FAQs
In Use FAQs
How do I set it to open at a specific time in the morning without the app?
Check out our new YouTube instruction video for this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeymBNrkyR8
In order for the time to be used by the unit, it has to be light outside at the time you choose, otherwise the unit will automatically revert to opening about 10 minutes after dawn. This is a safety setting to prevent the unit from opening too early (i.e. before dawn), when most foxes and other predators are around!
Can I set the closing time without the app?
Chickens go to roost naturally as dusk approaches and it can be almost impossible to force them into roost before they want to. The door closing time will always be determined by dusk and the chickens' natural body clocks, not by human time. For units without WiFi, a reason for the door closing too early would be because the control box is in a dark or shady place (so moving it to a less shady place will correct any late closing). With WiFi-enabled units, closing times can be set with ease!
Can the door be opened/closed by me?
Yes – just turn off the switch on the control box and turn it on again! The door will open if it was closed, and will close if it was open. This is a great way of opening and closing the door. Many Hentronix units (all except the Eglu Handle-operated unit) have split pins which mean you can decouple the door and the mechanism - allowing you to open/close the door, then recouple the mechanism when you want automatic opening/closing. With the WiFi upgrade, you can open/close your coop even from the other side of the world!
I want to make use of the coop light function - how can I do this?
The controller is all set up to control our coop light.
After wiring the additional lighting into your circuit board (a very simple task – only takes about two minutes and instructions are provided), the unit will then measure how long the days are. If it detects that the days are short, it will add in the relevant amount of additional light before the unit opens the following morning, therefore extending the amount of 'daylight' for the chickens. This will help to keep them laying!