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  • Results 1 to 18 of 18

    Thread: Fixed my Koi Cafe for less

    1. #1
      mao83515 is offline Senior Member
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      Fixed my Koi Cafe for less

      A strong wind blown up my Koi Café to the pond in the spring. It damaged the digital controller, battery (the positive connector Broken), and few wires and connectors.

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      I found the motor is still functioning. I decided just get some parts and fix it myself. The koi cafe manufacture Sweeney Automatic Feeding System is selling the time controller for $100.00/each (Current is on sale for $75.00/ each) and UB634 battery for $30.00/ each. Quite expensive, isn’t it?

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      http://www.sweeneyfeeders.com/produc...5-event-timer/
      http://www.sweeneyfeeders.com/produc...attery-6-volt/



      I asked my friend (Internet) to find an alternative solution. I found Wildgame Innovations Digital controller. The price is $29.99 + $4.99 Shipping. Total is less than $35.00. Only 1/3 cost of the original equipment. Bought a new rechargable battery from eBay for $14.00 + free shipping.

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      Here is the comparison chart I made. Their functions are very similar and compatible. I bought one for try it out.

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      I bought a bag of new connectors ($2.39/bag) in Home Depot. Here is the unpacked new controller and connectors.

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      First, Setup and test before make cut any connection. It works perfecte.

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      Hook it up

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      Back to the business.

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      Last edited by mao83515; 09-12-2014 at 06:18 PM.

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    2. #2
      abuchi123's Avatar
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      So the timer is just a simple on/off switch that drives the motor?

      Another proof that anything koi is marked up 10 times.

    3. #3
      mao83515 is offline Senior Member
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      Quote Originally Posted by abuchi123 View Post
      So the timer is just a simple on/off switch that drives the motor?

      Another proof that anything koi is marked up 10 times.
      Yes, the timer is just a simple on/off switch with duration 1 to 30 seconds.

      Carp is $7.99/lb in market. A 12" (about 1 lb) average quality Koi is about $80.00. That is 10 times.

      In this case, the difference is only three times more.
      Last edited by mao83515; 09-12-2014 at 06:20 PM.

    4. #4
      rainblood's Avatar
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      Quote Originally Posted by abuchi123 View Post
      So the timer is just a simple on/off switch that drives the motor?

      Another proof that anything koi is marked up 10 times.
      supply & demand...its a market economy
      -Rain

      :I CAN'T BRING THIS SHIP INTO TRTUGA ALL BY ME ONESIES, SAVVY?:

    5. #5
      rainblood's Avatar
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      Quote Originally Posted by mao83515 View Post
      Yes, the timer is just a simple on/off switch with duration 1 to 30 seconds.

      Carp is $7.99/lb in market. A 12" (about 1 lb) average quality Koi is about $80.00. That is 10 times.

      In this case, the difference is only three times more.
      Fantastic job btw - I am useless when it comes to electronics...
      -Rain

      :I CAN'T BRING THIS SHIP INTO TRTUGA ALL BY ME ONESIES, SAVVY?:

    6. #6
      koisan's Avatar
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      nice illustration!

    7. #7
      abuchi123's Avatar
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      Thanks for the info. The digital timer looks like it can be a replacement/upgrade component for my FishMate P7000 which also runs on 6v. It will also upgrade the unit from a 3times/day feeder to a 6times/day feeder.

    8. #8
      mao83515 is offline Senior Member
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      Quote Originally Posted by abuchi123 View Post
      Thanks for the info. The digital timer looks like it can be a replacement/upgrade component for my FishMate P7000 which also runs on 6v. It will also upgrade the unit from a 3times/day feeder to a 6times/day feeder.
      I am sure that will work. Also you can control run time. The FishMate P7000 is very hard to setup. That one is very easy to setup.
      Last edited by mao83515; 10-21-2014 at 07:22 PM.

    9. #9
      BullGator's Avatar
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      I have the same problem, my controller is shot. I'll have to put this on my list of things to fix this winter, thanks for posting this!
      John

      All truth goes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Then, it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident.


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    10. #10
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      Quote Originally Posted by abuchi123 View Post
      Thanks for the info. The digital timer looks like it can be a replacement/upgrade component for my FishMate P7000 which also runs on 6v. It will also upgrade the unit from a 3times/day feeder to a 6times/day feeder.
      I don't think you have enough room in the fish mate to fit these components.

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    11. #11
      abuchi123's Avatar
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      Quote Originally Posted by koisan View Post
      I don't think you have enough room in the fish mate to fit these components.
      I won't need room inside the Fishmate. The timer is weather proof so it can be mounted outside.

    12. #12
      kevin32 is offline Inactivated
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      Bump. Great thread. I hate the fishmate controller so may replace it

    13. #13
      kevin32 is offline Inactivated
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      So I have a 12 volt battery for backup supply for aerator..I may just connect the timer to this and then wire into the fishmate. I like the way the fishmate dispenses but the controller is pretty confusing and limited to 3 feeding

    14. #14
      BWG is offline Senior Member
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      Often at the end of hunting season you can pick up parts to complete feeders at huge discounts. Easy to design your own with the parts and fit to a custom decorative container. Also easy to retrofit a directional chute.
      Last edited by BWG; 09-03-2018 at 10:30 PM.

    15. #15
      tbullard is offline Senior Member
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      Quote Originally Posted by kevin32 View Post
      So I have a 12 volt battery for backup supply for aerator..I may just connect the timer to this and then wire into the fishmate. I like the way the fishmate dispenses but the controller is pretty confusing and limited to 3 feeding
      You just don't know how to program it correctly. You need to use the frequent feed function and then you can feed as much food as you want.

    16. #16
      catfish whiskers's Avatar
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      You can add multiple timers , and even a cheap generic solar charger .
      .
      From a post a few years ago .
      https://www.koiphen.com/forums/showth...70#post2557670
      .
      .
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    17. #17
      Orlando is offline Senior Member
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      Quote Originally Posted by catfish whiskers View Post
      You can add multiple timers , and even a cheap generic solar charger .
      .
      From a post a few years ago .
      https://www.koiphen.com/forums/showth...70#post2557670
      .
      .
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      The red wires from the koi cafe don't get connected to anything, correct.

    18. #18
      catfish whiskers's Avatar
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      Quote Originally Posted by Orlando View Post
      The red wires from the koi cafe don't get connected to anything, correct.
      Correct

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