Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit Review

First Impressions of Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit

As an avid outdoorsman and tactical gear enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours tracking game and setting up automated feeding systems. The Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit promises a hands-off approach to wildlife management, utilizing a dawn-and-dusk feeding cycle. This eliminates the need for constant manual adjustments, and for $49.99, it seemed like a solid, cost-effective solution.

I was looking for a feeder kit that would reliably dispense feed without needing frequent reprogramming. Daylight savings time always threw my older feeders off, making the Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit’s automatic adjustment a very attractive feature. Could it live up to the hype?

Unboxing the Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit, I immediately noticed the durable ABS plastic housing. It felt robust, ready to withstand the elements. The metal spin plate also seemed heavy-duty and wind-resistant. My initial impression was that this kit was built to last, with user-friendly features.

Compared to similar feeder kits from Wildgame Innovations and Banks Outdoors, the Moultrie stood out with its straightforward, no-programming-needed design. The Wildgame Innovations feeders often have complex digital timers, while the Banks Outdoors feeders are typically much more expensive. I chose the Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit because of its simplicity and promise of automatic operation.

Overall, I was cautiously optimistic. The build quality looked promising. I was eager to get it into the field and see if it could deliver on its claims. The idea of a truly “set it and forget it” feeder kit was appealing, but only real-world testing would reveal its true worth.


Real-World Testing: Putting Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit on an existing 55-gallon barrel feeder at my deer lease in central Texas. The location experiences everything from scorching summer heat to occasional freezing temperatures and heavy rains. I wanted to see how it handled a variety of conditions.

The first few days were promising. The feeder consistently dispensed corn at dawn and dusk, as advertised. The feed duration was easily adjustable with the simple switches. I initially set it to 10 seconds, finding it distributed an adequate amount of feed.

The weather was relatively dry during the first week, but then we had a heavy thunderstorm roll through. I was concerned about the electronics. The Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit continued to operate flawlessly, showcasing the weather-resistant design of the ABS plastic housing.

The only minor issue I noticed was that the feed pattern was a little uneven initially. Adjusting the internal funnel helped control the feed flow and achieve a more consistent 360-degree distribution. Overall, the first use was a success. The installation was easy. The operation was consistent, even in adverse weather.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of continuous use, the Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit has proven to be remarkably reliable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the ABS plastic housing or the metal spin plate. The battery life, using a standard 6V 5Ah battery (sold separately), has been excellent. I’ve had no need to replace it yet.

Maintenance is minimal. I periodically check the battery terminals for corrosion and wipe down the housing to remove any accumulated dirt or debris. The simplicity of the design makes it easy to maintain, unlike some of the more complex feeders I’ve used in the past.

Compared to my previous experience with timer-based feeders, the Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit is a significant improvement. Those feeders required constant adjustments due to power outages or daylight savings time changes. The Moultrie’s light sensor eliminates those headaches, ensuring a consistent feeding schedule. I’m impressed with its durability and consistent performance, making it a worthwhile investment for any wildlife enthusiast.

Breaking Down the Features of Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit

Specifications

The Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit boasts several key specifications that contribute to its reliable performance:

  • Dawn and dusk automatic feeding: Uses a built-in light sensor to trigger feeding cycles. No programming is needed.
  • No daylight saving time adjustments: The light sensor automatically adjusts the feeding schedule.
  • Adjustable feed durations: Offers 5, 10, 15, and 20-second feed durations, selectable via simple switches.
  • Durable ABS plastic housing: Provides long-term weather resistance.
  • Wind-resistant metal spin plate: Ensures even feed distribution, even in windy conditions.
  • 360-degree feed casting: Distributes feed widely for maximum coverage.
  • Adjustable internal funnel: Controls feed flow and prevents clogging.
  • 6V 5Ah battery compatibility: Powered by a single 6V 5Ah battery (sold separately) for extended operation.
  • Quick-Lock Adapter: Enables easy attachment to various feeder types.
  • Consistent feeding schedule: Eliminates the need for daily programming, ensuring a reliable food source for wildlife.
    These specifications are important because they directly impact the feeder’s reliability and ease of use. The automatic feeding and daylight saving time adjustment free up valuable time. The durable construction ensures it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit performs its primary function – dispensing feed – exceptionally well. The light sensor is accurate and consistent. The adjustable feed durations allow for precise control over the amount of feed distributed.

  • Strengths: The automatic operation, durable construction, and simple setup are its greatest strengths. It consistently delivers feed at the right times without any manual intervention.
  • Weaknesses: The feed pattern can be slightly uneven if the internal funnel isn’t adjusted properly. The 6V battery is not included.

Overall, the Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit meets and exceeds expectations. Its reliability and ease of use make it a standout product in its category.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit is simple and functional. The ABS plastic housing is lightweight yet durable. The Quick-Lock Adapter makes installation a breeze.

  • Build Quality: The materials used are robust and well-suited for outdoor use.
  • User-Friendly: There is no learning curve. The simple switches and straightforward design make it incredibly easy to operate.

Durability & Maintenance

The Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit is designed to last. The durable ABS plastic and metal spin plate can withstand years of exposure to the elements.

  • Longevity: With proper care, this feeder kit should last for many seasons.
  • Maintenance: Minimal maintenance is required. Periodic cleaning and battery checks are all that’s needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit comes with a Quick-Lock Adapter for easy attachment to various feeder types.

  • Accessories: Beyond the adapter, there are limited customization options for this specific kit. It’s designed as a standalone unit.
  • Compatibility: It’s primarily compatible with standard 55-gallon barrels. While some users may attempt to adapt it to other feeders, the Quick-Lock system is designed for Moultrie products.

Pros and Cons of Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit

Pros

  • Automatic dawn and dusk feeding: No programming required, saving time and effort.
  • Durable ABS plastic housing: Withstands harsh weather conditions for long-term use.
  • Easy installation with Quick-Lock Adapter: Simple and straightforward setup on various feeder types.
  • Adjustable feed durations: Allows for precise control over the amount of feed distributed.
  • Wind-resistant metal spin plate: Ensures even feed distribution in windy conditions.

Cons

  • Requires separate purchase of 6V 5Ah battery.
  • Feed pattern can be uneven if the internal funnel is not properly adjusted.


Who Should Buy Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit?

The Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit is perfect for:

  • Hunters looking to maintain a consistent food source for deer or other game animals.
  • Land managers seeking an automated feeding solution for wildlife conservation.
  • Anyone who wants a hassle-free feeder kit that requires minimal maintenance and programming.

Who should skip this product?

  • Those needing a feeder that can dispense different types of feed at different times of the day (requiring more complex programming).
  • Individuals who need extremely precise control over feed amounts and distribution patterns.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality 6V 5Ah battery for reliable operation. A solar panel charger can also extend battery life and further reduce maintenance.

Conclusion on Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit

The Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit is a reliable and cost-effective solution for automated wildlife feeding. Its simple design and automatic operation make it a standout product in its category. The durable construction ensures long-term performance in various outdoor conditions.

The price of $49.99 is justified by its features and benefits. The time saved from not having to manually program and adjust the feeder is well worth the investment.

I would personally recommend the Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit to anyone looking for a hassle-free, automatic feeder system. It’s a simple, effective, and reliable way to maintain a consistent food source for wildlife. If you’re tired of complicated timers and constant adjustments, give the Moultrie Lumen Photo Cell Feeder Kit a try. You won’t be disappointed!

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