How is the Trendsetter Pole/Winch system?

[ck40711]

Howdy everyone, now that it is the off-season I start thinking about next year. I have a been toying with the idea of treating myself and getting a Trendsetter 8. I like the look of the house and have seen plenty of posts were people seem to like these houses, but I have not heard anyone talk about the pole system? How is the pole and winch? I ask because I had a Trio and it was so loud going up and down the pole that it was almost worth it to just get on a ladder vs. bringing the house down? I tried to find youtube videos with the trendsetter pole but had no luck. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Casey

[MamaBruff]

Casey,

In 2013, my line of thought was "buy quality, buy once"... so I splurged and I bought a Trendsetter 12. I kept it for 3 years, and only had one pair stay in it the first year, and only visitors thereafter. Probably because it was not the kind of house the birds in my area are "imprinted" on. Most of the housing in my home area are Trios and plastic barns, and a few of the cheapo gourd racks. So in other words, my TS12 was a sparrow magnet. I wore out /broke the winch in those three years of constant up and down! The winch was not quiet, but one of the standard clackety-clack types. I ended up removing the house and re-homing it with a good friend who has 2 other Trendsetters. (for several reasons, not just broken winch and the lack of nesting martins)

Now this is just me thinking out loud - but if I were you, I would stick with the less expensive housing at first to get a colony established, then upgrade. You already have a Trio, right? (What kind of housing is in your area? This is what the PMs are imprinted on) The Trio is the "gold standard" housing for many years in the PM world. Maybe you just need to get a different winch... Much less expensive than a new Trendsetter! The Trio can be modified to 6x12 nest cavities instead of the standard 6x6 if you can DIY... Perhaps add an inexpensive plastic house/barn to your offerings. Get the colony established first, then If you have your heart set on a TS, save up your money and buy a TS12, or put up a quality gourd rack. I have heard that your established colony will move right in to the new housing. Just my advice, from 4 years of trying and researching every scrap of info I can find...

(My new strategy: plastic house and a gourd rack, neither of which has a winch, neither of which has attracted nesting martins. I have a friend willing to loan a Trio to me, which I hope to acquire this winter.)

[Anthony Neira]

Hey Mary, well stated ! Sometimes the Best Housing made helps, sometimes the "O.K" ones get the job started ! Best of luck for 2017, Casey & Mary !

[John Miller]

My goodness. Will offer a more positive review.

I manage seven Trendsetters in public sites in St. Louis city, housing now about 10 years old and the winches have not failed. I worry..but so far, so good.

The click is from the break guard lever being "on" and can be switched to off as you raise the house and it's then silent. This is what I do. You must pay attention and keep your hand holding the handle (or house would drop), but you will feel that it's pressing against your palm...works for me.

I do also enjoy operating rope and pulley systems, for gourd racks and couple of multipurpose poles, and sometimes feel maybe I'm in more control of these, but a winch and heavier cable are necessary for a heavy Trendsetter house.

As far as what martins are imprinted on, I doubt any martin in the city of St. Louis ever saw a Trendsetter before we put them up in Forest Park and the Missouri Botanical Garden, replacing a few older Trio houses, but most of the Trendsetters now are full occupancy every year. It's hard to predict martin behavior....I wish it were easier.

John

[Steve Kroenke]

I agree with John about the Trendsetter winches and houses.

I have five Trendsetters and none of the winches have failed so far. The basic non-brake winch that comes with the smaller Trendsetters has worked perfectly for me. I operate mine just like John does! I don't know the "lifespan" of these winches but mine still operate and look pretty good.

In my area of northwest Louisiana, the main commercial housing types are Trios, Coates and the plastic S&K houses. I believe I had the first Trendsetters, but I now know of two other nearby martin colonies that use them. Martins immediately colonized the Trendsetters and my smaller 12 and 16 room houses are nearly 100% full each season. The Trendsetters in the other colonies are well occupied, too. So the newer Trendsetter type houses have done well in my area. However, every situation is different and what works in one area relative to housing type may or may not work elsewhere.

My Trendsetters move up and down on the square aluminum pole relatively well and smoothly when operating the winch. I haven't noticed any loud scraping noises yet, but that could change as they systems become older.

I like the Trendsetters a lot!

Steve

[Rodger Drye]

Hey Steve.
I know this is off subject, but you have always taken such fantastic pictures I wanted to ask you what kind of Camera do you use and do you use any specific type lenses.? My wife has just informed me that she is going to buy me a Camera on Black Friday for Christmas. I'll be able to take some pics of my Bird's and my Site!
My daughter has a Canon Sports Camera and I think I'd like one like she has.

I'm not really a photographer and have never had a real expensive camera. I would like later to get a Scope and would also like a camera that would be compatible with it.

I know every photo I've ever seen of your's has really been of superior quality.!!
Can you give me a little feed back and info about this.?
It certainly would be appreciated.!!

I would have called you but, I've lost your phone number. Thought I had it in my Martin File Box but I cant' locate it...

Thanks, Rodger

[Steve Kroenke]

Hey Rodger,

I am glad you like my photos. I am NOT a photographer and know very little about the subject! I have an old Panasonic Lumix digital camera that must be around ten years old. I just aim and shoot!

I believe the newer digital cameras are much better and produce clearer photos. I read where the Nikon Coolpix and Canon Rebel cameras are good brands. Your daughter's Canon Sports camera is probably a good one, too. From what I've read Canon cameras tend to be good models.

I have been thinking about getting a new camera though my old one still takes good photos.

I buy a lot of my stuff from Amazon using the AmazonSmile program so that the PMCA gets a donation. Amazon has MANY digital cameras with customer reviews and you might want to check them out. If I get a new camera, I'll get one from Amazon.

It is fun taking photos of my martin colony!

Steve

[Rodger Drye]

Hey Steve,
That's amazing I didn't even know Panasonic made a Camera. I thought they only made Stereo Equipment. I'm certainly no photographer either. I will check out Amazon to see what they have.

Thanks so much for the additional info, every little bit will help me make a decision.!

Keep on taking those magnificent pictures. I know I enjoy seeing them and I'm sure many others do as well.

Thanks Again, Rodger