The timer can be used with the VSB type door openers in 2 different ways.

The most common method is to set an actual opening time and use the light sensor to close the door.  If you set the opening time to after people are active there is a much lesser chance of a predator attacking your chickens early in the morning.  Without the timer the door will open when the sun rises which could be 4 o’clock in the middle of summer.  This isn’t a problem if they are in a fox proof chicken coop but if they free range we strongly advise using the timer.  As the chickens will naturally go to bed at the same light level everyday using the light sensor to close the door is very reliable and doesn’t need changing according to the seasons.

The alternative way is to open and shut according to the timer.  This method is used if you have very long or short days which is common on the North coast of Scotland and above, or sometimes you might find that the coop is situated in a particularly shady area that doesn’t get enough light to work reliably.

Setting the timer to work with the VSB door opener

The first thing to set is the time

Press the diamond shape key to enter the programming mode.  This sometimes responds better to a light touch rather than a heavy thumb!  A ‘P’ will show on the display.

This is the minute adjustment key.  Press it to advance the minutes.  The minutes are normally correct when set at the factory so only needs adjusting when replacing the batteries.

This button adjusts the hours, press to advance.

Now to set the opening / closing times on your VSB timer

If you remember that the dark segments relate to night time when you want the door shut setting the timer is easier

This key selects the segments to be altered.  You can either move around 1 segment at a time by giving it a single press at a time or if you press and hold it will select several segments.  When you first receive your timer you’ll normally only want to change the opening time.  Press and hold this button until all the segments are flashing up to 1 or 2 segments before the ones you want to change and then use single press to move 1 segment at a time.

To change the state of a segment from dark to clear or vice versa press this button.  If you select multiple segments that are both dark and clear it will swap them all to the alternative state.  It’s best not to select segments of different states.

If you want to use the timer to close the door you can now set a closing time.  If you plan on using the light sensor to close the door you don’t need to make any more adjustment so leave the closing time as set at 10 o’clock as this will be after the door has automatically shut according to the timer.

Press and hold the segment key to advance segments until just before the closing time, then progress one segment at a time and change each one individually.

The timer is now set.  Press the diamond key to leave the program mode.

If at any time you want to clear the segments the “C” key will clear all the screen.