Configuration

Configuring OpenCoopControl

This guide covers all the configuration options available in OpenCoopControl and how to adjust them to meet your specific needs.

Initial Setup

When you first power on your OpenCoopControl device, it will create a WiFi access point named “OpenCoop-[ID]” where [ID] is a unique identifier for your device. To complete the initial setup:

1. Connect to this WiFi network from your phone, tablet, or computer
2. Open a web browser and navigate to http://192.168.4.1
3. Follow the on-screen setup wizard

During the setup, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Your home WiFi network credentials
• A name for your coop (e.g., “Backyard Coop”)
• Your time zone

Once setup is complete, the device will connect to your WiFi network, and you can access it using the device’s IP address on your local network or via mDNS at opencoopcontrol.local if your device supports it.

Main Configuration Settings

All configuration is done through the web interface. Navigate to the Settings section to access the following options:

Door Control Settings

Setting	Description	Default
Automatic Door Control	Enable/disable automated door operation	Enabled
Door Open Time	Hour (0-23) when the door should open	6 (6 AM)
Door Close Time	Hour (0-23) when the door should close	21 (9 PM)
Light Threshold	Light level (%) below which the door will close if light-based mode is enabled	30%
Use Light Sensor	Use light level instead of time for door operation	Disabled

Door Behavior Notes

• When automatic door control is enabled, the door will open and close at the specified times
• If light sensor mode is enabled, the door will:
  • Open when light level exceeds the threshold AND the time is after Door Open Time
  • Close when light level falls below the threshold OR the time is after Door Close Time
• Manual controls always override automatic operation

Feeder Settings

Setting	Description	Default
Automatic Feeder	Enable/disable automated feeding	Enabled
Morning Feed Time	Hour (0-23) for morning feeding	6 (6 AM)
Evening Feed Time	Hour (0-23) for evening feeding	19 (7 PM)
Feed Duration	How long to run the feeder motor (seconds)	7 seconds

System Settings

Setting	Description	Default
Device Name	Name of your coop control device	”My Chicken Coop”
Language	Interface language	English
Temperature Unit	Celsius or Fahrenheit	Celsius
Update Check	Enable/disable automatic update checks	Enabled

Advanced Configuration

Alert Thresholds

Setting	Description	Default
Low Temperature Alert	Temperature below which to send alert	5°C (41°F)
High Temperature Alert	Temperature above which to send alert	35°C (95°F)
Low Water Alert	Water level below which to send alert	20%

Manual Override Duration

Setting	Description	Default
Override Timeout	Minutes after manual operation before returning to auto mode	60 minutes

Network Configuration

If you need to change WiFi settings after initial setup:

1. Press and hold the manual door button for 10 seconds
2. The device will reset to setup mode and create the “OpenCoop-[ID]” access point
3. Follow the initial setup process again

Alternatively, you can directly edit network settings in the web interface under Settings > Network.

Configuration Files

For advanced users, configuration is stored in JSON files on the device’s SPIFFS filesystem:

• /config.json - Device configuration and network settings
• /settings.json - Operation settings (door times, feeder times, etc.)

Note: Direct editing of these files is not recommended and may cause the system to malfunction. Always use the web interface when possible.

Configuration Backup and Restore

Creating a Backup

1. Go to Settings > System > Backup
2. Click “Download Backup”
3. Save the .json file to your computer

Restoring a Backup

1. Go to Settings > System > Restore
2. Click “Choose File” and select your backup .json file
3. Click “Upload and Restore”
4. The device will restart with the restored settings

Factory Reset

If you need to completely reset your OpenCoopControl to factory settings:

1. Method 1: Press and hold the manual door button for 20 seconds
2. Method 2: Go to Settings > System > Factory Reset

After a factory reset, the device will return to setup mode, and all settings will be lost.

Multi-Language Support

OpenCoopControl supports multiple languages. To change the interface language:

1. Go to Settings > System > Language
2. Select your preferred language from the dropdown
3. Click “Save Settings”

Currently supported languages:

• English
• Serbian

Troubleshooting Configuration Issues

If you encounter problems with your configuration:

1. Check that values are within the acceptable ranges
2. Ensure your device is running the latest firmware
3. Try restarting the device after making changes
4. As a last resort, perform a factory reset and reconfigure

For more help with troubleshooting, see the Troubleshooting Guide.