Description

Thunderbird S185B Solar Fence Energiser

The Thunderbird S185B is a powerful, self-contained solar electric fence energiser designed to help farmers maintain reliable livestock control in remote paddocks without access to mains electricity. With 1.78 joules of stored energy, it can power up to 20km of clean fencing under ideal conditions.

The system combines an integrated solar panel with two internal rechargeable batteries. Intelligent battery-management software monitors the solar energy collected and adjusts the energiser’s operation to help maintain dependable fence performance.

Why Choose the Thunderbird S185B?

• Powers up to 20km of clean fence under ideal conditions
• 1.78 joules of stored energy
• Two internal rechargeable batteries
• Integrated solar panel
• Digital display shows voltage, current and battery condition
• Automatic battery-saving function
• Full and reduced power settings
• Mains battery charger supplied
• Fence and earth leads included
• Slides directly over a standard steel post
• O-ring-sealed enclosure
• Australian made

Self-Contained Power for Remote Paddocks

The S185B combines the energiser, solar panel and two rechargeable batteries in one portable unit. This makes it suitable for larger off-grid paddocks without requiring a separate battery enclosure or solar-panel mounting system.

The moulded enclosure slides over a standard steel post, allowing the system to be installed quickly and moved if fencing requirements change.

Intelligent Battery Management

The S185B monitors the amount of energy collected by the solar panel and adjusts its operation to help protect battery charge. If the battery voltage becomes low, the energiser automatically reduces its output level and pulse rate to conserve remaining energy.

A low-battery warning appears on the screen, allowing the operator to recharge the system before fence performance is affected.

Digital Fence Information

The large digital screen displays fence voltage, current and battery condition. This provides a convenient way to check whether the energiser is operating correctly and identify changes in fence load.

A sudden reduction in voltage or increase in current may indicate vegetation contact, a damaged insulator, a poor connection or another fault requiring attention.

Mains Charger for Extended Poor Weather

A compatible 240V mains charger is supplied for extended periods of rain, cloud or limited sunlight. This allows the internal batteries to be restored when solar charging alone cannot keep pace with the fence load.

Only use the charger supplied or recommended by Thunderbird and follow the charging instructions provided with the energiser.

Positioning the Solar Panel

Install the energiser where the solar panel will receive direct sunlight throughout the day. In Australia, the panel should generally face north and remain free from shade caused by trees, buildings, fences or equipment.

Keep the panel clean and regularly remove dust, dirt and bird droppings. Reduced sunlight or a dirty panel can limit battery charging and shorten operating time.

Understanding the Fence Distance Rating

The advertised 20km distance represents a clean fence operating under ideal conditions. Vegetation touching the live wires, multiple conductors, long lead-out distances, damaged insulators and inadequate earthing can reduce its effective working distance.

Selecting an energiser based on stored energy and expected fence load provides a more reliable result than relying only on the maximum kilometre rating.

Product Specifications

• Brand: Thunderbird
• Model: S185B
• Product SKU: S185B
• Maximum fence distance: Up to 20km under ideal conditions
• Stored energy: 1.78 joules
• No-load voltage: Approximately 7.4kV
• Voltage under load: Approximately 6.0kV
• Power source: Integrated solar panel
• Recommended solar-panel capacity: Approximately 12 watts
• Battery: Two internal rechargeable batteries
• Display: Fence voltage, current and low-battery information
• Power settings: Full and reduced
• Battery protection: Automatic battery-saving function
• Mounting: Slides over a standard steel post
• Switch type: Magnetic
• Enclosure: O-ring sealed
• Fence and earth leads: Included
• Mains battery charger: Included
• Warranty: Three-year Thunderbird manufacturer warranty
• Country of manufacture: Australia

Is the Thunderbird S185B Right for Your Fence?

The S185B is well suited to farmers who need dependable solar power for medium-length livestock fences in remote paddocks. Its dual internal batteries, digital display and automatic energy management reduce the work involved in maintaining an off-grid energiser.

For shorter temporary fences, a smaller solar unit may be more economical. For extensive multiwire systems, heavy vegetation or larger farm networks, consider a higher-output solar system with an external deep-cycle battery.

Correct earthing is essential. Contact Horsley Wholesale if you need help choosing a solar energiser, earth system or suitable fencing equipment.

Browse our solar electric fence energisers for other off-grid fencing options.

Additional information