Solar fence charger

[DT86]

I have been asked a few questions about my solar fence charger set up after responding to another electric fence thread. I had good intentions of posting about the set up when I built it but never took the time. Here goes, pics to follow...

-- I started out with a Stafix x6i energizer with remote control, these run off of 12v DC. They come with two power cords, a 120v AC to 12v DC adapter and another with simple alligator clip ends to connect to a deep cycle battery. $650.00

I bought mine locally but I really like Kencove.Electric Fence Supplies
They have lots of fence building info and are a great source for fencing materials.

-- I believe Stafix called for a 60 watt solar panel but I decided on two 40 watt wired parallel. This was to make sure the charger didn't fizzle out before sun-up when it was cloudy during the day / long winters nights, ect.

Included with my purchase was a weather resistant voltage regulator. These were also ordered from my local fence supplier but knowing what I know now they could be bought online for less.

-- Next was a deep cycle battery from the auto parts store. The biggest one they had. $105.00 w/o a core return.

-- Then came a big plastic tool box from Home Depot to house the charger, controller and battery. $60.00

-- After the parts were together a quick and cheap A-frame to hold the panels was built from scrap 2x4's. It will fold up and fit in the bed of my RTV along with the plastic tool box. I did this because it was used as a portable set up for a while before the fencing was complete.

-- There are a total of 4 ground rods 6' apart. They are completely underground as is the wiring for them. (Well except for the first one.)

--If anyone would like to know more about my set up just ask. I'll do my best to answer any electric fencing questions too.

 

[94BULLITT]

That is a nice setup. Does it keep the weeds/ grass burnt off of it?

 

[DT86]

The short answer is, if left alone, yes.

I rotational graze, meaning the cattle are in a small paddock for usually only one day at time before being moved to the next one. They graze each paddock only once every 25 - 35 days. These are divided with only 2 or 3 hot high tensile wires. The way the fence is wired only 4 paddocks are energized at any time, this allows a maximum amount of "juice" in the pads where the cattle are without the draw of keeping the ones not in use energized.

This means that the grass has about a month to grow up onto the wires and can easily become a problem. I used to weed eat several miles of fence about this time of year to keep it hot.

I came to the realization some time ago that, if I can keep cattle in place using one temporary poly wire placed waist high and little plastic posts 30' apart that I was 1) over building my division (internal) fences and 2) putting the bottom hot wire way too close to the ground.

Moving the bottom hot wire to about knee high helps in two ways. 1) The grass blades don't grow that tall and the charger can still easily handle the stems that do. 2) The cattle now actually graze UNDER the bottom hot wire.

 

[bullbreaker]

I have been asked a few questions about my solar fence charger set up after responding to another electric fence thread.
--If anyone would like to know more about my set up just ask. I'll do my best to answer any electric fencing questions too.

:applause: :thumbsup:

I congratulate you on your choice of and passion in setting up a professional unit and not trying to cut corners with inferior equipment. That is one heck of a solar charger with 6 joules. Some questions if I may ask ?


1. What do the 4 controls or knobs do on your charger ? Most smaller units have just power hookup.
2.What is the effective distance range of your remote control ?
3.I believe you said your running polywire (not to be confused with poly rope) are you running any stretches with regular wire. If so steel or aluminum and what gauge ?
4.Was your decision to go with polywire was it baised on the fact its easier to respool or wrap up than galvanized steel wire ?
5.Any potential problems with thieves walking away with your professional set-up ?
6.I'am I correct to assume you are running a lightning diverter like mine from Kencove(as in pic) ?
I know you know they suggest using 3 ground rods just on diverter.

For future besides charger you went with I was thinking about a :Taylorfence.net - Solar Fence Chargers

Also find it interesting that charger you have is made in New Zealand .

 

[DT86]

1) Colored terminals are...

Green- ground
Black- i have no idea
Yellow-1/2 power
Red- full power

The sliding switch above the terminals is...

--off
--battery test
--slow day / quick night time pulse waves
--quick day / slow night time pulse waves
--half power / quick pulse
--full power / quick pulse

The battery test is handy, other wise it stays on full power.

2) The remote will work anywhere on the fence line. You actually touch it to the wire and the signal goes down the wire.

On poly wire I find I can turn it off but not back on.

3&4) I use 12.5 ga hi tensile for all fences and brace wire.

The poly wire I use to subdivide larger pastures. I have about six spools of it and about 300-400 temporary posts. I also strip graze in the winter with them.

5) It is about 1/4 mile from a little country road. We shoot enough around here that most folks know not to be messing around.

6) The only charger that we had struck was set up with a good diverter / ground rods in place. It destroyed the diverter and the charger. Luckily Stafix has a ?two year? Lightning warranty. I've been running without for over ten years now.

---I really like the charger you linked to, but at this point it would be hard to give up the remote.

 

[DT86]

I'm really glad you both like my set up. I enjoy showing it off when people come over.

Any thing I missed, just let me know.

 

[crowbar032]

Does the solar converter convert DC to AC? Or are the chargers specific current?

I should also mention I'm not an electrician.

 

[DT86]

These particular chargers always run on 12v DC. The AC power cord has a converter built into the socket end.

 

[mjcountrybumpkin]

Why the battery? Do the solar panels not work off the moon too?



( and somebody once said there's no such thing as a stupid question )

 

[mjcountrybumpkin]

By the way I have seen this setup in person. It is very impressive yet incredibly simple in design. Just makes me nervous to get to close to the fence wire.