Shearwell Stick Reader

[TristanP]

Had one for about 3 years, doesn't get loads of use and doesn't get abused. Was hung up on the Combi Clamp over the weekend by the carry hook on the end, cap came off and it fell about 2ft down (scanning end first) onto the clamp. Everything works apart from the scanning now. Spoke with Shearwell, all helpful but can't give idea of cost until it's sent back so somewhere between £120-400.

Unfortunately this is the second time it's had to go back. Last time it was over lambing and they thought it must have had a massive impact. To me it worked one day and didn't the next, no event of note in between so can't have been particularly massive.

So how does everyone else find them? To me they seem a bit flimsy for farm use where they're likely to take a few knocks, roll off things etc and would have thought they'd all be drop tested from heights which exceed normal expected use. Maybe I've just been unlucky with mine.

Also, if anyone knows how to take the thing apart so I can check if it's just a cracked solder or similar to save me posting it back it'd be much appreciated!

 

[Pistonbroke]

Had a sheep count here last winter and the official had a shearwell that was rubbish at reading compared to our allflex,to the point he had several unreadable tags that were going to have to replace them. Ours read them fine and he admitted one of two sensors had packed in but he hadn't had time to send it to be fixed. Sounds like the drop finished both of yours

 

[Muddyroads]

We recently had the same issue with ours, just stopped working. Similar response from Shearwell, good to speak to on the phone but need to send it back to be looked at. Appears to be a sealed unit apart from the batteries. Presumably there must be some way to get into them to check connections.

 

[TristanP]

I use mine with their app on my phone. Phone similar value, not designed to be used on farm but has a £10 case thing on. That I've dropped in the yard, in pens, out of pockets and in fields. No components ever broken in that, not even a screen (although definitely jinxed it now...)

Reader designed for the farm and broken on a drop the size my phone has done more than a few times. Maybe they need to bring out a phone case type protector for them...

 

[Downtrodden Dad]

Mine has been returned for repair under warranty twice. Neither times drop related.
I no longer trust that it will work when I want it to.
When looking to buy one the allflex rep dropped theirs to show how robust it was, and it was fine. (then for some reason I bought the shearwell. I think it was from recommendation from tff.)

 

[TristanP]

Just an update on this one because credit where it's due...

Sent it back, they investigated and called today to say they're sending me a new replacement FOC so worthy of a mention I thought and credit to Shearwell for their customer service.

 

[Estate fencing.]

Just an update on this one because credit where it's due...

Sent it back, they investigated and called today to say they're sending me a new replacement FOC so worthy of a mention I thought and credit to Shearwell for their customer service.

They are an excellent company.