VOSS farming 561820 Chickenfriend VOSS Automatic Device Instruction Manual

June 11, 2024
VOSS farming

VOSS farming 561820 Chickenfriend VOSS Automatic Device

VOSS farming-561820-Chickenfriend VOSS-Automatic-Device-
PRODUCT

Product Information

The VOSS.farming ChickenFriend (Art. 561820) is a product designed for the purpose of controlling the light in a chicken coop. It has three different modes: manual mode, time control mode, and light mode. The product has a display, status LED & light sensor, and adjustment buttons. It can be operated using a power adapter or batteries.

Technical Specifications

  • Dimensions: 93 mm x 159 mm x 65 mm
  • Weight: 415 g (without power adapter and batteries)
  • Power consumption during operation:
  • Standby power consumption:
  • Voltage supply:
  • Operating temperature:
  • Protection class (ChickenFriend):
  • Protection class (power adapter):

Product Usage Instructions

Mounting Instructions
Before mounting the ChickenFriend, please make sure to read the instructions below:

Pre-Mounting Instructions
If you plan to operate the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend using mains voltage, make sure that the power supply is located in an accessible position outside the chicken coop. The recommended distance between the product and the power supply is at least 1.5 meters.

WARNING: Always turn off the power supply before installing or removing the product.

Mounting Instructions

The ChickenFriend should be mounted at a height of approximately 1.5 meters above the ground. The mounting location should be chosen in such a way that the product is protected from rain and
moisture.
INFO: We recommend using the VOSS.farming ChickenGuard (Art. 561863) to protect the product from moisture.

Usage Modes
The ChickenFriend has three different usage modes:

Manual Mode
In manual mode, the light is switched on or off using the adjustment buttons on the product.

Time Control Mode
In time control mode, the light is switched on or off automatically based on a pre-set schedule. The schedule can be configured using the adjustment buttons on the product.

Light Mode
In light mode, the product automatically adjusts the light intensity based on the ambient light in the chicken coop. This mode requires a power supply.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Before cleaning or maintaining the ChickenFriend, always turn off the power supply and remove the batteries (if applicable). Use a soft damp cloth to clean the product. Do not use abrasive or corrosive substances as they may damage the product.
INFO: The product should be stored in a dry and cool place when not in use.

Disposal
The VOSS.farming ChickenFriend should be disposed of according to local regulations for electronic waste. Do not dispose of the product with regular household waste.

Service and Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend, please contact our customer service department for assistance.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

In this manual you will find all the important information about your new product. Read this manual carefully before using the product for the first time to avoid misunderstandings and prevent damage. This manual contains important instructions for the safe use of your new product. Keep this manual in a safe place. If the product is passed on to a third party, the instruction manual must also be handed over.
Observe and follow the safety instructions contained in this manual.

USED SYMBOLS

The following symbols may appear in this manual:

  • WARNING AGAINST ELECTRICAL VOLTAGES
    This symbol stands for possible dangerous situations caused by electrical voltages, which, if not avoided, can lead to serious injury or death!

  • WARNING
    This symbol stands for possible dangerous situations, which, if not avoided, can lead to serious injury or death!

  • CAUTION
    This symbol stands for possible harmful situations, which, if not avoided, may lead to slight or minor injuries.

  • NOTICE
    This symbol stands for possible dangerous situations, which may cause damage to property in the event of non-compliance.

  • Info
    This symbol provides further useful information.

Product and instructions are subject to change. Technical data is subject to change without notice.

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read and follow the safety instructions in this chapter.

WARNING

  • Any manual modification to the mechanics of the device and other moving parts, such as the door, poses a risk of injury. Before any maintenance is carried out, the batteries must be removed.
  • Fire hazard. There is a risk of fire if electrical equipment is overloaded. Only use doors that are suitable for use with the device.
  • When using batteries, follow the instructions on the batteries. Use the batteries in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • The device is not suitable for children. Keep children away from the device.

CAUTION

  • Do not touch the pull cord while the automatic chicken door is opening or closing. The force of the cord can injure humans or animals.
  • Immediately remove the batteries and/or mains adapter in the event of unusual noises or smells as well as smoke development.
  • Danger of crushing. Keep any parts of your body and loose objects (e.g. jewellery) away from the device and the door during the opening and closing process.
  • The device has a protection function which will interrupt the opening/closing process if any resistance is encountered. This function prevents possible injuries. Nevertheless, injuries cannot be completely ruled out.
  • Risk of burns. Replace the battery at regular intervals, otherwise there is a risk of battery leakage. Should this occur, leaked batteries and also the device must be disposed of properly without delay. Use protective gloves when doing this.

NOTICE

  • Do not submerge the device in water or other liquids. There is a risk of a short circuit.
  • The pull cord must not be shortened, lengthened or otherwise altered. Never pull out the cord manually. Only use the device functions for winding and unwinding the cord.
  • To prevent the door from freezing in winter, you can apply a little grease to the run of the door. However, oil and grease should never get on the pull cord or on/in the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend. Make sure that the oil/grease used is food grade to avoid the risk of poisoning the animals.
  • Only use the accessories supplied or approved by the manufacturer.
  • Do not make any unauthorised changes or modifications to the device.
  • Contact Customer Service for repairs.

INTENDED USE

The VOSS.farming ChickenFriend is a control device for automatically opening and closing a compatible chicken door. Only use this device for chicken doors that are opened vertically, are smooth-running and do not exceed a weight of 3kg. The device is to be used for poultry only, it is not intended for use with other types of animals.
The device is intended for private use only and not for commercial use.

CONTENTS

The contents include:

  • 1x VOSS.farming ChickenFriend
  • 1x 230 V mains adapter
  • 1x light sensor with 125 cm extension cable
  • 1x light sensor holder
  • 2x pulleys
  • 1x assembly accessories
  • 1x instruction manual

TECHNICAL DATA

  • Consumption during operation: 130 mA (when closing) 360 mA (opening in normal operation)
  • Power consumption in standby: 0.05 mA (without lighting) 20.7 mA (with lighting)
  • Power supply:
    • Battery: 4x 1.5 V AA batteries
    • Mains adapter: 100 – 240 V AC / 6 V DC 1000 mA
  • Operating temperature: -15 – +45 °C
  • Protection class (ChickenFriend): IP34
  • Protection class (power supply unit): IP44

Dimensions and weight

  • Dimensions (H x W x D) approx.: 93 mm x 159 mm x 65 mm
  • Weight: 415 g (without mains adapter and batteries)

DEVICE OVERVIEW

  1. Display
  2. Status LED & light sensor
  3. Setting buttons
  4. Confirmation button
  5. Connection for external light sensor
  6. Cord guide
  7. Connection for mains adapter

HOW IT WORKS

The VOSS.farming ChickenFriend is a control device that automatically opens and closes the vertical sliding door of the chicken coop. The control unit can be controlled via light sensor or timer:

  • Light sensor for daylight-dependent control
  • Timer control
  • manual control on the device

EXPLANATION OF THE PRODUCT LABELS

  • Disposal of electrical items
  • Documents the product’s compliance with EU directives
  • Documents the product’s compliance with the directives of the
  • United Kingdom.
  • Read the instruction manual
  • Mains plug with positive polarity
  • Protection class II for electrical products double insulated

INSTALLATION

BEFORE INSTALLATION

Before you can mount the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend and connect it to the door, you must observe the following points:

  • Find a suitable mounting location for the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend. Take into account that during the opening of the door, the load on the device is greater than its own weight. The installation site must be protected from moisture, water and rain.
  • Check whether pulleys are required to enable the line to be guided if the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend is slightly misaligned. The device is always mounted in an upright position with the cord outlet on the bottom. The door or first pulley must be mounted so that the cord comes out of the unit vertically. The device or last pulley must be mounted in such a way that the door is pulled straight upwards. Examples of assemblyVOSS farming-561820-Chickenfriend VOSS-Automatic-Device-FIG- \(4\)
  • If you want to operate the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend with mains voltage, check whether there is a correctly installed 230 V socket near the installation site that is in a dry and protected area.

WARNING OF ELECTRICAL VOLTAGES

If you want to operate the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend with mains voltage, check whether there is a correctly installed 230 V socket near the installation site that is in a dry and protected area.

Only use a door that meets the following criteria:

  • The door has a weight between 300g and 3kg.
  • The door moves vertically and can be moved into a closed position by gravity.
  • The door runs smoothly. No great force is needed to open the door and when the door is released it closes independently and reliably. Use a few drops of oil if necessary. The pull cord can be routed unhindered from the door to the unit without rubbing against foreign objects.
  • The guide rails of the door must be properly mounted so that the door closes securely

Info
You will find suitable doors in our range (Art. 561860, 561862 and 561863).

INSTALLATION

Before assembly, read the points in section 7.1.

  1. Mount the compatible door on the coop
    NOTICE|
    The distance between the door and the opening, e.g. your open barn wall, should not be more than 5mm. In addition, there should be no gap when the door is closed.

  2. Mount the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend in a suitable position using the dowels and screws supplied.

  3. Fit the pulleys, if required

NOTICE
To avoid friction on the device and pulleys, all parts of the chicken door should be on an even surface. Therefore, avoid mounting on uneven surfaces

FIRST TIME OPERATION

The VOSS.farming ChickenFriend can be operated both with the supplied mains adapter via 230 V mains voltage and with 1.5 V AA mignon cells (4 pcs.).

Info
In the event of a mains failure, both power supplies can be used simultaneously.
As soon as the VOSS.farmig ChickenFriend is connected via mains adapter and/ or batteries are inserted in the unit, you can start the initial setup and connect the unit to the door.

CONNECTING THE MAINS ADAPTER

  1. Plug the supplied mains adapter into the connection (7) on the unit.
  2. Plug the mains adapter into a correctly installed 230 V socket.

WARNING OF ELECTRICAL VOLTAGES
If a new cable has to be laid for the unit, please note that all mains installations can only be carried out by qualified electricians

When laying a cable, also make sure that the cable leading to the automatic chicken door is protected so that it cannot be reached by animals or unauthorised persons.
The VOSS.farming ChickenFriend is switched on. You can now start the initial setup and connect the unit to the door.

INSERTING BATTERIES

WARNING OF ELECTRICAL VOLTAGES
Always disconnect the mains plug from the socket before opening the housing.

  1. Remove the four screws on the front of the housing with a Phillips screwdriver (PH1) and open the housing.

  2. Insert the four 1.5 V AA cells.
    NOTICE

  3. When inserting the batteries, make sure that the polarity is correct.

  4. When inserting the batteries, take care not to touch the circuit board.

  5. Close the housing and screw the four screws back into the front of the housing.

NOTICE
Before attaching the front panel, make sure that no cables are trapped and that the seal fits exactly. The VOSS.farming ChickenFriend is switched on. You can now start the initial setup and connect the unit to the door.

CAUTION
If you supply the unit with power from the mains, the battery is not drained. Replace the battery at regular intervals, otherwise there is a risk of battery leakage. Should this occur, leaked batteries and also the device must be disposed of properly without delay.

NOTICE
If your unit is running on battery power and the batteries are running low, the VOSS.farming Chickenfriend will indicate this on the screen. If you see this indicator, you should immediately change the batteries or switch to mains operation.

ENERGY-SAVING MODE AND SWITCHING THE DEVICE OFF

  • The VOSS.farming ChickenFriend switches off the display after approx. 60 seconds and goes into energy-saving mode.
  • To switch off the unit completely, disconnect the mains plug from the socket and/or remove the batteries from the unit

START-UP SETTINGS AND CONNECTING THE DEVICE TO THE DOOR
As soon as the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend is connected via mains adapter and/ or batteries are inserted in the unit, the initial settings can be completed and the unit can be connected to the door.VOSS farming-561820-Chickenfriend
VOSS-Automatic-Device-FIG- \(5\)

The display shows you “Language & Time”.

  1. To set the language and time, press the confirmation button (4).

  2. Use the setting buttons (3) to select the desired language and confirm the selection by pressing the confirmation button (4). The display changes to the time settings.

  3. Set the current time (hours and minutes) with the setting buttons (3) and confirm each entry by pressing the confirmation button (4). Now select the menu item “Set door”.

  4. To connect the unit to the door, use the setting buttons (3) to adjust the cord to the appropriate length and secure the cord to the door fixture using the key ring.
    Info
    If the diameter of the key ring is not sufficient, remove the key ring and tie the cord to the door’s attachment.

  5. Once the cord is connected to the door, use the setting buttons (3) to move the door to the uppermost position and confirm by pressing the confirmation button (4).

  6. Use the setting buttons (3) to move the door to the lowest position and confirm by pressing the confirmation button (4).
    CAUTION
    Danger of crushing. Keep any parts of your body and loose objects (e.g. jewellery) away from the device and the door during the opening and closing process.

The settings are saved and the display changes to the main screen

SETTING MODES

The VOSS.farming ChickenFriend has three modes for opening and closing the door:

  • Manual mode: Manual opening/closing of the door by using the setting buttons
  • Timer mode: Automatic opening/closing of the door at the specified times
  • Lightsensor mode: Automatic opening/closing of the door depending on brightness

Open mode : Open the main menu by pressing the confirmation button (4) and navigate to the desired mode with the setting buttons (3). Confirm the selection with the confirmation button (4).
Clos

MANUAL MODE
In manual mode, the automatic opening/closing is no longer performed. To use the automatic timer or light sensor modes, you must select them again and confirm the settingsVOSS farming-561820-Chickenfriend VOSS-Automatic-Device-
FIG- \(5\)

Open the menu item “Manual mode” in the main menu.
Manual mode is activated and the door can be opened or closed manually.

TIMER MODE

Note that the door only opens or closes at the specified times if the “Timer control” mode is activeVOSS farming-561820-Chickenfriend VOSS-Automatic-
Device-FIG- \(7\)

  1. Open the menu item “Timer mode” in the main menu. The timer control is activated and the times can be set.
  2. Set the open time with the setting buttons (3) and confirm the entries for hours and minutes each time by pressing the confirmation button (4)
  3. Set the close time with the setting buttons (3) and confirm the entries for hours and minutes each time by pressing the confirmation button (4). The settings are saved.

LIGHT SENSOR MODEVOSS farming-561820-Chickenfriend VOSS-Automatic-Device-
FIG- \(7\)

  1. Open the menu item “Light sensor mode” in the main menu.
  2. Set the brightness value (%) for opening and closing and confirm the entry by pressing the confirmation button (4).
    Info
    For better orientation, an automatic brightness detection appears in the first line of the display after approx. 5 seconds.

The settings are saved.

Info

  1. The VOSS.farming ChickenFriend has a built-in light sensor and comes supplied with an external light sensor. If your mounting location is not a suitable environment for brightness detection, use the external light sensor. If you connect the external light sensor to the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend, the unit will immediately detect the brightness using this and no longer the integrated light sensor.
  2. Make sure that the light sensor is not affected by other external light sources (e.g. artificial light from path lighting or from the window of a residential building). Do not place the sensor on roads or near other light sources, as headlights from passing vehicles, for example, could affect the sensor

FURTHER SETTINGS AND FUNCTIONS

In the main menu of the VOSS.farming ChickenFriend you will find further settings and functions:

  • Language & Time: Change the language and time used
  • Test door: Test cord length settings
  • Door set.: Adjust cord length to open and close the door
  • Factory reset: Reset the device to factory settings

Open menu item: Open the main menu by pressing the confirmation button (4) and navigate to the desired menu item with the setting button (3). Confirm the selection with the confirmation button (4).
Close the main menu: To exit the main menu, navigate to “Exit menu” with the setting button (3) and confirm with the confirmation button (4).

CHANGE LANGUAGE AND TIME (LANGUAGE & TIME)VOSS
farming-561820-Chickenfriend VOSS-Automatic-Device-FIG-
\(8\)

  1. Open the menu item “Language & Time” in the main menu.

  2. To start setting the language and time, press the confirmation button (4).

  3. Use the setting buttons (3) to select the desired language and confirm the selection by pressing the confirmation button (4).
    The display changes to the time setting.

  4. Set the current time (hours and minutes) with the setting buttons (3) and confirm each entry by pressing the confirmation button (4). The settings are saved

CHECK CORD LENGTH (DOOR TESTING)VOSS farming-561820-Chickenfriend VOSS-
Automatic-Device-FIG- \(9\)

  1. Open the menu item “Door test” in the main menu.
  2. To cancel the test and return to the main menu, press the downward setting button (3).
  3. To perform the test, press the upward setting button (3). The unit automatically tests your specified settings.

ADJUSTING THE CORD LENGTH (DOOR SETTINGS.)VOSS
farming-561820-Chickenfriend VOSS-Automatic-Device-FIG-
\(10\)

  1. Open the menu item “Door settings” in the main menu.
  2. Use the setting buttons (3) to move the door to the uppermost position and confirm by pressing the confirmation button (4).
  3. Use the setting buttons (3) to move the door to the lowest position and confirm by pressing the confirmation button (4). The settings are saved.

RESET TO FACTORY SETTINGS (TO FACTORY DEFAULT)VOSS
farming-561820-Chickenfriend VOSS-Automatic-Device-FIG-
\(11\)

  1. In the main menu, open the menu item “Reset device”.
  2. To cancel the reset and return to the main menu, press the downward setting button (3).
  3. To reset the unit to factory settings, press the upward setting button (3).
  4. To cancel the reset and return to the main menu, press the downward setting button (3).
  5. To confirm the reset and start with the initial set-up, press the upward setting button (3).

Info
The device can also be reset by pressing (for approx. 15 seconds) the confirmation button

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

NOTICE

  • Do not use aggressive solvents/cleaning agents, brushes, sharp objects, or similar for cleaning. These can damage the surface.
  • Do not submerge the device in water or other liquids. There is a risk of a short circuit.
  • Do not use the device if there is any visible damage.

Clean the device and the light sensor with a damp cloth if it is dirty. The device requires little maintenance. However, you should carry out regular visual inspections. Check the unit for damage before each use. There are no serviceable parts inside the unit.

TRANSPORT AND STORAGE

NOTICE

  • For storage and long distance transport, remove the batteries from the device.
  • Do not store the device in direct sunlight
  • Only store the device at an ambient temperature between -10°C and +40°C and make sure that the environment is free of moisture.
  • To transport the device, pack the device in a way that it is protected from impact. Ideally, use the original packaging

TROUBLESHOOTING

NOTICE

Do not make any unauthorised changes or modifications to the device.
Contact Customer Service for repairs. If the device malfunctions or is found to be otherwise defective, even after following the suggested solutions below, contact the manufacturer. The contact details can be found in chapter 16.

Error Cause Troubleshooting

Door opens/closes in wrong direction

|

Cord wound up incorrectly

| Check the winding direction. If it runs the wrong way round, change this in the door setup.

Door does not open/close completely

|

∙   Guide rails dirty

∙   Door incorrectly positioned

| ∙   Remove impurities from the guide rails/door

and lubricate with oil if necessary

∙   Check the setting through the “Set door” option

Door does not open/close depending on the time or opens/ closes at the wrong times|

∙   Timer mode not active

∙   Possible time is set incorrectly

|

∙   Make sure that the timer mode is active

∙   Check the set times

Display does not light up

|

Power supply interrupted

| ∙  Check/replace batteries

∙  Check power supply unit

∙ Have the electrical socket used checked by

a qualified electrician

Error Cause Troubleshooting

Door does not open and close depending on the light sensor

| ∙   Light sensor mode not active

∙   Light sensor incorrectly mounted

∙   Light sensor defective/ dirty

∙   Brightness value set incorrectly

∙   External light interfering with the

light sensor

|

∙   Select the lightsensor mode

∙   Reposition the light sensor if necessary

∙   Clean the light sensor regularly

∙   Re-adjust the brightness value

Door does not open/close

| Door stuck

∙   Too little weight on the cord, either because the door is too light

or the door jams and therefore does not move downwards

|

∙   Check the ease of movement of the door

∙   Check the ease of movement of the pull

cord / pulleys

DISPOSAL

The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that the product must not be disposed of with normal household waste. End users are required to hand in the appliance at a collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment. If the product contains a battery or a rechargeable battery, these should be disposed of separately from the product if possible. As an end user you are legally obliged to return used batteries. You can return used batteries that we supply or have supplied as new batteries free of charge to our warehouse (shipping address) or to a recycling centre in your area. If the battery or the rechargeable battery contains more than 0.0005% mercury by weight, more than 0.002% cadmium by weight or more than 0.004% lead by weight, this will be clearly indicated by the respective chemical symbol (Hg Cd, or Pb) below the symbol of the crossed-out wheelie bin on the battery or the rechargeable battery. Recyclable materials such as zinc, iron, aluminium, lithium and silver can be found in batteries and rechargeable batteries. They may also contain substances such as mercury, cadmium and lead. These are poisonous and dangerous to the environment if not disposed of properly. Heavy metals can have harmful effects on human, animal and plant health and accumulate in the environment. The separate collection and proper disposal of your old appliances and used batteries/rechargeable batteries contributes to the conservation of natural resources and guarantees recycling that protects human health and preserves
the environment. Information on where to find collection points for your old appliances or used batteries/rechargeable batteries can be obtained from your town or council administration, the local waste disposal companies or from VOSS GmbH & Co. KG.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

CE AND UKCA DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
VOSS GmbH & Co KG hereby declares that the product described in this manual complies with the essential requirements and other relevant regulations and legal directives. The CE mark confirms compliance with the legal requirements in the European Union legal requirements and the UKCA mark confirms compliance with the legal requirements of the United Kingdom. The manufacturer is in possession of the

VOSS GmbH & Co KG hereby declares that the product described in this manual complies with the essential requirements and other relevant regulations and legal directives. The CE mark confirms compliance with the legal requirements in the European Union legal requirements and the UKCA mark confirms compliance with the legal requirements of the United Kingdom. The manufacturer is in possession of the Declaration of ConformityDeclaration of Conformity.

SERVICE AND CONTACT
Address:
VOSS GmbH & Co. KG Ohrstedt-Bhf. Nord 5, 25885 Wester-Ohrstedt Germany

E-mail: info@voss-group.eu
VOSS GMBH & CO. KG Ohrstedt-Bhf. Nord 5 25885 Wester-Ohrstedt Germany
www.voss-group.eu

References

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