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[ron08]

We have a real problems with neighbor's cats using our garden as their litter box. If we see them during the
day we scare them so now they come at night.

I had an old robo dog and motion sensor and that has worked well for the last week but I', pretty sure they will
soon realize there is no real dog and it will stop working.

So I'm looking for ideas for something beyond just sound, some sort of "scarecrow" in some form that would
 move, roll or have motion and scare them away when triggered by the motion sensor.

This is a very low budget project (the lower the better

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Ron

[dave w]

This is a very low budget project (the lower the better

Any suggestions?

Low tech, low budget: Toss all your orange and lemon peels in the garden. Repeat weekly.

Higher tech: http://catrepellentguide.com/ultrasonic-cat-repellent/

Ultimate, but requires a commitment: http://www.dogsbite.org/dangerous-dogs-pit-bull-faq.php

[Brian H]

This will not meet your low cost requirement but it is interesting.
Senses motion and sprays the animal with water.
http://www.smarthome.com/6120/Contech-Electronics-CRO-101-Scarecrow-Water-Spraying-Animal-Repeller/p.aspx

[ron08]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I will try the orange and lemon peels but as far as high tech I guess I would like to try something with some
existing x10 equipment I may have or need to purchase rather than spending a lot on separate equipment.
Although $35 isn't bad for the ultrasound thing.

But it's kind of fun to put together something yourself.

Ron

[HA Dave]

RCaddict created a device from extra X10 parts he called (I think) a DIY Robo Dog. It would/will allow the use of tons of "different" MP3 sounds... which could be downloaded from the Internet.

http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=13211.msg73744#msg73744

P.S. I like this sound:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX7Ar3Z-oTo

[ron08]

Thanks too bad the pictures aren't there anymore but the description helped.

RCaddict created a device from extra X10 parts he called (I think) a DIY Robo Dog. It would/will allow the use of tons of "different" MP3 sounds... which could be downloaded from the Internet.

http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=13211.msg73744#msg73744

P.S. I like this sound:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX7Ar3Z-oTo

[HA Dave]

Thanks too bad the pictures aren't there anymore but the description helped.

[ron08]

Thanks Dave

Thanks too bad the pictures aren't there anymore but the description helped.

[HA Dave]

This thread has been rambling around in my head/memory. Somehow... it reminds me of the old X10 mole trap (the good old days).

But I had created a "device" of sorts which I had hoped to continue to improve and augment. It is a scarecrow of sorts. I used it for one Halloween. I used X10 (old style) cameras for eyes and a motion sensor to activate its movement and voice. I used an old outside animated Christmas decoration motor to make it move and another motor that spins a saw blade. The voices came from my home automation computer... to a speaker in the devices chest.

After Halloween I put the device in my basement office. The first time my wife caught a glimpse of it as she walked through the basement... I was told I had to move it. Apparently... it frightened her. So I moved it further into my office where it could not be casually noticed. It was weeks before my wife actually entered my office and activated the device. I heard her scream all the way upstairs.

Since she then insisted the device be disassembled I hide it in my closet. Months later... I apparently had left my closet light on. My wife thought rather than send me downstairs to turn off my light she would pop in and turn it off for me.

Anyway... both my wife and I survived. But my scarecrow device is now only a memory. But I do have a picture of it.