User’s Manual

Overview 2

Bird Control Management Guidelines 3

Materials List 4

Assembly 5

Control Unit 5

Solar Panel 5

Placement 6

Building a Mounting Pole or Mast 7

Installation 8

20-Speaker Tower 8

Solar Panel 8

Control Box 9

Solar Panel Connections 9

Settings 10

Recordings 10

Mode Settings 10

Warranty 12
Overview
The Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO utilizes the innate power of the natural survival instincts of birds to
effectively repel them. Digital recordings of distressed and alarmed birds, along with the sounds
made by their natural predators are broadcast through high fidelity weather-resistant speakers over
the top of areas. This action triggers a primal fear and flee response. Pest birds soon relocate to
where they can feed without feeling threatened.

Your Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO system consists of:

20-Speaker Tower broadcasts the bird sounds

Control Unit produces the bird sounds and contains all operational controls

Solar Panel recharges the 12-volt deep cycle battery

Items needed but not included:

(1) Mounting Pole or Mast tall enough to raise the 20-Speaker Tower
at least 5 feet above the top of the areas, trees or other obstructions

(1) 12-volt Deep Cycle Battery (RV/Marine) Group 27 or larger wet cell

(1) T-Post or similar (Optional) may be needed to support the mounting pole

(1) Bailing Wire or zip-tie (Optional) to secure the Mounting Pole to the T-Post

CAUTION: THE MEGA BLASTER PRO IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SOUNDS UP TO

125 DECIBELS. PROPER HEARING PROTECTION MUST BE WORN ANYTIME THE
UNIT IS TURNED ON.

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 2

Bird Control Management Guidelines
An active bird control management program is a key to successfully repelling pest
birds. Bird feeding patterns may take several days or weeks to break. Follow all
suggestions for maximum effectiveness. Read all instructions prior to installation.
For best results:
• It is extremely important to fully protect your entire area from birds. Any areas not fully protected will allow birds
to begin feeding at the fringes of the sound coverage. They will soon become bolder and learn the sounds are
nothing to fear. This will cause the effectiveness to diminish. Complete Bird-X product coverage forces birds to leave
the area entirely.

• Install the Mega Blaster PRO unit at least two weeks before birds are attracted to your area. It is much easier to keep
birds away before they have found a food source than it is to repel them once they have developed a feeding pattern.

• Most birds begin feeding from the perimeter of an area. Place Mega Blaster PRO units so the sound protection
covers past the edges of the area.

• Birds will often use tall trees for roosting and observation. If birds are in bordering trees it is necessary to position the
units so the sound protection covers the trees as well.

• Mount the 20-Speaker Tower at least five feet above trees, areas and structures for maximum coverage. The higher
the better. Sound will disperse or reflect off structures or foliage. Mount control unit out of direct sun, if possible.

• When first installed, run Mega Blaster PRO units at FULL volume and on SHORT time off periods. This ensures
maximum “bird stress” and creates a hostile environment.

• Watch for changes in bird activity and adjust the location of your Mega Blaster PRO unit if needed.

• Check the battery and unit settings often to insure continuous bird control. Be certain that the system is not
turned down or has a dead battery. Field hands or harvesters may turn down the volume.

• Changing settings and switches often helps to prevent bird habituation. Periodically change the switch settings of the
eight sounds (turning them ON or OFF). NEVER turn OFF the distress calls of the target birds you are trying to repel
and always keep at least one predator bird sound turned ON.

• If different bird species enter the protected area and begin causing damage contact us immediately for an updated
Sound Recording Card designed to repel the new invading birds.

• Remember that the Mega Blaster PRO system is a management tool, and should be used as part of your overall bird
control strategy, sometimes in conjunction with other bird control techniques and devices.

Be aware that under extreme drought or other adverse conditions, birds will disregard all deterrents and risks in
order to survive

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 3

Materials List
Item Qty Notes

Mega Blaster PRO Control Box 1

Sound Recording Card 1 Pre-installed in control box

20-Speaker Tower 1

Control Box Brackets 2

Control Box Mounting U-Bolts 2

40-Watt Solar Panel 1

Solar Panel Mounting Bracket 1

Solar Panel Mounting U-Bolts 2

Control Box Connector Cable 1 1/4” x 1-1/8” x 2”

Battery Box 1 2 Wire, 10 ft. Long

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 4

Assembly
Note: You will find it easier to pre-assemble the following
components prior to installation in the field.
Control Box
Mounting Brackets
Control Unit
1. Lay the Control Unit face down

2. Attach the two Control Box Mounting Brackets to the back with the included screws (Figure 1)
Figure 1

Solar Panel
Solar Panel Mounting Bracket
3. Install the two Solar Panel Mounting U-Bolts in the Head of the Solar Panel Mounting
Bracket (Figure 2) Head

4. Loosen, but do not remove the Carriage Bolts securing the movable Clamp Plates on the U-Bolts
Solar Panel Mount Bracket

5. Lay the solar panel on a flat surface with the glass side down Clamp
Plates
6. Lay the Mounting Arm across the Solar Panel with the Clamp Plates down. Position the Carriage
Mounting Arm at an angle so the Clamp Plates slide under the lip of the Solar Panel Bolts
(Figure 3A)

7. Rotate the Mounting Arm and secure it to the Solar Panel by tightening the Carriage
Bolts (Figure 3B)

Bottom View Top View

Figure 2

Clamp Plates slide under Rotate Mounting Arm and

the lip of the Solar Panel
tighten Carriage Bolts

Figure 3A Figure 3B

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 5

Placement
Your Mega Blaster PRO will protect an area up to approximately 600 feet in all directions.

Factors to consider when selecting the best location include:

• Birds typically feed from the perimeter of the area and work their way in. Place Mega Blaster PRO units so
the sound protection covers all the way to the edges of the area. For larger areas Mega Blaster PRO units
should be positioned 400-500 feet inside the area and spaced every 1,200 feet.

• Mount the 20-Speaker Tower at least 5 feet above terrain, areas, trees and other obstacles.

• Placing the Mega Blaster PRO on top of a hill or small rise will give you much better coverage than at the
bottom of a valley. The greater the height the further the sounds will travel.

• Wind can blow the sound waves. If the area you need to protect has consistent wind coming from the same
direction, position your Mega Blaster PRO more “upwind.”

• Trees surrounding areas provide birds with a safe perch that allows them to fly in, grab food and fly out. It is
much more difficult to eliminate bird damage if the birds are able to use the surrounding trees as a staging
area for attacks on your areas. Your Mega Blaster PRO unit should be positioned close to any trees
bordering your areas. If birds are roosting in the trees at night the TIME OF OPERATION should be set to
24 HOUR.

• Lakes, rivers and wetlands are a favorite resting and hiding place for birds. Your Mega Blaster PRO unit
should be placed so the sound thoroughly covers any areas where birds frequent.

• Neighbors, businesses and others may not appreciate hearing the bird sounds. At the limits of the effective
range the sounds from your Mega Blaster PRO are at a level people may find annoying. Avoid placing the
unit where it becomes a nuisance.

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 6

Building a Mounting Pole or Mast
CAUTION: TALL POLES AND MASTS CAN BE HEAVY AND POTENTIALLY
DANGEROUS. USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN CONSTRUCTING OR WORKING
AROUND TALL POLES AND MASTS. BIRD-X, INC., ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY
FOR DAMAGES OR INJURIES.

Things to consider:
• The 20-Speaker Tower is designed to mount onto a 1 in. (outside diameter) pipe at least 14 in. long. 1 in.
conduit works well as it is light, rigid, inexpensive and available in 10 ft. lengths making it ideal for low areas,
vineyards and bushes.
• You will want to take down your Mega Blaster PRO unit after harvest and store it in a dry location until the
next season.

A suggestion for masts up to 20 feet tall:

1. 3/4 inch Galvanized steel water pipe has a 1 inch outside diameter and is the correct size to fit inside the
20-Speaker Tower. It is often available in 20 ft. lengths from hardware and plumbing supply stores. If
these are not available, 10 ft. lengths are common and can be fastened together with a threaded coupler.
Assemble the poles on the ground.
2. Slide the 20-Speaker Tower over the pipe and tighten the set screw in the collar at the base.
3. Stand the pole assembly up just inside the drip line of a tree and securely tie the pole to a few heavy
branches.
4. Drive a T-Post into the ground at the base of the pole and secure with wire.

For masts taller than 20 feet:

1. Use 20 ft. lengths of galvanized steel water pipe or similar, securely fastened together with threaded
reducing couplers.
2. Starting with 3 in. pipe, step the size down with each length of pipe.
3. The last 10 ft. can be 1 in. (O.D.) conduit hose clamped to the final section of galvanized pipe.

A semi-permanent mast support can be made by digging a hole 4 ft. deep and 4 ft. round. In the middle of the
hole sink a length of galvanized water pipe large enough that your mast will easily fit inside. Make sure at least
2 ft. of pipe is above ground level. Fill the area around the pipe with packed sand, leaving the last foot filled
with concrete to form a cap over the hole. Your mast can be dropped into the galvanized water pipe “receiver”
for support. At the end of harvest the mast can be lifted out and positioned on the ground for easy
disassembly and storage.

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 7

Installation
Note: Foliage, trees, and other obstructions severely reduce the effective range of
Mega Blaster PRO units. It is critical that the 20-Speaker Tower is mounted at least 5
feet above all obstructions to achieve the maximum protection.
Mounting Pole or Mast
1. The Mounting Pole or Mast will need to be supported by a T-Post, fence post, tree or other means. The Pole Support
should be in place before proceeding.

Slide Mounting Pole all the way

20-Speaker Tower through the 20-Speaker Tower

2. Lay the 20-Speaker Tower on its side on the ground and cut the zip-tie
securing the speaker cables.
3. Slide the 1 in. (outside diameter) Mounting Pole through the Collar at
the bottom of the 20-Speaker Tower (Figure 4A) until it slides over the
positioning pin inside the top of the Tower (Figure 4B).
4. Tighten the Set Screw in Collar securely.
Collar and Set Screw

Solar Panel
5. With the glass side of the solar panel facing the 20-Speaker Tower, slide the U-Bolts in the Solar Panel Mounting
Bracket over the lower end of the Mounting Pole approximately three feet from the bottom of the pole and tighten the
U-Bolts (Figure 5).
6. Lean up the Mounting Pole with the 20-Speaker Tower on top, against the Pole Support and fasten the Mounting Pole
to the Pole Support securely with wire or other semi-permanent means.
7. Rotate the solar panel so it receives the most possible sunlight and tighten the Pivot Bolts so the panel is at
approximately 45 degrees.

U-Bolts Approximately 3 ft.

Figure 5

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 8

Control Box Control Box Connector
to Solar Controller on back
8. Attach the Control Box to the Mounting Pole with the U-Bolts. of 40-watt Solar Panel
9. Feed the Speaker Cables through the Cable Strain Relief at the bottom Cable Strain of the Control Box. (Figure 6)
10. Attach the Speaker Cables from the 20-Speaker Tower to the screws Relief
marked “SPEAKER” on the faceplate of the control panel.
11. Locate the Control Box Connector Cable (the grey 2 lead cables) and feed one end
through the Cable Strain Relief.
12. Connect the RED wire to the screw marked “+” and the BLACK wire to the screw marked
“-” under “12V BATTERY” on the faceplate of the control panel.
13. MAKE SURE THE POWER SWITCH IS TURNED OFF BEFORE ATTACHING BATTERY CABLES TO
BATTERY. Speaker Cables
14. Connect the other end of the RED wire to the “+” terminal on the 12-volt Deep Tapered
Cycle battery (not included). Connect the BLACK wire to the “-” terminal on the battery. Cinch Nut
Figure 6
15. Hand tighten the Tapered Cinch Nut on the bottom of the Cable Strain Relief to help keep insects and moisture out.

Solar Panel Connections

16. Cut the black zip-ties securing the RED and BLACK wires on the underside of the solar panel. (Figure 7)
17. Connect the RED wire to the “+” terminal on the 12-volt battery and connect the BLACK wire to the “-” terminal on the battery.

NOTE: If you are using a “Sealed Gel” 12-volt battery (instead of a “Wet” Lead Acid battery) you will need to adjust Dip
Switch 1 to the “ON” position, and Dip Switch 2 to the “OFF” position. (Fig. 8, 9 and 10) The Access Hole is located on the
Underside of the Solar Controller flexible panel, attached to the back side of the solar panel. The factory preset setting is for
a 12-volt “Wet” Lead Acid battery with Dip Switch 1 to the “OFF” position, and Dip Switch 2 to the “ON” position. It is
recommended that you use a Group 27, Deep Cycle 12-bolt battery for optimum performance.

Access Hole
Showing Dip
Solar Controller
Switch 1 and
Dip Switch 2

Underside
Access Panel
Showing
Access Hole

RED and BLACK wires

Figure 7 Figure 8, 9 and 10
connect to BATTERY

CAUTION: The Mega Blaster PRO is capable of producing

sounds up to 125 decibels. Hearing protection must be worn
anytime the unit is on!

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 9

Settings
Repelling birds requires regular monitoring and active management. Birds are intelligent and
highly adaptable so it is important to create and maintain an environment the birds perceive
as hostile and dangerous. This is achieved by playing the sounds frequently and at a high
volume, otherwise the birds will not be fully repelled and will soon learn to adapt.
Below are the initial settings that should be used when your Mega Blaster PRO is first
installed. Please see the “Bird Control Management Guidelines” section for more information.
Recordings
There are eight separate bird sounds contained on the Replaceable Sound Card. The label on the sound card lists each sound with a number
corresponding to the eight “RECORDINGS” dip switches to the left of the Sound Card. Initially all RECORDING switches should be turned ON. If
the target birds begin returning, periodically change the switch settings for the eight sounds (turning them ON or OFF). NOTE: NEVER turn OFF
the distress calls of the target birds you are trying to repel and always keep at least one predator bird sound turned ON.

Mode Settings
TIME OFF INTERVAL controls the time off periods between each playing of the bird recordings.

Setting Time Off Duration Switch #1 Switch #2

SHORT 17-50 Seconds ON OFF

MEDIUM 1:00-4:15 Minutes OFF ON

LONG 5:00-10:00 Minutes ON ON

XLONG 10:00-30:00 Minutes OFF OFF

When the Mega Blaster PRO unit is first installed the TIME OFF INTERVAL should be set to SHORT to create the greatest sense of
danger and move the birds out of the area the fastest. Once the birds have left the area completely for a week or more you may try increasing
the TIME OFF INTERVAL gradually, but you must monitor the birds carefully. Switch back to SHORT at the first sign birds are returning.
TIME OF OPERATION controls when the bird recordings play.

Setting Switch #3 Switch #4

DAY ONLY ON OFF

24-HOUR OFF ON

NIGHT ONLY ON ON Recommended Settings

In most cases birds are only active during the day so the DAY ONLY is recommended. If birds are roosting in bordering trees at night
you will need to set the TIME OF OPERATION for 24-HOUR.
RANDOM OPERATION should always be turned ON. VOLUME should be set as high as possible.

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 10

Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Cause Solution

No Sound Volume turned down Turn volume up

Dead battery Charge or replace battery

Loose battery connection Verify all battery connections are tight

All RECORDINGS are turned OFF Verify all RECORDINGS are switched
to ON

Sound Card not fully seated Remove sound card and reinstall, making
sure it is fully inserted into the socket

Sound Card is installed backward Unplug the sound card and reinstall with the
label facing to the left

TIME OF OPERATION set to DAY ONLY Change TIME OF OPERATION to

without enough light 24-HOUR

Unit was not shut down before the battery 1. Turn the POWER switch OFF
was disconnected causing the unit to go
2. Disconnect the battery
into “SAFE MODE”
3. Remove the sound card

4. Wait 30 seconds

5. Reinstall sound card

6. Reconnect the battery

7. Turn the POWER switch ON

Was working but stopped The battery is dead Connect the battery to a battery charger
and see if it will hold a charge. Replace if
necessary

Solar Panel is not getting enough sunlight Reposition the Solar Panel

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 11

Limited Warranty
THIS MEGA BLASTER PRO UNIT IS WARRANTED AGAINST DEFECTS IN
MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP FOR SIX MONTHS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE
(EXTENDED WARRANTY AVAILABLE). BIRD-X WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR,
PROVIDED DEFECT OCCURS UNDER NORMAL USE. RETURNS ACCEPTED
ONLY WITH AUTHORIZATION FROM OUR CHICAGO OFFICE.

300 North Oakley Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60612
Toll-Free (800) 662-5021
Fax (312) 312-2480 www.Bird-X.com
[email protected]
©2014 Bird-X, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Bird-X® is a patented trademark of Bird-X, Inc.

EPA Establishment Number 075130-OR-001

Mega Blaster PRO P/N 655-0065-00 (Rev. C - 5/2016)

Bird-X Mega Blaster PRO User’s Manual (#655-0065-00 – May 2016) 12