Having a chicken coop is a great way of getting organic and chemical-free eggs. However, many people have issues handling the coop because you’ve to open and let out the chickens and hens on time.
For this reason, the JVR coop door opener has become a reliable option as it can be controlled with a free smartphone app. In addition, you can set the schedule for opening and closing the door.
The door opener can be controlled with the help of Google Home and Amazon Alexa (yes, it works with voice commands).
It’s integrated with a sensor to make sure the chickens don’t get hurt while moving through the door. Also, the control box is fully weatherproof, so you don’t have to worry about hardware issues.
Common JVR Chicken Coop Door Automatic Smart Opener Problems Troubleshooting
However, you should still know about common JVR chicken coop door automatic smart opener problems troubleshooting, as it helps resolve minor issues on your own!
- Door Isn’t Opening Or Closing Properly
The automatic door opener is designed to open and close at a specific time to make sure the chickens can get in and out on time.
In addition, it makes sure that the door doesn’t open accidentally or against schedule because it can harm the chickens. So, if the door isn’t opening or closing properly, you should check the sensor.
This door opener is designed with an infrared sensor that senses the incoming chicken and opens the door. However, if something is interfering with the beam of the sensor, it won’t open or close on time.
For this reason, we recommend locating the infrared sensor on the door and cleaning its exterior side. In addition, if something else is hindering the sensor, you should clear it as well.
However, if cleaning the sensor or clearing the physical obstructions doesn’t work, you should consult the customer support team.
- Not Responding
The door opener can be controlled with the help of a smartphone app as well as smart voice assistants, such as Google Home and Alexa.
However, if you have tried both methods to control or adjust the settings but the door opener doesn’t respond properly, we recommend moving closer.
This is because you should be close to the voice assistants while giving voice commands, so they can register the details properly.
On the other hand, if you are using the app, we recommend that you move closer to the door opener with the smartphone that has the app. Once you are closer, try giving the commands again.
Secondly, if moving closer doesn’t work, it’s likely that the power source is impacted. For this reason, you should check the power cord to make sure the power connection isn’t hindering its functionality.
In addition to the power cord, you should check the fuse and breaker box to make sure the fuses are blown and the breakers aren’t tripped.
Once the power issue is fixed, you will be able to use the door opener without any response issues.
- Movement Sensor Doesn’t Work
The coop door opener is integrated with a movement sensor that automatically opens the door when it detects the chicken’s movement around and closes when the chicken isn’t around.
However, if the door remains open, it means that the movement sensor has stopped working, which impacts security.
The solution is to check the movement sensor because something might be obstructing it. This is important because the sensors are delicate, and even small dust particles can interfere with their performance.
For this reason, you should start by cleaning the sensor. On the other hand, if there is something obstructing the sensor, it should be cleared.
- Motor Keeps Working Constantly
The automatic door opener is meant to turn off when there has been no movement around it for a few minutes. Similarly, the motor turns off because the motor can malfunction if it keeps running constantly.
In addition to this, the motor will keep consuming electricity, which can increase the utility bill. So, if the motor keeps working, the immediate step is to turn off the door’s switch.
In most cases, rebooting the door will fix the minor issues with the motor, and it will start working normally. However, if the motor is still working constantly, you have to call a technician.
- Motor Is Working, But Door Doesn’t Move
If you can listen to the motor working, but the door is not moving at all, you have to check the power. This is because if the power cables are damaged, the power signals won’t reach the door, hence the functionality issue.
Cables
You should check all the cables that are connected to the door and motor. If any of the wires or cables are loose, you should reconnect them. Also, the damaged cables should be replaced.
Installation
On the other hand, if the cables are intact, you should check the door panel’s edge to make sure it’s not scratching the ground. That’s because it scratches against the ground when it’s not installed properly.
If you can listen to the scratching sounds, you should hire a technician, so he can remove the door and install it again properly. Also, you can use the manual to install the door on your own
Track
The coop door opener is integrated with a railing, which helps open and close the door smoothly. However, if the door won’t move, it’s likely that the railing is damaged.
We recommend that you inspect the railing and get it replaced if there are some damages. Also, make sure the door’s wheels are aligned with the railing.
- Door Keeps Opening & Closing On Its Own
The automatic door opener is designed to open the door only when the chickens are around. Once they are far off, the door closes and remains closed.
However, if the door keeps opening and closing on its own, below are some solutions that you should check.
Door Sensor
First of all, you should check the door sensor because if an active object obstructs the detecting range of the sensor, the door won’t function properly.
For this reason, you must inspect the sensor and clear the obstructions. However, if it’s not possible to remove the obstructions, we recommend reducing the sensor’s sensibility.
Radar Sensor
A radar sensor is responsible for detecting the chickens and sends out the opening impulse to open the door automatically. However, the incorrect angle of the sensor can lead to door issues.
The radar sensor is designed to rotate for different conditions. For instance, if the angle is too downward, the sensor’s probing range will be overlapped. As a result, the door will open and close on its own.
For this reason, we recommend that you access the sensor cover and move the radar sensor slightly upward to prevent overlapping.
Cover
If the door opener is not installed properly, the cover will keep vibrating, which sends incorrect opening impulses to the door. As a result, it opens and closes on its own.
This is why you should reinforce the door opener’s structure, as it helps get rid of the vibrations. If you don’t know the correct installation method, you can consult the technician.
- Weird Noises Coming From The Door
In case you have installed the door opener with the coop’s door, but the weird noises are there, it’s likely that the door is worn out. It’s common for the door to wear out with time.
Abrasion
In case of mild abrasion, you should clean the railing and edges of the door. In addition, you can add lubrication oil to smoothen the movement – it also removes friction, so there won’t be any noise.
On the other hand, if cleaning and using the lubrication oil doesn’t work, you must get the door replaced.
Bolts
Multiple bolts and nuts are used to install the door and the door opener. In case of noises, you should access the bolts and nuts, and use a screwdriver to tighten them.
- The Door’s Action Is Too Slow
If you have already installed the door opener but the door’s action is too slow, there are chances that the sensor’s detection range is limited. For this reason, you should access the detection range’s settings and increase the range.
In addition to increasing the detection range, we recommend adjusting the angle of the radar sensor (it should be upward).
However, if the detection range and radar sensor’s angle are correct, it’s likely that there is too much dust in the sensor. For this reason, you must use a microfiber cloth to clean the sensor.
If these two solutions don’t work, it indicates that the coop door’s panel is too heavy and exceeds the maximum force of the door motor. In that case, you should consult a professional.
The batteries are essential for providing power to the door opener. However, if the battery keeps draining, it means that you are using the wrong battery.
The company recommends using alkaline batteries because they are suitable for motorized work. Also, make sure the batteries are C-type!
Have JVR opener 3 yrs. No sensor, just timer. It’s hooked up to Solar. The timer/controller box makes a repeated clicking sound/light flashing and the door won’t open or close. Hooked it up to ac and I have nothing, can’t raise or lower door manually. What would you replace first, motor or control box?