I have a question about a project that I want to do. I want to create a box where the lid opens up based on ambient light. Basically the lid closes at night and is open during the day. It will be a wildlife feeder that deters (nocturnal) raccoons from eating all of the feed but allows daytime wildlife to feast heartily. I know very very little about arduino but believe it would be possible to do it using the correct setup. My basic design is to have a linear actuator opening the lid but was also considering a crank type system (similar to a steam engine drive wheel). I need to either be able to control how long the actuator extends when enough light is present and reverse the action when not enough light is present or turn a servo motor with a crank a certain distance. Id prefer to use the actuator since the lid will be about 10Lbs and will need to extend about 10”. Is this possible? if so, how hard would it be for a aduinewbe be to program? Thanks in advance for the advice!!!
I don’t know that you even need an “Arduino” but if you go that route, it’s pretty simple programming.
What’s really needed is a better idea of the lid to be opened. Is it hinged on 1 side ? What are the dimensions ? What side is the hinge on ? Is it to open 90 degrees, going from a horizontal position to a vertical one (like this) ?
http://www.800toolbox.com/top-lid_truck … x-open.jpg
Or slide open like this ?
http://st.houzz.com/simgs/e0a13b27009b1 … -boxes.jpg
Or ??? I’m trying to get an idea of the motor (or actuator) needed.
BTW perhaps a mod could move this thread to the Projects forum ?