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Re:Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine by bryondowd on Wednesday December 21, 2016 @01:11PM (#13231263)
For a cheap and simple hack solution, I would imagine you could just get one of those outlet timers. That's assuming the device uses wall power, defaults to locked when unpowered, and doesn't require any user input to resume function when power cycled. Just set it to power on at 7AM and either set it to power off at the time you usually refill it, or just manually switch it off when filling.

Not as much fun as an IoT cat feeder, though.

Re:Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine by jevinskie on Wednesday December 21, 2016 @02:40PM (#13231985)
Great idea but unfortunately it is battery operated. I suppose a relay on Vcc might do the trick though!
Re:Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine by ars on Wednesday December 21, 2016 @03:07PM (#13232187)
It would probably be easier to power it via a wall-wart (voltage adapter) and an off the shelf plug-in timer.

Just cut off the end of the adapter and wrap the wire around the battery terminals.

Re:Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine by Alupis on Wednesday December 21, 2016 @04:19PM (#13232713)
> unfortunately it is battery operated

Seems short-sighted on the manufacturer's side. What happens if you go on vacation and the battery dies?

It should have a wall plug, and a battery to fallback on for when there's an outage.

Re:Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine by jevinskie on Wednesday December 21, 2016 @04:31PM (#13232810)
The feeder only contains room for a day's worth of food, it doesn't have a "hopper" and isn't designed for unattended use. It's (unhacked) purpose is mostly for multiple pet households to prevent food theft or enforcing special diets.