OP
ayelvington
Gold Member
You're not a stick-in-the-mud, and you're not alone! I've heard from several folks that the Zareba products and lemons...
Thanks!
al
Harbor Freight solar fencer question
- Thread starter ayelvington
- Start date
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You're not a stick-in-the-mud, and you're not alone! I've heard from several folks that the Zareba products and lemons...
Thanks!
al
Abe460
Bronze Member
I did recently purchase a solar panel off of e-bay for $60 bucks or so. It's for my GTO gate opener. It's working like a champ. GTO wants close to $200 for a lower end panel.
When I have a few min. I'm going to look for a 12vdc fence charger by itself. I'd like to provide my own battery and solar panel. I may even build my own voltage regulator for charging if it's not included.
This may be the more expensive way to go, but it beats buying a new charger every year. I haven't been able to find something more on the commercial side of solar fence chargers...maybe someone else has some experience?
When I have a few min. I'm going to look for a 12vdc fence charger by itself. I'd like to provide my own battery and solar panel. I may even build my own voltage regulator for charging if it's not included.
This may be the more expensive way to go, but it beats buying a new charger every year. I haven't been able to find something more on the commercial side of solar fence chargers...maybe someone else has some experience?
OP
ayelvington
Gold Member
Abe460
I did exactly what you want to do for my main area. I got a great DC fencer from kencove.com, and paired it up with two HF 15 watt solar panels, charge regulator, and a battery. I have the panels facing at different angles, so one catches the morning sun, and the other catches the afternoon sun. It works great, and the only effort was to knock snow off of them in the winter until I just shifted them to be straight vertical.
I just want a low-cost solution for about two seasons. So, I'm still hoping someone has experience with the HF fencer that I started the thread about...
I did exactly what you want to do for my main area. I got a great DC fencer from kencove.com, and paired it up with two HF 15 watt solar panels, charge regulator, and a battery. I have the panels facing at different angles, so one catches the morning sun, and the other catches the afternoon sun. It works great, and the only effort was to knock snow off of them in the winter until I just shifted them to be straight vertical.
I just want a low-cost solution for about two seasons. So, I'm still hoping someone has experience with the HF fencer that I started the thread about...
Abe460
Bronze Member
I'm sure someone has some experience with the charger you are looking at.
I would pass it up based on the 6v/4.5 AH battery. For close to the same price you could get a 12v./7.5 AH battery. Replacement cost for the battery just doesn't seem to add up. I'd have to look again where I saw the 7.5 AH battery, but 12VDC to me, seems like the built in solar panel would be better suited.
I am by no means an expert. I just have my own little quirks.:ashamed:
P.S. I'd like to see what you have done with your panels and fence charger some time if you get a chance. I have an idea of what I want, but never saw an example...sounds like it works well.
I would pass it up based on the 6v/4.5 AH battery. For close to the same price you could get a 12v./7.5 AH battery. Replacement cost for the battery just doesn't seem to add up. I'd have to look again where I saw the 7.5 AH battery, but 12VDC to me, seems like the built in solar panel would be better suited.
I am by no means an expert. I just have my own little quirks.:ashamed:
P.S. I'd like to see what you have done with your panels and fence charger some time if you get a chance. I have an idea of what I want, but never saw an example...sounds like it works well.
OP
ayelvington
Gold Member
I finally folded and bought the Parmak DF-SP-L1 solar powered fencer. Parker McCrory Mfg Co
My new problem is that the corner posts are bending under the stain of the high-tensile wire. I doubled them up as recommended, but just too much of a good thing. I'll be replacing them with driving wood posts when my cash flow improves...
I'm attaching some photos. You can see how the corner posts have bent. I'm going to put on a tape gate when it starts raining, and then transplant my trees into the area.
It's amazing how much you can learn from your mistakes!
My new problem is that the corner posts are bending under the stain of the high-tensile wire. I doubled them up as recommended, but just too much of a good thing. I'll be replacing them with driving wood posts when my cash flow improves...
I'm attaching some photos. You can see how the corner posts have bent. I'm going to put on a tape gate when it starts raining, and then transplant my trees into the area.
It's amazing how much you can learn from your mistakes!
Attachments
Abe460
Bronze Member
Out of curiosity...what do you mean by a "tape gate"?
OP
ayelvington
Gold Member
A tape gate is synthetic webbing laced with stainless steel fibers. It's about 2" wide and makes a very visible (and charged) barrier to the entrance. Insulated handles connect it to the charger so that if you disconnect it you don't have to fear getting bit by your own monster. I should take pictures, hunh?
Try this link:
Tape Gate 1.8in 16 ft White
Abe460
Bronze Member
That's kinda what I thought you meant. I have my entire stud pasture interior fenced with a 1" polytape, three rows. It's really good stuff, but I made the mistake of splicing with a knot and that doesn't work very well. If you've worked with it then you already know, but since I messed up I figured I'd pass it along to everyone.
