Comments: I would like to expand this idea, and build a USB version of this. I will keep you posted if I decide to make this happen, possibly there could be a market for something like this.
Admin reply: Yeah, there are many ways to skin this... err.. cat. Do post back if you get anywhere! ...Mathew
Comments: thanks to you ive just saved ma self some money which now will go towards some more prezzies for my 2 children, this christmas. ive just replaced a faulty diapragm for my 24cdi boiler. very valuble pictures you took. once again thank you!!!
Admin reply: That's excellent news, on all accounts! Well done for doing it as it's not the easiest of jobs, as you now know! Excellent timing too, what with the freezing temperatures at the moment and Christmas only just round the corner. Hope you have a good one, and all the best for the New Year! ...Mathew.
Comments: If you were to find the most inexpensive, simplest solution, what would it be? A USB wireless device? Wires attached parallel/serial port? While your solution is entertaining, it may not be practical for many users. So if you had to do the project over again using the most inexpensive approach, how would you do it?
Admin reply: Good question Mike! To be honest if I were to do it again, for myself, I would probably do it exactly the same way. Cisco switches are extremely cheap - they're almost given away on eBay, literally. However, for others wishing to do likewise who might not like the idea of hacking an existing piece of equipment I suppose I would instead suggest seeking out a cheap network-enabled relay. Whilst I didn't find anything I probably didn't look hard enough, not least because I already had a good way forward in mind. Of course, if you can have the feeder near your PC then just use the serial/parallel ports as you suggest. Otherwise, I think a co-located dedicated PC just for the feeder is overkill... (that said, some would say the whole project is anyway!) ...Mathew.
Comments: great cat feeder! hacking the cisco wins you an extra internet and a half.
In the past I contemplated making one and setting it to 'AUTO'. Felix was getting on in years (14) and was quite forgetful! Kept asking for food when quite clearly didn't need anymore. At that point I realised my time with him was getting shorter and soon enough 2 months ago he had to be put down because he had stopped eating! Value the time you spend with your cats! Even feeding time!
Admin reply: Sorry to hear of your loss Ricky; I hope there's some comfort to be found in knowing you gave him a good life. Ever since one of our cats (Elmo - the ginger one) got hit by a car we've realised how much a part of the family they really are so we try not to take it for granted that they'll always be around. Fortunately he was insured hence got the best treatment money could buy and so lived to tell the tale. ...Mathew.
Excellent timing too, what with the freezing temperatures at the moment and Christmas only just round the corner. Hope you have a good one, and all the best for the New Year! 
...Mathew.
Name: godzilla
From: Sweden
E-mail: Viewable to admin only
Excellent idea, the layout slightly resembles my old XJ6 both in wiring and detail solutions.
Keep the good work up!
Admin reply: Thanks! XJ6 you say? I'll take that as a compliment, I think!