Fish Feeder Project

myminifactory

This project is a remix of the original "Automatic Fish Feeder with micro servo control V2" designed by Paulo Cunha. Some parts have been modified, and new components added to enhance functionality. The initial design included a mixer inside the hopper powered by a spur gear, but it often jammed due to flake food getting stuck. A larger vertical mixer was introduced, driven by an additional servo motor, which has proven reliable after two months of operation. A video showcasing the project can be found at https://youtu.be/azTHyCNVLFo. The electronics are based on the ATTiny841 chip programmed in Arduino IDE to minimize power consumption. The CPU is mostly in sleep mode, and there's no display. Operation is triggered by a real-time clock module DS3231 powered by a single 18650 Li-ion Rechargeable Battery. The choice of ATTiny841 was due to its integrated hardware serial interface, used for setting time, alarms, etc. Instead of using an Arduino Mini or similar board, the CPU was incorporated into the PCB design alongside other components like n-channel mosfet switches. Two 9G servo motors are utilized – modified to operate as DC motors by removing electronics and connecting directly to the motor, with a cracked potentiometer allowing for free rotation. Key features include: • Precise real-time clock • Two independent programmable alarms (feeds) per day • Programmability via serial link • Adjustable time duration for auger and mixer servo (separately) • Button for instant feed (outside of alarm time) • Buttons for adjusting feed servo run duration • Indication of low battery voltage The electronics are relatively simple, with the ATTiny841 controlling servo motors through two n-channel mosfet switches. The RTC board and Li-ion charger board can be sourced from ebay.com: RTC DS3231: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XIIC+Precision+RTC+Real+Time+Clock+Memory+Module++DS3231+AT24C32.TRS0&_nkw=IIC+Precision+RTC+Real+Time+Clock+Memory+Module++DS3231+AT24C32&_sacat=0 CHARGER: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XMini+USB+Lithium+Battery+Charging+Board.TRS0&_nkw=Mini+USB+Lithium+Battery+Charging+Board&_sacat=0 A detailed description of the project can be found in an attached pdf file, along with source Arduino, Eagle, and Inventor files.