Hotline Firedrake Solar Energiser

As the Hotline Firedrake Solar Energiser is one of our most popular energisers we thought we would write a blog about what these energisers are used for, how they work, and a little bit about what to do when they don't work! ... just some simple trouble shooting.

What is a Hotline Firedrake Energiser?

This is a range of energisers that were created by Hotline Horizont Ltd a few years ago.  There are three energisers in the range - HLS34, HLS67 and HLS200.  They all work on the same principle.  They use light to charge an internal battery that is used as the power source to create the pulse that runs along an electric fence. These electric fence solar energisers have high capacity solar panels ensuring the batteries get adequate charge.

What is a Hotline Firedrake Energiser Used For?

These energisers cover single line fencing from 2.5km to 18km depending on the spec of the energiser you choose.  The HLS67 can power 1 x 50m poultry net whereas the HLS200 can power up to 5 x 50m poultry nets.  As you can see these energisers are versatile (always check the energiser capacity before purchasing) - they can be used for single line fencing or for netting fences.

What can go wrong with a Hotline Firedrake Energiser?

What do the warning lights mean?

 The warning lights are useful indicators on a Hotline Firedrake Energiser:

• Flash green: battery fully charged.
• Green and red: battery dropped to around 12.3v.
• Red: battery needs charging asap.

 

If there is a problem with a Hotline Firedrake Energiser what should you check?

1. Check the battery - never let your battery get too low.  If a battery is discharged below a certain point it is very tricky to get battery to hold charge again.  Conventional charge the battery more often during the darker months of the year and/or if the days have been very grey.  The energiser charges from light not from sunshine but there is a lot less light in the winter months and so keeping on top of your battery energy is very important.  Keep checking the indicators on the energiser.

2. Make sure all the leads are correctly attached inside the energiser to ensure the battery is getting its solar panel feed.

3. Check that the solar panel is clear of debris and is facing the sun and not sitting in the shade.  Also make sure the solar panel is clear of dust - do this by wiping it gently with a damp cloth.

4. For further trouble shooting get in touch.


In the meantime here are some top tips to keep you from having issues with your Firedrake

• The energiser must be switched off when charging.
• The energiser can be left in the light whilst switched off and the solar panel will still trickle feed the battery.
• Charging can take between 12-72 hours depending on the stat of the battery discharge.
• You cannot charge your battery whilst the energiser is connected to the fence.

 

Which are the best batteries for which energiser?

• HLS34 come with the L12-7 battery but can add the L12-12 when replacing giving longer amp hours.
• HLS67 and HLS200 are both fitted with the L12-12. The case will not take larger batteries.

 

Further Advice?

For any further advice or information or troubleshooting a Hotline Firedrake Energiser please get in touch:

We can be contacted by:

• emailing us - [email protected]
• chatting to us on live chat - this is available during working hours on our site www.electricfencing.co.uk