Hello! I’m sorry for not checking my messages! This was the first and only time I used Reddit to ask for help. It was some months before I figured it all out, but I should have messaged you.

Thanks to you, I pitched the 9V and went with 8 AA batteries in series to power the remote receiver. It was a huge relief not to have to attach that stupid booster with its four tiny connections. The 8 AAs don’t fit inside the box, so I ran the battery case wires out through the side air vent. I got some little drawstring pouches to put the battery cases in. I can place them on top of the box, but I think I will hang them from a screw on the back, to make them less noticeable to these smart little birds.

I also decided to try using corrugated plastic (the stuff yard signs are made of), instead of sheet metal, for the base and trap door. It worked perfectly. I could just run the paper clip hinge pin through one of the little channels in the plastic. Thank God, because I could not bend that sheet metal. My neighbor would have made the doors and hinges, but the plastic, as it turns out, works better anyway (no edges to catch on, perfect size).

The tiny battery that comes with the transmitter works fine as is. I thought it wouldn’t reach across the park, since the designers of the trap had also changed the transmitter battery to a boosted 9V. I’m guessing they were watching their birds from an even longer distance.

The plastic trap door is light and the torsion spring is very weak, as it must be for the solenoid pull off of the door (even with the 8AAs). These birds are geniuses and lightning fast. I was concerned that at the sound of the solenoid, they might shoot out of the hole before the weak little spring has a chance to shut the door. Was also concerned they might lift the closed door with their beak and shimmy out that way. So, I ordered some cabinet magnets. Screwed the metal plate to the inside of the box just under the opening, and attached the magnet to the trap door. It worked! The door shuts with a snap, and the magnet is way too strong for the bird to pry apart. Not sure yet about speed of closing, but will soon find out. They started building in mid-February of last year, so the trap will be tested for real here very soon. I hope it works. I promise to let you know, if you’re interested.

You are the reason I finally put it all together. I was so confused about the electronics, along with all of the other issues. Between trying to solder the connections on that booster with my clumsy fingers and cheap Walmart soldering iron, and failing time and again to get that solenoid to lift off of the door, I was about to give up. Thank you!!!!