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Thread: Help with auto feeder
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14-10-2020, 09:21 PM #1
Help with auto feeder
Hi all,
I have just picked up an auto fish feeder which was advertised on gumtree for £35. It seems brand new but the instructions are in Japanese. It also came with a yellow 110v plug which is a bit annoying. I was wondering if anybody else had this model and could help with using it. Also, can I chop the 110v plug off and stick a normal uk 3-pin plug (I'm guessing not).
Any help or advice would be really appreciated.
Many thanks
Tim
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14-10-2020, 10:33 PM #2
Not a bad idea to use it with a 110v site transformer though the control unit is clearly marked 100v which I believe is standard in Japan.
My feeder drum looks identical but it came with a push button digital controller and is 240v throughout.
JimI don't keep fish, I keep water. I don't keep fish, I keep water. I don't keep fish I kee........
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14-10-2020, 10:39 PM #3
Thanks Jim, don't really want a big yellow transformer next to my pond so hoping to find an economical way to step the voltage down in a way that is weather proof. I don't have a filter house and a bit limited for space around the pond.
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14-10-2020, 11:05 PM #4
Looks like a Mark One Products fish feeder, if so you got a bargain there, could try them for help?
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14-10-2020, 11:34 PM #5
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15-10-2020, 08:06 AM #6
A Mark One controller in front of a step down transformer would surely work.
I guess an expert might be able to look at the motor and advise whether it will run on 240v.
Certainly worth contacting him - when my controller went haywire he replaced it promptly so obviously holds spares.
JimI don't keep fish, I keep water. I don't keep fish, I keep water. I don't keep fish I kee........
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15-10-2020, 08:10 AM #7
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15-10-2020, 10:15 AM #8
You can get low power step down transformers quite cheaply if you search "240v to 110v step down transformers"
You (or a competent mate) may need to make the the input and output connections of the most inexpensive ones suitable for what you need or you can buy suitable adaptor plugs but they are available with all sorts of input and output connections if you search through the ones available.
This search on eBay will start you off with the ones available in the UK. There is a wider choice if you expand the search to include sellers outside the UK:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_f...g=100&_fosrp=1Last edited by Manky Sanke; 15-10-2020 at 10:18 AM.
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15-10-2020, 01:20 PM #9
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15-10-2020, 01:26 PM #10
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15-10-2020, 01:37 PM #11
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/392942282533
I got this and will change the plug on the end of the feeder timer to a USA 2-pin. Hopefully will then be able to put both inside a weatherproof junction box.
Can you see any issues with that?
Tim
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15-10-2020, 02:10 PM #12
Good choice and there won't be any issues if you put it in a waterproof box especially if you mount it so you can enter the wires through the lowest side to make sure that rain can't get in through the grommets or whatever you use to seal the entry points. Changes in temperature will make the air inside try to expand and contract so there is often a low suction on the grommets and I've seen many failures where the suction was just enough to draw collected rainwater in through them when they have been fitted on the tops of enclosures.
The Daily pond temp thread
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