CoopCommand Is a DIY Device That Controls Chicken Coops

hms-11 designed this CoopCommand device dedicated to controlling and monitoring chicken coops.

Until recently, the only places you'd find chicken coops were farms. But it has become popular over the past few years to keep chicken coops in urban areas, such as backyards. While some people keep chickens to slaughter and eat, others have them for the eggs and companionship. Chickens can also keep garden pests under control and their waste can be useful for composting. But taking care of chickens is a chore. To make the job easier, hms-11 designed this CoopCommand device dedicated to controlling and monitoring chicken coops.

Like any other animal, chickens need to be properly taken care of. That means ensuring that they have enough food and water, as well as a comfortable climate. A chicken coop can get very hot in some areas, so owners need to keep them ventilated. It is also a good idea to take a look inside the coop from time to time, in case any of the chickens get injured or are in distress. The CoopCommand helps with all those tasks and hms-11 has made the design files available so you can build your own.

CoopCommand has a 3D-printed enclosure containing the custom PCBs and off-the-shelf components. There are two custom PCBs: the mainboard and the "CoopCam" board. A Microchip ATmega328P microcontroller is the brain of the mainboard. It monitors the coop's interior temperature with a DHT22 sensor and the chicken's water temperature with a DS18B20 sensor. A GL5539 photoresistor detects when it is daytime.

The mainboard also controls output. A 20x4 character LCD displays status information. One relay controls the ventilation fan to keep the coop cool in summer. A second relay controls a water heater to keep the water from freezing in winter. There is also a TI DRV8871 motor driver IC, which is perfect for tasks like opening the coop door when the sun comes up.

An ESP32-CAM AI-Thinker board controls the CoopCam board. The primary function of this board is monitoring the interior of the chicken coop via a video feed. It connects to the mainboard through a JST XH 5-pin connector. The ESP32 has built-in WiFi connectivty, so CoopCommand can be remotely controlled.

CoopCommand's remote functionality relies on the Blynk app. The app runs on a phone and displays the door status, has a button to open or close the door, and emails photos of the inside of the coop. If you have a chicken coop and want to take advantage of this functionality, hms-11 has uploaded the design files to their GitHub page.

Cameron Coward
Writer for Hackster News. Proud husband and dog dad. Maker and serial hobbyist.
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