Re: Doggie doors

["Robert L Bass" <robertbass1@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I have similar questions. I'm building the door itself from scratch but
> would like a commercial solution that controls direction from which the
> pet-collar will cause door to open.

This can be a relatively easy DIY project, Marc.  You need a proximity reader that's good for at least half the width of the pet
door, a prox keyfob or card (cut off all but the essential part) which you can affix to Fido or Mitsy's collar, a power supply and a
solenoid to release the door.  For a more robust door, you can use an electric door strike of the same variety used to regulate
entry to apartment building lobbies.

Since all of these are existing technology items, your only challenges will be in building a door that swings in and out but can be
controlled by the strike.  The simplest solution is two doors -- one for ingress and one for egress -- side by side.

Another possible lock/release mechanism is a solenoid cabinet lock.  These draw a short bolt, usually about 1/2" throw, out of a
fixed strike plate inside the cabinet when 12VDC is applied.  When power is lost a spring drives the bolt back into the plate.  To
make this work you'll need to integrate a magnetic sensor to keep power flowing until the door realigns after the pet passes
through.  That way the bolt won't throw with the door open which would otherwise keep it ajar for every pet in the neighborhood.

If anyone's interested, I can supply all of the components except the pet doors themselves.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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