[TenTec] OT: Anyone used LiFePo technology yet for portable operations?

[Jim Brown]

On Mon,4/27/2015 1:33 AM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
> So the question, has anyone actually used the LiFePo for portable operations
> with success?

Your question is timely, Rick. As it happens, my friend Scott, AF6RT, is 
preparing for a backpacking effort to activate CM79 on 6M for those 
pursuing the Fred Fish award (working all grids within the lower 48 US 
states on 6M). It's a difficult hike, up 800 ft in the first 0.8 miles, 
then another mile or so along the ridge to a point within the grid. Most 
of the grid is water -- only a half mile by half mile is on land. He's 
done this several times before.

My neighbor, W6GJB, and I are contributing to the effort by buying 
LiFePO4 batteries that we're loaning to Scott, and I've loaned him my 
KX3 and KXPA100 amp, which, because it's designed as a backpacking 
radio, has the virtues of very low current drain on receive, light 
weight, and a built-in preamp good enough that an outboard preamp is not 
needed.

Glen, W6GJB, is an engineer recently retired from the space program, and 
both he and I have thoroughly investigated Li battery technology as it 
might apply to ham radio. We have both come to the conclusion that 
LiFePO4 chemistry is the best solution for TODAY -- its terminal voltage 
is in the optimum range for our ham gear, it has a very good discharge 
curve (rather flat), it does not have the "easy to catch on fire or 
explode" issues of Li Ion, and it is more tolerant of charging.

The battery I bought is rated 20Ah at 12V with a maximum discharge rate 
of 40A. Like any battery, the Ah rating is for a far more moderate 
discharge rate. :) It weighs 5 pounds, 9 ounces (on my XYL's precision 
scale).

http://www.bioennopower.com/collections/12v-series-lifepo4-batteries/products/12v-20ah-lfp-battery-black-pvc-pack

It is part number BLF-1220W. It comes with Power Pole connector to go to 
the load, and a concentric connector for charging. I paid $213 plus tax 
and shipping, which came to about $250.

The battery that Glen bought (several months before I bought mine) 
weighs 7 pounds 5 ounces, is also rated 20 Ah at 12V, and uses LiFePO4 
chemistry. It comes in a somewhat larger package. He bought it here.  
http://www.batteryspace.com/

Both of these companies have intelligent people responding to emails and 
talking on the telephone. Their prices seem competitive and comparable 
to each other. The reason for the wide diversity of part numbers and 
packages is so that they can replace OEM batteries in existing products 
-- everything from CPAP machines to model airplanes.

It's my understanding that this battery chemistry has been adopted by 
the SOTA (summits on the air) crowd.

> I just wonder if it's really worth the extra money going with this new
> technology, or should I buy a cheap GEL for now and come back to LiFePo in 3
> or 4 years when it is cheaper?

The reason for choosing any of the Li chemistries is WEIGHT. How many 
mountains do you intend to climb in those 3-4 years?

73, Jim K9YC