Raspberry Pi Controlled Chicken Coop Door

Code:

Circuit Diagram:

Parts List (I listed everything from Amazon, you can find it cheaper most likely on eBay, Adafruit, Sparkfun...):

[cherylweso]

I bought one a few years back, not smart enough to make my own, maybe I should enlist my son for that.  A couple of things that I have noticed after having an automated door. First, a piece of aluminum door and aluminum H track for it to ride is very nice. It is light weight and takes a very small motor to raise and lower it.  Also aluminum doesn't expand and contract like wood, so when it rains it is less likely to bind.  Mine will bind, but only does when wood that the fasteners are attached too(the H track), get wet.  I don't have a latch to keep it locked when in the down position but put an piece of metal in front of door at base on outside so animals don't have a way of gettings under the door.  So far that has worked for the past 8 years or so. Love having an automated door.  Thanks Eric

[benveenema]

This is great work. I've been using an arduino to control my crockpot to make yogurt really easily.  I'm excited about the idea of the automated homestead. I'll have to find some willing participants nearby.

[craxe]

Awesome job. Thanks for including a how to section. I just built an automatic door using a motor and two relays and was wondering what my next project should be. I like the text message stating the door status. Looks like I need to get a raspberry pi.

[alanwebster]

I like the fact that it uses gravity to close. When I heard about it on Jack Spirko's show I pictured crushed chickens. Simple so less chance of failure

[dustincooper]

I created a chicken door using a 12v window regulator, a timer and a dpdt relay.  I really like the options that the raspberry pi and arduino have to offer. I've been a long time listener of TSP and I'm building a new business called Midwest Homestead Solutions.  I also have a you tube channel under the business title, and i'm working to get some videos up. I'd love to see some more videos and learn more.

[wonka]

That's almost how I'm building my door, but with arduino instead of raspberry pi and other door opening sensors. Same motor, same l298n and also the same door locking mechanism. ;)

[ericescobar]

Hey Dustin, I'd love to help with anything. I like using the raspberry pi because I can always add stuff to it. For example, on that same board I've added a light, nesting webcam, predator defense and motion sensor. It's a really scalable platform.

[TheDonnieballgame]

Eric, have you added all of those extra features you mentioned? Would love to see the code, thanks, great job!

[Slightlyrednecked]

I heard your interview on TSP and found this video.  Very well done.  One note though, the video says to see the description for the wiring diagram and code but I can't find the description.  Is this just me being a YouTube idiot or is it not showing up? :)  thanks

[jatle]

Hey Eric, Did you do your breadboard slightly different than the schematic? (It looks different in the photo at 2:06) Can you clarify this for me? I'm having difficulties with mine.

[deweylikedonuts]

Hey Eric, thanks for the detailed diagram and code. I did a git clone and am getting a line 9 error, No such file or directory: 'config.txt'. Any help would be appreciated.

[wtwtDude]

The link for the magnets and 6 wire telephone cable are not working. I'm going to try this set up soon!

[NewYorkCityZoo]

Good job! I'm inspired by your project. Can you tell me what your using for a motor and how it works? I didnt see it in the video.

[chrisfourlaw]

Hey Eric,

How did you create the door and what are the parts for it? Thanks!

[badarticle]

That’s is absolutely excellent. Any way it could be controlled via battery?

[davidhyder]

Do you know whether or not your using a latching or non-latching Hall effect sensor. There are two 3144 or us5881?

[michaelhenderson]

Audio would be nice. I would much rather hear your description.

[ryanagon]

Do you have a parts list anywhere for this?

[ShadowTD]

Curently building this project and I've seemingly come unstuck with the hall effect sensors. Which way round is correct? Mine are labelled U18728 - is this correct? I've built a debug script and I can control the motor no problem but the sensors seem to be stuck hard 'on'. Thanks in advance!

[michaelengland]

what did you use with the motor to wind the string?