[VHFcontesting] BATTERIES

Thu Sep 14 11:41:52 EDT 2017

On the K8GP rover we use a pair of Interstate 4DM's in parallel, about 120
lbs each. These feed a Jacobs Electronics 100A DC-DC inverter to maintain
14.0 V to our TE Systems bricks which are very voltage sensitive. We also
feed a couple of MFJ super boosters which have been very problematic and I'm
planning to replace them with N8XJK regulators. These are charged by an
aftermarket 200A alternator on my old Dodge van when roving. We have a
commercial 200A solenoid relay that isolates the radio power system from the
vehicles battery during operation so we don't kill the vehicle battery. We
have a third marine battery from Walmart that can be switched from parallel
to series to give us 24v for certain items.

If you have unlimited funds, I would suggest Trojan batteries, probably some
of their 6v units. They seem to be about the best next to the BIG UPS
batteries used in commercial UPS's that are actually re-buildable. Keeping
the batteries well maintained is the key to long life. I use a
microprocessor controlled 40A charger/conditioner when the vehicle is not in
service. The other end of the spectrum is to use the marine batteries
branded by Walmart. They are about $100 each but there is a Walmart just
about everywhere and their exchange/warranty isn't too bad. The ones I've
used have been satisfactory in service.

For roving service, as detailed in other posts, the CCA rating isn't the
important thing, it's the reserve capacity. The 4DM's I use are rated at 15A
draw for 12 hours each. Our rover idles at just under 20A with everything
turned on and running. Peaks current during transmit is just under 100A (SSB
and CW). We typically operate 2  1/2 to 3 hours per stop and make 100+ QSOs
during that time.  We are down to 12.3 volts usually when we move to the
next stop. If we have little drive time between stops, we augment the charge
with a small generator running my 40A charger.

I'm not sure our system is optimal but it's been working for two years and
the batteries seem to be as good as they were new. If you are interested to
see what true sickness is, checkout
http://directivesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/05/Building-the-
super-rover-Dayton.pptx which is our rover version 1, we are up to version
2.0 which now has pneumatic masts on both front and rear and a new desk
layout.

73,

Terry - W8ZN
K8GP Rover

-----Original Message-----
From: VHFcontesting [mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf
Of Steve Stahl
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2017 9:39 AM
To: Steve (K1IIG)
Cc: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] BATTERIES

In my current rover setup I'm using 2 group 24 deep cycles that I tie into
my truck with a rv charging relay.
Then I use a battery booster (N8XJK )to draw from the deep cycle batteries.
My main rover radio is a Yaesu 847 which is very voltage sensitive.
This works great, I never have a issue as far as power goes during a
contest.
MURPHY on the other hand. ....

On Sep 14, 2017 6:01 AM, "Steve (K1IIG)" <stephen.tripp at snet.net> wrote:

 Barry,
FYI, Car batteries are not the best choice for Roving but will work. Car
batteries are designed to be charged and discharge just like in the car.
They also do not like to be float (trickle) charged. To get around this
people use a smart charger that removes the charge when it reaches full
charge and then kicks in when it drops below a certain level. Car batteries
are designed for CCA cold cranking and not designed for reserve usage.
Marine batteries are designed for that type of service and can be float
charged with no ill affects hence are a better choice for Roving. Running 2
car batteries in parallel might not be the best choice either. When not
being charged, they will drain against each other if not disconnected. They
do make a dual deep cycle marine battery that can perform as a car battery
and reserve battery. I probably did not explain this clear enough so check
out this site for a better description. https://marinebatteryguy.com/

Years ago I was told there are only 6 manufacturers of wet (flooded) cell
batteries, Gould, Exide and a few others. Here is an interesting cut and
paste I found.
How many car battery manufacturers are there in the world?
As of May 1, 2013, there are three major automotive starting flooded battery
manufacturers in the United States. There are four absorbed glass-mat (AGM)
starting battery manufacturers and there are four flooded deep cycle
battery/major deep cycle battery manufacturers in the United States.

There are dozens of brands of batteries made to different specs. Interstate
seems to be one of the most popular car battery.

73's
Steve
K1IIG

Interesting battery discussion. Also interesting that the IC-910 seems to
take significant d.c. power.
I've recently acquired an Icom IC-9100 and I'm trying to choose the 13.8v
portable power source. Last weekend in the Sept VHF contest the rig was set
up for the first time with my SUV, and I discovered that my usual single
automotive (Sears Diehard) sealed lead-acid battery is insufficient. This
battery has worked well with an FT-897 and an IC-7100, but the larger power
drain of the IC-9100 causes the rig to reset itself on xmit.
Is there a way to calculate how long two car batteries in parallel would
last?
I already have a small Honda generator although I don't usually bring it
along unless I'm using an amp.
Thanks in advance,
Barry K7BWH
Seattle CN87us

-----Original Message-----
From: VHFcontesting [mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf
Of Alan Larson
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 3:42 PM
To: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] The digital modes and the Sept contest

> Hi Alan.  That is useful info re the ic910.  I'm just curious what 
> type of batteries are you using.
>
> I've had considerable success running my ic7300, FT736, multiple 
> Icom706MkiiG's, an icom 735 IF radio, 300 watt amps on 50 and 144 MHz, 
> transverter, etc..  from two 12 V 100 AH Agm style batteries.

  Over the years it has varied, but typically I would have 25 - 30 amp hours
of sealed lead-acid batteries in parallel with the starting battery of the
diesel VW.  Solar would be attempting to hold that up.

> I took another 100 AH battery with a solar panel with me during the 
> June contest and used it to run an inverter that in turn powered the 
> battery chargers for the computers and also powered another charger to 
> top off the two radio batteries.  I had ample power for approx 6 to 8 
> hours of operation including some MSK144 at close to full power on 50
MHz.

  When operating from a small motor home, I have used 200 AH of battery
feeding an inverter feeding a switching power supply to run the rig.  In the
more space limited Volkswagen, a small Honda generator has proven to be the
most convenient option.  (This includes consideration of the difficulty of
getting all the items inside the Jetta.)

  For low power operation, I would still choose solar if available, but I
wanted full power from the rigs.

        Alan
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