NEW MS-4 Digital Electronic Pet Collar for PX-1 and PX-2 (3 pack)

I bought one of these based on the claim that it works while wet (I'm in the Seattle area). The MS-2a definitely does not work when wet and I've been using three of the 2a's for 2.5 years. So, first thing I did when I received the version 4 was remove the battery protector tab, try it with the powerpet door, and then drop it in a glass of water (hitechpet claims it can withstand brief submersion but of course they made that claim on the 2a as well and it wasn't true). I removed it from the water and it still opened my powerpet door while dripping wet (water drops on the transducer even). So, it works while wet.

I then opened it up and found that there was in fact water inside it. So, it's still not really water proof or water resistant, but it does work while wet. They made some improvements over the 2 and 2a around the test button (both) and the transducer (compared to 2a). But there still are no rubber seals. I dried the insides with a towel and hair dryer and put it on my dog. Then I ordered another one (via ebay). I found (before putting it on the dog) that I needed to turn up the sensitivity of the door both inside and outside to have a good response.

They changed the battery by placing foil and tape over it so that both positive and negative can be contacted by springs on the same side. No problem there except the cost. Only hitechpet makes them currently (check ebay for best prices) so my ultra cheap Chinese sources for previous version batteries (via Amazon or ebay) don't have them.

Based on my testing I know that if it is really wet out, then I should still open and dry the version 4 out, but at least my dog won't be stranded in the meantime. It's not waterproof or even water resistant. I don't know why they continue to make this ridiculous claim. It is not true in the Northwest weather. In Southern California where it almost never rains this is probably not a problem unless your dog tires to swim with it. You won't want to risk leaving it wet inside for long because the copper will corrode and the battery will short out. Still, it's the best model they have and that's why I ordered a back-up.

If you have a cat then the included collar is fine. If you have a dog then you already know the included collars are throw-away. I have always used a series of 3 small electrical tie-wraps to attach the transmitter directly to my collars and that has never failed. After reading other reviews of the 2a I decided to try the Velcro method (using Velcro one-wrap, got it from Amazon). That works great and I am no longer using tie-wraps. Get the 3/4 wide one-wrap and cut a short piece to about 0.3" wide to make a little loop where the original collar was. Then use the full width to go through the small loop and around the collar. Then it is super easy to remove if you go somewhere you don't need it or if your dog goes swimming (ours does).

HiTech why are you still claiming these things can be submerged? That is false advertising.

------------------------

Update Aug 4, 2012 The biggest way for water to get into these is through the test LED hole. Why is there a hole? Why not cover it with clear plastic if it's really needed? Better yet, eliminate the test button and light since they are truly pointless. If you hold it to your ear (this or any model) you can hear if it's working. Even better, just hold it up to the door and see if it opens it or not.

Having used the MS-4 for a couple weeks I've noticed that it is more work for my dog. This model seems to be much more directional than the MS-2/2a. My dog will have to come and stand by the door for a little while before it will open. Luckily she is patient. She has fairly thick hair around the neck so I'm not sure if it is the hair blocking a very directional signal, or the angle of it basically pointing at the floor as she approaches her door. It does work fine when not on her neck (testing it by hand). The MS-2/2a did not have this issue on the same dog. Not sure what to do about it yet. I'm lowering my score to 3 stars for now.

while the collar works just great with the electronic door the collars in general a terrible. they dont last. i'm always replacing them. they fall a part. i tape them closed now which helps a little. too bad they can't make a better collar for the door. BUT....still a great invention. Let's the dogs go in and out; keeps the cats in (except for 2 that wait at the door and follow the dogs out).

Buy NEW MS-4 Digital Electronic Pet Collar for PX-1 and PX-2 (3 pack) Now

It is advertised that it is water resistant barely. I love the door but as stated by many, the transmitter is horrible.

I'm on my forth unit. Here's a tip to help it stay together and make it a little more water proof. Wrap around the edge a couple of times with electrical tape. It helps a lot.

Read Best Reviews of NEW MS-4 Digital Electronic Pet Collar for PX-1 and PX-2 (3 pack) Here

We had bought the heavy duty collars from the start. The batteries corrode when the dogs get wet, despite the extra cost of being "waterproof." Our dogs in normal play often come back without the cover which pops off and gets lost in the garden. We have had to pay to replace every system in the door from the circuit board to the sensor to eventually the entire door itself. On numerous occasions the door would open and shut repeatedly, tech support told us to try loosening the screws attaching the door to the wall. While this worked it meant that we had a door that was not secure against the wall which allowed a draft to enter the house (we are in the NE United States with cold winters). Then after the door was replaced and we ordered new collars they did not work. We thought perhaps they were set at a different frequency but tech support told us no. They sent new collars but without batteries. This product is expensive enough and to make the battery proprietary makes our blood boil at this point. We currently are trying to get our door working again amazing how much money we have sunk into this in the 2 years we have had it. As an American designed and manufactured product it is embarrassing to us that the quality is so poor. We have to do better.

Want NEW MS-4 Digital Electronic Pet Collar for PX-1 and PX-2 (3 pack) Discount?

The door opener is great, but the company refuses to release a reliable collar that does not fail or fall to pieces in a matter of a few weeks or less. They know you have not choice but to keep replacing them. I plan to glue the next one together with super glue in hopes it will at least last until the batter wears out.