I've been researching solar powered electric fence controllers to set up 
something that'll keep bears away from beehives.

   From reading on various manufacturers' web sites, the units rated to stop 
bears run in the $280-320ish price range. I'm too cheap to want to spend that 
amount of money.

   Thinking that the amount of fence I'll need to fence in an outyard is far 
less than a farmer's fence to keep animals out of a field, I'm thinking I can 
get away with a cheaper ($160-200ish) unit. The fact that Mann Lake sells 
the "Zareba Red Snap'R" model -- which is in this price range -- would seem 
to support my theory. The problem I have with the Red Snap'R is its color -- 
I don't need a red flag to make it too easy for potential thieves. :-)

   One unit I've ruled out completely is the Gallagher S17. This unit is 
popular with the horse crowd and replacement parts seem easy to find. But the 
unit features an automatic night function which slows down the frequency of 
electric shocks it sends down the wire at night -- the exact opposite needed 
to deter semi-nocturnal bears. That feature alone rules it out in my book.

   Right now I'm leaning towards a Parmak model DF-SP-LI. It's rated for a 
25-mile fence (I'm pretty sure my outyard enclosure will be a bit smaller 
than that!) and is pretty popular and seems well supported.

   There are some other models that would seem to fit my criteria (e.g. 
Fishock SS-440) but what I'm looking for is some real-world experience.

   Is anyone on the list here using a solar powered electric fence controller? 
If so, what model and power? Experiences? Any opinions? (Thanks in advance.)

-- 
A: Because it messes up the order in which people normally read text.
Q: Why is top-posting such a bad thing?
A: Top-posting.
Q: What is the most annoying thing on usenet and in e-mail?

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