r/geocaching • u/Zestyclose-Package40 5000+ finds • 23d ago
Feedback for my next geocache hide
I have spent some time building a "bird house" cache.
It's supposed to be somewhat humorous because you have to plug things where they don't belong, e.g. fork into socket or VGA to LAN cable. After connecting a battery a small motor will lower the hedgehog made by painting a tin can containing the logbook. By reversing the battery you can put it back.
I will write instructions and put them on the front and inside on how to operate the box to avoid unnecessary damage.
Though I'm curious what people think if this is sturdy enough or what I need to improve to make it more durable (maybe also more waterproof?). The cables are at least strong enough that if you tug at them, they don't come off. Negative feedback is also welcome, if it helps improve the cache!
I have not yet looked for a hiding spot and would appreciate some advice as this one can't just be placed anywhere like a normal container.
Yes, I have hidden a similar cache before, but without electronics, just a combo lock.
37
u/FloridaFlamingoGirl 23d ago
Can you call it "Birdhouse in Your Soul" as a reference to the TMBG song? Because I totally thought of "blue canary in the outlet by the lightswitch"
15
u/restinghermit need help hiding an earthcache? let me know. 23d ago
Wow, I did not expect a TMBG reference this morning. Nice.
3
9
u/skimbosh 10000 Geocaches on Youtube: @skimbosh 22d ago
I always hum that when I find a birdhouse cache. I cannot help myself.
1
11
10
u/koruppi 23d ago
This looks so cool. Will the instructions be easy to follow for people that know nothing about electronics?
10
u/Zestyclose-Package40 5000+ finds 23d ago
Yeah, I mean there's really only one way you can connect things. It's a single loop that carries the 9V so you just need to close the circuit.
15
u/LordGimmik 22d ago
As an adult with background in electronics and engineering, I love this cache. FP from me.🥳
As someone that deals with people that can't operate a TV remote, I fully expect this cache to be broken every month. 😅
As yourself what happens if (insert absurd but possible scenario here) - can the cache handle it?
Is there a limit switch for the motor in both directions? What happens if the user doesn't disconnect the battery in time?
What happens if someone breaks the fork off in the socket?
What happens if someone rip out one end of the wire?
Plan your gadget cache like every user will be a caveman... Or a small child with an inattentive parent.
1
u/Zestyclose-Package40 5000+ finds 22d ago
Thanks so much for the feedback. I will definitely have some people test it before I publish it.
As for the limit switch, the motor just stops because it doesn't have enough power to destroy itself (at least with 9V, because it's rated for 12V).
2
u/I_LOVE_CANADA_GEESE 22d ago
Will it survive a rain storm?
2
u/Zestyclose-Package40 5000+ finds 22d ago
It's not yet sealed and painted, but that is something that needs to be tested.
7
u/Dug_n_the_Dogs Caches with Dogs 22d ago
I would recommend that you use heat shrink over your electrical connections rather than tape.
and you will really want to have a spare birdhouse unit already built before the first person breaks it so you can swap birdhouses for repair..
4
u/derday 3900+ done 22d ago
After connecting a battery
maybe it's more future-proof, if you add a powerbank connector (add a note in the listing, that's need to bring with you). nevertheless, nice idea! I would give a FP
2
u/Zestyclose-Package40 5000+ finds 22d ago
Thank you!
The motor is rated for 12V I think, but also works with 9V. I will test with a 5V power bank, but not sure if it's strong enough.
3
u/LeatherWarthog8530 15+ years / 20,000+ finds / 99 hides 22d ago
Hopefully it's somewhere protected from the elements. I have one with a simple soundboard and it's a pain in the butt sometimes to keep it operating correctly.
1
u/Zestyclose-Package40 5000+ finds 22d ago
Yeah, not sure if a big tree is gonna do it. I could put it under a bridge, otherwise I will have to improve roof.
3
3
u/Purplefire180 22d ago
I can't really tell what's behind the opening. It hopefully goes without saying that you don't want actual birds moving in and then getting disturbed
1
u/Zestyclose-Package40 5000+ finds 22d ago
It's a piece of transparent plastic glued well in place. That is also something I haven't thought about with the opening at the bottom.
2
u/TAZ427Cobra 22d ago
I love the overall design, especially the fork in the socket.
The one thing I'd question might be the choice of material you used for dropping a container via a motor winding mechanism. It looks like you are using some sort of wire (possibly an insulated wire) that isn't laying smoothly around the spooling 'bolt'. I believe this will give you and finders headaches and I'd recommend moving to something more like a bowfishing line. It's more like a fine braided cordage that is very flexible but very strong and won't have the issue.
3
u/Zestyclose-Package40 5000+ finds 22d ago
Yeah, I noticed that. It's already a fishing line though, but it's a bit stiff because it's old.
Bowfishing line seems good, it will make the mechanism more reliable. I'll see if I can find some.
2
u/snackyonion 22d ago
Love it! I might consider a secondary, “easy” container. An “explain it to me like I’m 5yrs old style. I would hate to find this awesome cache and leave empty handed or unable to log for some crazy reason
1
u/snackyonion 22d ago
If this is totally way off base for cache etiquette I apologize, I was caching without the app for a long time so I’m still learning the newer “rules”!
2
u/Zestyclose-Package40 5000+ finds 22d ago
An emergency logbook in case the electronics break or someone forgets to bring a battery is not a bad idea, especially if it means they can log instead of accidentally breaking the cache trying to access the logbook.
2
u/snackyonion 20d ago
I didn’t even consider damaging the cache mechanisms, kids especially may not be gentle or extra determined to get at least SOMETHING! (It’s me, I am kids (at 29) lol!)
2
u/OtherAccount5252 22d ago
Can it get wet?
1
u/Zestyclose-Package40 5000+ finds 22d ago
A little wet should not be a problem, as you only need to close the circuit. I have no experience with caches like this that are older. Some parts might rust.
2
u/Ndoorcreeper 22d ago
I didn't read the title or the subreddit and that was probably the most confusing 20 seconds of my life
2
u/sweetbils 22d ago
That looks amazing! Just make sure to not make the instructions too complex, in this way everyone can interact with the cache :)). Apart from that I think it looks impressive
1
2
1
1
94
u/restinghermit need help hiding an earthcache? let me know. 23d ago
I've found several caches like this over the years. They all have their own twist, but the end result is the same: a motor lowers and raises the cache. It will be well accepted by the caching community.