PiShock doesn't want you to know this one simple trick!

(Skip to saving money)

In 2025, I decided I’d get a shock collar. I had looked at PiShock before, but it was never in my price range for something I wasn’t-so-sure I’d like, but I found this project called OpenShock.

Tiny bit of reading docs and C$35.16 later, I had a fully working setup with a hub and the exact same shocker PiShock ships. The shocker itself, was C$13.48. I could buy 5 entire shockers at that price for the price of just one from PiShock.

That’s kinda crazy, right? They provide an explanation for this in their FAQ:

Why is it so expensive then, I found the same shocker online for cheaper! The extra cost is to cover server, logistics, support, packaging, development and other costs as we do not charge a subscription.

Which sure, is a reasonable justification, and not everyone has the time or skill to put together the electronics themselves, even if it’s a ridiculous up-charge, could be seen as a “niche tax” or something.

But here’s how I think anyone can save US$40-60+ on a shock collar without ANY DIYing

How to save $40-60, with no DIYing

PiShock ships their collar for $50, but it’s a CaiXianlin shocker that can be found for cheap on AliExpress/Alibaba, and can be paired to the PiShock hub. You can even get it in other colours!

There are plenty of listings (see openshock’s page) but you have two main options.

A. Get a full “kit” with the original remote you won’t be needing

B. For less $$$, get a replacement shocker, as well as a cable to charge it (this is pretty much what you’d get with PiShock)

I don’t own a PiShock hub, so I can’t provide a detailed tutorial past the purchasing, but it should be quite simple to pair the shocker to their hub just like if you had bought it from them (see docs.pishock.com/faqs.html).

There are also many OpenShock vendors for both shockers and hubs, listed on the OpenShock wiki! While I can’t vouch for any in particular, it’s likely it’ll be cheaper and/or faster to ship than PiShock’s offerings.

Cheap Spacers

If you want a spacer (game changer, btw) you can get one for as little as a few dollars as it’s a simple 3D printed part.

OpenShock has a repository with a bunch of models, I used this one (the slim variant). If you don’t have a 3D printer, you can:

• Get it printed by a friend with a 3D printer (Hi!)
• Print at your local library depending on where you live
• Use a commercial service like JLC3DP
• Get it from one of the OpenShock vendors mentioned above

Wrap-Up

While my personal opinion on PiShock as a company is not positive, this post isn’t attempting to be a flame post or whatever. Don’t harass people or be annoying about it, just save your money in peace c:

Thanks to everyone working on OpenShock for the documentation and open-source software!!

Also, turns out i’m not the biggest fan of getting shocked. To each their own! At least I didn’t spend $120+ in the process :P

Disclaimer

The two s.click.aliexpress.com links in this post are affiliate links that give me a small kickback! I promise it hasn’t had any influence in the content.