Posted: 4/22/2015 10:00:37 AM EDT
So I finally picked up a portable HF rig (FT-857) for portable ops. I love the IC-7200, but that thing gets HEAVY about half way up the hill  So, anyways, I'm planning a little portable "mountain"-topping op this weekend in Arkansas near Heber Springs. I'm going to be running the FT-857, homebrew modified EARCHI endfed and/or clothesline dipole, and my ammo can battery box. The box has two 12ah SLA batteries in parallel. I'm planning on running QRP or maybe up to 25 watts if needed in the field. I know I'm packing more battery than most do, but this is my first time with this setup and I'd hate to get all the way up the hill (I'm humping the whole way in/out) and run out of battery power in an hour  Depending on my success with this, I have another single 12ah SLA battery that I can bring by itself for the next trip up the hill. Got these for cheap at RadioShack, so I'm ankle deep in them now. The trip is 2 days out and I'm already dreading lugging those "heavy" batteries around  .However, I'd like to get a lighter setup and a way to prolong operating with a smaller battery. I see some of you guys using portable (fold up) solar panels for charging while operating. I'm also interested in the new hobby lithium batteries that I've seen here. All of this is really cost-dependent, though. I'm young and dumb and I've got more leg power than money at the moment, so if this is a big $$$ project at the moment I may wait until prices come down a bit. But, my questions are: 1. Solar charging for what I've got. What do you guys use for solar charging for field ops? I'm looking for a setup that will charge what I have right now. I understand that I need panels and a charge controller. I'm concerned about randomly picking a charge controller due to noise. Controller output preferably modifiable to powerpoles for compatibility with everything else I've got. 2. A new lithium setup. Same as above but with one of those 7ah or whatever lithium batteries for the weight savings. What is that battery you guys get from Hobby King or wherever? I know that lithium batteries have different charging requirements. Are any of these solar charge controllers adjustable so I can switch between SLA and lithium with the same solar/controller setup? I'd hate to a-splode myself out in the middle of nowhere Thanks, Popov |
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Quoted: You are CARRYING all this? When I go portable I use a pickup. The only place I carry anything is from the truck 20' or 30' to a picnic table.   Gonna leave the 7200 and TM-V71 back down the hill at the cabin. Gonna (try to) lug the 857 and HT to the top. This will be my furthest hike little mini-SOTA yet. Y'all monitor the guard freqs for me in case I fall out and need rescue Though I thought about taking the new Kantronics up and setting up an APRS digipeater while I was up there. Thinkin' gets heavy after a while.  |
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Quoted: http://keithmillerphotography.com/show/cq/DSC01275.jpg http://keithmillerphotography.com/show/cq/DSC01277.jpg Radio with internal batteries, antenna, earbuds and keyer. 2.97 lbs Mic is another 4.8 oz I'm getting more lazy the older I get. I used to think 15 lbs was good for SOTA. Hey, it's a good deal. Mine does 100 watts out! I'll even throw in the upgraded floor mats |
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Quoted: Trade ya'. Hey, it's a good deal. Mine does 100 watts out! I'll even throw in the upgraded floor mats Quoted: Quoted: http://keithmillerphotography.com/show/cq/DSC01275.jpg http://keithmillerphotography.com/show/cq/DSC01277.jpg Radio with internal batteries, antenna, earbuds and keyer. 2.97 lbs Mic is another 4.8 oz I'm getting more lazy the older I get. I used to think 15 lbs was good for SOTA. Hey, it's a good deal. Mine does 100 watts out! I'll even throw in the upgraded floor mats |
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These.
I have 4 total. I plug + from one into - on the other and then made up bullet connectors to go to my regulator and then to the radio. 
The battery alarms are optional, and really you only need one if you decide to get one. |
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Quoted: I played /p today http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q610/jnu5/Mobile%20Uploads/20150422_123056_zps9k9sjbzo.jpg |
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These. I have 4 total. I plug + from one into - on the other and then made up bullet connectors to go to my regulator and then to the radio. http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/41190821/ham/batterysetup1.jpg The battery alarms are optional, and really you only need one if you decide to get one. Can I hijack the thread for a while and talk about batteries and chargers please? I have one of these Thunder AC6. 
Do you, or anyone else know if it would work with the batteries you listed? It says NICD/NIMH/LITHIUM/PB BATTERIES on the manual so I assume it would. I have never used it though. I bought an RTF kit, flew it once and crashed it so I never got a chance to mess with charging its little 11 volt battery. |
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My solar charging system. Leads are all labeled for easy hookup. Fuse is under the tape on the battery. No load hooked up for the pictures.  Closeup of the controller.   Panel folded for transport.  this whole system weighs just under 4 lbs. This is the same system I used on my bike mobile at Hamvention that some of you saw. Only difference in that one was the radio was the IC-703+ and the panel was a rigid 15 watt panel. With the larger panel and the KX3 low draw on receive I have plenty of power to keep the battery completely charged. With the 15 watt panel and the 703 I could top off the battery but heavy transmit would draw it down some. |
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Quoted:
Can I hijack the thread for a while and talk about batteries and chargers please? I have one of these Thunder AC6. http://ep.yimg.com/ay/yhst-62196343123315/thunder-ac6-smart-lipo-balance-charger-discharger-w-ac-adapter-for-1-6-lipo-1-15-nimh-usb-to-pc-software-12.gif Do you, or anyone else know if it would work with the batteries you listed? It says NICD/NIMH/LITHIUM/PB BATTERIES on the manual so I assume it would. I have never used it though. I bought an RTF kit, flew it once and crashed it so I never got a chance to mess with charging its little 11 volt battery. Quoted:
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These. I have 4 total. I plug + from one into - on the other and then made up bullet connectors to go to my regulator and then to the radio. http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/41190821/ham/batterysetup1.jpg The battery alarms are optional, and really you only need one if you decide to get one. Can I hijack the thread for a while and talk about batteries and chargers please? I have one of these Thunder AC6. http://ep.yimg.com/ay/yhst-62196343123315/thunder-ac6-smart-lipo-balance-charger-discharger-w-ac-adapter-for-1-6-lipo-1-15-nimh-usb-to-pc-software-12.gif Do you, or anyone else know if it would work with the batteries you listed? It says NICD/NIMH/LITHIUM/PB BATTERIES on the manual so I assume it would. I have never used it though. I bought an RTF kit, flew it once and crashed it so I never got a chance to mess with charging its little 11 volt battery. Check the manual for LIPO. Very specific critters. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I had received an early version of the KI0BK Solar charge controller for testing last year and was concerned with use of Powerpoles, of accidentally plugging the panel, which is 18 volts (22 volts no load) directly into my radio gear. My solution was to use a green and black pair of Powerpoles on the lead coming from the solar panels instead of red-black. That might not be good for someone that is red/green colorblind, or for solar gear possibly being used by others. 
I discussed this with KI0BK. His production version of the charge controller has red and black Powerpoles, but with the Powerpoles rotated 90 degrees to make an incompatible plug and socket. http://ki0bk.no-ip.com/~pwrgate/LLPG/Site/Solar.html 
EDITED: I'd like to add, for backpacking you can't get a lighter, more compact solar charge controller than the one from KI0BK. |
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Quoted: http://keithmillerphotography.com/show/cq/DSC01279.jpg I had received an early version of the KI0BK Solar charge controller for testing last year and was concerned with use of Powerpoles, of accidentally plugging the panel, which is 18 volts (22 volts no load) directly into my radio gear. My solution was to use a green and black pair of Powerpoles on the lead coming from the solar panels instead of red-black. That might not be good for someone that is red/green colorblind, or for solar gear possibly being used by others. http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/Jupiter7200/01KI0BKSolarChargeControllerworking_zps4f9527c2.jpg http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/Jupiter7200/02KI0BKSolarChargeControllercloseup_zps1ebbb556.jpg I discussed this with KI0BK. His production version of the charge controller has red and black Powerpoles, but with the Powerpoles rotated 90 degrees to make an incompatible plug and socket. http://ki0bk.no-ip.com/~pwrgate/LLPG/Site/Solar.html http://ki0bk.no-ip.com/~pwrgate/LLPG/Site/Solar_files/SBCC1.jpg EDITED: I'd like to add, for backpacking you can't get a lighter, more compact solar charge controller than the one from KI0BK. I have used this with different SLA batteries and had excellent success. Since the controller is designed for lead acid charging I picked a Li battery from K2 energy to use with it. I am using the K2 12v7 7ah battery that is designed to charge with the same chargers as a SLA. It is more expensive than the RC batteries but for use with this charging system works excellent. It weighs about 1/3 the weight of an equivalent SLA battery. Weight is similar to a similar power RC battery. When I bought this battery 3 years ago they were only $90. Now are $140 http://store.peakbattery.com/128vbatteries.html RC batteries are excellent if you have the proper charger. I am not sure if or how they would work with a solar charging system. I would like comments from anyone who may have tried that. |
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Quoted: http://keithmillerphotography.com/show/cq/DSC01279.jpg I had received an early version of the KI0BK Solar charge controller for testing last year and was concerned with use of Powerpoles, of accidentally plugging the panel, which is 18 volts (22 volts no load) directly into my radio gear. My solution was to use a green and black pair of Powerpoles on the lead coming from the solar panels instead of red-black. That might not be good for someone that is red/green colorblind, or for solar gear possibly being used by others. http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/Jupiter7200/01KI0BKSolarChargeControllerworking_zps4f9527c2.jpg http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/Jupiter7200/02KI0BKSolarChargeControllercloseup_zps1ebbb556.jpg I discussed this with KI0BK. His production version of the charge controller has red and black Powerpoles, but with the Powerpoles rotated 90 degrees to make an incompatible plug and socket. http://ki0bk.no-ip.com/~pwrgate/LLPG/Site/Solar.html http://ki0bk.no-ip.com/~pwrgate/LLPG/Site/Solar_files/SBCC1.jpg EDITED: I'd like to add, for backpacking you can't get a lighter, more compact solar charge controller than the one from KI0BK. " 12v wet cell batteries will work too, these are usually "starter” types, not intended for deep discharge, the SBCC will keep your lawn / motorcycle / boat / RV batteries charged too! The 12 volt (4 cell) LiFePO4 battery is showing great promise as a drop in replacement for the SLA, these are half the weight, and twice the power as a same sized SLA, but are currently very expensive, if you find a bargain, let me know! Other Lithium types are not compatible with the SBCC." The K2 energy battery that I use is designed to be a direct replacement for SLA batteries and WILL work in a solar charging system. |
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Quoted: http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q610/jnu5/kx3%20kit/20141102_092513_zpsfc5058f7.jpg http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q610/jnu5/kx3%20kit/20141102_092703_zps4091bd0f.jpg Here is my backpacking kit. I have the same panel as KM above. I use a A123 systems life battery that has built in battery management and a genasun PB charge controller. It all fits in a maxpedition nalgeen pouch |
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Wow, thanks for the informative replies! It looks like the powerfilm and above charger is the way to go. And I didn't know about those lithium batteries with the built-in charging circuit so you can charge them like SLAs. That seems like it would simplify the setup quite a bit! Looking at costs, this may be a longer term project to buy in pieces, but with the above mentioned batteries in the plan now, I can use the SLAs I have until I wear them (or me) out and then just transition to the lithiums. Good deal. Thanks y'all |
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Quoted:
RC batteries are excellent if you have the proper charger. I am not sure if or how they would work with a solar charging system. I would like comments from anyone who may have tried that. I have never tried charging the LIPOs from a solar rig. I will try that and report back. |
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Quoted: I have never tried charging the LIPOs from a solar rig. I will try that and report back. Quoted: Quoted: RC batteries are excellent if you have the proper charger. I am not sure if or how they would work with a solar charging system. I would like comments from anyone who may have tried that. I have never tried charging the LIPOs from a solar rig. I will try that and report back. |
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Quoted: That ain't nothin' When I go hilltopping I find a spot that's uphill BOTH WAYS. Quoted: Quoted: UPHILL???? That's too much work! It's JUST a HOBBY! Sheesh!!! That ain't nothin' When I go hilltopping I find a spot that's uphill BOTH WAYS. |
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The charge controller that gcw uses says specifically to NOT do that. I would expect the same warning for mine. Don't blame us for any explosion, fire or mass destruction. Quoted:
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RC batteries are excellent if you have the proper charger. I am not sure if or how they would work with a solar charging system. I would like comments from anyone who may have tried that. I have never tried charging the LIPOs from a solar rig. I will try that and report back. The charge controller says not to use solar feed? How would it know? ETA - I looked thru my charger's manual and saw nothing restricting power source. Only that it needs 11-18 VDC. |
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Quoted: The charge controller says not to use solar feed? How would it know? ETA - I looked thru my charger's manual and saw nothing restricting power source. Only that it needs 11-18 VDC. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: RC batteries are excellent if you have the proper charger. I am not sure if or how they would work with a solar charging system. I would like comments from anyone who may have tried that. I have never tried charging the LIPOs from a solar rig. I will try that and report back. The charge controller says not to use solar feed? How would it know? ETA - I looked thru my charger's manual and saw nothing restricting power source. Only that it needs 11-18 VDC. |
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Quoted:
http://keithmillerphotography.com/show/cq/DSC01275.jpg http://keithmillerphotography.com/show/cq/DSC01277.jpg Radio with internal batteries, antenna, earbuds and keyer. 2.97 lbs Mic is another 4.8 oz I'm getting more lazy the older I get. I used to think 15 lbs was good for SOTA. Where'd you get the paddle plug cover? |
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Quoted: Where'd you get the paddle plug cover? Quoted: Quoted: http://keithmillerphotography.com/show/cq/DSC01275.jpg http://keithmillerphotography.com/show/cq/DSC01277.jpg Radio with internal batteries, antenna, earbuds and keyer. 2.97 lbs Mic is another 4.8 oz I'm getting more lazy the older I get. I used to think 15 lbs was good for SOTA. Where'd you get the paddle plug cover? |
| for those of you interested in running Li-ion packs QST has an article in the April 2015 edition that has a stepdown circuit for running the 14.8v packs. HERE is the link to the writers page. this is for QRP rigs. |
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for those of you interested in running Li-ion packs QST has an article in the April 2015 edition that has a stepdown circuit for running the 14.8v packs. HERE is the link to the writers page. this is for QRP rigs. Thank you. This is what I needed for my BB2590 batteries so I can use them safely with the KX3. |
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for those of you interested in running Li-ion packs QST has an article in the April 2015 edition that has a stepdown circuit for running the 14.8v packs. HERE is the link to the writers page. this is for QRP rigs. Wow fancy! I just made a basic high current 2V drop with heatsink out of some basic rectifier diodes. But hey...this looks nice so I may fab one up. |
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Quoted:
Thank you. This is what I needed for my BB2590 batteries so I can use them safely with the KX3. Quoted:
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for those of you interested in running Li-ion packs QST has an article in the April 2015 edition that has a stepdown circuit for running the 14.8v packs. HERE is the link to the writers page. this is for QRP rigs. Thank you. This is what I needed for my BB2590 batteries so I can use them safely with the KX3. Just get a $4 bridge rectifier. I use two 2590s in parallel with my kxpa100 |