Feeder Control Systems

Some of you may remember my love/hate relationship with Ontime feeders. I am currently running 4 of them. For the most part, I am happy with them, I just have some issues with their customer service.

With that said, I am at a cross roads. I either need to repair some Ontime or replace them with another brand. The main reason I like the Ontime is I can run AA batteries for more or less a season and theyre fairly easy to repair. I don't think I replace the batteries but twice a year.

Please give me your opinions, some have already suggested BossBuck and Texas Hunter. I am really looking for an all inclusive/bolt on kit, which has me leaning towards BossBuck. However, I am open to options Thanks!!

You can't go wrong with Texas Hunter feeders. I run 7 of them and a boss buck 1200# protein feeder. My Texas Hunter 300# Trophy feeders have been in operation, some since 2006. No problems, ever. Their new varmint guard is way better than their earlier version, too.

I just put a new one on my dad's last season, went with an All Seasons kit with The Timer. Supposedly The Timer is the be all end all timer setup. Of the 4 we put into service in the last two years, only one of them has needed to be replaced, so I guess that's good. The one down side is that it doesn't come with a solar panel for the price.

https://www.allseasonsfeeders.com/products/12-volt-control-unit

At my place in East Texas, I've got a feeder that might end up getting took, simply for the fact that it's in East Texas. I didn't want to put something top tier on it just in case it does walk off. I've bought these sunslingers in the past, before I drank The Timer koolaid, and for the money they're very good. Other than replacing the clocking mech on one or two of them over a dozen years or so, I haven't had much trouble from them.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Hunter-Slinger-Directional-Feeder/dp/B000FGWQ9W

Educate me on these...If you don't run a solar charger, how long do the batteries last? How do you charge the batteries, what type of charger? How long will they last with a charger?? Do these have the spin plate that is spring loaded so that it wont spin unless the motor is engaged? If so, why would you need the varmint guard?

I have gone to doing all my builds with 12V galvanized boxes, box-mounted solar panels (no exposed wires), and The Timer with a good 7.0aH sealed battery. This has proven to be a very reliable and low maintenance set up. Some customers have been getting 5 years out of them without even having to change the battery. They bolt right up.

These boxes cost a bit more upfront, but man do they throw, and the ability to trust that it will throw when it's supposed to is a good feeling. As a builder, I don't want to risk unhappy customers. I have also sold a few to THF members, all have been well satisfied.

Do you sell these and if so, what's the cost for that exact setup?

Yep, I do. I'll send you a pm with info.

I would be interested too

PM sent your way.

I've used the Texas Hunter system for years but I switched to the units similar to what TxAg using with The Timer, eliminator spinner and solar charger. They are a little more pricey but IMO well worth it. I've had mine running 2x 365 day for over 2 years and have not made any changes except adjust the throw time. Several dealers sell this as a complete unit (with or without battery) either with black box or better the galvanized box. For a mount on controller this is only thing I would consider.

With the solar panel sitting directly below the spinner plate like that, do you not get issues with corn dust covering and affecting the solar panel?

Not too bad. We wipe them down a couple times a year, about all that is required.

I have been selling Spintech 12v the last couple years and I really like them

I have built many feeders a supplied many FCU's, for years If a customer wanted a timer I would recommend the HCR 12 volt unit, only because I have been using them for about 20 years. With that said HCR has closed down, while I am now building as many feeders anymore I will still say go with the 12 volt galvanized box. Today if I was buying a timer there would be no question, I would go wit "The Timer", like TxAg posted. I had bad experience with the eliminator plate and coons, and mounded my solar panels flush so that dem damn coons couldn't mess with them.
Before anyone tells me how eliminators and Solar Panels mounting, I don't care. I have fought coons since the eighties and in my experience a full barrel cage 1x2 welded wire is the only thing that will keep them out 95% of the time.

Corn dust will not drastically affect charging any more than oxidized plastic.

If you get weevils in your corn or just have dusty corn, the dust WILL basically shut down your solar panel.
We always use panels with glass cover as it's slicker but the dust will still cover it from time to time.
I just check it every time I am there.

Well all I can say is that personally of my two feeders with the solar panel mounted flush against the galvanized box over the last 15 years I have never gone out of may way to wipe off my panels. Yes I did replace my batteries after about 8 years of service but hey, they worked continuously for 8 years. One showed 12 volts but lost amperage and would not turn the motor, I replaced the battery on both feeders.
This started out by JRFAN asking about upgrades. I would say that the key to a good feeder control unit is the galvanized box. Timers, motors, batteries, spinner plates and solar panels can all be upgraded, installed, or replaced once a good box is installed. The unit that TxAg posted would be awfully hard to be beat IMO.

Solar panels mounted on the timer box of the stand and fill units might not work as well because the panel will likely be shaded too much. I moved mine to the side of barrel then ran wire thru copper tubing into the timer box.

PM a price as well. I’m in the market for a new control system.

PM Sent