Tried to post this once already, but it didn't go through.
Happy New Year to all,
I am looking to build a Stompbox-like device. I am often out on the road, and
am sometimes in areas where a normal wireless card doesn't quite work. I am
hoping to create a semi-portable solution that is normally residing in the car,
but can be removed for travel (plane->rental car, etc). To increase range, I
intend to use a Wilson cell amp and a good external antenna. Someone did a
Stompbox like this:
http://www.richins.net/stompbox/
My intention is to do something similar, integrating the cell amp and any other
stuff. The idea came to me that I would like the ability to use the service
with the car off, without draining the car battery (northern winters), and it
would be even more interesting if it could be used without an external power
source at all.
Adding a battery seems like it should be simple, but what I would really want
is to design it so that it was as automated as possible. I would like the unit
to always come on when the car is on (easy enough), where it should charge the
Stompbox battery. I would like the Stompbox to remain on if I've pushed a
button before turning off the car. I would also like the Stompbox to come on
if I push that button when the car is off. It should then run on internal
battery power until the batteries exhaust, or possibly a signal from the
Soekris to shut off.
The electronics for controlling power are within my grasp, but the question of
charge circuits and battery life come to mind, which I have no experience
building. I know it is Very Bad to treat batteries poorly. I began looking
for pre-existing solutions to the problem, and did come across
http://www.powerstream.com/DC-UPS-1212.htm
but I have not been impressed with the lifespan of lead acid batteries. I
believe I could make such a circuit work, however, the $50 price tag is on the
high side of what I'd want to spend, I'd prefer something with a better battery
technology,
and it seemed like someone might have solved this problem already. Bonus
points for any extra filtering/conditioning of noisy vehicle power.
My expected power requirements are 12VDC, under 3A. I am looking for a
solution of up to 3A just in case I decide to add something else later. Has
anything like this been done, or does anyone have any helpful links, pointers,
suggestions, or the like?
Thanks!!
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