The Better Cat Trap
The Better Cat Trap is a personal electronics project by Jason Pleakis, focusing on using technology to create a smarter cat trap for Trap N Release Programs. There are several versions in various prototyping phases.
Parts List
This is still a prototype, and this list may change over time. I bought all these parts from amazon, but should be able to easily source most of them for half the price. The LilyGo Board will probably be close to that same price even in bulk.
| Component | Notes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| LILYGO T-SIM7000G ESP32 Development Board | The brains of the operation, watches a n infrared sensor, and closes the door when a cat is detected, then sends a signal over cell towers with GPS coordinates to a set of trapper's Phones via SMS message and they can coordinate who picks it up. | $51.00 |
| 12V Solenoid | Responsible for pulling the trigger and making the door shut. | $16.79 |
| Infrared Proximity Sensor | The eyes of the system, watches for a cat to enter the trap and sends a signal when the cat gets close enough to the food (a few inches from the sensor placed at the opposite end of the trap from the door. | $4.99 |
| 12V Lithium battery pack with charger | For powering the solenoid, but also the ESP32 Development board by stepping the voltage down to 5V. | $24.99 |
| 1NCE Sim Card | Cellular backhaul uses an IOT sim card that costs $10 once and is valid for 10 years. | $10.00 |
| 12v to 5v Buck Converter | Provides 5v power for the main board. | $2.80 |
| Waterproof Quick Disconnect Plug | Allows easy separation of the Trap from the Box | $4.49 |
| Waterproof Plastic Enclosure Box | Holds all the boards and batteries and keeps everything dry | $9.99 |
| Other Parts | Miscellaneous wires, a button, status LED resistors, transistors and breadboards used for soldering the wires together. | $10.00 |
| Total Cost | Everything purchased from Amazon at high retail prices. | $135.05 |
Roadmap
Prototyping
Prototype has been completed, still working out a few bugs, but the hardware is mostly locked in.
Testing
We are here right now. The trap is built, and sitting in my driveway waiting to catch a cat.
Refinement
Once we see it in action, both at home, and out in the field, i’ll have a better idea of what needs to be fine tuned.
Production
Once everything is dialed in, I’ll make a full guide on what to buy and how to assemble everything and make it available here.
Contact
I can be reached at jason@greenvillewebworks.com. I’m located in Beautiful Greenville, South Carolina.