[UK-CONTEST] Generators

[Olof Lundberg]

Here is what I have been using the last few years for NFD and SSB FD (100w
only no amp): all equipment runs off 12V, 2 small low-power computers, 2 LCD
screens, emergency light, radio, MicroHam box, tuner, switching ... This is
all connected to an 85Ah battery of the same type I use in the car
(http://www.tayna.co.uk/Type-110-Varta-Silver-Dynamic-F18-585-200-080-P7709.
html ) and sometimes also fit extra in the car when going HF mobile and APRS
while driving long-distance. The club's old petrol generator is moderately
reliable and is used to drive a standard 12V switched-mode PSU which is
tuned up in output voltage a bit to accommodate the key component in the
power subsystem which is a West Mountain Radio PWRgate PG40S
http://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=pg40s . This
setup provides smooth battery power to the electronics; it is in effect a
powerful UPS system. I guess we could run the station for many hours if the
genny failed. It is a great way to provide emergency power and also to reuse
batteries that are beginning to get old. 

73 Olof G0CKV

-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of QUENTIN COLLIER
Sent: 05 April 2012 12:24
To: UK-Contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Generators

We had a similar,but slightly less severe, problem. Our UPS would stay in
but was a bit touchy....it would periodically (perhaps 3 or 4 times during a
24 hour contest period) trip out but could be persuaded to come back on line
by loading the generator more heavily than usual with extra lights (which
presumably temporarily cleaned up the waveform). It was well worth having
though, as it meant we could switch of the generator to refuel it (and check
the oil) without the need to lose power to the station. I seem to remember
there was some capability (which we never tried) to desensitise it to trip
outs.....but sadly now it's terminally RIP so that's pretty much irrelevant!
 
73,




Quin G3WRR   



________________________________
From: G3PDH <g3pdh at btopenworld.com>
To: UK-Contest at contesting.com
Sent: Thursday, 5 April 2012, 11:59
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] Generators

Dale,  Our experience of trying to run a UPS off a non-inverter type
generator is that it would not hold in.  I don't think it liked the poor
quality AC being fed into the input.

Norfolk Amateur Radio club purchased a 2.6kva Honda inverter generator a
couple of years back which is just great, quiet, very efficient and
reliable.

73

Malcolm

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