sensor from a cheap solar light might work?

[@nolimeplease]

Bingo.

[@ricksmotorizedbikeprojects9572]

Nice. However I'd be worried it would catch a bird when going down. But I think I see your answer below. Seems like it is why the real applications are running so slowly. But I myself would probably consider a different application since they costs of the good store bought ones are just crazy expensive. Just ordering a $200 dollar electric door would have me not even breaking even if I sold the eggs for two years. Good thing I got chickens just for eating my own farm fresh eggs and didn't do it for the money I could make. Great video.

[@CMAenergy]

I see the guy has not answered any questions, Maybe h's passed on ! But your questions answered mine, Thanks

[@nolimeplease]

Sorry! I don’t get any notification of comment. What’s your ???

[@mcdaniellynda]

Great Job!

[@carlnutter3239]

Nice work

[@AztecWarrior69_69]

You didn't need that extra relay. Unless the landscape lights are not 12v, all you had to do is connect it to the green wire.

[@quasimodo5177]

Hi Sir. How do you cut the antena or how you stop it that it gets not the full length?

[@condensermike]

pretty eggs!

[@manny6884]

Hello, do you have or make a diagram of how you set everything up?

[@devinderg3085]

would this circuit work without a relay ????. i cant see why it wouldnt unless the timer is more than 12v.

[@nolimeplease]

It is all dependent on what polarity your system close, as well as signal polarity of antennae. My system used a 12v signal to actuate the antennae but the timer switch cuts ground. I think, could be opposite :-)

[@robbw2760]

If I was to use a 110 12v power source to get around having a battery and solar panel how would u run the relay with a timer only or do u need the light sensor ? Can I just constant power my timer jumper wire to antenna hot constant and then break the green on the source for timer ?

[@robbw2760]

I wouldn't need a relay that way either would I the timer would act as one this thing is starting to get frustrating 😒

[@nolimeplease]

There would be many ways to go about it, I would try a lamp timer with a dc converter possibly?

[@bruce11b123]

nice watering system I have one similar but I was thinking of running a gutter and rerouting into the piping for cheap water source...but I'm using cedar shingles, I'm not sure about using regular roofing shingles....what are your thoughts?

[@nolimeplease]

Definitely cedar. I'm a little concerned with the off gassing and contaminants in the comp roofing. I do not have my roof hooked to the water supply yet for this reason, waiting a year or two for the roof to "weather".

[@albaluken]

Congratulation for the gadget! I don´t understand how you shorten the antena throw. You explain in words but I don´t get it. Does any antena have such a rotating disk? Have you any picture of it? Thank you.

[@nolimeplease]

Yes, it uses a rotary limit switch. I shortened the throw by shrinking the surface area.

[@Stig84]

How do you prevent the chickens to get stuck or injured if they stand in the doorway when the door gets closed?

[@nolimeplease]

LOL that thought had crossed my mind too! I dont have to worry, though. They are well into chicken dreaming by the time the door closes :-)

[@forrestallison1879]

i am thinking of making mine work by weight. The door falls under its own weight and the piston just lets it down, if that makes sense

[@mikebar5508]

These type of Antenna motors are not so strong you can hold it back with your hand usually whereas the Linear Actuator systems can be like a guillotine so a safety switch is recommended.

[@Smurphenstein]

RIP Nugget the chicken. Why did the chicken cross the threshold? She was in two minds about it in the end. :-)

[@RobertsAdventure]

I've used the same design for over 4 years, the chickens just don't get caught, you set the timer early enough that they aren't up yet and late enough that they are already in bed. It's a great setup. Motor burned out after 4 years so I just replaced it, but even if the motor doesn't last forever, for $30 every 4 years or so, it's worked really well.

[@wrstlngstud82]

Thanks for this awesome video! This is one of the best I've seen. I have AC power ran to my coop, but lack the knowledge on how to put together what you did. Do you have a parts list by chance?

[@nolimeplease]

I don’t, it’s really all about function and availability. You need a timer switch, power antennae, and a power source. I used my solar panel output to provide signal open the door. You could use a timed switch of any type though.

[@rwelch7109]

Nice video. Can you tell me what type of relay it is and were would one buy one?Thanks!

[@nolimeplease]

It's a pretty standard single pole relay, any auto parts store will have one.

[@quasimodo5177]

How do you cut the length of the antena?

[@BigDave1125]

ever consider making your watering system be fed by a rain barrel or rain catch system? u could easily filter out any toxins and have it automatically water them with free rain

[@nolimeplease]

Yes I have. In fact, the design is such that I can use a gutter from the roof to funnel water right into the holding tank. Just haven't gotten there yet.

[@janisbelcher4038]

could you please give me a little more detail on how to keep the antenna from extending all the way?

[@nolimeplease]

There is a rotating disk inside the antenna that powers off the unit after a given amount of time. I place a piece of electrical tape on this disk to shorten the time the electrical connection was closed. This is not necessary, but I'm a bit OCD :-)

[@concert610]

I love how your automatic door. I've done something like this but my actuator closes much slower and uses two 5 pin relay switches and two timers. Your wiring looks much simpler. My actuator is 18" opening and takes 1 minute 40 seconds to close. Your antenna closes really quickly I just worry about a bird being in the way. Wondering too is it strong enough to keep predators from opening it?

[@nolimeplease]

Lol those birds never bothered with the speed. It is however very strong, the only way to open the door would strip the plastic gears!

[@alionabryabin7049]

hi . can you put a diagram for conections . thank you. I have the antena . the relay from auto parts store . it is ok if I will use 110v and timer and from timer , to power charger of 12v to then motor and relay?

[@nolimeplease]

I drew out a diagram, it's at the end of the video. My whole system is 12v DC, but you could use a 110v and two 12v power supplies. One for the constant and one on a timer.

[@alionabryabin7049]

nolimeplease thank you .my problem is my antena is closing but when must open is open just 6 inch . From where to buy a good antena?thank you again

[@tombauer5762]

Creative. Sounds too complicated for my limited skill set. I'll stick with the one I bought..

[@TheBushdoctor68]

Great video. I was just wondering how the antenna knows when to stop pushing out the rod? Does it allow for making certain settings perhaps?

[@AztecWarrior69_69]

They have internal limit switches

[@nolimeplease]

There was a internal rotary stop switch on this particular antenna. I just shortened the throw by shortening it’s conductive surface area.

[@macadams9240]

@@nolimeplease that's greek to me. Wish you would do another video on how you set the parameters on the antennae. Sure would help.

[@pg5684]

Whats the part # of the antenna used? Or the year and make of cadillac it came from? Thanks!

[@nolimeplease]

I could not say with certainty. It was a aftermarket antenna from a junkyard caddy. Unbranded.

[@samhilal470]

It looks like you cut a good part of the antenna tips?

[@michaelrogers5176]

No, I let it run the length. There's a disk that rotates, a sort of electrical timer that creates a closed circuit for the motor. I shortened that by placing electrical tape on the disc to shorten its "on" time. The tip of the antenna was important, as I used it for the solid to clamp down to the door. I just used plumbing tape and screws.

[@samhilal470]

Thank you for your answer Michael.

[@GuerrerodPaz]

how to the use energy for motor dc?..... please answer my cuestion ....... que fuente de poder utilizas para el motor dc ? por favor contestami pregunta

[@nolimeplease]

12v photovoltaic battery.

[@federicos9821]

how does it stop the antenna? do you have limit switches? Thanks!

[@nolimeplease]

The antenna has a rotating disk inside the transmission. The disc has a piece of plastic that breaks continuity at full throw. I just added electrical tape to the disc for a shorter throw.

[@federicos9821]

+nolimeplease ohh thats great thanks for your reply! nice work on your chicken coop :)

[@sixfourhim]

Can you give greater details on how to add the tape? email me at [e-mail]

[@candiru68]

Parabéns , muito bom!

[@martindaman5280]

Wow you were a MacGyver..... What type of solar panel are you using

[@nolimeplease]

Just a couple of 50watt panels and a 12v car battery :-)

[@genghiskuhn]

hahahaha this is absolutely incredible, you are a genius

[@chadelliott8012]

Great! How would I wire this to plug it into an outlet?

[@nolimeplease]

chad elliott you would use a 12v landscape lighting power supply, and use the LV signal to the lights to run the motor.

[@chadelliott8012]

Wow, those are spendy....any other ideas?

[@ericice1751]

cost automatic door system?

[@nolimeplease]

Very inexpensive for me, I already owned the mini solar setup, relays and timer. I would say to acquire the necessary parts would take $300-ish?

[@ericice1751]

@@nolimeplease Thanks for the reply. I was actually able to get 3 (220 lb. x 14") actuator arms on Amazon for $80 a piece.

[@sean1476]

Could you list all parts please

[@nolimeplease]

Could you please be more specific?

[@sean1476]

+nolimeplease all the parts you used for the door thanks

[@burulbokoeva6138]

I AM FROM Kyrgystan

[@nolimeplease]

Congratulations!

[@cemitts]

sweet!

[@nolimeplease]

Haha thanks duder :-)

[@NathanAguiar]

i have put together a Raspberry Pi operated coop door that moves a lot slower and safer. Parts list and everything you need is in the following thread - www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=203209

[@dougiequick1]

"my pvc.." except pvc is never black ..I mean unless you paint it black. BLACK plastic pipe from homedepot etc is NOT PVC! It is ABS! Different plastic entirely ... Some say abs is non toxic but others swear it is IS...I would think to be on the safe side? Use PVC and not ABS...just sayin is all

[@jonsrbrcwr6765]

muy hingenieso

[@GuerrerodPaz]

i' speak spanish...

[@ryanduckering]

what is this? a coop for communists?

[@nolimeplease]

I do live in Portland Oregon, after all 😜