KERBL 70600 SmartCoop Control Unit Hob Instruction Manual

KERBL 70600 SmartCoop Control Unit Hob Instruction Manual

General

These operating instructions include instructions for use, and safety instructions. Please read the instructions carefully and note the regulations and relevant information before putting the device into operation. Please keep these operating instructions in a safe place for later use.

Intended use

SmartCoop is a modular, extensible system for automating your chicken coop, and is suitable for a flock of up to 50 chickens. SmartCoop can also be used for rearing turkeys, ducks, and ornamental birds. The control unit is the heart of the SmartCoop system. All modules are connected to the control unit and operated through a simple plug-in system. Misuse of the system for other purposes is not permitted. The manufacturer’s warranty and liabilities are forfeited if the device is used for unintended purpose or tampered with, especially if unapproved accessory products are used.

Safety instructions

CAUTION!
If used incorrectly, risk of physical injury to people, and material damage.

• For installing the modules, you must use the necessary personal protective equipment (gloves, protective glasses, hearing protection where necessary).
• For all installation and maintenance measures, you must disconnect the system from the power supply.
• Never operate the system immediately adjacent to fence devices or animal repulsion devices, or other high-voltage generators.
• This device can be used by children 8 years of age and older, individuals with impaired physical, sensory or mental abilities, or lacking experience and knowledge, only if they are being supervised or have been trained on the safe use of the device, and they understand the underlying hazards. Children must not play with the device. Cleaning and maintenance must not be performed by unsupervised children.
• Ensure that no animals or children are able to enter the danger zone of the moving parts.
• All electrical supply lines must be routed so that they are protected from the risk of being pecked, and are not accessible to the animals. Use only peck-proof materials.
• Cables must not be crushed or twisted. Fire risk from short circuit.
• Do not allow cables to come into contact with oil or sharp edges.
• Regularly check all components and cables for damage.
• Do not repair damaged cables yourself.
• Decommission the device immediately if there are damaged cables. Do not shorten cables or connect them, except by using plug-in connections.
• Never make technical modifications to the system’s components.
• Never operate the system outside its permitted operating voltage of 12 V.

Scope of delivery

1. Control unit
2. 230 V power pack
3. Mounting screws
4. Clamping bridges with mounting screws

Technical data

| Control unit| Power pack
---|---|---
Item no| 70600| 371038
Dimensions (W x H x D)| 14 x 9.5 x 6.3 cm|
Operating voltage| 12 V DC (10 – 14 V)| 100 – 240 V~
Ingress protection rating| IP32| IP44
Max. current consumption| 2.5 A| 0.45 A
Protection class| III| II
Output voltage and power
of power pack| | Output max. 12 V DC, 30 W

Installing the control unit

Overview of the installation process
The installation of the SmartCoop system should be performed in the sequence described below:

1. Positioning the control unit (item 70600): Position the control unit in a suitable location, so that it easy to connect all modules.
2. Installation of the individual modules: Please comply with the installation instructions for the respective module.
3. Laying the connection cables between the module and the control unit: Lay the connection cables to the control unit, and push them into the respective plug-in location on the rear of the control unit (as per the labelling).

Positioning
We recommend that the control unit is installed in an easily accessible location in your coop, protected from the effects of weather (UV radiation, moisture). An installation location with sufficient incident light must be selected when operating the control unit by means of the integrated daylight sensor (i.e. without external daylight sensor, item 70622). Avoid heavily shaded areas (caused by e.g. projecting roofs, heavy growth, etc.) and those affected by extraneous light (incident light from street lighting, buildings, or exterior lights).

Connecting the module connection cables

1. Remove the cover of the control unit by loosening the four screws on the casing. Mount the rear part of the control unit at the selected location on the coop wall, using the screws included in the delivery. If installing on masonry, use suitable dowels.
   

2. Lead the connection cables from below through the cable slot in the rear part of the control unit. Lead the cables one after another through a free cable gland, and install the clamping bridges. Important: Each cable should project approx. 10 to 15 cm (separation between plug and cable gland), in order thatsufficient play remains for the cables to be plugged in free of tension.
   

3. Plug in the module cables, as per the numbering, into the intended plug-in locations on the control unit. Important: Never plug a module cable into the incorrect location. This can damage the module and the control unit. If the cable does not project sufficiently, loosen the cable gland, and pull out more cable. Avoid tensile forces on the plugs.

4. Connect the power pack (01 POWER SUPPLY). Place the control unit onto the rear part, and mount the 4 fastening screws.
   

Commissioning and operation

Control elements

1. Indicator LED
2. Daylight sensor
3. Lighting ON/OFF
4. Door: OPEN/CLOSED (prolonged pressing locks the door)
5. Feed dispenser: manual actuation (prolonged pressing locks the feed dispenser)
6. button
7. Menu button
8. button
9. Display

Configuration and operation
Your SmartCoop control unit is provided with a Configuration menu and an Operating mode. When the control unit is connected to the power supply for the first time, the Calibration mode for the chicken door appears in the display first. You can skip calibration by pressing the button, and perform it later (in the Configuration menu).

Operating mode:
In Operating mode, during normal operation you can read off important information such as time and date, temperatures, input voltage, brightness level of ambient light (%).

Messages and errors are displayed alternately in the bottom display row. In addition, the indicator LED flashes at the same time, as well as the signal lamp (item 70623), if connected. A message is solely for information purposes; it is not essential to react to it. An error requires your attention, and must be rectified.

Configuration menu:
The Configuration menu is used to define basic settings such as language, time/date, unit of temperature, works settings, or to make module-specific settings.

The Configuration menu includes the following menu options, in chronological order:

• Language
• Units
• Time/date
• Door opening settings
• Door closing settings
• Weekend mode for door
• Door calibration mode
• Fan
• Power switch (socket)
• Food
• Lighting
• Reset
• Device ID
• Status
• Progress
• Battery

All module-specific settings are described in detail in the respective module in section 10 “Connecting the modules”.

Resetting to works settings
If necessary, you can perform a reset to works settings. For this, in the “Reset” menu option, set the value to “YES”, and save it. The standard settings are then re applied. Please check these, and make changes where necessary.

IMPORTANT

• The door must be recalibrated after a reset. For this, calibration mode is automatically instigated.
• The device ID is not deleted during a reset to works settings. If necessary, this can be deleted separately

Setting the energy saving mode:

1. For this, go into the “BATTERY” Configuration menu option:
2. Determine the permitted minimum voltage of your battery. This is generally recorded in the battery datasheet. For 12 V lead batteries, it is generally around 11.0 V. Transfer this value into the field “Active below:” xx.x V and save it by holding down the button.

Maintenance and care

Your SmartCoop control unit is maintenance-free. In the event of heavy contamination, the front can be cleaned using a damp cloth.

Potential errors and their correction

The control unit regularly loses the time/date setting

• The power supply is temporarily interrupted  Ensure that the power supply cables are free of defects. In solar operation, check the battery voltage
• The connection cables of the connectivity module (item 70620) or external daylight sensor (item 70622) were extended  Extension is not permitted for these modules. Remove the extension cables.
• A module is defective and causes increased power consumption  Disconnect all modules, and reconnect them one at a time. Note the module which recreates the error.
• Coop ventilation (items 70625, 70626) is blocked  Free the fan wheel of dirt, and ensure that it can turn freely

The “Battery empty” error appears regularly on the display

• The battery voltage is too low  Recharge the battery, and acknowledge the error using the button in order to transition back to normal operation. It is not sufficient just to recharge the battery; the error must be acknowledged as well.
• The voltage value for activating the energy saving mode has been set incorrectly  Check the value and correct it downwards if necessary (Attention! Comply with the battery’s voltage range)
• The solar energy system is providing too little energy  Optimise its orientation to the south, and ensure that no obstacles (e.g. branches) are creating shade.

Connecting the modules

When upgraded in full, the SmartCoop system can be combined with all modules listed below.

Connectivity module (item 70620)
The SmartCoop connectivity module connects the control unit to the local WLAN, and allows all functions to be programmed and monitored via the “Kerbl App”. The WLAN provides the SmartCoop with Internet access. This allows unrestricted access to the system, in real time and from anywhere. Important: The connectivity module’s connection cable must not be extended.

Installation
For the individual steps, please refer to the module’s installation instructions.

Control elements

1. PRESS button
2. BT scan The device is ready to connect itself to the App on the Smartphone
3. BT connected The device is connected to the App on the Smartphone
4. WLAN search The device is searching for a WLAN network
5. WLAN connected The device is connected to a WLAN network, but offline at present
6. Online The device is connected to a WLAN network, and is online
7. Status LED
8. Power LED

Installation of the Kerbl App
Install the “Kerbl App” app from the Google Playstore or the Apple Appstore. Create your user account and log in.

Initial setup

1. Position yourself and your mobile end device within reach of the connectivity module (max. 10 m).
2. As soon as the module’s connection cable is connected to the SmartCoop control unit, the green Power LED (below) illuminates permanently, indicating operational readiness. The Status LED (above) flashes blue during commissioning, and thus indicates readiness to connect with the App.
3. In the Kerbl App, select the function “Add device”.
4. Now select “SmartCoop” in the device list, and connect to the device.
5. For the initial connection (or after performing a reset) the PRESS button must now be pressed briefly on the connectivity module to confirm the connection.
6. Assign an individual name to the device so as to allocate it later (e.g. “SmartCoop 1”).
7. You are now requested for a WLAN-SSID and the WLAN password. Enter the data for your network, in order to create a connection between the connectivity module and the Internet.

Reset
In the event of defective functioning, a reset may be necessary to revert the module to works settings. For this, keep the PRESS button depressed for at least 5 seconds, until the Status LED flashes red.

Potential errors and their correction
The module cannot be connected with an end device: There is an error  Perform a module reset, and reconnect

Installation
For the individual steps, please refer to the module’s installation instructions.

Calibration
After connecting the power supply for the first time, or reverting to works settings, or accessing the Calibration mode in the menu, a request to recalibrate the door appears in the display. Calibration is necessary to teach the cable pull optimally for the conditions in your coop.

IMPORTANT

• At the upper end position, do not allow the door and cable pull to collide with an end stop. Where necessary, maintain a sufficient distance from the end of the travel path (min. 10 mm)
• Ensure an optimum, horizontal positioning of the cable pull, so that the holding cord is wound up cleanly
• Ensure a secure connection between the cable pull and the door

IMPORTANT
If your door makes contact with a mechanical stop in the CLOSED position, then ensure that the cord is wound up only enough that it remains minimally tensioned. In this way you avoid potential faults from defective winding up. Press the button several times to confirm that the door opens and closes satisfactorily. Recalibrate if necessary (access Calibration mode in the Configuration menu)

Manual actuation of the cable pull
In principle, the door opens and closes automatically. If necessary, the door can also be operated manually by briefly pressing the button. This causes the door to change its present status. After 5 minutes have expired, it returns to the status required during automatic operation.
Example: You close the door during the day (without locking it) by pressing the button manually. After 5 minutes it reopens manually, because the door is intended to be open during the day.

Locking the door:
If required, you can lock the door manually, i.e. keep the door closed for an extended period. For this, there are two possible states:

• Lock until tomorrow  The door remains locked until the next day, and then opens itself automatically.
• Lock permanently  The door remains locked until it is opened manually

Opening the door:
For light-controlled opening, the process takes place when the set brightness value has been exceeded.

• 0 % brightness corresponds to darkness at night
• 100 % brightness corresponds to solar radiation during the day

Potential errors and their correction
A door error appears in the display

• At the upper end position, the door impacts against a stop  Recalibrate (increased separation)
• Door too heavy  Reduce weight
• Door catches when opening  Ensure freedom of movement

Cable pull stops too early or too late at lower end position

• Incorrect calibration values  Perform a calibration.

Tangling of holding cord

• Caused by incorrect installation of cable pull (not close enough to horizontal) or insufficient freedom of door movement  For this, check whether the cable pull and chicken door were installed correctly (see operating instructions for cable pull for chicken door).

Configuration
It is not necessary to configure the daylight sensor. When the control unit is restarted (interruption to power supply), the daylight sensor is recognised automatically. If an external daylight sensor is connected, then the sensor integrated into the control unit is switched off automatically.

Signal lamp (item 70623)
The signal lamp makes it possible to detect messages from the SmartCoop control unit at a distance. It flashes synchronously with the control unit’s integrated signal lamp, and is used when the integrated indicator LED is not visible from the outside because of the installation situation, but visibility is required.

Installation
For the individual steps, please refer to the module’s installation instructions.

Configuration
No separate configuration is required. The visualisation of messages corresponds to that of the indicator LED on the SmartCoop control unit. The flashing sequence is described in section 7.2 Configuration and Operation.

LED coop lighting (item 70621)
The LED coop lighting illuminates the coop, customised to individual settings. The lighting can be switched on and off manually by pressing a button on the control unit. In automatic mode, the control unit automatically calculates the required lighting period, according to the defined night duration and the season-specific light conditions.

Closing light
When the closing light is activated, the lighting level is always slowly raised (regardless of the selected lighting mode) before closing the door in the evening as ambient brightness decreases. In this way the chickens become “conditioned” to return to the coop in good time.

All lighting fails to function after pressing the lighting button

• The bridging plug in the final module is not in place  Insert the bridging plug.
• A lighting module is defective  Separately connect each lighting module one after the other to the control unit (with bridging plug in place)  Replace the defective module.

Display of the “Ext. light disrupt.” error
The automation system was disrupted by extraneous light (e.g. spotlights, lamps, cars, etc.)  Ensure protection from external light interference. If necessary, shade the sensor to some extent.

Temperature switch-off (only in combination with air temperature sensor, item 70624)
It is recommended to temporarily deactivate the fan at very low external temperatures, so that cold air is not drawn into the coop. The “OFF below” setting allows a temperature value to be set below which ventilation is deactivated.

Summer mode (only in combination with air temperature sensor, item 70624) The chicken coop can become very warm if there is strong solar radiation. To counteract this, additional ventilation is possible when the temperature is high. The setting “100 % ON above” allows selection of a temperature above which the fans are switched on permanently at 100 % output, in order to provide rapid air exchange and a cooling effect. If this function is not required, set the value to 99°.

Installation
For the individual steps, please refer to the module’s installation instructions.

Additional modes Night mode
In order to ensure the night-time rest of the chickens, the ventilation can be deactivated at night. This is performed via the “At night” setting.

The message “Water temperature” appears on the display:
The water in the drinker is frozen because the ambient temperature is too low. Thaw the drinker by adding hot water, and check that the drinker heating is correctly positioned.

Feed dispenser
The feed dispenser allows the precise definition of when and how much food is to be dispensed at intervals over the day. For this, a total quantity for the day must first be defined. This can then be subdivided into a maximum of 20 feeding intervals per day. The day starts by switching on the LED coop lighting (item 70621) or by opening the chicken door (item 70640 or 70645) in the morning, and ends by switching the lighting off or closing the chicken door in the evening. The resulting length of day is calculated automatically and on a daily basis, and is then divided into 20 intervals. Even if you do not have LED lighting or a chicken door connected, you can still set the opening and closing times in the DOOR configuration option, and thereby specify the start and end of the day. For this, proceed as described in section 10.2.4 Configuration.

Level sensor
The level sensor is located in the side of the casing of the feed dispenser (item 70662). Operating the level sensor requires no configuration. When the control unit is restarted (after interruption to power supply), the level sensor is recognised automatically. The sensor permanently measures the level of feed in the feed reservoir and, through the message “Food empty”, informs you in good time when the level is low

The message is displayed on the control unit until:

• The food is replenished or
• The message is acknowledged using the button

Potential errors and their correction
The “Food fault” error appears on the display: The motor has become blocked, possibly by a foreign body or similar  Clear the feed dispenser. Remove any foreign bodies. Acknowledge the fault using the button, and check functioning several times by pressing the feed button briefly.

INFO: The installation instructions for the SmartCoop modules are available for download at: www.kerbl-smartcoop.com 

CE-conformity declaration
Albert KERBL GmbH hereby declares that the product / device described in these instructions complies with the fundamental requirements and other relevant stipulations and regulations. The CE mark confirms compliance with the Directives of the European Union.

Electronic scrap
Disposing of this device after its service life is the responsibility of the operator. Please consult the valid national regulations. The device must not be disposed of in household waste. In accordance with the stipulations of the EU Directive on the Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Devices, the device can be disposed of free of charge at the local waste collection or recycling centre. Alternatively, it can be returned to retailers who offer a collection service. The proper disposal helps to ensure environmental protection and prevents any adverse effects on human health and the environment

References

• Home - www.austria.at
• France.fr : Explore France and its wonders - Explore France
• Home - Kerbl UK Ltd
• Everything around animal breeding, husbandry and agricultural supplies - Albert Kerbl GmbH
• Page d'accueil - Kerbl France
• Suche - Albert Kerbl GmbH
• Everything around animal breeding, husbandry and agricultural supplies - Albert Kerbl GmbH

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