How can I control a servo with Mysensors? Automatic cat feeder
-
This reminds me of my very first arduino project 8 years ago. A vandal(cat)- and smell-proof steel box able to serve 8 individual meals for two cats simultaneously at separate places. I had two cats, one small, sick and in need special food. The other one fat, mean and always stealing the other ones food. She could also break in to everything once she felt the smell of food.
The cats are not around any more, but the machine is still kept and working I suppose. I should probably MySensorize it...
Edit, On topic: I've never used servos, so can't help there. Sorry.
-
@chuckconnors funny project!
Arduino has a servo library take a look here
Your sketch can be the relay sketch like mfalkvidd says (use pin 6 i.s.o. 9 because 9 is used by the radio)
Servo myservo; // create servo object to control a servo void setup() { ... myservo.attach(6); // attaches the servo on pin 6 to the servo object ... }And in the message handler
if (message.getBool()){ // Open door 90 degrees myservo.write(90); } else { // Close door 0 degrees myservo.write(0); } -
I saw this on youtube some years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uTz10jGBFk
Its based on rfid cat necklases... nice links in the videos as well. -
@mfalkvidd thanks for the help. That's definitely what I needed to know!
I've gotten the 1.0 version working but my range from the gateway is an issue I'm trying to resolve. For now it's basically a spring loaded (rubber band actually) cardboard box but it does work. I'm planning on building a version out of wood once I get some some time.
-
Here's the cardboard prototype proof-of-concept video:
-
If you are going to make the solid version that fast - have a sensor to make sure the cat doesnt stand on the lid. I pictured myself a cat going through the room when the lid was opened that fast :grinning:
Nice work!
-
Good point. I've got a feeling that the rubber bands won't last. I also had to add a weight to keep the box from tipping over.
I may just go with something similar to what @sundberg84 posted. This should buy me a few weekends of rest before it starts failing but now I know I can come up with something to solve the problem.
-
Cats are smart. It will hear when the servo starts miles away and stand right next to the bowl before its open, know exactly what to expect and where to stand (and not). The only chance to scare it or make it fly is the very first time.
-
I'm thinking of building the final device using a spring loaded hinge that is normally used to keep doors closed. I see that some can be adjusted to slow the opening speed. This would be helpful in keeping the box from opening too fast.
I think a solenoid would be a better fit for this project than the servo but I know nothing about them. The idea would be that the solenoid would hold the lid closed but retract when power is supplied and the pin would allow the box to open using the power of the hinges. Can anyone make a suggestion for a low cost DC server? All the ones I'm seeing have very little movement (1mm - 5mm). I'd think I'd want something closer to 0.5" .
-
Wow, the comments are so old. Hope I didn't bother you guys. Now, I think it would be much better for us to get ourselves an automatic feeder. It would be much more convenient for us to feed our cats this way. Not to mention, you can control the diet and amount of food intake. If your cats have diabetes or similar conditions, getting an automatic feeder will help to improve their health a lot. You check all the important -Removed by moderator- before buying it too. Cheers.
