Hi everyone - I'm new here so please be patient with me. When I retired from mechanical engineering 10 years ago I became a mini-farmer. The farm is mini, not me .
Many farmers need assistance with automating some things on the farm. One is an un-attended door operator. One designed to allow livestock to exit the barn or pen in the morning and to close the door in the evening when all animals are safely inside. My first project will be a chicken coop door with a 12VDC motor (+/- 3 amps) and controls. For something this small I envision using hobby shop motors and gears like slot cars or R/C cars.
I have considered many of the needs for this little project and I have come to the conclusion that a typical garage door opener type of control would be perfect. I would have to add some additional circuitry to actuate the opener at an adjustable time in the morning and to close it at an adjustable time in the evening. This timing devise may need to be "light activated" so the door will open at dawn and close at dusk. The ideal design would have both activation options.
I do not know much about electronics but I'm certain that a garage door opener PCB could be used and controlled by this "timing" circuit board.
Another important consideration is that the door drive motor and the controls must be 12VDC powered. So therefore a low current circuit and a high current circuit is necessary. I would use a 12VDC wet cell or gel cell storage battery and a solar charger for un-attended operation when an AC electric source is not available.
Can someone provide instructions on how to make these controls?
Your thoughts and comments are welcome.
Thanks, Larry
Many farmers need assistance with automating some things on the farm. One is an un-attended door operator. One designed to allow livestock to exit the barn or pen in the morning and to close the door in the evening when all animals are safely inside. My first project will be a chicken coop door with a 12VDC motor (+/- 3 amps) and controls. For something this small I envision using hobby shop motors and gears like slot cars or R/C cars.
I have considered many of the needs for this little project and I have come to the conclusion that a typical garage door opener type of control would be perfect. I would have to add some additional circuitry to actuate the opener at an adjustable time in the morning and to close it at an adjustable time in the evening. This timing devise may need to be "light activated" so the door will open at dawn and close at dusk. The ideal design would have both activation options.
I do not know much about electronics but I'm certain that a garage door opener PCB could be used and controlled by this "timing" circuit board.
Another important consideration is that the door drive motor and the controls must be 12VDC powered. So therefore a low current circuit and a high current circuit is necessary. I would use a 12VDC wet cell or gel cell storage battery and a solar charger for un-attended operation when an AC electric source is not available.
Can someone provide instructions on how to make these controls?
Your thoughts and comments are welcome.
Thanks, Larry