DIY $25 Smart (wifi) Automatic Chicken Door Opener!
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- čas přidán 7. 04. 2023
- amazon link for the wifi valve that i used: Motorized Smart Valve Watering Timer WiFi & Bluetooth Electric Water Shutoff Controller Robot Automatically, Tuya Smart & Smart Life App Control, Work with Alexa, No Hub Required a.co/d/ceRgGDd
if this one doesn't work for you, there are many other similar ones available on Amazon. good luck! - Jak na to + styl
Hey Everyone! I made a 9 month update video where i added a counterweight! Check it out here if you are interested: czcams.com/video/pIWNi0sIbE0/video.htmlsi=DhfWJKP3DqtqYvXP
Best video I have seen on chicken doors. Many thanks!
You sir are a genius and we all thank you. Those of us that live in poverty and can't afford a $200 door. Thank you so much man
This is brilliant and way cheaper than any chicken door out there
Just an update I received my valve today installed it and it works great
We just disposed of an old baking pan at the recycle center, and now I wish I had kept it ! Very smart !!!
I would of NEVER thought of this, absolutely will try this out.
I think the fact you're using a cookie sheet is what really sold this to me 😂 my kind of diy!
Hahahaha! Thanks for the comment!
I did this exact thing. I bought the linked valve switch and made the few mods and it works great. The only issue I had was the switch failed to work the second day. I tried it about ten times and it started working slowly, then fully. It is working now, but I'm probably going to replace it. It's a pain for me because I have to get inside of our tiny coop. But I don't want to find out that it failed when I really need it (when I'm away).
Thanks for this post. It's not only at least 83% cheaper than all the packaged solutions out there, it is BETTER solution. For me, I already have a heavier wooden door in the channel. This works perfectly as a retro-fit without scrapping any existing parts or functionality. I was able to keep my existing manual string as a backup. And the Google Home integration is so much better than the simple timer. Shooting for 15 hours of daylight, I turn the light on 9 hours after sunset. But the door has to be closed or they chickens will just go outside in the dark when the light comes on.
I'm going to follow you in case you post any other improvised solutions to anything. I love it.
czcams.com/users/shortsL2pfQvRmlmM?si=B_AO-duliVQRnYZz
Thanks for the comment! Very good point about the added functionality over other devices! I love your design and how it is inside the coop! It looks like it works very well and operates smoothly. I have had very good luck with the valve reliability so far. It had been going for about 6 months 2 times per day and have had zero issues. Good luck!
Very good ideas, thanks for sharing. By the way, that overhead netting is a must! We lost a chicken to a hawk a few months ago, and after hanging netting and ribbons, it seemed to solve the problem.
Thank you for the comment! Yeah, we have not lost any chickens since the netting and chicken door
This is GREAT !!!! Going to work on getting this setup this weekend. Thanks
Simple and elegant solution. Thanks.
This is amazing! You are amazing! In the past, I researched, and all I found was people using actuators. Need one of these real bad. Thank you so much.
This is exactly the sort of thing I was hoping to find on my quest to automate my door. Thanks for sharing!
I had an interesting system in my previous coop - I attached the roosting pole to a pivot with jugs of water attached to the other side matching the weight of my hens so when they all were on the roost it caused the door to close and then open again when one of them jumped off. Pretty nice, power-free system as long as all your hens sleep on one roosting pole.
Wow! Super cool idea!
I've got an ESP32 flashed with Tasmota to run a shutter function. Haven't hooked it all up yet, but soon.
Your design is right off the shelf. Good job!
Thanks!! I REALLY wanted to do a esp32 or arduino approach but in the end it was just easier to use off the shelf
Thanks a lot... it's good idea to use water valve. You changed my plan about my chicken coop door. thank you
You made my life so much easier! Works perfectly! Thanks a lot 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I don't have a table saw, or router. However, the money I'll save on diy door opener, it will help pay for the table saw/ router.
Just finished my water valve coop door, this find was a gem 💎.
Great to hear!!!
They have these for sale on Temu now. I'm thinking about putting one in my garage to vent out the heat.
That's sweet! Could you send me the temu link?! Thanks!!!
thank you very much. I've been looking for a long time to do something like this!!!! bravo!!
Smart Idea! Thank you for making this video. Keep them coming. Forney, TX😄
This is an awesome idea. Been looking at getting an automatic door but thought price is ridiculous and so happy I did a CZcams search. Just ordered the smart water valve and can’t wait to set it up!! I got my very first flock of chickend in feb so Im new to a lot and appreciate the hack 😊
That's great! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Good luck with the build and let me know if you have any questions! Thanks!
How did it turn out for you?
Turned out great! Wish I could post a video. Did you do this as well?
@@RefurbFabulous-ks7zu I haven't yet but it is my next project. Many thanks to @doinkeroni for sharing this!
Super smart idea, easiest and most effective on the web
thanks for sharing. I m working with ESP32 diy smart chicken door, I can customise little more and battery life is good if you optimise the code, but the smart part as you said is giving issues.
Can you measure and share the power consumption? I will hav.e to run on battery and solar panel
Thanks
So simple an functional. Thanks for the video.
Lifesaver, I was just about to get started on an Arduino and stepper approach myself!
Lol! Yes, although it would be more fun to do that approach... I struggles to get it all to work in a wifi-connected smart way. This thing is fully automatic and adjusts based on time of year.... save yourself the 2days of effort and just buy one of these! Lol
I put auto doors on my two coops where I could set the clocks and really liked them. The other kind wouldn't have worked because there is flood light on a pole in the back yard. I did have to change the batteries several times a year, and once in awhile they'd malfunction. They all have their pros and cons. Even with the wifi ones isn't always the best option because when the internet or power goes down, none of them will work. I also put up Wyze cams inside my coops as well as in the corners of the run, so I'd have visual access from all angles. I, too, put up bird netting. That was a must. I'll have to try out what you did as well. It might be a good idea to have two doors, with one being a backup in case the other goes down. Thanks.
This is brilliant, thank you so much, just installed mine this week, and it works like a charm!
Thanks for the comment and I'm happy it worked for you!!! I'm about 1 year in and mine has worked awesome!!
Omg thank you so much! Saw this video and had to try it out!auto doors are so expensive but this is amazing and I love how it connects to my phone!
Thanks for the comment! Glad it worked out for you!
Wow super awesome Idea, I've been using a pulley system with pumps and water in two different containers hooked up to a smart plug but this is so much simpler, so cool. Im going to be building a new coop and totally going to use this idea!
Wow! I love the pump/water pulley idea!
Works like a dream, Thanks for saving us $$$$$!
I am so happy you uploaded this video sir. Exactly what I was looking for! This is brilliant!
Unbelievable they want $180 for a smart chicken door.
I've gotten 2 of those expensive doors and both failed. They are so difficult to program and opperate!
just what we needed. Thanks!!
thank you so much
Great setup.
It be cool to hook it to a small solar generator that you can recharge from time to time.
Wow! Brilliant! This is great!
Couple of questions:
What max weight door do you think it could lift?
What length of arm did you use for how much of travel?
Thanks
This is the best video on youtube. thank you
Haha! Thank you for the kind words!
I've been looking for this 👍.
Thanks for the great idea. I tried a commercial opener before and it was flimsy so I had to return.
I got this opener for $27 on Amazon and it works perfect now. I like the timer to schedule for open/close. I am using a piece of plywood (about 1x1 foot) for the door and am afraid the motor may not stand the weight in the long run. Thinking of finding some light material for it.
I used a shower rod to attach the opener to my chicken coop and some trimmer line that was around for connecting between the opener and the door. So no extra cost.
Thanks for the comment. Mine has been working flawlessly for about 9 months now but I have been thinking of adding a pulley and counter weight to aid the motor when lifting the door. This way you could use whatever weight door you want as long as the counterweight matched it. Just a thought! Good luck!!
@@doinkeroniloved this idea. Now, in my chicken area I have the hothouses for starting seeds that double as a bit more protection for young chicks. I grow lots of greens in there and move them around to green up the yard. Wish I knew how to make videos.
@@doinkeroni if you do this, please post! We are ordering one today. Would love to see how the pulley and counter weight would work.
@christinashawgo6510 hello! I actually did add a counter weight and I posted a separate video about it! It works awesome! Please check it out here: czcams.com/video/pIWNi0sIbE0/video.htmlsi=DhfWJKP3DqtqYvXP
I posted a video of how I had it. But I gave in and ran the cable through the wall and installed the opener in my garage so it won't be so cold and fail. I'll let you know how it works out.
I don't have wifi. I wish they had a timer version of this valve. I didn't see any on Amazon.
Brilliant!
awesome ingenuity!
Thanks!!
I'm glad I looked at the video. Who wants to spend $200. Thanks a lot great video
What an Idea !!!!
Cool invention but the Run Chicken door is still better, easier to setup and only takes double A batteries instead of directly connected to your power and is only $75 more.
First of all, thanks for sharing! I bought and installed one of these three months ago after viewing your video. Kudos on the ingenuity. I too have a real problem with the inflated costs of automatic coop doors. Plus these smart devices are, indeed, smarter schedule wise. Unfortunately, mine already crapped out 3 months in. I contacted the vendor and they were very responsive and immediately refunded me. I'm about to buy a new one to give it another try, but I'm guessing all the ones I see available for purchase will likely have the same build and longevity. Did you have to replace yours yet? Or have you found a different device to use?
@rockspinners4131 I'm sorry to hear that. Mine has been bullet proof so far (for over 6 months of daily usage) I do have mine tucked up high so it doesn't get wet though. Overall, I have been very impressed with the quality and operation. The only other idea is: possibly try to shorten your arm extension so that it operates a little easier? (But it won't travel as far).
Amazing hack!
haha, you can see the chickens confused by the down door when you were demo'ing it. so now we need AI to translate " Alexa, open the door" from chicken-speak.
Sir is that a cookie sheet??! Friggen genius!! I miss These kind of YT videos
Lol, thanks for the comment!!!
I guess my only drawback to this one is if power goes out there is no backup and also what happens if a chicken is under it when coming down i mean it might not ever happen but we all know chickens are not the brightest sometimes
Thanks for the comment. As you said, if the power goes out it is stuck ... but as soon as the power comes back on it resumes the previous commanded position. Regarding the stuck chicken, by using a flexible wire rather than a ridged mechanism, when the door shuts it is just the light weight of the door (gravity) that closes it. If a chicken gets in there, it will surely be able to overpower the light weight of the cookie sheet.
Very good observations though!
well done sir thankyou
Do you have step by step directions
Excellent
Thank you! I've been trying to figure out how to automate our chicken drawbridge. This is exactly what I was trying to do, but couldn't think of an easy motor system to do it.
Great to hear!!! Thanks for the comment! A drawbridge sounds awesome!
I don't see how this would work for a drawbridge. You would be better off using an old Power Wheels or Kid Trax motorized kid's toy, a cheap PWM motor speed controller, and a smart switch.
I'm also trying to figure out which make/model wifi valve you used. All the ones I've found require 120VAC/12VDC power
Yes, this one also requires power.
I suppose you could rig it up on a 12v battery.. but I am unsure how much power draw it has when not in use. MoesGo WiFi Water Valve, DIY Automatic Water Shut-Off for Basement Kitchen Bathroom, Ball Valve Manipulator, Compatible with Smart Life/Tuya APP, Voice Control via Alexa Google Home a.co/d/89GTCsq
Thank you this is great. The Dollar store has a perfect size cookie sheet for $1.
Pretty cool. My wifi doesn’t reach the coop.
@@scrapzwtfif you have power in the coop you can add wifi extender like we did.
Dangit I bought not thinking about a power source 😢
link to valve???
Genius idea! I've been racking my brain for the best way to do my door affordably. It's a side hinged door that opens 90 degrees. This should be perfect! Thx again.
A $35 6" Linear Actuator will open a door 90 degrees. Use an MKCOZY or SONOFF 4CH Relay Switch and you have all the functionality he has and more.
@@AztecWarrior69 Yeah I considered that too. Going to try the valve actuator, got it for $20. And incorporate some springs for safety factor so I don't squish any chickens in the doorway
@markbrassette3406 First off you are gonna have to try and figure you how to get that thing to attach to the door. Most likely a double-hinged arm. Seems easy enough but
Second, that thing only has one speed and that's too fast, especially for a swing door. His is going slow only because the arm is longer.
I seriously doubt that any kind of springs are gonna help.
That's cool but if there is any water involved in cold climets
I am in a cold climate but so far so good. I tucked it up under the roof so that it stays dry. I haven't tried it in the dead of winter though yet.
Hi, thank you for this great idea, I used it to build an automatic door opener for the basement door (normal 90 ° house door ).
We have a cat door on the outside door, but she often brings us presents, that i dont want in the house. She also often takes a nap in this room, and then is waiting for me to let her into the rest of the house.
So I hooked up am older indoor wifi cam, to see if the cat is "alone" and didn't bring a mouse.
Also, when she wants to go outside, i can just open the door for here from my phone 😀
I just needed 10 cm of opening, so that the cat can squeeze through. The water valve motor (with zigbee) is strong enough to pull the door open, against the spring force from the other side. Im closing the door automatically with an mechanical spring powered door closer with a pullong cable.
When I unhook the pulling cable, I can use the door normally like before. That is the reason why I didnt use a stepper motor.
Great idea!!!
Nice. definitely different. However, I take it that it runs on AC ONLY. What happens if the power goes out and you are not at home. I say it is always best to have everything run on 12VDC and off a battery. No matter if it is Mains power charged or Solar/Wind Charged.
Most of these work off 12V DC.
You could run the actuator off a small 12V battery which is constantly being trickle charged (via mains or solar).
being
@@gerrymcerlean8432 I may have misspoken. I meant to say they are 12VDC but they are powered by AC mains through a power supply. They very well could be Battery powered but charged via Mains. Which is the point I was making.
"I say it is always best to have everything run on 12VDC and off a battery. No matter if it is Mains power charged or Solar/Wind Charged."
And you agreed with.
@@gerrymcerlean8432 Link to Actuator?
What kind of sprinkler valve is this? I'm trying to zoom in but cannot.
Thank you for the comment. This is just an ordinary water valve (not a sprinkler valve). I tried to post a link from Amazon, but it looks like this exact one is not available right now. However, there are many many others that are almost identical... like this: Motorized Smart Valve Watering Timer WiFi & Bluetooth Electric Water Shutoff Controller Robot Automatically, Tuya Smart & Smart Life App Control, Work with Alexa, No Hub Required a.co/d/ceRgGDd
bravo
Do you have a link for the wifi valve.
Yep! Here is the one I bought!
MoesGo WiFi Water Valve, DIY Automatic Water Shut-Off for Basement Kitchen Bathroom, Ball Valve Manipulator, Compatible with Smart Life/Tuya APP, Voice Control via Alexa Google Home a.co/d/89GTCsq
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing this life hack that is actual better and less expensive than those ripoff $150 models
The only benefit the $150 might have is the obstruction detection, like a garage door. However because that's a cookie sheet... I don't think that will hurt a chicken.
@piratekit thanks for the comment. Because it is a flexible wire holding up the door, if a chicken is in the door when it closes, it will just rest the weight of the cookie sheet on them until they move. (I don't think this has ever happened though)
do you have a link to the netting you used?
Yep! Here it is! OGORI 50' x 50' Bird Netting... www.amazon.com/dp/B09MW1TCD2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
After seeing your video, I have purchased the exact same one on Amazon. Loaded the app, and it is recognized but sadly it does not open or close. I think it is faulty. Will check your other video
@@AnimauxdeCampagne does it try to open/move... or doesn't it move at all? It sounds like a faulty unit.
I purchased that Smart Controller.... haven't yet installed it,, but am anxious.
Can You elaborate more on that camera you have? Maybe a link where you can purchase one? Great Vid... and thanks
Great! Yes, I am a fan of the wyze cameras. I have a bunch of them and they are inexpensive and work great. (No monthly fees) You can put an SD card in them to log automatically.
I have both powered and battery versions. The one in the video is the "wyze cam outdoor" battery powered version
What an absolutely brilliant hack. I've been working (so far without success) on an Arduino based solution which reads UCT from GPS and then uses a math formula to calculate sunrise & and sunset for any latitude/longitude but this is so much easier.
Thank you. You're a genius.
Yes! This will make your life easier! I too wanted to create a complete arduino/iot solution from scratch, but I gave up since this was a complete turn-key solution with many more features than I would have been able to implement via google/smartthings
@@doinkeroni Can you tell us what the model of the sprinkler is?
Do you have a link to that valve
Yep! But it looks like the one I purchased is no longer available. There are many options just like it though. MoesGo WiFi Water Valve, DIY Automatic Water Shut-Off for Basement Kitchen Bathroom, Ball Valve Manipulator, Compatible with Smart Life/Tuya APP, Voice Control via Alexa Google Home a.co/d/gMtH07a
DIY can be fun, but I prefer to just buy one pre-built. I got one from The Hen Hut and it was only 65 dollars. The materials seem good, it was simple to setup, and so far it has been very reliable. DIY can be a good way to go, but if you want to save time I'd recommend buying a pre-built one like The Hen Hut.
We appreciate you spreading the word! Automatic Chicken coop doors should not cost $200.
What is your site?
I already have an automatic door, to the henhouse but wanted to add another to the enclosed run, for those mornings that THEY want to get out and run the yard, before I get my pants on. Excellent setup!
@@yendorofny Yes, it is great to be able to let your chickens safely roam your yard without you having to stress about making sure to open and close the door!
You have to have power to the coop though correct?
Yes, for this to work well you need power and wifi at the coop.
what a vid!!! you guys are awesome
Can this be set on a time to open and close since I do not have Wi-Fi near the coop?
Unfortunately, I don't think so. It is activated by the wifi or a Bluetooth signal.
Can you recommend a diy if you don’t have electricity
Hello Kim, these devices run on 12v and are relatively low power consumption. However, since they have wifi, they do use continuous power. You could surely use a 12v car battery or small jackery/power bank that had a solar panel hooked up to it though. I am certain that would provide enough power to run it "off-grid".
I hope this helps!
Great mod!!!
Also, the device is now $33 (Jan 2024).
this is the greatest thing i have found so far and will be building this any issues with it so far and i def subscribed just because f this video.is it till working good
Great to hear! Yes, 9 months later I have had zero issues. I have made a small upgrade/improvement to it that I will post in a video shortly. Stay tuned! Thanks!!!
How did you connect it to the wifi? I've been trying for hours....
I used the smartlife app per the instructions that came with my device. It connected quickly and seamlessly and then I was able to find it in Google home.
Can you share the make/model if the smart water valve?
Hello, unfortunately they discontinued the exact seller on Amazon that I bought from, but there are several other sellers that have the same exact model. Just search for smart wifi water valve and you will see a long list of options. Hope this helps! Good luck!
What about the make and model of the cookie sheet?
I kid, I kid...
How much did it cost?
The wifi valve was $25. Everything else was from around the house but could be purchased very inexpensively (cookie sheet, wood guides, wire, extension cord).
This "smart valve" works/connects via blue tooth? My wifi doesn't reach out to my chicken coop, so... will it work?
Good question. This will work via Bluetooth or wifi, but if you use Bluetooth, you would need to use your phone and be in close proximity to it. It works much better being hooked up to wifi so that it can be fully automated. Hope this helps.
I used the zigbee version, because I already have an amazon alexa with zigbee built in. It can reach farther than wifi
Hey what did you use for the arm? Thnx
It was just a short piece of aluminum that I had laying around. I am not sure what it originally came from.. but I think it was a bracket from a cieling can light.
Thanks mate 😊
how do you go about programing for sunrise and sunset
In your Google home app, just add the device, and then click to setup a "routine". In the routine, you can click to setup a time to open or close it based on sunset, etc
thanx, but I still can't get the device added. It recognizes it and it goes through the motion of adding but ends with fail to add. Any thoughts
@@patrickmcdonald1215 so after investigating further, I originally had to use the "smartlife" app to get the device working properly (the smartlife app was recommended by the valve manufacturer that I purchased). After using smartlife to get the valve working, I then added it to Google by selecting the "works with google" option... and choosing smartlife. Please give that a try and let me know if you still have trouble.
@@doinkeroni Thanx, I'll try that and let you know
Has anyone found a 12volt version of this motor in order to hook up to a battery with a split charger?
In a reply to KimSmith5083 a month after your question, the video maker replied that this valve driver IS 12v DC, and could likely be powered by a 12v battery. 🤷
Did the same thing, unfortunately doesn't work when the weather gets below 30°. Went thru 3 valve motors already.
I'm sorry to hear this. Our weather routinely gets cold (20-30degF) and it has worked very well so far for us.
Are you having a communication issue with the valve? Also, is the door you are using harder to open when cold causing the motor to brake? I did notice that mine struggles a bit more when cold due to the friction of the door. I will post an updated video soon that shows one idea to improve it further and reduce the strain on the motor. Stay tuned.
It worked fine above 40° but once it gets to 20° the motor just gives up after a while. I've used a wooden door and also a piece of cardboard, thinking maybe it was the weight. It opens fine but fails to close. It's not a wifi signal problem because I get a notification that it's trying to close but just fails and sends multiple notifications that it's trying to close. I bring it indoors, warm it up and it works again. I bring it outside and it works until it gets cold again. 2 motors I've returned to Amazon but I have one left and haven't totally given up on it yet lol. I'm thinking about building an insulated box around it.
I just saw your updated video, I may have to try that out. I wish there was a way I could show you how I have mine set up.
@@adamroman8804 could you upload a video to CZcams and send me a link?
Don't laugh but don't know how to do that. Not to computer savvy
When I read the name of your channel, I was required to subscribe. Tell me the story behind this name.
But also, I'm gonna do this diy opener. Was looking at the higher end ones and was shocked that they were so expensive and required an additional module to add wifi. Needed a quick win and I think this will do the job!
Haha! Thanks for the sub and for the comment. Doinkeroni is a very long story that dates back almost 30 years ago with some friends as a nickname in gradeschool. The name stuck...
Good luck with your door! Mine is almost a year old now and has been absolutely awesome.
@@doinkeroni it's a name I would definitely have made up myself, it super resonated with me haha. I shared the diy video w/my wife and she laughed at the channel name too bc it's basically my type of verbiage.
The device arrives today. My wife won't let me use her aluminum pan, so I gotta put in an order haha. Assembly Saturday. I'm stoked.
@@oasisoflasvegas7925 sounds great! Keep me posted if you have any issues or questions!
@@doinkeroni I have a functioning prototype with Alexa voice & routine (sunrise/sunset+30min) enabled. I need to re-mount and adjust to lengthen the leverage, but man, I’m so pleased with this! Thanks!!!
@oasisoflasvegas7925 great to hear! You will love it. Every night my google home announces "the chicken door is now closed".
A raccoon can’t push this up? I don’t understand how it can’t. There’s no upper stop
Thanks for the comment. There is no upper stop, but since the size of the opening is much shorter than the cookie sheet, the only way they could push it up is if their arms were longer than ~12in. Otherwise there is nothing for them to push up on.
Gday I’m in Australia what’s the valve called
a.co/d/89GTCsq
Hello, here is a link to one in the states. It is a smart water valve.
Brilliant!
Brilliant!