Our remaining test unit (pictured) has now been operating for a calendar year. It has done so with the original solar panel (pictured) and the original speaker (which were purchased from Ali-Express for $12.00 NZ and $2.00 respectively. The unit itself, contained within the IP rated box, connected via bolts has remained working throughout this time and continues to work. The speaker is showing some sign of wear and tear but it is cardboard based and it has been exposed to the elements, including being deployed in New Zealand for the Winter. These conditions have included heavy rainfall and the unit has continued to operate either placed inside exisitng trap devices (such as a DOC 200 or DOC 250) or inside a rat tunnel box. It has also at times been placed directly on top of various traps and locations which has exposed it directly to the elements.
We also have deployed a similar unit to the South Island where it was able to operate in temperatures below freezing (as indicated by the temperature reading from the trail cameras operating in conjunction with it. We also have had two early versions of the unit at the New Plymouth Airport. These have been in place since June and are still continuing to operate as expected, despite featuring the original solar panelling (which we have effectively doubled in size since we started). The final piece of the puzzle being the speakers, which we have just accessed today.
In summation we believe based on the deployments that have already occurred that we have a unit that is able to operated in external conditions which is reliable, can operate independently and can do so for at least a calendar year (although of course in this case, this is a signpost rather than an end game).
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