Light-activated game feeders

[BryanDC]

What about an SMS modul to control it? I can turn on appliances and lights at home from anywhere with a mobile signal or wifi.

 

[Too Deer]

What about an SMS modul to control it? I can turn on appliances and lights at home from anywhere with a mobile signal or wifi.

That was my initial plan but the coverage from the major networks is so bad that I would not be able to get a reliable connection.

 

[Too Deer]

So here is my take on it and I've fed pond electronically for a lot of years.
You need the feed going in in the eve not the morning to encourage the ducks to arrive as its going dark and not have all the vermin eating your barley.
The reason you set it to go off a good half hour before dusk, is so the birds arrive before dark, so you can see to shoot them.
If the feeder is set off by the light going, it will frighten away any ducks already there! and they will come back in the dark-Ive had first hand experience of this.
Then we come to the distance thing, some of my ponds are 30 miles away, Im not going to visit everyday either! but you have to visit once a week at least, for even a 45gallon drum feeder of barley wont last much more than that [if you have any ducks]so when you top it up you change the time again, 30 seconds of your time! simple.

Although I am keen to avoid weekly trips due to the distance, it seems like the simplest and most reliable option is to use a timer and amend the timings while I am topping it up.

I may look to switch to a photosensitive feeder longer term but in the meantime, can anyone recommend a decent affordable timer unit for feeders?....... Preferably one that they have used with minimal fuss previously

Cheers,

James

 

[Tim.243]

Although I am keen to avoid weekly trips due to the distance, it seems like the simplest and most reliable option is to use a timer and amend the timings while I am topping it up.

I may look to switch to a photosensitive feeder longer term but in the meantime, can anyone recommend a decent affordable timer unit for feeders?....... Preferably one that they have used with minimal fuss previously

Cheers,

James

Used one that came from A1 decoys for 2 seasons fitted in to a dustbin on legs....I have a piece of wire and spring to keep the lid secure and made a hoop of mesh 3" square around it as they will empty it via bashing the spinner..

Timer is easy to use with a cr32 battery keeping the memory and 12v 7amp battery.
I tip, don't test it in the summer in shorts with barley in the hopper.....like getting shot lol

Tim.243

 

[Too Deer]

Used one that came from A1 decoys for 2 seasons fitted in to a dustbin on legs....I have a piece of wire and spring to keep the lid secure and made a hoop of mesh 3" square around it as they will empty it via bashing the spinner..

Timer is easy to use with a cr32 battery keeping the memory and 12v 7amp battery.
I tip, don't test it in the summer in shorts with barley in the hopper.....like getting shot lol

Tim.243

Thanks Tim, I think I'll give the A1 decoys jobber a go.

 

[levigsp]

Most of the newer one are good, with the exception of the Black plastic ones that use the old fashioned lantern batteries, hopeless, no guts and eat batteries.

 

[Pedro]

Solway Feeders: Solway Digital Smart Feeder 6 Volt only

A DIY 6 Volt feeder suitable for fitting to your own hoppers. We can also supply hoppers which will be compatible. The feeder is suitable for most poultry, game birds and wildfowl. Operates on 6volt dry cell lantern battery or 6 volt rechargable battery higher power output (not supplied). The...

www.solwayfeeders.com

They aren't too cheap. But I guess if you are saving enough in fuel it works out.

 

[enfieldspares]

Most of the newer one are good, with the exception of the Black plastic ones that use the old fashioned lantern batteries, hopeless, no guts and eat batteries.

Yep! Sounds like the one I had. Fantastic black plastic and a 6 volt big lantern battery.