tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33573016.post215627827463677032..comments2024-02-11T02:24:22.330-06:00Comments on Nonbovine Ruminations: Battery backup for ham radio gearAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107127399494404366noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33573016.post-63412088406547947442009-08-20T09:15:35.710-05:002009-08-20T09:15:35.710-05:00I'm thinking about using a portable automotive...I'm thinking about using a portable automotive battery charger as a backup for our ham radio station. These chargers are the kind you carry in the truck, cost around 100 dollars are the sealed type, with air compressor, light, etc. AC/DC cords etc. Made in China. Do these work well with HAM? My son hooked on up to his radion and only got about 30 minutes use. Please advise Thanks, BillAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33573016.post-22926620552594275012009-03-18T11:11:00.000-05:002009-03-18T11:11:00.000-05:00I am experimenting right now with a deep cycle RV ...I am experimenting right now with a deep cycle RV battery connected to a solar recharger. I will let you know how it goes.....Joseph Martin IIIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08763993000151719945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33573016.post-38269734632808269002009-03-12T00:14:00.000-05:002009-03-12T00:14:00.000-05:00Saving is really important nowadays, we have to ea...Saving is really important nowadays, we have to earn more in order to live graciously. The sun is a gift from God, that we really need. It is indeed amazing that we can make use of it's heat. To have energy for our homes and appliances and of course, to save!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33573016.post-75469043156722590622009-03-11T17:38:00.000-05:002009-03-11T17:38:00.000-05:00Kelly, what's your station's total wattage? are yo...Kelly, what's your station's total wattage? are you going to run it 24/7?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33573016.post-75739296335522594872009-03-11T16:33:00.000-05:002009-03-11T16:33:00.000-05:00You're over thinking this Kelly. Just buy some bat...You're over thinking this Kelly. <BR/><BR/>Just buy some batteries and solar panels and hook them up. Later you can build or buy a backup charger.<BR/><BR/>In an earlier post you mentioned a 10-16V swing on the batteries. This is excessive, reduce it by sizing your components correctly. Temperature is another thing that will vary the battery's voltage. If you locate your batteries inside, put them in a box and vent it outside. I don't care if you have "non-gassing" batteries, vent the box.<BR/><BR/>Eliminate the buck/boost bullshit. It's just another component that can fail and therefore reduces overall reliability. I'm guessing that most "12V" components have some internal regulation where needed and can handle a fair sized voltage swing. Build or choose components that can run straight off the battery.<BR/><BR/>KISS (keep it simple, stupid). If you have low wattage requirements try to size your battery/panel such that no charge controller is needed. For example, if you have an automotive size battery (or a deep cycle version about the same size) you can use a 10 watt solar panel without a charge controller; it will never put out enough power to cook your battery, just hook it up and add a blocking diode if needed (might be built into the panel, or the panel might have a high enough internal resistance that one isn't needed).<BR/><BR/>Amorphous panels are cheaper and produce power on cloudy/shady days when crystalline panels don't. Crystalline panels are smaller for the same wattage, last longer and are more expensive.<BR/><BR/>Make some choices and go with them Kelly or you'll never get started :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33573016.post-85311389174339023922009-03-11T10:42:00.000-05:002009-03-11T10:42:00.000-05:00Hi, I was wondering if you had looked at the ARRL ...Hi, I was wondering if you had looked at the ARRL handbook for ideas? I am currently using an Astron power supply that I modified to take a battery backup, and that is where I got the idea. For a battery, I have a small Optima Red Top. It is sealed, and the usual "car battery hazards" don't really apply. You might also look at surplus auctions for "new but dusty" telecom batteries. I've seen tons of them turn up since the AT&T Cingular merge.<BR/><BR/>As far as the solar panel idea, you aren't going to be able to use that as a direct approach. To be successful, you are always want to run off of the battery bank, and charge the batteries with the panels. The problem is that there are too many factors, such as clouds, and the sun's position relative to the panels that makes the charge rate fluctuate wildly. The battery bank, of course, will act as a natural buffer. Harbor Freight makes such a system for about $140 bucks. If you want to roll your own charge controller, check out http://www.otherpower.com . There is a wealth of knowledge there. Additionally, I am always happy to help a fellow ham.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com