What can cause the string to break?
Your string can be broken if...
an animal has chewed threw it
considerable strain has been put on it. This can happen if...
the door becomes stuck in the rails and the unit continues trying to lift it
somebody attempts to force the door to shut when the motor is holding it open
How can you fix it?
There will be quite a lot of string installed in your unit, so it is possible that you have enough left over to let some extra out and re-tie it to your door.
Please click on one of the collapsible options below to learn how to do this.
Mark-4 models
Mark-4 models
There are two ways of letting out extra string from your mark-4 model. One way is by hand, the other way is during a calibration.
By hand:
Remove the unit from the coop and place it on a flat surface
Unscrew and remove the bracket holding down the motor and spindle
Lift the motor and spindle out slightly
Unwind some string, as much as you will need to reach the door, and some excess for tying the knot; we suggest at least 15 inches.
(Make sure not to reach the knot holding the string to the spindle, as this can cause the string to rewind in the wrong direction)
Replace the motor and spindle, then replace the bracket over the top
Tie the string to your door again
In a Calibration:
Navigate to "Door Calibration"
Hold onto the string so that it has some tension (but be sure not to tug on it)
When the unit prompts you to press the up or down button to move the door, press and hold the down button until you have let out enough string to tie it to the door again (making sure not to reach the knot holding the string to the spindle, as this can cause the string to rewind in the wrong direction)
Tie the string to the door
Then complete the calibration, remembering to set the Open position first.
For help with calibrating your unit, please watch the below video:
Mark-5 models
Mark-5 models
To let out extra string from your mark-5 model, please follow these instructions:
Navigate to "Misc Settings", using the menu button to select this option
Then scroll to "Motion Control", using the menu button to select this option
Hold on to the end of the string to keep tension
Press and hold the down button until you have let out enough string (making sure not to reach the knot holding the string to the spindle, as this can cause the string to rewind in the wrong direction)
Tie the string to the door
Press the centre button to exit "Motion Control"
Now you can complete a new calibration
If the string has broken very high and is no longer threaded through the internal mechanism, you will need to follow the below instructions to re-thread it:
1. Remove the unit from the coop and place it on a flat surface
2. Remove the four screws circled in the below image
3. Remove the bracket covering the internal mechanism
4. Lift the motor and spindle out and unwind a good amount of the string
5. Thread the end of the string through the holes in the first blue piece. (Make sure the string stays on the left of the grey piece circled instead of sitting over the top.)
6. Thread the string through the second hole
7. Put the motor back into place and pull the string through, making sure the string stays in the correct position
8. Check that the two springs and the blue piece on the left spindle disc are still in place. Then you can screw the bracket back on top of the internal mechanism.
9. Now you can mount the unit on your coop again and complete a new calibration
What if there is not enough string left and you need some more?
The string used in our units is 1.5mm white nylon string. There is 1.5m (5ft) of string inside the device.
If you are in the UK, you can purchase a 1.5m length of replacement nylon string directly from the Customer Support team.
Unfortunately, replacement string cannot be purchased from our team outside of the UK. However, 1,5mm nylon string can be purchased in many crafts and hardware stores.
Please click on one of the collapsible options below for guidance on installing new string in your unit.
Mark-4 models
Mark-4 models
Installing a new length of string in your mark-4 unit is a straightforward and simple process, please follow the steps outlined below.
1. Remove the unit from the coop and place it on a flat surface
2. Unscrew and remove the bracket holding down the motor and spindle
3. Lift the motor and spindle out slightly
4. Unwind the string that is left on the spindle, and untie the knot holding it in place
5. Tie the end of the new length of string to the spindle with a double knot
6. Wind the string back on, making sure it is flowing in the correct direction. See photo below to make sure you have wound it in the correct direction:
7. Thread the string through the hole at the base of the unit
8. Replace the motor and spindle
9. Replace the bracket over the top, and screw all four screws back in
10. Now you can mount the unit on your coop again and complete a new calibration
Mark-5 models
Mark-5 models
Mark-5 models have a mechanism inside them that the string must be threaded through, so it is quite fiddly to replace the string. Please follow the instructional guide below.
1. Remove the unit from the coop and place it on a flat surface
2. Remove the four screws circled in the below image
3. Remove the bracket covering the internal mechanism
4. Lift the motor and spindle out slightly. Unwind the string that is left on the spindle, and untie the knot holding it in place.
5. Tie the end of the new length of string to the spindle with a double knot.
6. Wind the string back on, making sure it is flowing in the correct direction. See photo below to make sure you have wound it in the correct direction
7. Thread the end of the string through the hole in the first blue piece. (Make sure the string stays on the left of the grey piece circled instead of sitting over the top.)
8. Thread the string through the second hole
9. Put the motor back into place and pull the string through, making sure the string stays in the correct position
10. Check that the two springs and the blue piece on the left spindle disc are still in place. Then you can screw the bracket back on top of the internal mechanism.
11. Now you can mount the unit on your coop again and complete a new calibration
Still require some assistance or advice?