Is it possible to run Pi-Star Digital Voice Dashboard with Build-a-Pi
Hello, thank you for the accept. ? I am running KM4ACK’s script “Build A Pi” and I love it. ? I am running Build A Pi, on a Pi 3B+ and using a Ingcool 7IP-caplcd Hdmi 1024x600 pixels, 7” touch screen.? ? I would like to run à, without losing KM4ACK’s Build a pi script. ? Is there any way of doing so? If yes, how? ? Thank you 73 W4LAG Luis Have a blessed day ?
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no wireless interface found (?)
I had a working RPi-0 that I could access from anywhere via VNC through the home WiFi, or access directly via hot-spot and VNC when out of range of that WiFi. All was good, then I lost my home WiFi and router.What a pain that creates! Even using the same WiFi name and password, the IP address changed with the new router and everything connected that was had to establish a connection again. I had to enable pass-through for devices that needed it, and next on my list was the Rpi-0, but while I could connect via its local hotspot, since it did not recognize the network, I could not get it to list any available WiFi spots and just had the message "no wireless interface found". I tried editing the wpa_supplicant.conf" file and was only told I had no permission to save that file. Sheesh! So I thought I would just run BAP again and see if it walked me through getting WiFi back...big mistake! I was NOT connected to the internet, so that caused all sorts of problems.
Then a brainstorm...if the hotspot is working, of course it can't connect! Disable the hotspot and there comes the list of available routers and I was on. However, now my wallpaper has disappeared and if I try to run BAP I get an error message "Invalid desktop entry file: '/usr/share/applications/build-a-pi.desktop' and can go no further. What now?
=Vic=
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Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
I also agree with Ed, especially regarding the C rating of your LiFEPO4 batteries. I built a solar generator based on Julian’s (OH8STN) 576W design and when researching this chemistry I found there was a wide range of C values, which tells the amperage that the cells can put out. It would be interesting to see what your cells’ C rating is.
BTW, operating in an olive grove surrounded by salt water sounds like a very pleasant operating environment!
Jay
73 de N0SR?
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Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
I agree with Ed.. I am curious if the lifepo4 battery was giving 100w RF power in the past or never did? If not then you can parallel in more battery and save a little $. if it did give more power then there maybe some deterioration of the battery but "a bad cell" should show up as a drop in voltage of around 3.2volts..? your asking too much of that battery on transmit IMHO
73
KD9MDL?
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Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
There are a number of possible factors involved here that will cause this when using a battery vs a power supply.
Like most mobiles, the Yaesu FT-891 will roll back the output power whenever the input voltage drops and it will try to find a "happy" medium between the input power and what it will allow on the output, this helps in preventing the finals from overheating.? ?
In your case, powering the radio with a 12AH battery indicates that the battery is under a 1.25C load current in order to output 15 amps for 100W RF output.? ?As you increase the discharge rate, also known as C Rate,? of a battery, the internal resistance has more of an impact on the voltage drop.? In contrast, a heavy duty lead acid truck battery, is likely rated around 105AH or more of "reserve" capacity.? In this instance, a 15 amp load will create only a? 0.14C discharge rate on the battery, so the voltage drop when the MIC is keyed will be significantly less, which is why you did not see this before.? With the smaller voltage drop, the Yaesu did not attempt to fold back the output power.
This may be more detailed of an explanation then you were? looking for, but it is early morning, I have had too much coffee, and felt like typing :)
Anyway here are some suggestions...
#1 - The Lithium Battery you are using is undersized to hold the voltage the radio looks for when running at 100W, if? your wallet allows it, consider going to a larger lithium in order to minimize the voltage drop.? If I were to guess, I would say a 75AH or higher Battery, however this may be an expensive route.
#2 - The MFJ Battery Booster will regulate the voltage to the radio and get you 100W for a while by pulling some additional current from the battery.? However, you battery is still undersized and the battery booster will drive it even harder as it tries to compensate for the voltage loss.? This may not be a good path if you plan to do a lot of TX'ing.?
#3 - If the cost get's too crazy, consider going back to a Heavy Duty Truck battery, it will likely be your cheapest option.? ?
#4 - Just to throw it in there, make sure you are using 12 Gauge or larger wiring between the radio and the battery.? If it is a long distance between the radio and battery, consider 10 gauge or larger.
? Ed - KD8YQQ
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Re: No Gridsquare in Conky but cgps gives me good information.
Run this command and I'll see if I can spot what the issue may be bash ~/pi-build/diagnostic--
73, de KM4ACK
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Re: No Gridsquare in Conky but cgps gives me good information.
Version 3.0.7
I went through updates of the applications I have loaded today just in case something was slightly out of date.
I can provide any screen shots or answer any questions you may have.
Thank you!
John
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Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
I use an MFJ-446C Battery Booster to keep the transmitter at 13.8 Volts up to 25 amps. Booster drops out on receive so no noise issue controlled by xcvr PTT or manually. Input can be set to shutdown when available battery voltage under load drops to 9, 10 or 11 volts depending on placement of a jumper.
Bill
AF4B
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Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
Hi, Bernhard!
Thanks for writing.? I will be upgrading my batteries and
photovoltaic system in the near future and look forward to 100W
output.
Vy 73
David SV0SGS
Am 22.06.21 um 16:59 schrieb B J
Greatrix via groups.io:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi,
I powered my shack for many years from a 12v Lead acid truck
battery. Eventually this gave up the ghost, in exactly the same
way.
I reckon that the batteries internal resistance was the cause
as even trying to power a 15W lamp would have problems. The
voltage would drop off very quickly.
A new 80AHr battery solved the problem
regards
Bernard
On 22/06/2021 14:38, David wrote:
Not really pi relevant, but Jason suggested I put my
question/issue to the group.? So here it is.
?
I have an offgrid shack and power my Yaesu FT-891 from a 12Ah
LiFePO4 battery that is recharged with solar panels.? I have
noticed that my SSB output was dropping alarmingly. I then
tested the output using RTTY, CW and AM and found the radio was
only putting out 50-70w even though the battery was fully
charged. To further test, I made sure the battery was fully
charged (measured 14v at battery with multimeter) and attached
the radio to a dummy load via a very short pigtail, with an
SWR/Power meter inbetween. I used RTTY, CW, AM FM modes, all
things with a continuous carrier frequency, on all amteur radio
bands at various frequencies within the bands.? Again I measured
only 50-70w on both the radio's SWR/power meter and the external
one.
I took the whole setup back to my office and attached the radio
to a 13.8v power supply.? Same power cable.? Same pigtail. same
SWR meter, same dummy load.? I used RTTY, CW, AM and FM on all
amateur radio bands and on frequencies within the bands.? This
time I measured 100w on the radio's SWR/power meter and the
external one.
I am at a loss to explain this.? Does anyone have an idea?
Thx in advance. David SV0SGS
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Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
David, yes the
Genasum are good units.? 14V IS full charge.?
QRP is fun
too...? I am often amazed what it will do.?
steve WB3LGC
On 6/22/21 12:17 PM, David via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
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Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
Hi, Steve!
Thx for your reply.? I will check the battery specs again. It has
been a while. Maybe it just can't deliver the amps. It is possible
that the battery could have developed a bad cell, but I don't think
that is likely, as it charges to full capacity and is quite new.?
The battery was fully charged (~14V) when I did my tests.? Power
cable is very short.? I use a Genasun 10A MPPT charge controller.?
It has a good reputation.? I will disconnect it from the fully
charged battery and test again.
I will be upgrading my batteries, solar panels and charge controller
in the near future.? As Tim Taylor was fond of saying, "More
power!"? Maybe then I will have the output I would like to have.
I live on a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea.? I am surrounded
by salt water.? My antennas are located about 150 meters above sea
level.? I am amazed and quite pleased sometimes at the SSB contacts
I make with "only" 50-70 watts of power.? It is even more pleasing
when I have a QSO with someone who is also doing portable, low
power, not necessarily QRP. I am kind of portable, inasmuch nothing
is permanently installed, and I can take my stuff on my motor
scooter to another location.? The island is small, so there is
really no point from a radio standpoint, to go anywhere else.? I
operate out of my olive grove.
Vy 73!
David SV0SGS
Am 22.06.21 um 17:13 schrieb stephen
shearer:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
David,
Having looked
into LiFePO4 batteries... Not all are the same with output
current capabilities.? The current is also dependent on the
BMS used.
For my use I
have LiFePO4 batteries purchased RAW (no BMS) and stock they
can provide 100 Amps.? My "BMS" has a 65A limit and the pack
is fused (CB) at 50 Amps.? I know I can provide the 25A to
run a 100W rig.
Looking a
specks for some 12AHr and 20AHr batteries, I have noticed
that some have low Amp ratings.
Since you don't
get full power with the battery and you do with a power
supply, I would check the ratings of the battery and/or
check the battery.? The battery may have a bad cell? too...?
I "assume" the battery is fully charged when you tested the
rig/battery ????? Is the charge controller working
properly??
73, steve
WB3LGC
On 6/22/21 9:38 AM, David wrote:
Not really pi relevant, but Jason suggested I put my
question/issue to the group.? So here it is.
?
I have an offgrid shack and power my Yaesu FT-891 from a 12Ah
LiFePO4 battery that is recharged with solar panels.? I have
noticed that my SSB output was dropping alarmingly. I then
tested the output using RTTY, CW and AM and found the radio was
only putting out 50-70w even though the battery was fully
charged. To further test, I made sure the battery was fully
charged (measured 14v at battery with multimeter) and attached
the radio to a dummy load via a very short pigtail, with an
SWR/Power meter inbetween. I used RTTY, CW, AM FM modes, all
things with a continuous carrier frequency, on all amteur radio
bands at various frequencies within the bands.? Again I measured
only 50-70w on both the radio's SWR/power meter and the external
one.
I took the whole setup back to my office and attached the radio
to a 13.8v power supply.? Same power cable.? Same pigtail. same
SWR meter, same dummy load.? I used RTTY, CW, AM and FM on all
amateur radio bands and on frequencies within the bands.? This
time I measured 100w on the radio's SWR/power meter and the
external one.
I am at a loss to explain this.? Does anyone have an idea?
Thx in advance. David SV0SGS
|
Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
Thx for your reply.? I will check the battery specs again. It has
been a while. Maybe it just can't deliver the amps. It is possible
that the battery could have developed a bad cell, but I don't think
that is likely, as it charges to full capacity and is quite new.?
The battery was fully charged (~14V) when I did my tests.? Power
cable is very short.? I use a Genasun MPPT charge controller.? It
has a good reputation.? I will disconnect it from the fully charged
battery and test again.
I will be upgrading my batteries, solar panels and charge controller
in the near future.? As Tim Taylor was fond of saying, "More
power!"? Maybe I will have then the output I would like to have.
I live on a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea.? I am surrounded
by salt water.? My antennas are located about 150 meters above sea
level.? I am amazed and quite pleased sometimes at the SSB contacts
I make with "only" 50-70 watts of power.? It is even more pleasing
when I have a QSO with someone who is also doing portable, low
power, not necessarily QRP. I am kind of portable, inasmuch nothing
is permanently installed, and I can take my stuff on my motor
scooter to another location.? The island is small, so there is
really no point from a radio standpoint, to go anywhere else.? I
operate out of my olive grove.
Vy 73!
David SV0SGS
Am 22.06.21 um 17:13 schrieb stephen
shearer:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
David,
Having looked
into LiFePO4 batteries... Not all are the same with output
current capabilities.? The current is also dependent on the
BMS used.
For my use I
have LiFePO4 batteries purchased RAW (no BMS) and stock they
can provide 100 Amps.? My "BMS" has a 65A limit and the pack
is fused (CB) at 50 Amps.? I know I can provide the 25A to
run a 100W rig.
Looking a
specks for some 12AHr and 20AHr batteries, I have noticed
that some have low Amp ratings.
Since you don't
get full power with the battery and you do with a power
supply, I would check the ratings of the battery and/or
check the battery.? The battery may have a bad cell? too...?
I "assume" the battery is fully charged when you tested the
rig/battery ????? Is the charge controller working
properly??
73, steve
WB3LGC
On 6/22/21 9:38 AM, David wrote:
Not really pi relevant, but Jason suggested I put my
question/issue to the group.? So here it is.
?
I have an offgrid shack and power my Yaesu FT-891 from a 12Ah
LiFePO4 battery that is recharged with solar panels.? I have
noticed that my SSB output was dropping alarmingly. I then
tested the output using RTTY, CW and AM and found the radio was
only putting out 50-70w even though the battery was fully
charged. To further test, I made sure the battery was fully
charged (measured 14v at battery with multimeter) and attached
the radio to a dummy load via a very short pigtail, with an
SWR/Power meter inbetween. I used RTTY, CW, AM FM modes, all
things with a continuous carrier frequency, on all amteur radio
bands at various frequencies within the bands.? Again I measured
only 50-70w on both the radio's SWR/power meter and the external
one.
I took the whole setup back to my office and attached the radio
to a 13.8v power supply.? Same power cable.? Same pigtail. same
SWR meter, same dummy load.? I used RTTY, CW, AM and FM on all
amateur radio bands and on frequencies within the bands.? This
time I measured 100w on the radio's SWR/power meter and the
external one.
I am at a loss to explain this.? Does anyone have an idea?
Thx in advance. David SV0SGS
|
Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
Thx for your reply.? 13.8V and 15A comes out to 207W.? I guess that is what your referring to with "50% efficiency"?
David SV0SGS
Am 22.06.21 um 17:35 schrieb MIKE AI8Z:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I’ve had the same experience with various batteries versus a stiff, well-regulated 13.8 volt power supply. As the batteries age, they develop higher internal resistance. If you can monitor the voltage across the power leads at the radio, you will see the voltage drop with increased load and an aging battery. The IC-706 I use in our camper has reduced power output even at 12.0 or 12.5 volts. I use a N8XJK Voltage Booster at the radio to maintain 13.8 volts at full load. It compensates for aging battery and voltage drops from power cable resistance between the battery and the rig.
Most solid state rigs are designed for operation at 13.8 volts, not the nominal 12.6 volts provided by lead acid batteries. The radio’s power output will decrease with the lower DC input voltage. Other battery chemistries will provide different terminal voltages depending on their cell configurations.
The current drawn by your radio (15 A at 13.8 V) is typical for a 100 Watt, RF output radio. That would indicate an efficiency of around 50%, very reasonable performance for modern radios using linear solid state PA stages.
73
Mike, AI8Z
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Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
I’ve had the same experience with various batteries versus a stiff, well-regulated 13.8 volt power supply. As the batteries age, they develop higher internal resistance. If you can monitor the voltage across the power leads at the radio, you will see the voltage drop with increased load and an aging battery. The IC-706 I use in our camper has reduced power output even at 12.0 or 12.5 volts. I use a N8XJK Voltage Booster at the radio to maintain 13.8 volts at full load. It compensates for aging battery and voltage drops from power cable resistance between the battery and the rig.
Most solid state rigs are designed for operation at 13.8 volts, not the nominal 12.6 volts provided by lead acid batteries. The radio’s power output will decrease with the lower DC input voltage. Other battery chemistries will provide different terminal voltages depending on their cell configurations.
The current drawn by your radio (15 A at 13.8 V) is typical for a 100 Watt, RF output radio. That would indicate an efficiency of around 50%, very reasonable performance for modern radios using linear solid state PA stages.
73
Mike, AI8Z
|
Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
David,
Having looked
into LiFePO4 batteries... Not all are the same with output
current capabilities.? The current is also dependent on the
BMS used.
For my use I have
LiFePO4 batteries purchased RAW (no BMS) and stock they can
provide 100 Amps.? My "BMS" has a 65A limit and the pack is
fused (CB) at 50 Amps.? I know I can provide the 25A to run a
100W rig.
Looking a specks
for some 12AHr and 20AHr batteries, I have noticed that some
have low Amp ratings.
Since you don't
get full power with the battery and you do with a power
supply, I would check the ratings of the battery and/or check
the battery.? The battery may have a bad cell? too...? I
"assume" the battery is fully charged when you tested the
rig/battery ????? Is the charge controller working properly??
73, steve WB3LGC
On 6/22/21 9:38 AM, David wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Not really pi relevant, but Jason suggested I put my
question/issue to the group.? So here it is.
?
I have an offgrid shack and power my Yaesu FT-891 from a 12Ah
LiFePO4 battery that is recharged with solar panels.? I have
noticed that my SSB output was dropping alarmingly. I then tested
the output using RTTY, CW and AM and found the radio was only
putting out 50-70w even though the battery was fully charged. To
further test, I made sure the battery was fully charged (measured
14v at battery with multimeter) and attached the radio to a dummy
load via a very short pigtail, with an SWR/Power meter inbetween.
I used RTTY, CW, AM FM modes, all things with a continuous carrier
frequency, on all amteur radio bands at various frequencies within
the bands.? Again I measured only 50-70w on both the radio's
SWR/power meter and the external one.
I took the whole setup back to my office and attached the radio to
a 13.8v power supply.? Same power cable.? Same pigtail. same SWR
meter, same dummy load.? I used RTTY, CW, AM and FM on all amateur
radio bands and on frequencies within the bands.? This time I
measured 100w on the radio's SWR/power meter and the external one.
I am at a loss to explain this.? Does anyone have an idea?
Thx in advance. David SV0SGS
|
Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
No radio is 100% efficient. If you have more than one multi meter, go for both volts and current on the battery. If you have your charging circuit in place, take it off, too.
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Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
I will try the ammeter.? This is a commercially manufactured 12Ah
LifePO4 battery.? To paraphrase a blue jeans commercial, nothing
comes between my battery and my radio.? Ie no buck converter or
anything else.?? But maybe there is some kind of limit on the amount
of amps it can deliver.? Has anyone else experienced this kind of
limitation? If not, what kind of batteries (model and manufacturer)
are you using?
?At 100W ouput, my radio draws only about 15A according to the
ammeter on my power supply.? But that doesn't make any sense. 13.8V
times 15A is 207W.
David
Am 22.06.21 um 16:47 schrieb Kevin:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Internal resistance of the Battery vs the Power Supply?
Current capability of the battery vs power supply?
Can you put an amp meter in the power circuit?
If using any kind of buck converter / controller on the battery,
what happens if you take it off the circuit?
(go straight to battery).
|
Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
Hi,
I powered my shack for many years from a 12v Lead acid truck
battery. Eventually this gave up the ghost, in exactly the same
way.
I reckon that the batteries internal resistance was the cause as
even trying to power a 15W lamp would have problems. The voltage
would drop off very quickly.
A new 80AHr battery solved the problem
regards
Bernard
On 22/06/2021 14:38, David wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Not really pi relevant, but Jason suggested I put my
question/issue to the group.? So here it is.
?
I have an offgrid shack and power my Yaesu FT-891 from a 12Ah
LiFePO4 battery that is recharged with solar panels.? I have
noticed that my SSB output was dropping alarmingly. I then tested
the output using RTTY, CW and AM and found the radio was only
putting out 50-70w even though the battery was fully charged. To
further test, I made sure the battery was fully charged (measured
14v at battery with multimeter) and attached the radio to a dummy
load via a very short pigtail, with an SWR/Power meter inbetween.
I used RTTY, CW, AM FM modes, all things with a continuous carrier
frequency, on all amteur radio bands at various frequencies within
the bands.? Again I measured only 50-70w on both the radio's
SWR/power meter and the external one.
I took the whole setup back to my office and attached the radio to
a 13.8v power supply.? Same power cable.? Same pigtail. same SWR
meter, same dummy load.? I used RTTY, CW, AM and FM on all amateur
radio bands and on frequencies within the bands.? This time I
measured 100w on the radio's SWR/power meter and the external one.
I am at a loss to explain this.? Does anyone have an idea?
Thx in advance. David SV0SGS
|
Re: Battery vs. Power Supply
Internal resistance of the Battery vs the Power Supply?
Current capability of the battery vs power supply?
Can you put an amp meter in the power circuit?
If using any kind of buck converter / controller on the battery, what happens if you take it off the circuit?
(go straight to battery).
|
Not really pi relevant, but Jason suggested I put my question/issue to the group.? So here it is.
?
I have an offgrid shack and power my Yaesu FT-891 from a 12Ah LiFePO4 battery that is recharged with solar panels.? I have noticed that my SSB output was dropping alarmingly. I then tested the output using RTTY, CW and AM and found the radio was only putting out 50-70w even though the battery was fully charged. To further test, I made sure the battery was fully charged (measured 14v at battery with multimeter) and attached the radio to a dummy load via a very short pigtail, with an SWR/Power meter inbetween. I used RTTY, CW, AM FM modes, all things with a continuous carrier frequency, on all amteur radio bands at various frequencies within the bands.? Again I measured only 50-70w on both the radio's SWR/power meter and the external one.
I took the whole setup back to my office and attached the radio to a 13.8v power supply.? Same power cable.? Same pigtail. same SWR meter, same dummy load.? I used RTTY, CW, AM and FM on all amateur radio bands and on frequencies within the bands.? This time I measured 100w on the radio's SWR/power meter and the external one.
I am at a loss to explain this.? Does anyone have an idea?
Thx in advance. David SV0SGS
|
Vic WA4THR
JaySheepdog
Bill Lamm
km4ack
MIKE AI8Z