My 2.5 centavos worth - I've been running my station (couple years with an IC-756 Pro III, and three+ years a K3/100) on three Sun-Xtender PV-1040T AGM batteries connected in parallel. They are 104 AH each, so I've got about 300+ AH to run my equipment. These three batteries are connected to a ProStar 15M charge controller, which is also hooked to a single 72-watt G.E. solar panel. These three batteries have ample power to run my K3 at full power (along with a KAT500 auto tuner) for hours on end, along with a 12v station desk lamp. The batteries are at least 6-7 years old and appear to be holding their own. I have them connected to an N8XJK boost regulator, which provides me with a full-time supply of 14 volts into a RigRunner 4008 power distribution module. In addition to the K3, I have a home-brew 80 watt, all-mode, 2 meter linear amplifier running from the same supply to give my K3's 2 meter RF a little "punch". My K3 has never been connected to the power company mains - 100% solar / battery. Now , my KPA500 amplifier - that's a different story!
Jim / W6JHB On Saturday, Nov 30, 2013, at Saturday, 8:29 AM, W4GRJ wrote: > David, > I believe the key to AGM longevity is to keep them on a proper charger 24/7. > This is what I have done with excellent results. > > Jack > W4GRJ > > On Nov 30, 2013, at 9:36, "David Cutter" <[email protected]> wrote: > > Hello Jack > > I can see your experience is good. I haven't so far uncovered what is meant > by "life" for these batteries, perhaps it's when the energy being fed in is > more than double what is taken out or something of the kind, or the time it > takes to drain to a projected cut-off. I doubt that the internal resistance > is measured. As an ex marine operator, standby (emergency) battery life was > very important and they were replaced on a strict schedule, however good or > bad they might be in use - a bit like alarm batteries and such like. I know > amateur requirements are somewhat "flexible" shall we say : - ) > > David > G3UNA > > > > I live in Florida and as a fishing guide, the 4 group 27 AGM batteries on my > boat have performed perfectly now for over 4 years of almost daily use. I > have almost every piece of marine electronics and radios running on the boat. > > Jack > W4GRJ > > On Nov 30, 2013, at 3:17, "David Cutter" <[email protected]> wrote: > > As I understand it, AGM batteries are designed for high current performance, > ie good for engine starting, but for radio use I would have thought that gel > batteries would be more suitable as they have a longer life, particularly in > hot climates. I have no experience of either, just reading the specs. > > David > G3UNA > > > >> On Thu, 28 Nov 2013 05:36:15 +1000, John's email <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> I use 2 x 6V 300AH AGM batteries as the prime power source in my shack. >> I use a 15Amp smart charger to keep them topped up whilst mains power is >> available and a 200Watt solar panel is available for after cyclones >> (hurricanes) as we invariably lose power for a day or three after them. >> >> >> -- >> Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
