CartridgeGenius
Got one of these? Catgenie 120 / 120plus


Then you may need one of these:(colors may vary)


Introduction
Do you like your CatGenie, but not the returning cost of ownership for the cartridges? Want to break free your CatGenie, making it run without a cartridge, or with a cartridge you have refilled? Then CartridgeGenius is just what you are looking for: CartridgeGenius is a cartridge emulator that puts you back in control over your CatGenie by making it think it has a full cartridge. With this device you will truly own your CatGenie, without updating its firmware. Just hook up this device, that's all. The Genie is finally out of the bottle!

CartridgeGenius is NOT compatible with the older Model 60 nor the CatGenie A.I.

Please Read the Manual
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4riqxcuxjvxv1b/CartridgeGenius%20Manual.pdf?dl=0

How it works
CartridgeGenius is a drop-in replacement for the cartridge tag reader in your CatGenie. It simulates the presence of the both the original tag reader and the tag on the cartridge. This simulated cartridge is called a virtual cartridge. This enables you to repair your CatGenie in case the original tag reader breaks down, or to remain using your CatGenie in case the supplier goes out of business, as was the case with the LitterFree box. In other words:
CartridgeGenius puts you back in control over your appliance!.

Please Read the Manual
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4riqxcuxjvxv1b/CartridgeGenius%20Manual.pdf?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4riqxcuxjvxv1b/CartridgeGenius%20Manual.pdf?dl=0

Demonstration

CartridgeGenius demo

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Features
CartridgeGenius does a little more than just simulating a cartridge. It extends your possibilities and allows you to use wash your CatGenie as often as you want, without paying the penalty. Below is a list of its features:
  • Simulates the presence and absence of a cartridge. With one press of a button, the virtual cartridge can be inserted or removed from the CatGenie.
  • Simulated user adjustable virtual cartridge level. With another button the level of the virtual cartridge can be changed.
  • Simulates different cartridge types. Whether you want a 120 cycle cartridge, a 60 cycle cartridge or even a maintenance cartridge, you can select it at the touch of a button.
  • Auto-mode does it all, automatically. When enabled, you'll never need to think about the virtual cartridge again: As soon as the virtual cartridge is close to empty, the virtual cartridge is removed, reset to 100% and re-inserted automatically. This is very useful for people who prefer to use a large external reservoir instead of cartridges.
  • Please Read the Manual
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4riqxcuxjvxv1b/CartridgeGenius%20Manual.pdf?dl=0

Installing
And you don't need to be a genius to install CartridgeGenius either. Anybody who knows at which end to hold a screwdriver and is not afraid to use it can install CartridgeGenius on their CatGenie. Just watch this instruction video:

CartridgeGenius install instructions

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And this video with supplied cable.

Cartridgegenius With Adapter Cable Installation

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Responsibility
Installing this component involves opening the processing unit of your CatGenie. It directly connects to the internal low-voltage electronic circuits of your CatGenie. In a very far-fetched short circuit situation it is theoretically possible that the exposed conductors on the CartridgeGenius will carry live mains voltage. Since I have no influence on how well or careful CartridgeGenius, is installed I can take no responsibility whatsoever for any resulting damage or injuries of installing CartridgeGenius. In other words: Installing CartridgeGenius and any resulting damage by installing or using it is completely at your own risk. By buying this component you agree to that.

Some alternative detergents are harmful to the internal silicone tubing of your CatGenie. You can either refill your cartridges with plain tap water, as I do, to keep the tubing and pump in good shape. Or you can test an alternative solution with some silicone tubing available in any RC model car shop, where they will call it fuel line. Make sure you get silicone fuel line as used for methanol containing fuels, not the one used for actual petrol. Cut off a piece, put it in the bottle of detergent for a couple of days and if it still feels intact afterwards, the detergent should be safe for your CatGenie. But here too, selecting and using an alternative detergent is at your own risk.

Compatibility
CartridgeGenius works on all Model 120 and Model 120+ CatGenie litter boxes. It is also compatible with VIC Club (Very Important Cats Club) boxes, but only after you have fulfilled your VIC 1080 or VIC 840 supply contract.

CartridgeGenius is NOT compatible with the older Model 60 nor the CatGenie A.I.

Please Read the Manual
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4riqxcuxjvxv1b/CartridgeGenius%20Manual.pdf?dl=0

Warranty
That's simple: This hand assembled device comes with a one year warranty. If it's defective, unable to do what it's supposed to do, and it's not caused by mis-handling, I will repair it or replace it for free. However, you do have to pay for shipment back and forth. Having said that, CartridgeGenius will most likely outlive the mechanics of your CatGenie by far.

I have to make one exception for warranty: I cannot guarantee this CartridgeGenius to work with future CatGenies, as I have already seen counter measures. Therefore CartridgeGenius not working on a newly replaced CatGenie is not covered.

If you have just purchased CartridgeGenius and it doesn't work with your current CatGenie, we will help you getting it to work. If we can't, we will offer you to send it back for a refund of the purchasing price (not including shipment).


Generic tips
Please Read the Manual
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4riqxcuxjvxv1b/CartridgeGenius%20Manual.pdf?dl=0

It will give you a good impression of what you're buying and how to use it.

If you own a compatible CatGenie and you're considering to buy a CartridgeGenius, then please do so now because the device may no longer be available in the future. The devices have in stock are the only devices left and I don't think I will build another batch due to counter measures in the latest revision CatGenies.

Don't wait until your cartridge is depleted before ordering or installing CartridgeGenius. Keep a working original cartridge at hand because it's a very useful tool when diagnosing problems. If you have a problem, my first question will be: Does the problem occur when using the original cartridge reader with an original cartridge?

Reviews

https://hackaday.com/tag/cartridgegenius/

https://jorgelo.co/the-future-a-cat-litter-and-drm-6dbda26428f8