Hi everyone, complete novice here, so just looking to be pointed in the right direction.
I am trying to build a trap that can be triggered remotely via something like a key fob (happy to accept other suggestions).
Just a simple switch that releases a spring loaded door. It's for trapping birds inside their nest boxes, all above board and licenced work. We have bird triggered traps that are a bit hit and miss as the birds can circumvent the trigger. Was hoping maybe I could build something that could be triggered by an observer watching the nest box. I've attached a crude photo of the system we've been using for the last 20 years or so, would just like to modernise it and increase the efficiency
Perhaps this is too vague a description, but if anyone can get me started I'd hugely appreciate it.

 

Welcome to AAC!

Go to your local hardware or DIY store and look for a wireless doorbell.

 

Welcome to AAC!

Go to your local hardware or DIY store and look for a wireless doorbell.

Never thought of that as a solution, I'll have a look thanks.

 

Welcome to AAC.

You can find a surfeit of 433MHz remote with relay options on Amazon or AliExpress, including this one which might be particularly well suited since it is small.

Normally I find myself warning people away from the 433MHz band because they want to do something that is prohibited by regulation but in this case it is exactly the right thing.

 

I have wireless doorbells. Got mine from the big blue box store. The units I have incorporate multiple ring styles and flashing lights. To do what you ask I would disconnect the speaker - don't want to frighten the bird more than is necessary, and use the LED output to switch on a transistor that then switches on a solenoid that pulls the latch.

Give thanks to @MrChips for that contribution. Wouldn't have thought of that either. And my doorbells can be run from as far away as probably 80 feet.

 

They also sell remote switches for controlling Christmas lights. Plug it in, hit the button and the lights switch on and off. For that you'd need a 120 VAC solenoid for the trigger. Or a transformer and a lower voltage solenoid. The one drawback from that is it needs to be triggered then shut off. So you would have to also use a light to show when the receiver is on and off. HERE is one now.

 

Good idea's above. Another robust device is a garage door opener, done remotely.
Don't forget to update us on your project.
Good luck...........

 

I like Ya'akov's suggestion. I have played with the 4 channel version. Regardless of what you choose to use Be it a wireless relay board, remote doorbell, or even a garage door opener what's the plan for powering it? Whatever it is it will need powered so you may want to consider that in the scheme of things.

Ron

 

I like Ya'akov's suggestion. I have played with the 4 channel version. Regardless of what you choose to use Be it a wireless relay board, remote doorbell, or even a garage door opener what's the plan for powering it? Whatever it is it will need powered so you may want to consider that in the scheme of things.

Ron

Yeah that's another thing to think about, we have lots of options at our disposal. But it would have to be fairly mobile, as it would have to work at multiple different locations in a day.

 

Thanks everyone, lots to try out and think about. Hopefully I'll be able to give an update soon! I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. Thanks again

 

Hi,
I was thinking about the 'door'
Be carefull, not to slam it too hard.
Cheers, Camerart.

 

Hi,
I was thinking about the 'door'
Be carefull, not to slam it too hard.
Cheers, Camerart.

Yes it's mounted on a very weak spring, very little risk to the birds.

 

Yes it's mounted on a very weak spring, very little risk to the birds.

Hi M,
As a child, I had a wire bird cage in a tree, with a long perch with a fat ball skewered on it, holding the cage door open.
when the bird landed on the perch, it shut the door.
Perhaps you could also have the bird close it's own door?

Pigeon lofts have one way spokes, for the same purpose!

I caught a few finches and tits, had a quick look, and let them go.
C

 

Hi M,
As a child, I had a wire bird cage in a tree, with a long perch with a fat ball skewered on it, holding the cage door open.
when the bird landed on the perch, it shut the door.
Perhaps you could also have the bird close it's own door?

Pigeon lofts have one way spokes, for the same purpose!

I caught a few finches and tits, had a quick look, and let them go.
C

This is what we currently do, however the if the bird suspects something is up they avoid the trigger and can avoid getting caught. We've been doing this where I work for 75 years, I'm just hoping to modernise our methods a little, if I can manage to get this thing wired and working properly!

 

We've been doing this where I work for 75 years

DUDE! HOW OLD ARE YOU ? ? ?

 

Hi everyone. Back with an update.
I ordered this https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002517656798.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.0.0.2796f19cZTtGOx just to try it out. And I have a small servo (photo attached), just one question. I've wired it all up according the instructions and put it into "toggle mode" but nothing happens. I have it powered off a 12v battery with a DC-DC converter to output 5v so I don't blow anything. I've checked with a multimeter and there is 5v going to the circuit board and 5v going into the servo. I don't have anything wired into the PWM slot in the servo. When I press the button the light on the circuit board lights up but the servo doesn't fire. Do I need to do something with the PWN slot or am I doing something else wrong

 

Hi everyone. Back with an update.
I ordered this https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002517656798.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.0.0.2796f19cZTtGOx just to try it out. And I have a small servo (photo attached), just one question. I've wired it all up according the instructions and put it into "toggle mode" but nothing happens. I have it powered off a 12v battery with a DC-DC converter to output 5v so I don't blow anything. I've checked with a multimeter and there is 5v going to the circuit board and 5v going into the servo. I don't have anything wired into the PWM slot in the servo. When I press the button the light on the circuit board lights up but the servo doesn't fire. Do I need to do something with the PWN slot or am I doing something else wrong

Hi Mc M,
Yes, the orange wire on the servo expects a PWM signal between 1millisecond and 2.
C

 

Hi Mc M,
Yes, the orange wire on the servo expects a PWM signal between 1millisecond and 2.
C

and how do I provide that? (complete novice here) is there another bit of wiring to add?

 

and how do I provide that? (complete novice here) is there another bit of wiring to add?

Hi McM,
I'm guessing that your receiver, outputs a voltage when the trigger is pressed, so won't move the servo.
If you have a volt meter, or 6v bulb or similar, test out the outputs of the unit.
C

 

Hi McM,
I'm guessing that your receiver, outputs a voltage when the trigger is pressed, so won't move the servo.
If you have a volt meter, or 6v bulb or similar, test out the outputs of the unit.
C

The unit outputs 5v it doesn't change when I press the remote button, it's constantly 5v.