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G'day fellow workshoppers,
Finally got around to designing, building and installing the new auto door for our girls. I was quiet shocked at the price of purchasing a pre-built opener, but I've put together a price list and can understand why these items are expensive. Anyhoo, I will attempt a how-to on this project.
Here are the parts required for the build that I put together. Motor, photocell, double pole double throw relay, timer, transformer, micro/limit switches and an enclosure to put it all in. (The black transformer may be used as an alternative).
I had to make a shaft for the motor so as to lift and lower the door. I decided to use a bolt with a hole drilled in the end to suit the shaft. A couple of very large washers and nuts and a smaller bolt tapped to lock onto the shaft as a key.
Time to put it all together. Wiring is via the diagram attached below. I also decided to install some LED marker lights I had as surplus to come on just prior to dusk and turn off after a couple of hours (photo upside down for some reason). I did a test run at this stage to ensure it worked.
The following is after installing on the coop. The little pulleys allow the door to open/close without binding.
The rope is just plain 'gunline' and is not prone to rotting. I will probably replace this with something more permanent in the future.
Last but not least is the placement of the micro/limit switches which shuts down the motor when either in the raised or lowered position. In this case I used a long bolt and positioned the switches to allow activation.
Here is the wiring diagram. It may look a bit intimidating but it is foolproof.
If anyone wants a PDF version, just let me know. Also if you have any questions, please don't hesitate.
Nearly forgot the price list.
24v DC motor with 48RPM reduction gearbox - $10.80 (ebay)
Photocell - $3.26 (ebay)
Relay - $4.70 (wholesaler)
Timer - Free but can purchase for under $20.00
Transformer - Free but approx $20-30 on ebay
2 x Limit switches - $12.00 (wholesaler)
Enclosure - $32.00 (wholesaler) but can get much cheaper without clear lid.
Cable, connectors and misc stuff - Approx $5-6
Labour not considered (approx 4 hours to put together, test and install).
Considering a pre-made purchased unit costs upwards of $250.00 - $400.00, I think I made the right decision making it myself.
Cheers'n'beers
Daryl
Hello.
Thanks for the awesome design and plans. I was hoping for some help with the DTDP wiring. I’m using two 6v batteries to power the unit. With solar to keep the batteries charged. Ive removed the lights.
Do I have the wiring to the DPDT right please and thank you????
Thanks for joining in the discussion on Workshop @dani2526. It's great that you could join us. I trust you will receive lots of helpful advice and inspiration for your projects from our members.
Let me tag @darylhewston for you so he sees your question.
Welcome aboard, and please let me know if you ever need a hand getting the most from the site.
Jason
This is a fillowon of my previous post.
Ok so I clicked to what no nc was today and have drafted a new pic of how I believe the relay should be wired.
Hopefully ive gotten it right
thank you 😀
Hi @Fyastix,
Just wanted to extend a very warm welcome to Workshop. I hope @Mouthpear can assist with your problem, and that other community members might be able to provide ongoing support and inspiration for all your home improvement projects in the future. Feel free to post whenever you need help.
Thanks for joining the community.
Jason
Bugger so I tried anyway and it didn’t work 😞 excuse my ignorance with this but I think I have the relays etc wired wrong. Sorry the picture of the micro switch is first.
I need to know now if I have the DPDT wired correctly please?? If not could someone please tell me?
I may also have the two micro switches (S2, S3) wrong. As Daryl’s picture showed them closed I wired NO / COM. Should I have wired NC instead? Should T11 run to COM first instead?
SORRY I’m really struggling to work out how to wire these relays/switches correctly. I hope this makes sense.
Have i I brought the right switch/relay for S1 (picture included)
This is the 12v DPDT I have purchased
This is the 12v timer I’ve brought
I really really look forward to someone’s help with this.
Thanks!!!!
