I have to start by saying that I STRONGLY dislike string doors, I dislike them ALMOST and much as the vehicle power antenna type.

Well I guess I have to somewhat eat my words. As to hating string doors. Well I absolutely love mine. And I never intended to make one either, since there is four major things I have issues with. Just for some reason I had all the parts and the idea struck.

Issues:
  1. String. People use string or rope, to me the string is weak point that can kill a bird if the bird was under it when it snaps. If the door is so light, and not an issue, then why even do it.
  2. Motor Mounting and spool. I see so many very nice ideas and designs (great stuff and some are very impressive) but they all seem like too much effort and adjustment. Then connecting the string and driving a spool or shaft. Again so many very nice ideas and designs , yet still too much effort.
  3. Security. Most of these doors are either too light or flimsy to the point predators can lift them. Most don't lock. And even the ones that do, yet again, same as mounting the motor. Seems like too much effort and adjustment.
  4. Failure. Now this is the one I have not seen ANY door have any sort of protection against. If they fail there is no safety feature that keeps the door from falling on a bird. It becomes a guillotine. Again if these doors are either too light or flimsy, then why even bother.

I Removed all the issues.

Issues SOLVED:
  1. String. The line is stainless steel cable Adjustable Picture Hanging Wire kit with a maximum load-bearing up to 44lb and the Stainless Steel Fishing Leaders are: Test: Approx 40 lbs / 18 kg. Is far better.
  2. Motor Mounting and Spool. Motor already comes with, a geared drive train, spool and way to mount.
  3. Security. Locking system took two minutes to figure out and 5 min to mount.
  4. Failure. It has a fall arrest system. Safety feature was already half done. Just in case the stainless steel wire rope breaks( NEVER WILL, Unlike regular string might), or motor gears fail, when the door falls it will jam and stop. Kinda like elevators are meant to do. It won't become a guillotine. I seriously doubt this will ever fail to the point the door falls, but it's there.

Well in two hours I put this together just because I had the parts. LOL Turns out I really love it LOL. Plus like two days later when the idea struck for the safety feature.

Don't let all these busyness fool you. The block of connectors is not necessary, but I have them so might as well use them for now. Once I make the replacement Limit switches, made of simple contacts (just spring metal strips), it will become less cluttered and less costly.

I have not made much effort to put the finishing touches on it like, cutting the door, painting, making limit switches & replacing the ones on it now, and adding a plexiglass door. If any one is interested in this and how it is built, let me know. When I take it apart to paint I will take vids or pix in the areas people wanna know about.

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What you think?

I DO NOT have a wiring diagram for this as of yet. When I made this it was just on a whim, so I never made one. Plus for this particular setup I made it so the door Opens FAST but Closes SLOW. It required two speed controllers. If the speed going up slow is no issue for you then it is MUCH easier to wire.

However, using an Arduino with a motor shield or a RPi with a motor hat, it becomes WAY easier, if you are already into that.




Sorry for the background mess. Took this video cuz brother asked about what is was working on it.

Built this one for just over $45, Video.

$20 MHCOZY 4CH WIFI AND RF REMOTE
$7 Fishing Leaders
$10.99 Adjustable Picture Hanging Wire kit
$6.99 Thrust Bearing


Everything else was free since I already had it. Including prices only because If someone wants to do it this way they can. But the main parts are relatively easy to get.

Will Need:

$8.99 PWM DC 6V 12V 24V 28V 3A Motor Speed Control Switch Controller
or
$4.83 DC Motor Controller, PWM Professional DC Motor Speed Controller DC 12V-30V 7A Large Power for Adjust The Voltage


All of this can be take from an old power wheels kids ride on toy.

Adding these parts but they are not necessary, they can be made

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