Twitter Controlled Pet Feeder using an Arduino

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A great project for busy pet owners. This Twitter-Controlled pet feeder automatically dispenses food in response to activity on your Twitter account. The project is controlled by an Arduino and uses the Arduino Ethernet shield to receive data from Twitter. I hacked this automatic Pet Feeder from Amazon to build this project, but you could easily modify your own motorized feeder to work.

Parts List:

(1x) Automatic Pet Feeder Amazon
(2x) 10K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (1 package) Radioshack #271-1335
(1x) Arduino Ethernet Shield w/o PoE Module Radioshack #276-130
(4x) CdS Photoresistors 5 pack (1 package) Radioshack #276-1657
(1x) Grid-Style PC Board Radioshack #276-147
(2x) White Super-bright LED Indicator Radioshack #55050633
(1x) Male Header Pins 40 Position Jameco #160882
(4x) “D” Alkaline Batteries (1 package) Radioshack #23-865
(2x) 4.7K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (1 package)
(2x) current limiting resistors, see the sample calculation below

from the specs of the LEDs I used:
“Continuous forward current: 30mA”
“Forward voltage: 3.6V”

using the following relationship:
V(volts) = I(amps) * R(ohms)
rearranged to:
R = V / I

we can calculate the resistance as follows:
voltage across resistor = 5V – 3.6V = 14V
1.4V / 0.03A = 47ohms

I used 100 ohm 1/4W 5% Carbon Film Resistors Radioshack #271-1311 so that the LEDs wouldn’t be operating at their maximum ratings. Check the datasheet of the LEDs you use to calculate these values.

Additional Materials:
drill
Solder Radioshack #64-013
22 Gauge Wire Radioshack #278-1224

Step 1: Open pet feeder

Unscrew 8 screws from the base of the pet feeder and carefully lift the bottom panel of the feeder open. There are some wires which permanently attach the bottom panel to the body, be careful not to put too much strain on them.

Step 2: Unscrew pcb

Remove six small screws from control pcb. One of the screws is hidden under a small pcb on top of the main pcb. Once all the screws are removed, the pcbs should easily lift off the plastic enclosure.

Step 3: Schematic

The schematic is shown above, I’ve also attached a fritzing document for your reference. This feeder is programmed to manually dispense food when the “set” and “volume” buttons are depressed at the same time. By wiring light sensitive resistors across these buttons we can simulate the mechanical pushbutton action as follows:

When the photoresistors are not exposed to light their resistance will be very high and the processor in the feeder will think that the buttons aren’t being pressed. By telling the arduino to light up some LEDs near the photoresistors, the resistance will decrease low enough for the feeder’s processor to think that the buttons are being depressed.
I’ve also attached two pushbuttons in the circuit so that I could manually turn the LEDs on for troubleshooting purposes. These buttons are not essential to the project (but useful).
I also be diverted some power from the feeder’s four D batteries to power the arduino.

twitter feeder.fz243 KB

Step 4: Drill holes in pcb

Locate the “volume” and “set” buttons on the pcb (compare with the labels on the outside of the feeder enclosure). Remove the tape and small circular metal covering from these buttons (figure 2). You will see two exposed traces on each button. Each outer trace has two holes drilled in it (see figure 1). Drill two additional holes in the pcb, one in each of the inner circular button traces (figure 3).

Step 5: Solder wires to pcb

Solder four wires to the control pcb so each of the four exposed button traces has one wire electrically connected to it.

Major Components in Project

from the specs of the LEDs I used:
“Continuous forward current: 30mA”
“Forward voltage: 3.6V”

using the following relationship:
V(volts) = I(amps) * R(ohms)
rearranged to:
R = V / I

we can calculate the resistance as follows:
voltage across resistor = 5V – 3.6V = 14V
1.4V / 0.03A = 47ohms

I used 100 ohm 1/4W 5% Carbon Film Resistors Radioshack #271-1311 so that the LEDs wouldn’t be operating at their maximum ratings. Check the datasheet of the LEDs you use to calculate these values.

For more detail: Twitter Controlled Pet Feeder using an Arduino

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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