[P6te]

Apologies for posting this here, it’s in Marketplace too but does not seem to be getting to the right audience there.

I am offering for sale an Automatic Pig Feeder - part completed project.  I have this listed on eBay here: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575378759&campid=5338273189&customid=&icep_item=284257252562&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229508&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg&toolid=11111

I am selling on a project that I started working on a number of years ago when I had an enthusiastic student assisting me with the electronics. However, the student moved on and I didn’t have the knowledge to complete the project.
The project was intended to feed free range pigs by dropping a pre-measured amount of feed directly into their run or trough. The feeder could be used for a variety of other animals including goats for example. The concept is simple, feed is placed into the tubes and the unit would rotate until one measure of feed was dropped down a shoot, the unit would then wait until the next predetermined time when it would rotate to the next position and dispense more feed.
All the hard work has been done, the tubes, plywood and stainless steel all cut to size. To the best of my knowledge and recollection all the electronics needed are there. The electronics are (I think) Raspberry PI and the basic programming is complete. I have some notes that will accompany the sale.
The photographs show the unit upside down, the first shows all the tubes (which hold the feed) and the second the same view but with the stainless plate over which uncovers the tubes one by one. The centres shows a circle with a drive belt attached which rotates the unit and the 2 square items are a ball or roller bearing assembly that allows it to rotate. The 3rd picture shows the heart of the control unit and the last picture all the electronic items that are included.It doesn’t take much working out that the cost of the components far exceeds the asking price.
I am looking for someone who wants to take this forwards and make what is effectively a nominal contribution to the materials, time and effort that went into it.

[SallyintNorth]

Personally I wouldn't want an automatic feeder for any of my livestock.  Watching behaviour at feeding time is one of the most important indicators of health, or early warning of a problem developing.

[P6te]

Personally I wouldn't want an automatic feeder for any of my livestock.  Watching behaviour at feeding time is one of the most important indicators of health, or early warning of a problem developing.

This was never the intention, we planned on using it for those occasion when you may be late home or are away overnight.  Having a small holding places a lot of restrictions and this was just intended to give a little leeway on such occasions.