[mwncigirl]

Hi, we need another energiser as we're getting some new weaners and need to sort out a new spot. We are using polywire. Can anyone recommend a cheap, but good quality energiser? Thanks.

[hughesy]

We've got a Rutland 12 volt one that has been in use for nearly three years non stop, can't fault it. Where I used to work they sold Horizont ones made in Germany, never saw anyone bring a faulty one back in two years, and if they had done Horizont provide all their dealers with loan energisers so you're not stuck while they repair yours. The horizont ones start at about 100 quid.

[Beewyched]

My OH got a really good one online this summer - definately wouldn't have been expensive, as funds are low at the mo.  Working off a leisure battery & gives out a real kick - trust me, I've caught myself on it more times than the herd put together 
Will try & find the paperwork for it tomorrow.
 

[mwncigirl]

Thanks. We have a horizont already and think its great, but like you Beewyched, are trying to conserve funds   and hoping to find a fabulous one at a fabulous price    I know, a long shot

[P6te]

Earlier this year I purchased a new energiser and went for a Rutland ESB225 from AgriSupply UK (see http://www.agri-supply.co.uk/rutland-esb225-electric-fence-energiser/), not the cheapest but in the long term it may be.  (Agri Supply price matched)

The leisure battery I ordered from Amazom, (88Ah £56) [hyperlink won't insert properly, search on Leisure Battery 88ah Marine and Caravan in Amazon ]

I also added a solar panel from eBay (12v, 10w, £39.99) and that keeps it topped up without a problem. see http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110913890657?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Pete

[Mrs Snoodles]

All my Rutland energisers seem to be excellent, very happy with them.  We have found the es202 to be fine. Has done plenty of pens with multiple wires.  I never max it out though. 
I'd keep looking around on the net and phone a few places.  We got some handy freebies thrown in on 2 occasions and I think 20 percent off at CWG.  Battery wise, halford, caravan shop whatever.... Lots of deals to be found.

If you were thinking of charging with a solar panel Rutland do not recommend trying to this after Sept with the ES 202 type energisers that we have.  don't know if it's the same for yours Pete btw.  We called their advice lines, really helpful.

[P6te]

Hi Mrs Snoodles

If you were thinking of charging with a solar panel Rutland do not recommend trying to this after Sept with the ES 202 type energisers that we have.  don't know if it's the same for yours Pete btw.  We called their advice lines, really helpful.

The ESB225 comes with an option of a Solar Panel and whether or not you purchase it from them, it has external terminals for connecting to a panel. As you say, they are an excellent product, the ESB225 has various settings including energy saving by detecting when it is dark for example.

Pete

[shropshire_blue]

You could ask a farmer if they have any lying around.  I got a choice of several when I went on the scrounge...

[Mrs Snoodles]

That's sound good Pete.
Lugging around heavy batteries in the snow is a nightmare.  We have a home made solar set up but I reckon we will only get a few more weeks of enough light, then will back to recharging on mains . 

[Tamsaddle]

Are solar panels - during the summer as Mrs S said - sufficient to keep a 12V leisure battery topped up without any input from the mains at all?    Do they need to be placed in full sunshine/daylight all the time - presumably in a wood with dappled shade from trees wouldn't be sufficient light?   Tamsaddle

[Mrs Snoodles]

Tamsaddle, During good daylight hours in full sun ie: no shade our 12v is fine.   No top ups needed whatsoever.  I have no idea how they work in shade, sorry, and will be very interested to read any answers.

[P6te]

I've not been using this one long enough to report on low light conditions but what I would say is that as long as the solar panel is big enough to deliver the required charge it should be fine. 

You need to consider the energiser you are using and the output of the solar panel.

I read up on the experiences of people using the same one I have and indications are it should be ok .... ask me again in 6 months time ....

I don't know whether we have any electricians on here to verify this, but normally when using an energiser powered by a 12v battery you'd ideally fit a leisure battery,  albeit they cost considerably more than a comparable car battery.  The reason being, leisure batteries are better suited to a near total discharge and re-charge than a car battery is.  However, if you are using a solar panel to keep the battery topped up, if my theory is correct you should be fine using a car battery because the discharge is not going to occur.

Pete

[Possum]

How much polywire do you need for your pigs? I use a small energizer called a Shrike, made by Hotline. It will power 0.8 km of wire and costs about £50. Uses 2x D batteries which last about 8 weeks.