I agree with you Dale. In my article on remote station control in
October QST, I urged people to use a similar arrangement for remote
operation, where a power failure can be a real hassle. In this case, I
also recommend using an inverter to power things like the rotator.
Larry N8LP
Dale Kretzer wrote:
The ongoing discussions regarding woes involving AC power supplies puzzles
me, because I've operated for years from 2-volt batteries and wonder why it
isn't a more common practice.
From QRP rigs to 100-watt transceivers through VHF/UHF equipment, all my equipment is
powered through a single, deep-cycle RV/Marine battery in a safety housing under the
bench, constantly connected to a "smart" battery charger. I took a cheap,
plastic toolbox and created inside a buss arrangement with fusing to make it easy for
neatly and safely connecting all the various radio power leads to one location. All of
this can be done for less than $150.
In practice, the 20-amp charger absorbs most of the load when a 100-watt rig is keyed
and the battery simply acts like a big capacitor to stop "hash" and voltage
flunctuations. When working with simple QRP rigs, the pure DC supply is a joy because it
eliminates the most obvious noise source from getting into the receivers. Because the
charger is quietly maintaining the battery at a trickle rate, there is little gas given
off by the battery and normal household air movement is sufficient to safely eliminate
any buildup. The battery box and charger sit under the operating desk, where I can keep
an eye on voltages, charging rates and battery condition.
I've operated this way for years without a problem, and have had batteries
last seemingly forever. I replaced the last one after 10 years of use, which
included some major tasks at annual Field Day events. If there are drawbacks to
this type of power useage, I'm not aware of them, and highly recommend
batteries as the least expensive and most stable way to feed all your 12-volt
equipment. Needless to say, the isolation from wavering AC mains is a plus,
along with having instantaneous emergency power when the mains fail.
If there's something I'm overlooking in this type of operation anyone would
like to address, I'd welcome the comments.
73, Dale
K6PJV, Sacramento, CA.
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