What time system is used to program the door?
The Autodoor uses a 24h clock. So if you, for example, want to program your door to close at 6pm, you would set the control panel to 18:00.
FAQ
Which coops does the Autodoor fit on?
The Autodoor fits straight on the Eglu Pro Chicken Coop, the Eglu Cube Chicken Coop, and on the majority of wooden chicken coops or barns. If you have an older Eglu Cube (before 2016), you can fit the Autodoor by using an attachment kit. You can also fit it to mesh or chicken wire on a run.
Can I use it with chicks?
The Autodoor is designed to be used by adult chickens, and it’s wise to only use manual mode if you have chicks in the flock.
Can the door be used vertically?
No, the motor in the door is designed to open the door horizontally.
Can I open the door manually?
Yes, there is a manual mode where the door opens and closes only when you press the button. For safety and peace of mind, there is also a built-in failsafe system for opening the door completely by hand. Check the instruction manual to find out how to do this.
You can watch the how to build video here.
Can I connect a solar panel or other power supply?
No, we do not recommend using a solar panel with your Omlet automatic door opener.
You must use the Autodoor as specified in the instruction manual by using either the supplied power adapter or AA batteries. A set of AA batteries will last for 2+ months. We cannot offer any warranty (expressed or implied), support or advice if you connect any other forms of power supply to your AutoDoor. There is a high risk that you may damage your Autodoor, and the product may not work as intended.
How long do the batteries last, and when should I change them?
4 good quality AA batteries of the same brand, same type and same energy level should power the Autodoor for 2+ months. If you’re not using the smart functionality, and the control panel is not connected to wifi, then we estimate you should see around 6 months of battery life.
We would suggest changing the batteries when the control panel is showing the level as 5% or lower. It’s good to check the batteries at least every month to make sure they are in good condition.
Tell me more about the coop light!
There are two main reasons to add a coop light. Firstly, having a light in the coop will encourage the chickens to return to roost when it gets dark. This is especially good if you have one or two hens that tend to stay out longer than the rest.
Secondly, it’s useful to have a light in the coop if you want to check on your hens when it’s dark, maybe as you come home from work or just before you go to bed. The hens won’t be bothered by you turning on the light for a minute and peeking into the coop.
The coop light uses a LED light at 1.5 watt. That is the equivalent of a 15 watt light bulb.
Can the Omlet Autodoor be fitted Eglu Classic or Eglu Go coops apart from the Eglu Cube and Pro?
The Autodoor can be fitted to:
- Eglu Cube Chicken Coop Mk1
- Eglu Cube Chicken Coop Mk2
- Eglu Pro Chicken Coop
It cannot be fitted to the Eglu Go, Eglu Go Up or Eglu Classic chicken coop.
It can be fitted all wooden chicken coops.
How can I power my Autodoor?
We recommend powering your Smart Autodoor via the included mains power adaptor for the best experience. You can power the Smart Autodoor with batteries if you wish, we estimate you will get 2+ months of battery life with a set of good quality AA batteries. If you connect your Autodoor to a solar panel or any other type of power source, we will not be able to offer any warranty (expressed or implied), support or advice.
How do I know when all my chickens have gone inside for the night?
Chickens are flock animals and creatures of habit, and in most cases they will go back to the coop within half an hour of each other at around the same time every evening. Observe your hens for a few days and make a note of when they tend to go to bed, and set the door accordingly.
What settings can I have on my automatic door?
You can choose between the light setting, i.e. choosing at which level of daylight the coop should open and close, time setting, i.e. setting specific times when you know your flock has returned to the coop or are ready to go out for the day. There is also a manual mode where the door opens and closes only when you press the button.
For safety and peace of mind, there is also a built-in failsafe system for opening the door completely by hand. You can find out how to do this by checking the instruction manual.
You can change which setting you’re using whenever you want, but it’s not possible to use to different settings at the same time.