I might have gotten good ones. I'll replace the battery and see once feeding season starts. I really like the feeder. Using the generic farm store food I've never had a clog, and the dispersal pattern is great. I tried making a feeder from some of the MUCH less expensive wildlife directional feeders, and it worked o.k. with the smaller pellets, but the larger (1/4") pellets clogged it, and the raccoons were able to tear up the rubber paddle that dispersed the food. I was able to make a guard that stopped that, but not too long after that I bought the AD75's. I hope the timer problem is solved, it's a good feeder.