Stafix Cyclic Wave – Real Innovation

So all energizers are created equal? We think not.

At Stafix we are proud of our innovations. But what makes an innovation truly great? To us an innovation is only an innovation if it is of real benefit to our users out in the field. Does it improve stock holding abilities? Is pulse energy improved in challenging conditions? Does is make life for our customer easier?

Our goal at Stafix is "To take Pasture Management to new levels of profit and efficiency". The landmark innovation of the 'Cyclic Wave' fits that mantra perfectly. When comparing standard energizers to Cyclic wave energizers of the same size, the pulse of the Cyclic Wave energizer (output joules) travels further and stronger. Efficiency of joules to wire length is improved significantly.

When choosing an energizer it's important to do your research. To help you understand the real benefits of Stafix Cyclic Wave and its history, please read the feature below.

What is Cyclic Wave™?

Back in the late 1970's, the New Zealand Agricultural Engineering Institute published a number of excellent research papers in the area of electric fencing. One these papers, entitled Pulse Behaviour, investigated the behaviour of electric fence pulses on an electric fence. A number of pulse shapes were studied, but most importantly, out of the research study came a specification of an ideal electric fence pulse shape. This pulse shape is now known as " Cyclic Wave™". Nearly two decades passed before the University of Auckland succeeded in creating and patenting an energizer design that could deliver a true Cyclic Wave™ output. Stafix commercialised and perfected this leading edge technology and has incorporated it into the Cyclic Wave™ range of products.

What is the benefit to the farmer of Cyclic Wave™ in Stafix products?

The Cyclic Wave™ pulse shape has few high frequency components and is thus suffers little distortion as it travels on the fence, leading to low transmission line attenuation. When compared with regular energizer pulse shapes, the fence pulses power is maintained at greater distances.

As an electric fence pulse travels down a fence-line (at about 150,000 km/sec), the high frequency parts are attenuated (reduced) much more than the low frequency components. This energy is lost in the way of heat in the wire and leakage to the ground through insulators etc. As the Cyclic Wave™ has few high frequency components, this energy loss is minimised and thus comparatively speaking, more power is available on the fence for stock control than with a traditional pulse energizer.

When pulses travel on the fence-line, wave reflections often occur at fence transitions, such as at the end of fence spurs and at fence splits. The Cyclic Wave™ suffers minimal power loss in these situations and remarkably in some cases, the fence pulse voltage can actually be seen to improve with distance.

Feedback from numerous experienced users of electric fencing has indicated that the physiological animal training response to a Stafix Cyclic Wave™ pulse is more effective when compared the response to a traditional "fast leading edge" pulse energizer of the same power.

The pure wave qualities of the Cyclic Wave™ pulse lead the way to optimally low levels of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) on the fence, as well as from the energizer itself. Many reports have come in from satisfied Stafix customers who claim a drastic improvement in levels of RFI on the farm when fitting a new Cyclic Wave™ energizer in place of a traditional pulse type. This observation comes in the form of clearer radio reception and a reduction or sometimes even the elimination of the "clicking" on the telephone.

Unsubstantiated studies have connected background electromagnetic (EM) radiation levels with heath issues in people and also in animals, such as horses. People and breeders affected or sympathetic to this idea, often move into rural areas to minimise the effects. One investigation in the USA reported an outstanding improvement in the measured background levels of EM, simply by replacing a traditional "fast leading edge" pulse energizer with a Cyclic Wave™ energizer of the same size on a farm.

What other benefits do Cyclic Wave™ Stafix products have?

Light or "ringing" fence loads is associated with new fence installations and/or dry conditions. In these conditions, fast rising high voltage "spikes" are often generated by a traditional energizer. Without corrective action, this can lead to premature failure of insulators, the start of fence voltage tracking faults and the triggering of lightning spark gaps. This can lead to a gradual deterioration in the fence and equipment. In the case of lightning spark gaps, these are often enlarged by the manufacturer to 15 mm (45kV) to combat this problem. This then this introduces a greater risk of possible lightning equipment damage when lightning is in the area.

The Cyclic Wave™ generated by a Stafix energizer is produced as a result of a solid wave-shaping design and the ideal waveform and voltage are maintained over a wide range of connected fence loads, including light or "ringing" fence loads. The problems outlined above are thus eliminated and the protective spark gap setting in the energizer is typically set to only 5mm (15 kV), offering excellent lightning damage protection and improved product reliability. Cyclic wave energizers are often recommended for use in areas of high lightning risk, such as the Southern Africa and some parts of the USA.