Catfeeder

Distributeur automatique de croquettes pour chats

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Catfeeder

Example for building your own automatic catfeeder built with Arduino uno

About

This is an example, with software provided, to automate the feeding of your pets.

This repo contains schemas and source code.

How does it work ?

The feeder dispenser is very simple. It consists of a self-made wood frame and an archimedes screw controled by an Arduino Uno. The arduino drives the motor which himself rotates the screw. The food is then pushed into a spilway.

It offers a menu, through a LCD screen, in which you can find :

  • Time setting : you need to set the time at on power-up.
  • Alarms programming : up to 5 alarms can be set in a day to program a food distribution.
  • Food distribution : you can choose the amount of food to be dispensed and then operate the engine.

A sleep mode is used to turn off the LCD screen to prevent overconsumption. It appears after 30 secondes of inactivity. In this mode, the ‘OK’ button switches the display back on. The others help to distribute food quickly (Quickfeed shorcut).

main screen

main menu

Feed the cat

Set an alarm

Electronics

Components list

  • Arduino Uno https://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Uno-R3-Microcontroller-A000066/dp/B008GRTSV6/
  • 9v DC/DC https://www.amazon.com/MT3608-DC-DC-Power-Module-Booster/dp/B01N41MM10
  • Relay https://www.amazon.com/Tolako-Arduino-Indicator-Channel-Official/dp/B00VRUAHLE/
  • LCD screen with I2C interface https://www.amazon.com/Frentaly-Backlight-Arduino-MEGA2560-letters/dp/B0182N00LU/
  • Switchs push button https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Momentary-Button-Switch-Terminal/dp/B013JTIKBY/
  • Power supply https://www.amazon.fr/Aukru-Universel-Alimentation-adaptateur-chargeur/dp/B00MVLJ6NI/

Diagram

Frame

Install software

1/ Install Arduino environnement : https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software

2/ Download the source code or clone it : “git clone https://github.com/vdbvincent/catfeeder.git”

3/ Put all the *.h and *.ino files into a named “catfeeder” folder

4/ Upload the soft into your Arduino board

Contribute

Please, feel free to send me a pull request !

Next to do

  • RF communication
  • Android interface for settings
  • Feelling sensor