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Hi @enaon, congratulations on this amazing project!
I’ve been following this project both on the Greek forum and here in this thread. I’m the proud owner of two young cats, and I’ve noticed that the products available on the market don’t fully meet their needs (or mine). This has inspired me to consider building my own solution or even replicating your design.
Would you mind sharing more details about your second version?
I’m asking here because I believe it could help others trying to tackle similar challenges. It would be fantastic if you could share your code and a wiring diagram, as I know electronics can be tricky for some people.
I'm a web dev but this is my first experience with Espruino (and thank you @Gordon @fanoush @yngv126399 and @atc1441 for what you brought to the community).In the meantime, do you have a link or recommendations for sourcing the electronic components, especially the servo motor and sensors? Aliexpress can be overwhelming, and I’ve had bad experiences with fake or even unsafe components in the past (be cautious with relays, even when buying from Amazon).
I also tried finding the Bama flower pot at the price you mentioned (around €14), but the only ones I’ve come across are significantly more expensive. I’m based in France—did you purchase it directly from the manufacturer?
Lastly, the resin-filled cardboard technique is truly ingenious. Would you consider documenting the process in a video if you create another piece in the future? It could be an excellent way to inspire and empower people to move away from 100% reliance on consumer products.
Thank you again for this incredible project and for sharing your knowledge!
@enaon
Thank you so much for all these details! My wife also ordered a CATLINK Pro-X self-cleaning litter box—apparently, she doesn’t have much faith in my DIY skills. 😅
That said, this could be a great opportunity for me to draw some inspiration from it.
Our main concern has been how long we can leave our cats alone. We were aiming for around 15 days, which really limits the available options on the market. This litter box has a 13L dirt capacity, which might work for us since our cats (and their poo) aren’t too big. However, I wouldn’t want to rely on it long-term.
One feature I found interesting is the microwave radar sensor, which eliminates blind spots. It seems like a great idea to incorporate into a DIY project.
I didn’t purchase their entrance step, though, because $99 for a piece of plastic feels excessive. Instead, it seems like a perfect opportunity to test your cardboard-resin method.
You mentioned in the Greek forum that polyurethane resin is cheaper than epoxy and has a more plastic-like feel, whereas epoxy is closer to polycarbonate. Does polyurethane feel similar to ABS, or is it softer? Also, is it stiff enough to support a cat’s weight (assuming the design is similar to your tank as example)?
I’m really looking forward to more details from you. Thanks again for your help!