Vera controlled lockable dog door

Other Devices & Integrations Door Locks & Sensors
1

I am wondering if anyone has a solution or suggestion on how to create a z-wave enabled, lockable dog door. Currently I have a two flap model that is not very secure with regards to foreign wildlife (such as racoons).

I have power nearby both inside and outside. Ideally this would be a hard door that either swings into place or drops down. Any thoughts or suggestions on how this could be accomplished?

Thanks

2

I’m not sure I’d trust vera to decide if my dog is allowed in or out :slight_smile:

Why not just go with one of these or something similar:

http://www.smarthome.com/61282/Ani-Mate-259W-Dog-Mate-Electromagnetic-Dog-Door-White/p.aspx

If this wouldn’t work because you have the two door type thats installed in a wall and no security on it, then perhaps you could cannibalize the part listed above for the mechanics and or electronics?

If this is a little bit lo tech for you and you really must have Zwave, then you could perhaps use something like the RFID solution that Woodsby has developed that seems to work well? You could mount a solenoid on the door thats controlled by the power from an appliance module and have the appliance module triggered by the RFID solution perhaps?

More info here on the RFID:
http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php?topic=3855.0

3

[quote=“strangely, post:2, topic:166589”]I’m not sure I’d trust vera to decide if my dog is allowed in or out :slight_smile:

Why not just go with one of these or something similar:[/quote]

Yeah, I have looked at these, but what I’m really looking for is a open/closed operation based on time rather than RFID or a per entrance check. I’d also like something that will perhaps seal the weather out better when “locked”.

I’m thinking one of those outdoor modules connected to some type of motor working as a binary switch to open/close a small extra door.

Thanks for your ideas.

4

Well I guess you just adapt what you have with a solenoid and an appliance module or maybe cannibalize the lock mechanism from a Kwikset deadbolt perhaps?

5

You may be able to couple a electronic pet door opener with one of the z-wave appliance modules with load sensing to set this up.

[quote=“mvakoc, post:1, topic:166589”]I am wondering if anyone has a solution or suggestion on how to create a z-wave enabled, lockable dog door. Currently I have a two flap model that is not very secure with regards to foreign wildlife (such as racoons).

I have power nearby both inside and outside. Ideally this would be a hard door that either swings into place or drops down. Any thoughts or suggestions on how this could be accomplished?

Thanks[/quote]

6

I agree with @krfar, but why even have it z-wave if you can just buy one of these:

Power Pet Door - YouTube

if you want to have the fun of making something, maybe copy the design of what is in the video and use power antennae motors to drive a sheet of plexi, it may not be as safe as the product in the video which senses something blocking the door and reverses the motor. I guess you could just use the door to limit access to the existing flap door during the evening or when you’re away.

7

I 'm thinking a relay switch & a regular door sensor… & a lot of tinkering…

8

Has there been any development on dog-doors or cat-doors ?

In my case i would more like to know the cat is in or not.
And of course keeping other cats out.

A rfid/zwave combo would be somethings really cool.

9

[quote=“nullx8, post:8, topic:166589”]Has there been any development on dog-doors or cat-doors ?

In my case i would more like to know the cat is in or not.
And of course keeping other cats out.

A rfid/zwave combo would be somethings really cool.[/quote]

I’m using a PetPorte Smart Flap for the kitties. Works with the little RFID chips implanted subcutanously in cats for identification (a good idea in itself). I haven’t hooked it up to Vera yet, but it does a good job of keeping other cats out, plus it’s 100% reliable so far (hasn’t locked the cats out yet). With a Fibaro relay one could use Vera to enable the day or night lock to keep the cats indoors.

10

These devices could be a good starting point - they detect you dog/cat’s microchip (assuming they have one). You would need a decent antenna to ensure the devices detected the chips at any more than say 4 cms. Probably a challenge to get your dog to stand still in the right place while it’s being scanned !!

11

the “PetPorte Smart Flap” is also my personal Favorite.
just too bad it has not got any z-wave options … that would be the coolest thing ever then :wink:
a fibaro relais is actually a good idea (simple to accomplich as well) …
but the Vera would not know the ID (and therefor not know wich cat used it)

anyway i have to sort out other things as well such as Finding someone do sell me real Cat-Chips, And after that find a VET implanting the Chip … since i Live in Thailand, most VET’s dont even know this things does exist.

lots of trouble ahead … but nothing too much for my beasts :wink:

thanks

12

I ended up getting a commercially available smart pet door and modifying it in a 100% reversible way to lock the door via z-wave using a relay. I’m only using it to lock the door in one direction so the dog doesn’t come right back in on nice days but I could easily control the door in the other direction as well.

I’m also using the Weather Underground API through Vera to automatically lock the door to keep the dog out for two hours when it’s between 50 and 80 degrees, day time, low humidity, a decent weather pattern and we’re not home…works great!

13

Hi ohecht,

Do you mind sharing any details of how you accomplished this? A parts list and maybe some pictures and schematics? This sound like an awesome idea.

Thanks

14

Brand new to the forums and just setup a VeraPlus with DSC integration today.

I have a friend who’s interested in a smart dog door. How has your solution worked out over the last year? Are there any new commercial z-wave enabled smart dog door products on the market? If not, please post plans, part list, photos, etc. Thanks!