Thunderbird S185B 20km Solar Electric Fence Energiser
The Thunderbird S185B is a high-powered, self-contained solar electric fence energiser designed for farmers and property owners who need reliable electric fencing without depending on mains power. With up to 20km of fence capacity in suitable conditions and 1.78 joules of stored energy, it is well suited to larger livestock paddocks, strip grazing and portable fencing systems.
Australian made and designed for Australian farming conditions, the S185B combines a built-in solar panel, two internal rechargeable batteries and the energiser in one compact unit. It can be mounted directly over a standard steel star picket, making installation and relocation straightforward.
Why Use the Thunderbird S185B?
The S185B is a practical choice when you need more power and greater fence capacity than a smaller portable solar energiser can provide. Its self-contained design means there is no separate external battery or solar panel to install for normal operation.
It is particularly useful for properties where electric fence lines are regularly moved or where mains power is not readily available. The built-in battery system stores solar energy for operation when sunlight is unavailable, while the supplied mains charger provides a convenient backup during extended periods of poor weather.
Ideal For
- Large temporary electric fencing systems
- Permanent electric fencing
- Strip grazing and rotational grazing
- Cell grazing
- Cattle and sheep paddocks
- Horse fencing
- Goat and pig fencing
- Portable livestock fencing
- Farms and rural properties without convenient mains power
- Remote paddocks and grazing areas
20km Solar Electric Fence Energiser
The S185B is rated to power up to 20km of electric fencing. This is a guide based on suitable conditions rather than a guaranteed operating distance. Fence construction, vegetation, earthing, wire configuration and other loads on the fence will affect the actual distance the energiser can effectively power.
With 2 joules of stored energy and an output voltage of up to 7.4kV, the S185B provides a strong pulse for larger portable and permanent livestock fencing applications.
Self-Contained Solar System
The S185B incorporates the solar panel, energiser and two internal rechargeable batteries into one unit. The solar panel keeps the batteries charged during daylight, allowing the energiser to continue operating when there is no sunlight.
Intelligent battery management monitors the available solar energy and adjusts the energiser output to help maintain operation as battery levels change. During extended periods of poor sunlight, the supplied 240V mains charger can be used to recharge the batteries.
Easy Star Picket Mounting
The S185B is designed to mount directly over the top of a standard steel star picket. This provides a convenient mounting solution for portable electric fencing and makes it easier to relocate the energiser when changing paddocks or moving temporary fence lines.
The compact design and carry handle also make the unit practical to transport around the property.
LCD Display and Battery Monitoring
The large digital LCD display provides useful information while the energiser is operating, including fence voltage, current and low-battery status. A low-battery warning helps identify when additional charging may be required.
The magnetic power switch provides full and reduced power settings, allowing the energiser to operate at a lower power level when appropriate for the fencing application.
Built for Australian Conditions
The S185B is designed for outdoor agricultural use, with an O-ring sealed enclosure helping protect the internal electronics from moisture, dust and other environmental conditions.
The transformer is vacuum sealed and the electronics are protected to improve reliability in demanding outdoor environments.
Specifications
- Brand: Thunderbird
- Model: S185B
- Product type: Solar electric fence energiser
- Maximum fence distance: Up to 20km
- Stored energy: 2 joules
- Output energy: 1.78 joules
- Output voltage: 7.4kV
- Voltage at 1000 ohms: 6.0kV
- Battery: 2 x internal rechargeable batteries
- Solar panel: Integrated
- Mains charging: 240V mains charger supplied
- Mounting: Star picket mounting sleeve
- Display: Digital LCD showing voltage, amps and low battery
- Power settings: Full and reduced power
- Enclosure: O-ring sealed
- Warranty: 3 years
- Made in: Australia
Fence distance is a guide only. Actual energiser performance depends on fence construction, vegetation, earthing, wire configuration and other factors affecting the fence load.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can the Thunderbird S185B power an electric fence?
The S185B is rated for up to 20km of electric fencing under suitable conditions. Actual performance will vary depending on fence construction, vegetation, earthing and other factors affecting the fence.
Does the S185B have a built-in battery?
Yes. The S185B has two internal rechargeable batteries, which are charged by the integrated solar panel.
Can I recharge the S185B from mains power?
Yes. A 240V mains charger is supplied for recharging the internal batteries during extended periods of poor sunlight.
Can the S185B be used for temporary electric fencing?
Yes. Its self-contained design, carry handle and star picket mounting make it well suited to temporary electric fencing, strip grazing, rotational grazing and cell grazing.
Can the Thunderbird S185B be used for permanent electric fencing?
Yes. The S185B can be used for suitable permanent livestock fencing installations as well as temporary and portable electric fencing systems.
How does the S185B mount?
The energiser mounts over the top of a standard steel star picket using the built-in mounting sleeve. This provides a simple solution for positioning the energiser in the paddock.
What animals can the S185B be used for?
The S185B is suitable for a range of livestock electric fencing applications, including cattle, sheep, horses, goats and pigs, provided the fence is correctly designed and installed for the animals being managed.
Does the S185B have a low battery warning?
Yes. The digital display provides a low-battery indication to help you monitor the condition of the internal batteries.
Can the S185B operate at reduced power?
Yes. The magnetic power switch provides full and reduced power settings, allowing the energiser to operate at a lower power level when appropriate for the fencing application.
Replaces Old Thunderbird Solar Energisers Model:
- Thunderbird S-180B Solar 12v electric fence energiser
Please have a look at the Thunderbird Model Comparison Charts or contact us to select the correct model to suit your needs.
*Energiser distances are a guide only. Factors such as proximity of live wire(s) to earth or to other parts of a fence, distance of live wire run underground, thickness of wire and earth condition will affect the effective distance. Thunderbird recommend a minimum distance of 200mm between the live wire(s) and any other conductor, otherwise effective energiser distance is reduced.
Watch: Setting up the Thunderbird Solar Electric Fence Energiser
Watch: Australian Made Thunderbird Solar Electric Fence Energiser production
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