At 12:47 PM 01/30/10, you wrote: >Hi Mike, > >We're using a Kenwood TKR-720. The price was >right (we had it on hand), it's relatively compact, & >does what we need it to. Older technology, with >the front panel controller, etc. You know of a >way to reduce the current? Did remove the >+ from the audio amp & got it down to 300ma, >but also removed a voltage for the xmit control - >could fix, but I think it would require the removal >of the logic board to get at the traces.
I'll have to dig up a manual and look at the schematics... >Understand about the generator, but that's one >more 'messy' thing to check on our monthly >checks, bad gas, gummy gas, carb problems, >fuel leaks, etc. I know they have spark arrestors, >but I can see us putting this thing on the side of a hill, >and having some wild hog come along & knock it >over, putting the exhaust right on flammable grass, >etc! Understand about that... The situation where we used a small battery and a generator was for a portable repeater and the repeater was going to be manned... we packed it in, set it up, and one person camped for the duration, then we rode in, took it down and packed out. As such having that person watch the digital voltmeter and the transmit running time meter and run the generator for a half hour every couple of hours wasn't a problem. >That was an interesting article on a build it yourself >alternator/charging system. Yep. That's why I posted it. Might give someone an idea on how to use some leftover junque. (junk=trash.... junque=high grade useful trash) Just remember that the ripple reduction depends on the battery - one with a high internal ESR will not be very effective. A friend built a similar unit based on the June 1997 QST article and ended up adding alternator whine filters to the design (no, he didn't have one bad diode in the alternator). >That battery tender looks like it might fill the bill.. >I'll check it out. They are not cheap, but they seem to work. There is a chain of stores called "Batteries Plus" and there may be one in your area. They stock them. Some True Value and Ace hardware stores also stock them. >Thanks again, > >Tim Mike WA6ILQ
