Get 30% More out of your Solar Charger
The reliability of wildlife deterrents, particularly when protecting human life, is critical. The reliability of wildlife deterrents, particularly when protecting human life, is critical. When living or working in remote areas where there the main source of power is from solar energy, you need to be able to count on your solar charger. Is it functioning at full capacity, is it keeping the battery sufficiently charged, even during periods of overcast days? THE MARGO SOLAR CONTROLLER (MPPT) is an inexpensive add-on to Margo Solar Kits to gain up to 30% more charge. The MPPT can be added on to Margo 12V Solar Kits (#1102, #1103) and the Margo Solar 12 Electric Fencer (#3003). THE TECHNOLOGY An MPPT, or maximum power point tracker, is an electronic DC to DC converter that converts a higher voltage DC output from solar panels down to the lower voltage needed to charge batteries. MPPT technology allows the solar panel to operate in its peak efficiency range, typically around 18v the controller then steps this down through a switching regulator to 14v for charging a gel cell battery. The MPPT also prevents over or undercharging batteries, as well as modulating the charge based on temperature. This ensures maximum battery life. The Margo Supplies MPPT Solar Controller ‘ add-on #1610‘ , designed in-house, is a snap-on installation for Power Sonic 12v battery (#PS-12140). Great for areas with long duration of overcast days. LED display for bad battery and fast charging. Push button terminals for easy connection. Uses minimal power when in storage. No need to remove the board for extended periods of storage. A standard 12v trickle charger can be connected to the battery + and the ground connections. Optimum Solar Charging: Solar Charging is an excellent source of clean, free energy available nearly everywhere. By following these best practices you will get the maximum power from your solar charger. South Facing: Solar panels should be facing in the direction that receives the most light. In the Northern hemisphere, a single panel array should be facing directly south. Clean and Clear of Obstructions: A small obstruction causes big losses in charging capacity. Panels should be clean of dirt and debris. Use a window cleaner and paper towel wash the panels regularly. Always handle the panels with care to avoid scratching it. Shadows also cause a significant drop in power, the shadow something as small as a fence post will reduce charging power. The panel should have an unobstructed view of the sky as possible. While most physical obstructions cause a large drop in power, this is actually not true of snow. Panels gain most of their energy from infrared spectrum light, which easily penetrates snow. Panels with snow on them typically only produce 4% less power than clean panels. Panel Angle: The height of the sun changes throughout the year and as you go further north, the change becomes more dramatic. During the summer, the optimal charging position is nearly flat, to gain the benefit from the overhead sun high in the sky. During the winter months, panels mounted nearly vertical will have higher charging efficiency. Our panels are fixed at a compromise of 45° which provides the best year-round charging efficiency. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton conducted a multi-year study of the effect of snow and angles on solar charging capacity. ‘View their full-report here‘ Using the Margo MPPT: Our in-house designed MPPT effectively adds the equivalent 30% more hours of sunlight per day. The MPPT is ideal for areas prone to low light, such as coastal areas with high-cloud cover. The MPPT in use with Margo Solar Chargers: Margo solar chargers with and without solar controller add-on, for SKU #1100, #1200, #1805, #1808) 100% volume, day only, medium setting, 8 recordings, and #3003. INSTALLING AND USING YOUR SOLAR CONTROLLER The silver plus MUST align with the positive RED terminal on the battery as shown. Failure to do so will result in damage to the controller. Electrical connections (left to right). *NO TOOLS Necessary – just push the orange terminals. 1. Battery +12 2. Ground 3. Ground 4. Solar Input LED Status Indicators: Red – Bad Battery or Solar Timeout Green – Normal charging greater than 10mA. The controller boards are coated with water-resistant Silicon conformal coating however direct contact with harsh weather is not advised.
Margo Luminous Tracking Collar: The Future of Wildlife Tracking Technology
The Margo Luminous Tracking Collar is the result of four years of re-imagining wildlife tracking technology. We incorporated a single housing design, solar charging, and state-of-the-art reception which unlocks performance never before seen in a two-way satellite tracking collar. Our 170g device can collect hourly GPS fixes on a long-term basis and in ideal conditions will relay position to our web interface seconds after collection – allowing near real-time monitoring. After extensive field testing, we are excited to release this product to the larger wildlife community. Collar Features: 1 GPS fix per hour 2+ years of standalone battery life 5+ years of battery life with solar 170g device weight (~250g total weight) High-resolution data Single housing design Best-in-class reception Near real-time data possible Configurable accelerometer data Global coverage on Iridium network Reporting Information: User-friendly web app with data download Web-based tracking provides latitude, longitude, solar power level, and temperature of the unit View satellite images of any active collars Transparent representation of data
Model Comparison: Margo Electra Scare Cannons
Margo Supplies carries a variety of Scare Cannons. Using the Margo Electra Scare cannon as as base, each option allows the user to control the cannon in a variety of different control options. Base Cannon: Margo Electra Scare Cannon Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: Margo Digital Timer / Clock # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: Yes The Margo Electra Scare Cannon uses an advanced digital clock for pre-set firing times, multi-shot bursts, and two random firing modes to reduce animal tolerance. Compatible Upgrades Base Cannon: Margo Electra Scare Cannon Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: Push Button Controller # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: No This cannon uses the Margo Electra Scare Cannon as a base, with the added push-button controller. The push-button controller allows the user to fire the cannon on demand. Compatible Upgrades Base Cannon: Margo Electra Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: High-Frequency Radio Control # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: Yes This cannon uses the Margo Electra Scare Cannon as a base with a High-Frequency Radio Controller that allows the user to fire the cannon remotely on a line-of-sight range of up to 8km (5mi). Radio operates at 900MHz with 99 channels. Compatible Upgrades Base Cannon: Margo Electra Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: Cellular Data # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: Yes This cannon uses the Margo Electra Scare Cannon as a base with NEW Cellular control. Experience the added ease of remote firing and monitoring. Control your cannon, view its status, and customize settings from anywhere with an internet connection. Compatible Upgrades
Margo Critter Guard: A Versatile Wildlife Deterrent
The Margo Critter Guard is effective at scaring a large variety of wildlife with its motion-activated siren alarm and flashing scare eye. Portable, sturdy, and weather-resistant, the Critter Guard protects against most mammals. From deterring elk from feeding on haystacks, deer eating in vegetable gardens, or even cougars from attacking livestock, the Critter Guard does it all. Protect your land and other assets from predators, wildlife, and other animals with a universal, and affordable solution. “We hope that people start using the alarm and more people understand that we can live with these predators” – Iris Gadunov, Land Owner HOW IT WORKS: When an animal is within range of the Critter Guard, the motion-detector will trigger a combination of piercing wailing and flashing red predator lights, signaling to animals that trespassing in this area is dangerous. THE DESIGN: We designed the Critter Guard with every environment in mind. Utilizing a rugged and solar-powered design allows for portable and reliable placement, wherever you may need to keep wildlife away. The adjustable sensitivity and multiple light settings allow the user to customize their wildlife deterrent strategy with ease. SPECS: Range The alarm detects movement at a 160-degree angle with a low sensitivity of ~3m (10ft) and a high sensitivity range of ~11m (35ft) away. Sound Up to 105dB sirens with three different modes. A variable sensitivity switch allows users to fine-tune the alarm to their ideal conditions. TESTING: Tested in both arctic and rainforest environments and everything in between, the Margo Critter Guard is a staple in wildlife deterrent technology. It is great to deter both small and large animals without requiring regular maintenance. “When they tracked the lions, they saw that they stalked the perimeter of the Critter Guard so we can see that they are effective“ – IRIS GADUNOV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynynSmnHvS8&t=16s Stock Out View More Margo Critter Guard Detects movement up to 11m (30ft) away 3.6w rechargeable solar-powered battery Motion sensors detect animals as small as squirrels 105dB sirens and flashing 7500mcd LEDs will deter a variety of… $83.05 View More View Product
How Effective Are Bird Lasers?
Bird lasers produce a large visible point of light that can be used to scare away problem birds. Do They Work? Bird Scare Laser works when a bird species associate visible laser light with predator-like behavior and flee when they see it. The most effective bird lasers use a wide beam rather than the narrow beam of a standard laser pointer. Green beams tend to deliver the best results. How They Are Used Bird scare lasers have many applications but are especially effective for moving birds from roosts. At Margo Supplies, we’ve tested them on various North American pest species with excellent results. They work particularly well on Canada Geese. Handheld units are also useful in areas where more invasive audio deterrents aren’t practical. They’re commonly used around warehouses, barns, and airport terminals to safely move birds without noise or disturbance. When and How to Use Bird Laser The best time to use these produxts is at dawn and dusk. Treating roosting sites during these times gives birds an opportunity to relocate before nightfall. Diurnal species usually won’t leave roosts in total darkness, no matter how much pressure you apply, so start treatment as soon as they return. When aiming, move the beam slowly toward the roosting site. Birds perceive the laser as a predator, so always leave them an escape route. Indoors, use the beam to “herd” birds toward an open exit safely. Legal Limits and Power Restrictions While they are highly effective deterrents, many regions restrict the use of high-power lasers. In Canada, handheld lasers must have an output of 5mW or less (Class 3a or lower). Our Fly-Away Laser meets these requirements. Lower power levels limit visibility in bright daylight, but these tools still work well in low-light conditions—exactly when most roosting activity occurs. High-power lasers, on the other hand, can pose safety risks, especially near airports. The Role of Bird Lasers in Integrated Control Like any deterrent, they have both advantages and limitations. They should be used as part of a broader bird control strategy. Combining multiple deterrents allows your team to respond to different species and conditions while preventing birds from becoming accustomed to a single method. See our selection of aviation specific non-lethal bird deterrents here Add to cart Bird Scare Laser – Adjustable Beam Affordable and powerful, while still being safe for both humans and birds Class 3A Laser is the most powerful laser legal for use in Canada Up to 200m (650ft) night… $25.98 – $39.95Price range: $25.98 through $39.95 Add to cart
Do Bird Cannons Work?
Birds have a knack for going where their presence can cost your operation in time and resources, pose a danger to the birds themselves, or even to humans. Can a Low-Cost Propane Bird Cannon Prevent Bird Problems? The short answer is yes. Loud noises scare birds, a fact people have known for centuries. The Japanese Shishi-odoshi—a swinging bamboo arm that strikes a rock—kept birds out of gardens for generations. We applied the same principle and amplified it to produce 120 dB explosions. The results speak for themselves: Zon Electra Scare Cannons protect airplane passengers at some of the world’s largest airports. Bird cannons create two types of effects. First, they trigger fear and startle reactions. Many birds associate loud, gun-like noises with real danger. Even birds without hunting experience respond to the sudden, unnatural blast and flee the area. Second, propane cannon blasts disrupt natural behaviors. Continuous loud noises keep birds on edge and make them more responsive to other scare tactics. This disruption adds stress and reinforces the effectiveness of your control program. Deterrents Must Outweigh Attractants No deterrent works like a “magic button.” The fear generated by a cannon must outweigh the food or shelter attracting the birds. Similar to antelope in the savannah risking lions to reach water, birds will resist deterrents if the reward in your control area is strong. Switch Things Up Vary Your Strategy To prevent habituation, move your bird cannons regularly. Under heavy bird pressure, relocate them every 2–3 days. Use the random firing modes on Zon Electra Scare Cannons or a 360° rotating tripod to keep birds guessing. Camouflage paint or covers prevent birds from associating the sound with a single source. Use on-demand activation for maximum effect. One well-timed blast near a flock of European Starlings will scare more than frequent detonations at a distance. Push-button control and radio upgrades increase the precision and impact of each blast. Use On-Demand Activation Use On-Demand activation to ensure the bird cannons only detonate when they have maximum effect. One perfectly timed cannon blast directly beside a flock of European Starlings will have more effect than more frequent detonations further away. The Push-Button control and radio controlled cannon upgrades are particularly effective. Chaos and Confusion Keeps Birds Away Bird Cannons are the base for the most effective bird control programs. Adding different effects on top increases the effectiveness of your program as a whole and eliminates the problems of bird habitation. Not only do birds have difficulty processing multiple threats all occurring in the same area, but other products such as pyrotechnic scare cartridges or combining cannons with falconry also convinces the birds that there are consequences to propane blasts, which keeps the propane blasts scaring even when the other deterrents are not used. Bird Scare Cannons are an effective way to keep unwanted birds from your target area. Products become more efficient, however, when used together in a system and by ensuring that birds do not grow accustomed to your deterrent regimen. The Margo Electra Bird Cannon reduces your risk.