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From: linneweh@motcid.UUCP (Louis Linneweh)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Electronic Cat doors revisited
Message-ID: <4725@blue.UUCP>
Date: 20 Feb 91 16:07:15 GMT
References: <7045@rsiatl.Dixie.Com> <1991Feb20.072741.1050@eua.ericsson.se>
Organization: Motorola Inc., Cellular Infrastructure Div., Arlington Heights, IL
Lines: 77

mike@erix.ericsson.se (Mike Williams) writes:

>In article <7045@rsiatl.Dixie.Com> jgd@rsiatl.UUCP (John G. DeArmond) writes:
>>
>>The unit is made in England and is called the StayWell 21.  It is powered
>>by a wall tumor.  It has a selector that allows one to control which
>>direction the cat is allowed to go automatically (in but not out, for
>>example.)
>>
>>The transmitter that attaches to the cat's collar is about 2/3's the
>>size of an EPROM and perhaps half as thick.  It appeared to be powered
>>by a watch battery, though I'm not absolutely sure on that account.
>>It may be self-powered from the door.
>>

>I had a similar device from the same manufacturer. It may be an older
>model since it is a small magnet which hangs around the cat's neck.
>The unit had to be adjusted to match the local magnetic field and I
>found that it required readjustment as battery aged. It bacame a not
>uncommon sight to see two angry cats waiting outside the cat flap when
[deleted]
>Anyone have any solutions to this problem? Do more modern flaps work?

I have been using a "newer" model Staywell 21 for 2 years with two very happy
cats.  They don't feel trapped inside or out when I am away.  No other
animals have gotten inside yet, except the ones my cat bring in herself. 8-0

The "new" model uses "keys" on the cat's collar which have no batteries, nor
are they "magnetic".  They appear to contain tuned circuits that are 
reccognized by a loop of wire in the frame of the cat flap, probably acting
like a "grid dip" circuit.  Never had a problem with it working.  No
adjustment is possible (from the outside :-) or necessary.  Uses a low
voltage transformer.  If your worried about power failures trapping your cats
outside (lock does not keep door from opening out) a small UPS would last
for hours.  There five different "keys" available so your neighbor can also
have a door for his cats only. Two (of the same) keys come with each door and
additional (replacements) are available from Staywell.

Here is the info I have on Staywell (no phone numbers provided):

U.S. Address:
Relior, Inc.
417 Caredean Drive
Babylon Business Campus
Horsham, PA 19044

U.K Address:
Consumer Service Dept.
Relior Limited
Blackpool Road
Preston PR2 2DN

And Hammacher Schlemmer (+1 800 543 3366):
Midwest Operations
9180 Le Saint Drive
Fairfield, OH 45014

Staywell is available in three models (Hammacher just carries model 21 ?) :

Model 21 (electronic lock, manual 4-way lock, and about 1.5 inch "tunnel" 
to line the opening)

Model 20 (same as 21 but no electronic lock, just manual 4-way and "tunnel")

Model 19 (same as 20 but no "tunnel", just the manual lock)

I used a model 21 inside and a 20 outside through my wall.  The two "tunnels" 
didn't quite meet in the middle (1 inch or so gap), so I wrapped a strip of 
vinyl plastic around the tunnel joint and held it in place with several 
wraps of nylon reinforced strapping tape.  Worked slick.  I'm going to order 
a spare key and door seal "any day now" (I got curious and screwed one of 
the seals up)!

I don't work for Staywell or Hammacher Schlemmer, nor do I own stock in them,
though I wish I did because it is a great product (if over priced).

Lou


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