Brinsea ChickSafe Advance Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener and Door Kit

Product Overview

The Brinsea ChickSafe Advance is an automatic chicken coop door opener designed to provide security and convenience for poultry keepers. This robust system automatically opens your coop door in the morning and closes it in the evening, based on light levels or a programmable timer. It ensures your flock is safely tucked away at night, offering peace of mind.

The unit is battery-operated (4 x AA batteries included) and features an all-in-one design for straightforward installation. It self-calibrates to your coop door's height and includes a safety 'auto-stop' feature to prevent injury to chickens. Its weatherproof and UV-resistant construction ensures reliable operation in various environmental conditions.

Image: The Brinsea ChickSafe Advance automatic door opener with the included door kit, shown with a chicken.

Image: A graphic highlighting the main features of the ChickSafe Advance, including digital display, light sensor/timer/manual modes, self-calibration, door kit, weatherproof design, auto-stop, and battery power.

Image: A graphic illustrating the convenience and peace of mind provided by the ChickSafe Advance, emphasizing predator safety, fit-and-forget design, durable door, long battery life, retained settings, and auto-stop feature.

What's Included

The Brinsea ChickSafe Advance package includes all necessary components for installation and operation:

• ChickSafe Advance Automatic Coop Door Opener Unit
• Door Kit (2 aluminum door panels, 2 uPVC runners, hardware pack)
• 4 x AA Batteries
• Fixing Screws (2 for opener, 6 for door kit)

Image: A visual representation of the parts included: the ChickSafe Advance unit, 4 AA batteries, 2 fixing screws for the unit, and the complete door kit.

Installation Guide

The ChickSafe Advance is designed for easy installation on most chicken coops with vertical sliding or hinged doors. The unit is supplied preset to be attached to a fully open door.

Step-by-Step Installation:

1. Prepare the Coop Door: Ensure your existing coop door is clean and moves freely. If using the included door kit, install the uPVC runners vertically to create a track for the aluminum door panels. The door panels combine to form a maximum pophole size of 11 inches wide x 13 inches high. Secure the runners with the provided 6 screws.
2. Mount the ChickSafe Unit: Secure the ChickSafe Advance control box to the front of your coop, directly above the door opening. Use the 2 provided screws to firmly attach the unit. Ensure it is positioned so the lifting cord can drop straight down to the door.
3. Attach the Lifting Cord: Tie the lifting cord from the ChickSafe unit securely to the top of your coop door. Ensure the knot is firm and the door hangs level.
4. Insert Batteries: Once the unit and door are fully installed and the cord is attached, insert the 4 x AA batteries into the battery compartment. The ChickSafe Advance will automatically perform a calibration cycle, adjusting to the height of your door. No manual calibration is necessary.

Important Note: Install the ChickSafe to the chicken coop and attach the door before installing batteries. This allows the unit to properly self-calibrate.

Operation Modes and Controls

The ChickSafe Advance offers versatile operation modes and user-friendly digital controls.

Operating Modes:

• Light Sensor Mode: The door opens at dawn and closes at dusk, automatically adjusting to seasonal light changes. The sensitivity of the falling light level is adjustable.
• Programmable Timer Mode: Set specific opening and closing times using the real-time clock. This allows for precise control regardless of light conditions.
• Manual Mode: Override the automatic system at any time to open, close, or hold the door in its current position with a simple button press. This is useful for isolating birds or managing access.

Key Features:

• Digital Display: Provides clear information on settings, battery status, and door position.
• Weekend 'Lie-In' Feature: Delay the morning opening time on two selected days of the week, allowing chickens to remain contained for longer.
• Auto-Stop Safety: If a chicken obstructs the door's path during closing, the system will automatically stop and reverse slightly, preventing injury.
• Smart Light Sensor: Designed to detect slow changes in natural light, it is not triggered by sudden light sources like car headlights or lightning.

Image: A graphic illustrating the fully digital controls, including adjustable light sensitivity, real-time clock, battery status, and door status indicator.

Image: A graphic showcasing the various open/close options: Timer, Light Sensor, Weekend Lie-in, Manual Opening/Closing, and the 'Auto-Stop' safety feature.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Brinsea ChickSafe Advance, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:

• Battery Replacement: The unit operates on 4 x AA batteries. Replace them when the low battery indicator appears on the digital display. Battery life is typically long, but varies with usage and environmental conditions.
• Cleaning: Periodically wipe down the exterior of the control unit and the door panels with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Door Track Inspection: Regularly check the uPVC runners for any obstructions or buildup that might impede the smooth movement of the door. Clear any debris as needed.
• Cord Inspection: Inspect the lifting cord for any signs of fraying or wear. If damage is observed, contact customer support for replacement.
• Weather Protection: While the unit is weatherproof and made from UV-resistant materials, ensuring it is installed in a location that minimizes direct exposure to extreme weather (e.g., under an overhang) can further extend its lifespan.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues with your ChickSafe Advance, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Door Not Opening/Closing:
  • Check battery level on the digital display. Replace batteries if low.
  • Ensure the lifting cord is securely attached and not tangled.
  • Verify that the door path is clear of obstructions. The auto-stop feature will prevent closing if an obstruction is detected.
  • If in light sensor mode, check for external light sources (e.g., streetlights, porch lights) that might interfere with natural light detection. Adjust light sensitivity if necessary.
  • If in timer mode, confirm the set times are correct and the real-time clock is accurate.
• Door Stops Mid-Operation:
  • This is likely the auto-stop safety feature. Check for any chicken or object obstructing the door's path. Once cleared, the door should resume operation or can be manually reset.
• Inaccurate Light Sensor Operation:
  • The sensitivity of the light sensor can be adjusted via the digital menu. Refer to the detailed instructions in the user manual for specific steps on adjusting sensitivity.
  • Ensure the sensor is not covered or dirty.
• Display Not Working:
  • Check and replace batteries.
  • Ensure batteries are inserted with correct polarity.

For more complex issues or if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem, please contact Brinsea customer support.

Technical Specifications

Image: A graphic detailing the dimensions of the ChickSafe Advance control unit and the assembled door kit, including the total opening size.

Image: A graphic emphasizing the durable construction of the ChickSafe Advance, noting its weatherproof nature and ability to work in extreme conditions from -20°F to 120°F, and its UV-resistant materials.

Image: A table comparing features of the ChickSafe ECO and ChickSafe Advance models, confirming features like self-calibration, adjustable light sensor, programmable timer, weekend 'lie-in', battery level indicator, extreme weather operation, and safety sensor for the Advance model.

Warranty and Customer Support

Warranty Information:

The Brinsea ChickSafe Advance is backed by a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Customer Support:

For any questions, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please contact Brinsea Products customer support. Brinsea has over 45 years of experience in incubation technology and provides expert customer care and support.

You can find contact information and additional resources on the official Brinsea website or through your retailer.

Brinsea Products Inc. is committed to delivering industry-leading technology and customer satisfaction.