Non-closing VSBi door automatic door

[jessmorris]

Hello there,
I'm having huge problems with my automatic door opener and closer - it'll open but not close the door! If you 'nudge' the cord it will start the motor, otherwise it does nothing. Its never been right from the start. The manufacturers have sent me new parts (motor, pull cord, everything in fact bar the plastic casing) but this evening it still didn't close.
Might it be because my cord has to make a 'N' shape (like threading a sewing machine) as the roof isn't high enough to have the motor above the door? Does the house have to be spot on level?
Has anyone else had, and solved this problem? My other house door is fine.
Just wondered,
JM

[Glutton4...]

Are the angles too extreme? What does the cord run round to make the 'N' shape? Does the door stick in the runners? They advertise that these motors will run more than one door at a time, so you shouldn't have a problem. The house can be any shape you like, but I found that the door runners must be upright, and the door must be loose as possible in the runners, without coming out. Good luck!

[squibbs]

The mechanism should close the door until it stops perceiving weight on the end of it. Is your door very light or is there something catching on the way down? When it rains sometimes and the rain expands the wood in the door and the frame it can get stuck.

With regards to the N shape and maybe being on a slope I shouldn't think this would make a difference - my VSB lifts a straight door and one with a complicated pulley system in a shape I cant describe below as multiple spaces get ignored


Good luck

The other option is just to return the whole thing for a complete replacement

Phil

[elizajay]

Hello there,
I'm having huge problems with my automatic door opener and closer - it'll open but not close the door! If you 'nudge' the cord it will start the motor, otherwise it does nothing. Its never been right from the start. The manufacturers have sent me new parts (motor, pull cord, everything in fact bar the plastic casing) but this evening it still didn't close.
Might it be because my cord has to make a 'N' shape (like threading a sewing machine) as the roof isn't high enough to have the motor above the door? Does the house have to be spot on level?
Has anyone else had, and solved this problem? My other house door is fine.
Just wondered,
JM

I've got exactly the same problem. Occasionally closes for no apparent reason, mostly doesn't close, but always opens. Again the roof isn't high enough so the cord has to go through pullies because the roof isn't high enough.

[jessmorris]

Oh lordy, I wonder what the problem is? I will weigh the door today - the minimum weight is 200g and I changed it for a lighter one as I thought that too heavy a door might have been the problem. I've also stuck plastic rulers to the house as runners so it now has a really smooth passage. Its just so frustrating, especially when the other one works perfectly!
G4 the cord runs through a smooth plastic door handle and a screw eye. They should be fine as it lowers ok. I could try pulleys but thought I wouln't be able to get any small enough...
What a pain. They birds are moving to the countryside and deffo need to be shut in to keep nasties out!
Thanks for all replies,
JM

[Glutton4...]

Did you buy their door and runners, or make your own? I gave up and bought theirs. Could you post a picture on here?

[Flummery]

We had to 'loosen' the runners on our door. It was too tight to the house. Once we slightly freed the staples to let the door run more easily we had no further problems.

[jessmorris]

Aha! Thanks for all suggestions. What I did in the end was change the batteries and hang an 8 ounce weight on the door - it has worked one night out of two now, and gone all the way done on its own without nudging at all!
I hadn't read on the instructions that the MINIMUM weight of the door is 200g! I don't think the mechanism knew that the door was there to lower it.
I can still post a pic if that would be useful?
JM

[elizajay]

Yes please, I have been watching this thread because of similar problems.

[jessmorris]

Sorry, have had visitors this weekend so haven't done pic, but can try and get one with a flash next week....
Have you tried making your door heavier EJ?

[elizajay]

Sorry, have had visitors this weekend so haven't done pic, but can try and get one with a flash next week....
Have you tried making your door heavier EJ?

Yes, I have added more weight to the door and it still doesn't close. It opens fine in the mornings.

[jessmorris]

I had to use an 8oz weight, which it quite heavy, did you weigh it? Otherwise I would send the unit back to the manufacturers, which is what I did. They sent me a new motor and winding mechanism, but I still had to weight it....

[jessmorris]

[IMG]http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapevine/members/jessmorris-albums-hens-2010-picture4995-door-opener-[IMG]

Hello again,
I've finally photographed this for you. This is working ok now, but its very sensitive. Thus house is at a huge angle which can't help, if the thread gets the wrong side of the door it doesn't work etc. A right pain. Is yours working yet EJ? I've had to put the pic in the next post. Sorry, I've no idea how to post them as neat thumbnails!
best wishes,
JM

[jessmorris]

[elizajay]

Thanks for that jess. I think we have a similar problem of not having enough height and the having to go round corners. Mine closes randomly. Yesterday I got home late and my husband said one of the chooks hadn't gone in on time and he had opened the door for her. Fortunately I checked and found 2 missing, they were shivering on the perch in the run, must have been hiding under the house when he looked. By then it was late and I had to go in on hands and knees and lift them into the house. The door seems to be reluctant to open on gloomy mornings, but is usually very reliable in the mornings, it is just the evening that gives problems and I am sure the chooks get locked out because it doesn't work reliably enough for them to be in a routine. Hopefully we will crack the problems one day, but I suspect that will be when I have a taller chook house!