Any ideas?

[kduck]

I’m after a bit of help, I need a timer that can be programed to release a lid that just drop’s down at a given time.
The lid would just drop and hang there once the timer released it. But would also need something to hold the lid up until it’s released. The system would need to be 12v as well. Any ideas?

 

[Paul.M]

I've got to ask..... What is the lid? What is it for? I cant picture your problem kduck.

 

[alli]

Hoiw about a 12volt electromagnet with a piece of metal glued onto the lid?

 

[chrish_1977]

Or a solenoid that's holds the lid shut then operated closes/opens then lid opens

 

[kduck]

Was thinking along the same lines with a electromagnet or a soleniod, Any ideas on a cheap timer.

 

[Jimsparky]

Air would be better if you have that option, depends how fast it needs to work. Omron do a multi function timer, they are pretty good

 

[kduck]

Does not need to work fast and would only work once a day from a timer. Would need to run it off a 12v battery as there is no power supply anywhere near it.

Was thinking about a car door solenoid main reason is they are cheap, the whole product must be under £50....

 

[jumpin jax]

they do chicken coup door openers that are auto, have a look online

 

[Richard Burns]

If you are running a 12V battery system then you need to limit current usage and I would only recommend a solenoid that is instantaneous operation.

Have a metal plate and a permanent magnet, then have a solenoid that pushes the door away from the magnet at the programmed time, single strike, allowing the door to fall.
Reset by lifting the lid up to the magnet.
Try finding a timer like this one but in the UK (TLC do one for £40) fish feeders, car accessories.

 

[Adam W]

What do other people use to achieve the same effect?

 

[kduck]

What do other people use to achieve the same effect?

There is nothing on the market in the UK for this problem, a few systems in the USA but they are £1000's which is why they have never taken off as a worldwide product.

 

[Adam W]

OK, how do people get around the problem then?

 

[kduck]

OK, how do people get around the problem then?

In the USA they use massive systems but they cost to much, here in the UK people are crying out for a good CHEAP solution to the problem. "How do they get around the problem in the UK" they don't 80% of the time.

 

[frank3323]

fire alarm panel, fire door magnets, use the class change as the timer? class change goes off, releases magnet, door drops, comes back on and the door can be pushed up somehow to reconnect....

 

[Elmer BeFuddled]

What do other people use to achieve the same effect?

When SWMBO says put the lid down, I do. I'm too old/ugly/big to be slapped about by a 7 stone female. It gets embarrassing when I go to t'pub!

 

[lauriehurman]

Have a look at "cat feeders". Is that what you mean?
They are common and cheap.

 

[ackbarthestar]

I've got this picture in my head of a dustbin lid suspended 10ft in the air that drops once a day to frighten off squirrels...
The problems with this set up is to reset the lid after operation...