POWER ANTENNA - voltage/amps, rod or string -

[AlabamaSweetpea]

I had previously bought the hardware to build an auto door with the relay switches, etc., but have since decided to use the power antenna. I purchased a Harada MQ1 Antenna Semi Automatic Antenna that is 12v. I also have a 12v timer. I've still got to buy a 12v battery, but I'm not sure what amps to get. I thought I had read before that the antenna needed a 12v 5a battery. The lower the amps the cheaper the price, but if it's not the right amps, it would do more harm than good. I also want to add a remote later just in case I need to close it and the weather is bad - I can close it from the porch.

Another question that I have is whether to clamp the mast to the board, or as I've seen to use a string attached to the antenna. Using the string would eliminate the chance of a hen getting her head stuck behind the mast.

I need all the help and advise I can get as I have to do this myself.

thanks

 

[Wisher1000]

Hi! I can't help you with the build, but I wanted to invite you over to the ALABAMA!! thread, if you haven't been there already. We always welcome a new home girl!

 

[AlabamaSweetpea]

thanks, where's the link? BTW, I'm not a football fan, but I always pull for Auburn

 

[Hokum Coco]

I have decided to use the power antenna. I purchased a Harada MQ1 Antenna Semi Automatic Antenna that is 12v. I also have a 12v timer. I've still got to buy a 12v battery, but I'm not sure what amps to get.

thanks

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-5-bucks-with-a-radio-antenna-from-a-junkyard

 

[AlabamaSweetpea]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-5-bucks-with-a-radio-antenna-from-a-junkyard

I've read that posts multiple times, but he's using 12v adapters and I don't have power at my coop or out building. I know nothing about amps, etc. or how long a battery will keep it's charge. Will I be recharging every day? Later, I would like to get a solar panel and would need the larger batteries, but right now I don't the money and don't know anything about solar either.

 

[Hokum Coco]

I've read that posts multiple times, but he's using 12v adapters and I don't have power at my coop or out building. I know nothing about amps, etc. or how long a battery will keep it's charge. Will I be recharging every day? Later, I would like to get a solar panel and would need the larger batteries, but right now I don't the money and don't know anything about solar either. The only way you will have all your questions answered is hook it up to a car battery and go from there to see what your out come will be. Lots of variables involved in what you are doing the condition of the battery is just one. I would say any decent 12 volt car battery is going to operate your antenna in my opinion. How long it operates is going to be found out after you get your set up employed. The solar panel idea is an excellent way to keep your mechanism working while being totally off the grid and is a good plan. The shortening of daylight hours as winter approaches may put a crimp in your solar panel idea hopefully not enough to matter. Cold weather is also another obstacle in your situation.

 

[AlabamaSweetpea]

I'll just be glad to get everything finished. Shutting the door in the evenings is no problem, I just want them to be able to get out of the roost early in the mornings.

 

[AlabamaSweetpea]

I've started trying to hook my motor together. I removed the relay switch and will connect it to the timer. I opened the antenna and once it extended, the motor kept clicking because the relay didn't turn off and this has me wondering. I've programed my timer to come on at 7:00 and go off at 7:01, so that will have the motor clicking for one minute each time it goes off and on. Does anybody else have this problem?

 

[Hokum Coco]

I've started trying to hook my motor together. I removed the relay switch and will connect it to the timer. I opened the antenna and once it extended, the motor kept clicking because the relay didn't turn off and this has me wondering. I've programed my timer to come on at 7:00 and go off at 7:01, so that will have the motor clicking for one minute each time it goes off and on. Does anybody else have this problem?

Most power antennae have a kill switch that is employed after completing the cycle of either extending or retracting (or maybe in your case that relay switch.) That should leave the circuit open with no power being drawn to the antennae in a perfect world. Which does not seem to be your case. Maybe double check your wiring (wish I could be of more help) You may have to engage a second timer to activate the other side of the relay switch with a second source of power (wost case scenario.)

 

[AlabamaSweetpea]

Most power antennae have a kill switch that is employed after completing the cycle of either extending or retracting (or maybe in your case that relay switch.) That should leave the circuit open with no power being drawn to the antennae in a perfect world. Which does not seem to be your case. Maybe double check your wiring (wish I could be of more help) You may have to engage a second timer to activate the other side of the relay switch with a second source of power (wost case scenario.)

the relay switch had a manual up/down lever .... I removed the wires from the relay and connected them to the timer. I guess I'm gonna have to hook up another relay switch and use a limit switch at the top of the door. I decided on the antenna because it would "be easier" than me having to wire relay switches and limit switches. But just my luck, I get an antenna that doesn't work like that. I still need to wire a manual up/down momentary switches and would like indicator switches, but that's a battle for another day