Maybe not. If the computer is connected to the radio and directly controls it
(such as telling it to send CQ or the exchange), then it becomes part of the
radio and should be included on the radio power system. If you want to run the
computer from mains power, do not connect it to the radio.
Power meters (output power and SWR) generally don't need power if you use the
old-fashioned ones with meter. If they need dc power to run the display, then
they, too, are part of the radio and should be powered from the radio supply.
In the WVARA AB efforts we are very careful as to what gets run from battery
and what doesn't. Fans (during the day) are just about the only thing that
doesn't get battery power. We operate from a nature preserve, and there is
nothing but the batteries we provide between sundown and sunup (no generators
allowed in the preserve during that time period). Non-radio items (normally
just lighting at night, may also include a small fan) is generally run from
non-radio batteries.
In general, though, if it is something that controls the radio, it runs on the
battery supply. That includes the radio, auto tuners, power / SWR meters,
control computers, antenna switchers, keyers, and the like. In a "real"
emergency, these _would_ be powered by the emergency supply. And yes, a
computer might be in use for these things at time. Keeping a record of passed
emergency traffic is awfully important.
Jack Brindle, W6FB
Sent from my iPad
On May 15, 2013, at 4:40 AM, Aldewey@aol.com wrote:
> Technically, only the rigs need to be on emergency power in the Class A
> category. All other items (i.e lights, computer, etc.) can be on commercial
> mains.
>
> 73,
>
> AL, K0AD
>
>
> In a message dated 5/15/2013 6:04:42 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
> jeff@ac0c.com writes:
>
> The FD rules specify the rig must be run from a power source other than
> mains.
>
> But how would station accessories (like a power meter used to ensure QRP
> power compliance, for example) or non-station gear (lighting, computer, etc)
> treated?
>
> I can see it either way. However, it seems to me that in a real
> emergency, the only thing that counts is power to the rig. Anything a guy
> brings to
> facilitate contest scoring (computers), personal comfort (electric seat
> warmer) or whatever would not be there in an emergency and I expect is not
> considered “rig”.
>
> 73/jeff/ac0c
> www.ac0c.com
> alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
>
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