Summary of A SIMPLE AUGER PET FEEDER
This article describes a simple DIY auger pet feeder project by [Darren Tarbard], designed for dry pet food. The build features 3D-printed components including a hopper and screw auger, driven by a stepper motor and controlled by an Arduino. A modified version with a larger storage dish is also mentioned, offering extended unattended operation.
Parts used in the Simple Auger Pet Feeder:
- Hopper for dry pet food
- Screw auger
- 28BYJ-48 stepper motor
- Arduino controller
- Timing code
- Larger food storage dish (remixed version)
Pet feeders are a popular maker project. One can speculate that this shows the great self-confidence common to the maker set, who are willing to trust their own work to keep their animal companions alive for many days at a a time. [Darren Tarbard] is one such maker, who put together this simple auger build.
The project consists of a hopper for dry pet food, into which a screw auger is inserted. Both parts are 3D printed, making them easy to produce at home for the average maker. The build was designed specifically around the parts [Darren] had to hand, namely a 28BYJ-48 stepper motor, which is charged with turning the auger. Running the show is an Arduino, which can be run with whatever suitable timing code is necessary to feed the particular pet in question. There’s also a remixed version that adds a larger food storage dish on top for longer periods of unattended operation, created by [szuchid].
It’s a basic build, but one that would be readily achievable by most makers with little more than some junkbox components and a roll of filament. Of course, if your pet prefers wet food, you might need a different design. Video after the break.
Source: A SIMPLE AUGER PET FEEDER
- What type of pet food does this feeder handle?
This design is built specifically for dry pet food. - Can I make the parts at home?
Yes, both the hopper and screw auger are 3D printed. - Which motor powers the auger?
The build uses a 28BYJ-48 stepper motor to turn the auger. - What controls the feeding schedule?
An Arduino runs suitable timing code to feed the pet. - Is there a version for longer operation?
A remixed version adds a larger food storage dish for longer periods. - Does this work for wet food?
No, you would need a different design if your pet prefers wet food. - What materials are needed to build this?
You need junkbox components like a stepper motor and a roll of filament. - Who created the original design?
Darren Tarbard put together this simple auger build.
