[TenTec] TT Scout on batteries?

[W7TRX]

----- Original Message -----
From: George, W5YR <w5yr@att.net>
To: W7TRX <w7trx@mindspring.com>
Cc: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2000 9:41 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] TT Scout on batteries?


>
> Why not augment the gel cell with one or two akaline D cells in series?
> They are rated at about 17 ah and would raise the terminal voltage to
> the radio enough to ensure an adequate supply.

George,

That is an interesting approach that deserves consideration. Have you ever
tried this method?

It was my (limited) understanding that some battery types do not mix and
match well due to internal properties or resistance. It also complicates
re-charging ( two different battery types with different voltage
requirements). More overhead voltage needed from the solar panel for
charging 15vdc also. Something not in great abundance here in near Seattle.
Will the Scout tolerate 15V or a bit higher on a fresh set of batteries?

Really, I would like my original question addressed by someone with
experience using the Scout in a portable/battery situation. I would like to
better understand this potential  low voltage problem. Why go through all
this hassle if the radio if the radio works fine with 12vdc on SSB? . If
there are problems at 12vdc, maybe there is a simple radio mod to permit it
to run properly. This eliminates the need for non-standard battery
configurations and charging schemes.

Tracy, W7TRX


>
> 72/73, George   W5YR - the Yellow Rose of Texas      NETXQRP 6
> Fairview, TX   30 mi NE Dallas in Collin county      QRP-L 1373
> Amateur Radio W5YR, in the 55th year and it just keeps getting better!
> Icom IC-756 PRO #02121 (9/00) Kachina #91900556 (12/99) IC-765 (6/90)
>
>
> W7TRX wrote:
> >
> > Greetings,
> >
> > I am planning a portable radio setup for some outdoor fun. I have a 5w
solar
> > panel and 14ah gel cell for power. I plan to use SSB only. The TT Scout
at
> > first glance looks like a good radio for this use. The RX current
> > requirements are OK with some mods to lower this a bit.
> >
> > I did a Deja search and saw a number of posts regarding running the
Scout on
> > battery power. The word is, it needs a minimum of 12.8 volts for the
voltage
> > regulator to operate properly. 12 VDC and you will have problems. This
would
> > seem to make battery use unpractical. I am not entirely clear was the
> > resulting symptoms are, but it was mentioned enough to cause concern.
This
> > seems to be unrelated to the known frequency drift/correction problem
that
> > occurs during  long strings of CW.
> >
> > I was hoping someone in this group could shed some additional light on
this
> > for me.
> >
> > Thanks for the help,
> >
> > 73, Tracy
> > W7TRX
>
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