Automatic coop door openers on a timer?

[The Nichols']

Hey all. Some people living next to the allotments have complained about the cockerels are making in the morning (you live in the country for flips sake, what did you expect?!) and we've been asked to make sure they're all locked away fully at night and let out in the morning. Not too much of a problem weekdays because I tend to drive past the lottie about 8:30 on my way to work so they don't miss too much daylight but putting them away in the evenings (especially as the days are getting longer) and letting them out at weekends is proving to be a chore.

I've Googled automatic door opening but pretty much all I can find is ones that open in the morning, usually solar powered, running when the sun first rises which is no good.

Can anyone please point me in the direction of an automatic system that opens and closes the door using a timer that I can set? Even plans would do. I'm pretty handy with my electronics.

Thanks,
S

[tlck9]

Check out this post, I had asked the same question, as yet having made the move to one, but as the mornings get lighter and warmer I want them to be able to get out. In the major heat by 8am it can be too hot to walk the dog, so the chucks would fry in my coop

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ase_41996.html

[chicken_house_man]

Most people use the VSBb with the optional timer to set an actual opening time either because they have cockerels than need keeping in or because of the risk from foxes.

Normally you leave the light sensor to control the shutting.