Let’s Dive into Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit
The Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit promises to be a reliable and easy-to-use solution for automated game feeding. Wildgame Innovations aims to provide hunters and landowners with a hands-off approach to attract and sustain wildlife. With digital electronics and multiple feed times, it presents a modern take on a classic necessity.
My property has become overrun with deer that are encroaching on the garden. I needed a solution that could consistently feed the deer away from my prized vegetables. I was hoping the Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit would be the answer.
Unboxing revealed a sturdy, powder-coated steel case that felt durable. The galvanized steel spinner plate also seemed robust enough to withstand the elements and hungry critters. The kit felt solid, hinting at a decent level of build quality for the price.
I considered the Moultrie Pro Hunter Feeder Kit and the On Time Feeders HAWG WILD Premium Digital Feeder Kit. Ultimately, the Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit was chosen for its seemingly simpler programming and positive online reviews, prioritizing ease of setup. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to its promises of reliability and easy automation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I set up the Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit in a clearing about 100 yards from my garden, hoping to lure the deer away. The first test run was during a relatively dry, cool autumn afternoon. Setup was straightforward.
Programming the feed times took a few minutes to figure out the button sequences, but it wasn’t overly complicated. I programmed it to dispense feed twice a day, and it seemed to work as intended, scattering corn in a wide circle. I did notice the galvanized steel spinner plate was a bit noisy, though.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of consistent use, the Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit has mostly held up. There are no major signs of wear and tear on the metal components. The galvanized steel spinner plate had some surface rust, but nothing alarming.
Maintenance is simple; I just refill the feeder every week or so and occasionally wipe down the exterior. The motor itself seems to be fairly robust, but the digital timer has occasionally glitched, requiring a reset. Compared to my old gravity feeder, this provides much better control over feed distribution, but the timer glitch is a concern for long-term reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit
Specifications
- The Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit utilizes digital electronics for precise timing and control. This promises consistent and predictable feeding schedules.
- It offers six available feed times, allowing for flexible programming to suit various needs. More feed times means greater control over when and how much feed is dispensed.
- The powder-coated, galvanized steel case provides weather resistance and durability. This ensures the unit can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
- A galvanized steel spinner plate distributes feed evenly. This aims for efficient coverage of the feeding area.
- Feeding durations are adjustable from 1 to 30 seconds. This allows for precise control over the amount of feed dispensed each time.
- It operates on a 12V battery (not included). The absence of a battery in the kit adds to the cost and requires advanced planning.
- A 2″ drop funnel directs feed onto the spinner plate. This helps prevent spillage and ensures consistent distribution.
Performance & Functionality
The Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit generally performs its job adequately, dispensing feed at the programmed times. The deer are definitely attracted to the area. However, the timer glitches occasionally result in missed feedings or inconsistent durations. This impacts its overall reliability.
The adjustable feed duration is a great feature, allowing me to control the amount of feed dispensed. The noisy spinner plate is a definite drawback, as it might scare away skittish animals, or attract unwanted pests. The unit mostly meets expectations but is ultimately let down by inconsistent timer performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price point, with a sturdy steel case. Its weight is manageable when empty, but can become cumbersome once filled with feed.
The digital interface is relatively user-friendly, though the button layout could be more intuitive. The instructions aren’t very clear, which adds a small learning curve during initial setup.
Durability & Maintenance
The powder-coated steel case should provide several seasons of use, assuming the electronics hold up. The galvanized steel spinner plate is showing some surface rust after a month.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and refilling. Replacing the 12V battery will be a recurring expense.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit doesn’t come with many accessories. It’s a fairly bare-bones setup.
Aftermarket accessories are limited. One could potentially add a solar panel charger for the 12V battery to extend its lifespan. The feeder is compatible with universal feeder legs if you want to raise it off the ground for better distribution or to deter smaller animals.
Pros and Cons of Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- Multiple feed times provide flexibility in scheduling feeding sessions.
- Adjustable feed duration allows for precise control over the amount of feed dispensed.
- Durable steel construction ensures reasonable weather resistance and longevity.
- Easy to install for anyone with basic mechanical knowledge.
Cons
- Inconsistent timer performance is a significant reliability concern.
- Noisy spinner plate may scare away some animals.
- Battery not included, increasing the initial cost.
Who Should Buy Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit?
The Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit is perfect for hunters and landowners looking for an affordable and relatively easy way to automate game feeding. It works well for attracting deer and other wildlife to specific areas.
This product should be skipped by those who require absolute reliability in their feeding schedule. The timer inconsistencies might be unacceptable for critical feeding applications. A must-have accessory is a high-quality 12V battery and potentially a solar charger to prolong battery life and ensure continuous operation.
Conclusion on Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit
The Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit offers a decent value proposition for its price. It provides basic automated feeding functionality with adjustable settings and a durable build.
However, the inconsistent timer performance and noisy spinner plate are significant drawbacks. These issues impact its overall reliability and may deter some buyers.
I would cautiously recommend the Wildgame Innovations 12V Digital Feeder Kit to those on a tight budget who are willing to tolerate occasional glitches. Just be prepared to monitor it closely and potentially reset the timer frequently. If absolute reliability is crucial, consider investing in a higher-end feeder.