Fish feeder

thingiverse

This is an automated fish feeder using just a servo motor and an Arduino Pro Micro with external power supply, utilizing rechargeable batteries for extended operation.\nI've opted to use a power bank that enables the system to feed the fish for 4-5 days without requiring direct human intervention.\nThe compartment is spacious enough to accommodate rechargable batteries internally.\nSee it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaXlFrONLec\nUPDATE: Added updated Arduino sketch code\nUPDATE 2: Optimized the auger with a reduced helix, resulting in improved performance\nPrint Settings\nPrinter:\n DIY Mendel90 (Nevex)\n \n Rafts:\n Not necessary\n \n Supports:\n Optional for back plate holes\n \n Resolution:\n 0.3mm\n \n Infill:\n 10%\n \n Notes:\n To ensure a smooth print, all parts were printed without support.\nHowever, adding supports to the back plate may be beneficial.\nThe auger part was printed with rafts for added stability.\nPrinting the auger standing and with supports resulted in suboptimal results.\nTo overcome this challenge, I split the auger into two sections and used a screw to secure them together.\nThe most effective printing approach involved laying the auger flat and using rafts.\nPost-Printing\nSanding:\n Certain parts require sanding and the use of a file for smoothing, particularly the auger.\n \n Some of my initial failed attempts...\n Arduino Sketch - Feeding Program\n #include <Servo.h>\n\nServo myservo; // Create servo object to control the servo\n\nint ServoPin = A0; // Pin used to connect the servo\nint rot = 0; // Rotation of the auger for feeding the fish\n\nvoid setup() {\n delay(20000); // Wait 20 seconds after startup (just in case)\n myservo.attach(ServoPin); // Enable the servo\n}\n\nvoid loop() {\n myservo.write(rot); // Rotate the auger and feed the fish\n delay(500); // Repeat for 500 ms - adjust to your needs\n myservo.detach(); // Disable the servo to prevent unwanted movement of the auger\n delay(86400000); // Wait 24 hours\n myservo.attach(ServoPin); // Re-enable the servo and repeat the loop\n}\n\nDesign Process\nConcept:\n I adapted the design from this page: http://helioslabs.blogspot.com/2015/01/arduino-driven-3d-printed-fish-feeder.html\nI made significant modifications to fit my needs, as the original design was too large and cumbersome.\nThen, I redesigned all parts in SolidWorks (which are also available for download).\n \n \n Custom Section\n\n This automated fish feeder is a success story, and it's clear that the fish are very happy.