Zabera solar fence charger question

GoatsRus · #1 08/03/09, 10:30 AM

We have a Zabera solar fence charger that apparently has gone on the fritz. We replaced the battery in April and it worked for a while, but then stopped. We thought that the battery was bad, so we went to TSC and swapped it out. Nope. Charger still wont work. I hear a faint "tick" when I turn it on, but then nothing.

Anything I should look at (fuse ??) before we go buy another one?

agmantoo · #2 08/03/09, 12:12 PM

I have not had good results from the Zareba fence chargers. However, ParMak chargers have worked for me. With the ParMak there is a 2 years warranty. I have had both the 6 and 12 volt solar units from ParMak and for my operation the 12 volt one if far superior. I sold the 6 volt to a horse person and it remains in use. I suggest you get a quote on the repair of the Zareba and them make your decision to remain or change sources.

GoatsRus · #3 08/03/09, 12:14 PM

Thanks Agmantoo. I do feel we got our money's worth out of it since it's about 7 years old. I'm just wondering if I can repair/replace anything on it, or where I even need to look. I'm pretty handy, but know nothing about solar charges.

Bearfootfarm · #4 08/03/09, 12:18 PM

http://www.zarebasystems.com/support...r_centers.aspx

I doubt there's much that you could repair yourself.

starjj · #5 08/03/09, 12:19 PM

I was told solar is a waste of money. I almost went with one because I thought it would be more convient but was talked out of it. Even manager at TSC said it was a waste to get solar

cowcreekgeeks · #6 08/03/09, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starjj

I was told solar is a waste of money. I almost went with one because I thought it would be more convient but was talked out of it. Even manager at TSC said it was a waste to get solar

We've had our solar charger for five years and it works like a charm. It is a Fi-Shock brand.

I wonder if your fence is grounding or shorting out somewhere along the line. Maybe there's a lot of energy being lost by contact with vegetation?

GoatsRus · #7 08/03/09, 01:40 PM

Thanks Bearfoot farms.
Starjj - we've had ours at least 7 years and it's worked great. Fenced in area is no where near any electric.

starjj · #8 08/03/09, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowcreekgeeks

We've had our solar charger for five years and it works like a charm. It is a Fi-Shock brand.

I wonder if your fence is grounding or shorting out somewhere along the line. Maybe there's a lot of energy being lost by contact with vegetation?

I went with electric because Ii was told solar was not worth the money. Maybe they mislead me I don't know. Op states they are not near a power scorce so it makes sense to have solar.

agmantoo · #9 08/03/09, 02:43 PM

I have a 12 volt commercial made solar charger and it is OK for the application (partition fences) but it is far inferior to a mains powered high impedence unit. For a good unit in a location where mains power is not available a unit can be assembled that is far superior to a purchased solar. Obtain a high output low impedence battery powered energizer and then get a car battery and a solar battery charger such as the units that come on Volkswagons as they are shipped from Germany. Such a unit may not be a portable as a purchased solar unit but it will significantly outperform the commercial unit and will be cheaper.

willow_girl · #10 08/03/09, 07:31 PM

Quote:

I have not had good results from the Zareba fence chargers.

Same here. GRRR!

fixer1958 · #11 08/03/09, 08:36 PM

I have one of those and 2 more that I can't even remember what they are.
They worked fine for awhile, a year or so, maybe longer.
I can't depend on them. They weren't the high end ones, but none the less.

I went with a 12 volt battery fencer. I have had it 4 months and just charged the battery 2 weeks ago, and it didn't really need it, I just did it.

It it rated at 10k output, I can only get 8k on my meter.
I know I have a drain when it rains and it still puts out a strong 6k.
You can feel it in your bones if you are grounded good. I tried it.

I feel confident with those if it is isolated.
120v if there is access. I use a 3 mile fencer for the poultry, but I have access to power for them and can shut it off conveniently if there is lightning.

Beltane · #12 08/04/09, 04:31 AM

After a bear went through my beehives fish and game recommeded against the zebara chargers. I got the patriot solar 12V .2 Joule charger and it seems to be working like a charm!

http://www.patriotchargers.com/

GoatsRus · #13 08/04/09, 09:41 AM

Thanks guys. As I mentioned, we got at least 7 years out of this one and the goats have learned not to touch the wire no matter what. They never know if the charger is on or not. I was just curious if I could fix it myself. Right now, I've asked the electrical dept at work if they know anything about solar chargers and they told me to bring it in and they'd take a look at it. If they can't fix it, I'll start hunting for a new one.

Lazy J · #14 08/04/09, 09:55 AM

Zareba's stink. Go with a Gallagher. They have much better service and quality.

Jim

Beltane · #15 08/04/09, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazy J

Zareba's stink. Go with a Gallagher. They have much better service and quality.

Jim

Those were also recommended by my fish & game dept. as well.

farmergirl · #16 08/04/09, 03:18 PM

The only experience I have with the solar powered Zareba chargers is with the small one that I was given by a friend. It wasn't charging, so I figured it needed a new battery. Bought and installed the new battery, but then it only made a very tiny clicking noise a few times before dying completely. Not sure what the heck is wrong with it; I have two other fence chargers--one solar, one not--so it's not like I "need" the Zabera, but I would like to get it working.