[VHFcontesting] Battery Question

[Andrew Glasbrenner]

I've run a similar setup, but not with traditional wet cells. I recommend using an Optima battery if it is going in the cab, and if it has any chance whatsoever of being upended in an accident or in normal use. The Optimas are sealed, and can be used in any orientation, and seem to last much longer than standard wet cells. I exclusively use them for geophysical applications in my work.

I have 2 D34Ms for our rover work, and half a dozen in rotation at work.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/optima_products/bluetop/specs.php

73, Drew KO4MA

-----Original Message-----
>From: Mark Adams <msadams60 at gmail.com>
>Sent: Sep 14, 2010 7:53 AM
>To: David All <n3xudfm19 at gmail.com>
>Cc: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
>Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] Battery Question
>
>Dave,
>
>Charging could not be simpler. I have #8 conductors connected to the battery
>terminals in the engine compartment of my Saturn Vue, fused at 40A near the
>battery and terminated near the West Mtn 80A Rig Runner in the back in
>PowerPoles, standard small ones with 45A pins. The two deep cycle batteries
>are paralleled and a connector harness with PowerPoles then connects to the
>engine compartment "charging" system.
>
>We used to run a custom designed box that would limit current, monitor
>voltage and cut off the charging if the engine side dipped below a preset
>value, but all that led to too little charging. Hence the direct connect.
>Seems that with all the wire, connections and fuses involved, we have enough
>voltage drop and current limiting that this JUST works. After running a
>rover stop for 3 hours, the voltage of the 2 deep cycle batteries will be
>dipping to 12.0 volts. If we drive for a hundred miles, the batteries charge
>up and we start the new rover spot in the high 12 range.
>
>Works for us. Obviously, a big diesel pickup truck with a whopper alternator
>would be a better choice but the comptroller here at the QO estate may have
>an issue with that!
>
>I've been on the verge of buying a Honda 2 kW generator to run all of this.
>I know that this would provide good stiff voltage and give the vehicle
>charging system a break, but that requires even more work/time/money.
>
>
>73,
>Mark K2QO
>FN03ra
>
>
>
>On Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 10:06 PM, David All <n3xudfm19 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Mark,
>> Can you describe how your set up to charge your radio batts from the SUV.
>> Thanks,
>> Dave N3XUD/R
>>
>>
>>
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