I have a 6 volt Wildgame Innovations feeder, with the Wildgame Innovations timer that I used for the first time this year. Twice this season I have gotten on stand only to not have my feeder throw. After checking the feeder both times, I realized the battery was dead both times. I put the first brand new 6 volt Energizer alkaline in it in late September and set it to throw twice a day (morning /evening) for 5 seconds each throw at Hi speed. Battery was dead by opening weekend. Based upon trail cam pics, I would estimate it died about a week before opening day. I replaced the dead battery with another brand new Energizer, on opening day, and changed the motor speed to medium with a 6 second throw twice a day, and assumed that would get me through the end of the season. Went out just after Christmas, and the battery was dead again. Replaced with a third Energizer, and was very frustrated to say the least.
By comparison, I have been running the same programmable Moultrie 6 volt I picked up for $40.00 in 2008, which sits out year round, with no problems. I place a 6 volt Energizer in it in September of each year, set it to feed 2 times a day for 5 or 6 seconds, and the corn is usually gone by February or March, but I just allow it to continue to spin to keep it from freezing up. Each September when I swap out for a new battery, the old battery still has anywhere from 50-75% battery life remaining according to the battery meter on the LCD timer display.
I never would have imagined such a drastic difference in battery life with the Wildgame feeder. Has anyone else experienced a similar battery drain issue with their Wildgame Innovations 6 volt feeder? Trying to determine if it could be the motor pulling too much juice, or if it is the digital timer. If I had to guess, I would speculate it is the timer mechanism, as the motor looks to be a standard 6 volt type motor. If you think it is the timer, can you suggest a replacement timer that performs well, and does not drain the battery excessively fast.
Before I get flamed for having a Wildgame Innovations feeder, I know firsthand about their quality control issues, as a bought 3 Wildgame trail cams a few years ago, and all 3 died before the end of the season. Just thought a feeder/timer was a pretty basic and full proof item. I have noted some other companies appear to have the same, or at least very similar, feeder/timer. Specifically I believe Remington is one of them. Any insight would be appreciated.
By comparison, I have been running the same programmable Moultrie 6 volt I picked up for $40.00 in 2008, which sits out year round, with no problems. I place a 6 volt Energizer in it in September of each year, set it to feed 2 times a day for 5 or 6 seconds, and the corn is usually gone by February or March, but I just allow it to continue to spin to keep it from freezing up. Each September when I swap out for a new battery, the old battery still has anywhere from 50-75% battery life remaining according to the battery meter on the LCD timer display.
I never would have imagined such a drastic difference in battery life with the Wildgame feeder. Has anyone else experienced a similar battery drain issue with their Wildgame Innovations 6 volt feeder? Trying to determine if it could be the motor pulling too much juice, or if it is the digital timer. If I had to guess, I would speculate it is the timer mechanism, as the motor looks to be a standard 6 volt type motor. If you think it is the timer, can you suggest a replacement timer that performs well, and does not drain the battery excessively fast.
Before I get flamed for having a Wildgame Innovations feeder, I know firsthand about their quality control issues, as a bought 3 Wildgame trail cams a few years ago, and all 3 died before the end of the season. Just thought a feeder/timer was a pretty basic and full proof item. I have noted some other companies appear to have the same, or at least very similar, feeder/timer. Specifically I believe Remington is one of them. Any insight would be appreciated.
Comment