|
On Saturday 29 October 2022 04:39:16 am Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote: I really enjoy the portability of the zero setup and everything runs off a single Li-ion battery and lasts all day. Attached is an article I wrote for a club on my setup.
What are you using for a battery? -- Member of the toughest, meanest, deadliest, most unrelenting -- and ablest -- form of life in this section of space, ?a critter that can be killed but can't be tamed. ?--Robert A. Heinlein, "The Puppet Masters" - Information is more dangerous than cannon to a society ruled by lies. --James M Dakin
|
"I didn't quite understand...did VNC from Android work only once for you?
?
If yes, what problems are you seeing with VNC?
?
Jerry"
--
Hey Jerry, all seems to be ok with VNC now except for a further issue involving a Chromebook but I will carry on. I tried most of yesterday trying the get Build-a-Pi to work for me. I gave up well after midnight with a mushed brain. I anm sure that it would be (in fact from what I understand amongst the best).
THEN I spent today trying to get Ham Pi running and that was fine until it would not talk to VNC the way I would have liked.
Accurate time out and about will be via another phone but using an app called Satellite Check (which I really like) or the local FM or AM BC stations. One of these days someone will give me an IWC MK11 :-) .
I want to persist with HamPi but divorcing myself from the shack is a thing.
Vic, I was thinking about the uBitx and I may just assemble it as designed, I did mess about with the PiZero 1W yesterday but I am going to put that on the back burner as there a few other projects that I can think of for it here - a weather station being one - I live just 50m from the Atlantic Ocean. I am going to try again with HamPi and probably the BAP project too. I have two new 32gb SanDisk microSD cards so it will be good to have both options. The Inovato Quadra that I am expecting says it has Bullseye preinstalled so Jason's project may win out for that computer I hope. Really hope as I have learned that the computer is running a distro called Armbian. The internal RAM is also 2gb so I may not have enough. I don't really know. Thank you for allowing me to share the article.
FWIW @ Roy, I am using a RoyPower 12aH LiFePo for everything. I do have a? DC 12480 Li-ion too that I got ages ago. It tops out at 11.9v the RoyPow is 12.7v.
Cheers,
Tryg
--
|
Roy, the battery I use is this:
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic=
|
Just in case you hadn't seen it, this video walks you through a BAP installation, Tryg. For the Pi-zero I only selected the minimum of programs to include to run WSJT-X. I installed LinPSK and Fldigi later off the Pi menu. I did not include Flrig (not needed as you can do rig control with WSJT-X or Fldigi directly) nor any of the winlink and such programs. There is also a support group for KM4ACK and BAP on the groups list.
=Vic=
|
Hi
I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A, have you noticed any
problem with the pi which needs 3A
I believe?
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Roy, the battery I use is this:
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the RPi
in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic=
|
On Monday 31 October 2022 05:36:28 am Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote: Roy, the battery I use is this:
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic= Not bad, and it seems to have a lot of positive reviews. Is 2A on the 5V output enough to run the Pi? I haven't looked, but was of the impression that it needed a bit more than that... -- Member of the toughest, meanest, deadliest, most unrelenting -- and ablest -- form of life in this section of space, ?a critter that can be killed but can't be tamed. ?--Robert A. Heinlein, "The Puppet Masters" - Information is more dangerous than cannon to a society ruled by lies. --James M Dakin
|
Hi,
I put two of them in my 'cart'. I didn't notice anything about a 2 amp limit on the 5 volts. And nothing on the 12 volts either. Where did i fail to look?
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 10/31/22 10:45, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi
I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A, have you noticed any problem with the pi which needs 3A
I believe?
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote:
Roy, the battery I use is this:
<>
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic=
|
Hi Bill
I looked at the pictures on the left side that shows the different views. The
second one down showing the front with the switch and USB and 12V
input/output the USB shows 5v/2A (Max).
My pi is housed with a monitor and I know it says 5.1V/3A and it does show
low voltage warning, because I used a Buck Converter that had screw terminals
for the connections and had to remove the connectors and solder the wires
in/out to overcome the voltage loss., Maybe if you pi in run headless it
is ok with 2A at 12V, good luck.
Nice looking battery if it works good.
Marty kd8bj
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 10/31/22 12:19, Bill Cromwell wrote: Hi,
I put two of them in my 'cart'. I didn't notice anything about a 2 amp limit on the 5 volts. And nothing on the 12 volts either. Where did i fail to look?
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 10:45, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi
I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A, have you noticed any problem with the pi which needs 3A
I believe?
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote:
Roy, the battery I use is this:
<>
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic=
|
Hi Marty,
I looked at customer "questions" section and the manufacturer states 5V@2 amps and 12V@3 amps. I removed those batteries from my "shopping cart" since they won't actually meet my use needs. At the moment I am running 12V sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAB) at just over 7 Amp-hours. They are holding up well but are reaching end of life. Some of my gear draws up to 7 amps in transmit. If I only wanted them for QRP operation they would be suitable. Maybe I will buy *one* for that purpose. However, when I buy more suitable (to me) batteries those will certainly handle a QRP rig at the park. I run up to about fifty watts when I feel evil :) Less than one watt sometimes too so maybe there is some hope for me.
I will look at other offerings from this and other manufacturers.
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 10/31/22 15:00, Marty Hartwell wrote: Hi Bill
I looked at the pictures on the left side that shows the different views. The
second one down showing the front with the switch and USB and 12V
input/output the USB shows 5v/2A (Max).
My pi is housed with a monitor and I know it says 5.1V/3A and it does show
low voltage warning, because I used a Buck Converter that had screw terminals
for the connections and had to remove the connectors and solder the wires
in/out to overcome the voltage loss., Maybe if you pi in run headless it
is ok with 2A at 12V, good luck.
Nice looking battery if it works good.
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 12:19, Bill Cromwell wrote:
Hi,
I put two of them in my 'cart'. I didn't notice anything about a 2 amp limit on the 5 volts. And nothing on the 12 volts either. Where did i fail to look?
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 10:45, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi
I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A, have you noticed any problem with the pi which needs 3A
I believe?
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote:
Roy, the battery I use is this:
<>
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic=
|
I've had no issues at all with the RPi zero 2W running off the battery mentioned. I am also powering a small USB extender to allow 3 devices to be connected to the single Pi port. I recall some folks measuring actual current consumption being less than 1 amp on the Pi-zero, too. The uBitX that I am also powering from that battery draws something less than 3 amps on 12v. I have run both the Pi-zero 2 and the rig for hours off the battery, and for literally days leaving the wall-wart charger connected to the battery.
=Vic=
|
Hi Bill
I have and use my FT-817 sometimes in portable operations, currently my only rig for either
V/U or HF opts, if I want to go digital I have my pi housed in a nice case that has a 7" monitor.
Its specifications say it requires 5.1v at 3A, and so I use a buck converter from the 12V. The
battery I am using is heavy from a lawn mower, so these days if I can't drive to the op site I
don't go, but here in TN we have quite a few parks I can drive up to a place to set up. Nice
for POTA.
Have a good day.
Marty kd8bj
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 10/31/22 15:47, Bill Cromwell wrote: Hi Marty,
I looked at customer "questions" section and the manufacturer states 5V@2 amps and 12V@3 amps. I removed those batteries from my "shopping cart" since they won't actually meet my use needs. At the moment I am running 12V sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAB) at just over 7 Amp-hours. They are holding up well but are reaching end of life. Some of my gear draws up to 7 amps in transmit. If I only wanted them for QRP operation they would be suitable. Maybe I will buy *one* for that purpose. However, when I buy more suitable (to me) batteries those will certainly handle a QRP rig at the park. I run up to about fifty watts when I feel evil :) Less than one watt sometimes too so maybe there is some hope for me.
I will look at other offerings from this and other manufacturers.
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 15:00, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi Bill
I looked at the pictures on the left side that shows the different views. The
second one down showing the front with the switch and USB and 12V
input/output the USB shows 5v/2A (Max).
My pi is housed with a monitor and I know it says 5.1V/3A and it does show
low voltage warning, because I used a Buck Converter that had screw terminals
for the connections and had to remove the connectors and solder the wires
in/out to overcome the voltage loss., Maybe if you pi in run headless it
is ok with 2A at 12V, good luck.
Nice looking battery if it works good.
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 12:19, Bill Cromwell wrote:
Hi,
I put two of them in my 'cart'. I didn't notice anything about a 2 amp limit on the 5 volts. And nothing on the 12 volts either. Where did i fail to look?
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 10:45, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi
I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A, have you noticed any problem with the pi which needs 3A
I believe?
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote:
Roy, the battery I use is this:
<>
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic=
|
Hi Bill
I forgot to mention in previous reply, that if your op uses VNC for monitor on a cell or tablet your
pi may not draw more than 2A while in use. I am not sure I could see the screen on my cells maybe
on a tablet.
Marty kd8bj
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 10/31/22 15:47, Bill Cromwell wrote: Hi Marty,
I looked at customer "questions" section and the manufacturer states 5V@2 amps and 12V@3 amps. I removed those batteries from my "shopping cart" since they won't actually meet my use needs. At the moment I am running 12V sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAB) at just over 7 Amp-hours. They are holding up well but are reaching end of life. Some of my gear draws up to 7 amps in transmit. If I only wanted them for QRP operation they would be suitable. Maybe I will buy *one* for that purpose. However, when I buy more suitable (to me) batteries those will certainly handle a QRP rig at the park. I run up to about fifty watts when I feel evil :) Less than one watt sometimes too so maybe there is some hope for me.
I will look at other offerings from this and other manufacturers.
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 15:00, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi Bill
I looked at the pictures on the left side that shows the different views. The
second one down showing the front with the switch and USB and 12V
input/output the USB shows 5v/2A (Max).
My pi is housed with a monitor and I know it says 5.1V/3A and it does show
low voltage warning, because I used a Buck Converter that had screw terminals
for the connections and had to remove the connectors and solder the wires
in/out to overcome the voltage loss., Maybe if you pi in run headless it
is ok with 2A at 12V, good luck.
Nice looking battery if it works good.
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 12:19, Bill Cromwell wrote:
Hi,
I put two of them in my 'cart'. I didn't notice anything about a 2 amp limit on the 5 volts. And nothing on the 12 volts either. Where did i fail to look?
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 10:45, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi
I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A, have you noticed any problem with the pi which needs 3A
I believe?
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote:
Roy, the battery I use is this:
<>
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic=
|
Consider getting a LifePO4 battery....less than half the weight, more than twice the available power, non-flammable, not like explosive lithium or gassy lead-acid..you can run these flat with NO damage plus get <4000 cycles, whereas only about 500 cycles with lead-acid. Also my ic-7300 likes the new batts better, as they do not sag in voltage under load..check it out..better for the enviornment too!!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 2022-11-01 11:16, Marty Hartwell wrote: Hi Bill
I have and use my FT-817 sometimes in portable operations, currently my only rig for either
V/U or HF opts, if I want to go digital I have my pi housed in a nice case that has a 7" monitor.
Its specifications say it requires 5.1v at 3A, and so I use a buck converter from the 12V. The
battery I am using is heavy from a lawn mower, so these days if I can't drive to the op site I
don't go, but here in TN we have quite a few parks I can drive up to a place to set up. Nice
for POTA.
Have a good day.
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 15:47, Bill Cromwell wrote:
Hi Marty,
I looked at customer "questions" section and the manufacturer states 5V@2 amps and 12V@3 amps. I removed those batteries from my "shopping cart" since they won't actually meet my use needs. At the moment I am running 12V sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAB) at just over 7 Amp-hours. They are holding up well but are reaching end of life. Some of my gear draws up to 7 amps in transmit. If I only wanted them for QRP operation they would be suitable. Maybe I will buy *one* for that purpose. However, when I buy more suitable (to me) batteries those will certainly handle a QRP rig at the park. I run up to about fifty watts when I feel evil :) Less than one watt sometimes too so maybe there is some hope for me.
I will look at other offerings from this and other manufacturers.
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 15:00, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi Bill
I looked at the pictures on the left side that shows the different views. The
second one down showing the front with the switch and USB and 12V
input/output the USB shows 5v/2A (Max).
My pi is housed with a monitor and I know it says 5.1V/3A and it does show
low voltage warning, because I used a Buck Converter that had screw terminals
for the connections and had to remove the connectors and solder the wires
in/out to overcome the voltage loss., Maybe if you pi in run headless it
is ok with 2A at 12V, good luck.
Nice looking battery if it works good.
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 12:19, Bill Cromwell wrote:
Hi,
I put two of them in my 'cart'. I didn't notice anything about a 2 amp limit on the 5 volts. And nothing on the 12 volts either. Where did i fail to look?
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 10:45, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi
I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A, have you noticed any problem with the pi which needs 3A
I believe?
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote:
Roy, the battery I use is this:
<>
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic=
|
I don't agree with the "NO damage" statement. From looking at various brands they ALL show fewer cycles the deeper you discharge the battery. Is it as bad as a lead acid battery,no. But please don't misinform a new user to this type of battery.
I really like the LiFePo4 chemistry. I have 400Ah (4 x 100Ah) in a bank as well as some of the smaller ones. They are too expensive to not take good care of them.
Max KG4PID
On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 11:41:52 AM CDT, JJ <ve1jot@...> wrote:
Consider getting a LifePO4 battery....less than half the weight, more
than twice the available power, non-flammable, not like explosive
lithium or gassy lead-acid..you can run these flat with NO damage plus
get <4000 cycles, whereas only about 500 cycles with lead-acid. Also my
ic-7300 likes the new batts better, as they do not sag in voltage under
load..check it out..better for the enviornment too!!
On 2022-11-01 11:16, Marty Hartwell wrote: > Hi Bill > > I have and use my FT-817 sometimes in portable operations, currently > my only rig for either > > V/U or HF opts, if I want to go digital I have my pi housed in a nice > case that has a 7" monitor. > > Its specifications say it requires 5.1v at 3A, and so I use a buck > converter from the 12V. The > > battery I am using is heavy from a lawn mower, so these days if I > can't drive to the op site I > > don't go, but here in TN we have quite a few parks I can drive up to a > place to set up. Nice > > for POTA. > > Have a good day. > > Marty kd8bj > > > On 10/31/22 15:47, Bill Cromwell wrote: >> Hi Marty, >> >> I looked at customer "questions" section and the manufacturer states >> 5V@2 amps and 12V@3 amps. I removed those batteries from my "shopping >> cart" since they won't actually meet my use needs. At the moment I am >> running 12V sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAB) at just over 7 >> Amp-hours. They are holding up well but are reaching end of life. >> Some of my gear draws up to 7 amps in transmit. If I only wanted them >> for QRP operation they would be suitable. Maybe I will buy *one* for >> that purpose. However, when I buy more suitable (to me) batteries >> those will certainly handle a QRP rig at the park. I run up to about >> fifty watts when I feel evil :) Less than one watt sometimes too so >> maybe there is some hope for me. >> >> I will look at other offerings from this and other manufacturers. >> >> 73, >> >> Bill KU8H >> >> bark less - wag more >> >> On 10/31/22 15:00, Marty Hartwell wrote: >>> Hi Bill >>> >>> I looked at the pictures on the left side that shows the different >>> views. The >>> >>> second one down showing the front with the switch and USB and 12V >>> >>> input/output the USB shows 5v/2A (Max). >>> >>> My pi is housed with a monitor and I know it says 5.1V/3A and it >>> does show >>> >>> low voltage warning, because I used a Buck Converter that had screw >>> terminals >>> >>> for the connections and had to remove the connectors and solder the >>> wires >>> >>> in/out to overcome the voltage loss., Maybe if you pi in run >>> headless it >>> >>> is ok with 2A at 12V, good luck. >>> >>> Nice looking battery if it works good. >>> >>> Marty kd8bj >>> >>> >>> On 10/31/22 12:19, Bill Cromwell wrote: >>>> Hi, >>>> >>>> I put two of them in my 'cart'. I didn't notice anything about a 2 >>>> amp limit on the 5 volts. And nothing on the 12 volts either. Where >>>> did i fail to look? >>>> >>>> 73, >>>> >>>> Bill KU8H >>>> >>>> bark less - wag more >>>> >>>> On 10/31/22 10:45, Marty Hartwell wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Hi >>>>> >>>>> I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A, have you noticed any problem >>>>> with the pi which needs 3A >>>>> >>>>> I believe? >>>>> >>>>> Marty kd8bj >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote: >>>>>> Roy, the battery I use is this: >>>>>> >>>>>> <> >>>>>> >>>>>> which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the >>>>>> RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day. >>>>>> >>>>>> =Vic= >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> >> > > > > >
|
If you're looking for safety and long life, a NiFe battery might be the best bet. However, they are heavy and contain liquid.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 01/11/2022 12:41 EDT JJ <ve1jot@...> wrote:
Consider getting a LifePO4 battery....less than half the weight, more
than twice the available power, non-flammable, not like explosive
lithium or gassy lead-acid..you can run these flat with NO damage plus
get <4000 cycles, whereas only about 500 cycles with lead-acid. Also my
ic-7300 likes the new batts better, as they do not sag in voltage under
load..check it out..better for the enviornment too!!
|
Hi,
The LiFePO4 is at the very top of my list. It's full charge terminal voltage is suitable for all of my QRP gear and all of my other solid state gear. I run my station on battery power full time so those need enough horsepower to do the job. There is a comment about running them flat without damage. I have some misgivings about that. I would need to see that in writing from the manufacturers.
I have a couple of radios here that can give me a lot more than QRP output levels from battery operation. The most I have used is about 7 or 8 Amps at ~12 volts for around about 50 watts of RF out. I have rarely ever needed more than that and often quite a bit less. I have never owned nor used a full legal limit 1500 Watt power amplifier - 100 Watts maximum. I had an AMTOR exchange over 700 miles with no meters moving during transmit!
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 11/1/22 12:41, JJ wrote: Consider getting a LifePO4 battery....less than half the weight, more than twice the available power, non-flammable, not like explosive lithium or gassy lead-acid..you can run these flat with NO damage plus get <4000 cycles, whereas only about 500 cycles with lead-acid. Also my ic-7300 likes the new batts better, as they do not sag in voltage under load..check it out..better for the enviornment too!!
On 2022-11-01 11:16, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi Bill
I have and use my FT-817 sometimes in portable operations, currently my only rig for either
V/U or HF opts, if I want to go digital I have my pi housed in a nice case that has a 7" monitor.
Its specifications say it requires 5.1v at 3A, and so I use a buck converter from the 12V. The
battery I am using is heavy from a lawn mower, so these days if I can't drive to the op site I
don't go, but here in TN we have quite a few parks I can drive up to a place to set up. Nice
for POTA.
Have a good day.
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 15:47, Bill Cromwell wrote:
Hi Marty,
I looked at customer "questions" section and the manufacturer states 5V@2 amps and 12V@3 amps. I removed those batteries from my "shopping cart" since they won't actually meet my use needs. At the moment I am running 12V sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAB) at just over 7 Amp-hours. They are holding up well but are reaching end of life. Some of my gear draws up to 7 amps in transmit. If I only wanted them for QRP operation they would be suitable. Maybe I will buy *one* for that purpose. However, when I buy more suitable (to me) batteries those will certainly handle a QRP rig at the park. I run up to about fifty watts when I feel evil :) Less than one watt sometimes too so maybe there is some hope for me.
I will look at other offerings from this and other manufacturers.
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 15:00, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi Bill
I looked at the pictures on the left side that shows the different views. The
second one down showing the front with the switch and USB and 12V
input/output the USB shows 5v/2A (Max).
My pi is housed with a monitor and I know it says 5.1V/3A and it does show
low voltage warning, because I used a Buck Converter that had screw terminals
for the connections and had to remove the connectors and solder the wires
in/out to overcome the voltage loss., Maybe if you pi in run headless it
is ok with 2A at 12V, good luck.
Nice looking battery if it works good.
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 12:19, Bill Cromwell wrote:
Hi,
I put two of them in my 'cart'. I didn't notice anything about a 2 amp limit on the 5 volts. And nothing on the 12 volts either. Where did i fail to look?
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 10:45, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi
I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A, have you noticed any problem with the pi which needs 3A
I believe?
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote:
Roy, the battery I use is this:
<>
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic=
|
Only speaking from personal experience...I have a 48v 200ah pack
that has been going for 7 years, running it till bms cutoff every
time about every 2 days...no measurable loss of capacity yet
here...it's on my bike, and the range is the same as when it was
new...NEVER run a pack w/o BMS...as for damage, I see if lead acid
is run to 100% DOD, it is permanently damaged shortening it's
lifetime and capacity...this is not nearly as much of a worry with
LifePO4...run it down >4000 times (to BMS cutout)and the pack
should still be at 80% capacity or better...watch for grade A
cells..lesser cells will be unbalanced, and affect battery
capacity, even with BMS...
Cons I've found:
You can damage a cell if it gets below 2.50v I think it
is..permanent damage will result..
NEVER charge LifePO4 when below freezing (can discharge however)
BMS system is the weakest link...have seen failures...
NOT recommended to float-charge them..
EXPENSIVE EXPENSIVE EXPENSIVE
I have a feeling they will get even more expensive if I read the
supply chain correctly...
On 2022-11-01 14:26, Max via groups.io
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I don't agree with the "NO
damage" statement. From looking at various brands they ALL
show fewer cycles the deeper you discharge the battery. Is it
as bad as a lead acid battery,no. But please don't misinform a
new user to this type of battery.
I really like the LiFePo4
chemistry. I have 400Ah (4 x 100Ah) in a bank as well as some
of the smaller ones. They are too expensive to not take good
care of them.
Max KG4PID
On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 11:41:52 AM CDT, JJ
<ve1jot@...> wrote:
Consider getting a LifePO4 battery....less
than half the weight, more
than twice the available power, non-flammable, not like
explosive
lithium or gassy lead-acid..you can run these flat with NO
damage plus
get <4000 cycles, whereas only about 500 cycles with
lead-acid. Also my
ic-7300 likes the new batts better, as they do not sag in
voltage under
load..check it out..better for the enviornment too!!
On 2022-11-01 11:16, Marty Hartwell wrote:
> Hi Bill
>
> I have and use my FT-817 sometimes in portable
operations, currently
> my only rig for either
>
> V/U or HF opts, if I want to go digital I have my pi
housed in a nice
> case that has a 7" monitor.
>
> Its specifications say it requires 5.1v at 3A, and so
I use a buck
> converter from the 12V. The
>
> battery I am using is heavy from a lawn mower, so
these days if I
> can't drive to the op site I
>
> don't go, but here in TN we have quite a few parks I
can drive up to a
> place to set up. Nice
>
> for POTA.
>
> Have a good day.
>
> Marty kd8bj
>
>
> On 10/31/22 15:47, Bill Cromwell wrote:
>> Hi Marty,
>>
>> I looked at customer "questions" section and the
manufacturer states
>> 5V@2 amps and 12V@3 amps. I removed
those batteries from my "shopping
>> cart" since they won't actually meet my use
needs. At the moment I am
>> running 12V sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAB) at
just over 7
>> Amp-hours. They are holding up well but are
reaching end of life.
>> Some of my gear draws up to 7 amps in transmit.
If I only wanted them
>> for QRP operation they would be suitable. Maybe I
will buy *one* for
>> that purpose. However, when I buy more suitable
(to me) batteries
>> those will certainly handle a QRP rig at the
park. I run up to about
>> fifty watts when I feel evil :) Less than one
watt sometimes too so
>> maybe there is some hope for me.
>>
>> I will look at other offerings from this and
other manufacturers.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Bill KU8H
>>
>> bark less - wag more
>>
>> On 10/31/22 15:00, Marty Hartwell wrote:
>>> Hi Bill
>>>
>>> I looked at the pictures on the left side
that shows the different
>>> views. The
>>>
>>> second one down showing the front with the
switch and USB and 12V
>>>
>>> input/output the USB shows 5v/2A (Max).
>>>
>>> My pi is housed with a monitor and I know it
says 5.1V/3A and it
>>> does show
>>>
>>> low voltage warning, because I used a Buck
Converter that had screw
>>> terminals
>>>
>>> for the connections and had to remove the
connectors and solder the
>>> wires
>>>
>>> in/out to overcome the voltage loss., Maybe
if you pi in run
>>> headless it
>>>
>>> is ok with 2A at 12V, good luck.
>>>
>>> Nice looking battery if it works good.
>>>
>>> Marty kd8bj
>>>
>>>
>>> On 10/31/22 12:19, Bill Cromwell wrote:
>>>> Hi,
>>>>
>>>> I put two of them in my 'cart'. I didn't
notice anything about a 2
>>>> amp limit on the 5 volts. And nothing on
the 12 volts either. Where
>>>> did i fail to look?
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>>
>>>> Bill KU8H
>>>>
>>>> bark less - wag more
>>>>
>>>> On 10/31/22 10:45, Marty Hartwell wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi
>>>>>
>>>>> I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A,
have you noticed any problem
>>>>> with the pi which needs 3A
>>>>>
>>>>> I believe?
>>>>>
>>>>> Marty kd8bj
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via
groups.io wrote:
>>>>>> Roy, the battery I use is this:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> <>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> which is nice in that it also
provides a 5v connection for the
>>>>>> RPi in addition to the 12v for
the rig. Seems to run all day.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> =Vic=
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
|
Hello Tryg
You can make your own LiFePO4 battery easy and cheap enough using readily available parts. As others have mentioned, follow the manufacturers guidance on charge/discharge and the battery will last for many years. I did some battery notes a while back on our Club website, scroll down the blog:
73 Glen G0SBN
|
Hi JJ,
I think the comment I referenced said you can? run them flat and not to 'BMS' cutout. For what it's worth I have already cycled my SLAB batteries far more than 300 times and they were used when I got them. In dayes of olde I had two or three Ni-Cad battery packs that lasted more then 12 years of regular use simply by avoiding complete charge depletion and not using "fast charge". So no abuse. I replaced those with NiMH and those are performing even better (age unknown). If we use due care with any of the technologies they can give us excellent service. The lithium technology has high power density for light weight and has a useful voltage-discharge curve. The LiFePO batteries are the ones I am acquiring to replace my aging SLAB batteries. Thanks for the comments. I will look into getting the controllers and buying the cells to assemble my batteries.
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 11/2/22 01:44, JJ wrote:
Only speaking from personal experience...I have a 48v 200ah pack that has been going for 7 years, running it till bms cutoff every time about every 2 days...no measurable loss of capacity yet here...it's on my bike, and the range is the same as when it was new...NEVER run a pack w/o BMS...as for damage, I see if lead acid is run to 100% DOD, it is permanently damaged shortening it's lifetime and capacity...this is not nearly as much of a worry with LifePO4...run it down >4000 times (to BMS cutout)and the pack should still be at 80% capacity or better...watch for grade A cells..lesser cells will be unbalanced, and affect battery capacity, even with BMS...
Cons I've found:
You can damage a cell if it gets below 2.50v I think it is..permanent damage will result..
NEVER charge LifePO4 when below freezing (can discharge however)
BMS system is the weakest link...have seen failures...
NOT recommended to float-charge them..
EXPENSIVE EXPENSIVE EXPENSIVE
I have a feeling they will get even more expensive if I read the supply chain correctly...
On 2022-11-01 14:26, Max via groups.io wrote:
I don't agree with the "NO damage" statement. From looking at various brands they ALL show fewer cycles the deeper you discharge the battery. Is it as bad as a lead acid battery,no. But please don't misinform a new user to this type of battery.
I really like the LiFePo4 chemistry. I have 400Ah (4 x 100Ah) in a bank as well as some of the smaller ones. They are too expensive to not take good care of them.
Max KG4PID
On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 11:41:52 AM CDT, JJ <ve1jot@...> wrote:
Consider getting a LifePO4 battery....less than half the weight, more
than twice the available power, non-flammable, not like explosive
lithium or gassy lead-acid..you can run these flat with NO damage plus
get <4000 cycles, whereas only about 500 cycles with lead-acid. Also my
ic-7300 likes the new batts better, as they do not sag in voltage under
load..check it out..better for the enviornment too!!
On 2022-11-01 11:16, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi Bill
I have and use my FT-817 sometimes in portable operations, currently
my only rig for either
V/U or HF opts, if I want to go digital I have my pi housed in a nice
case that has a 7" monitor.
Its specifications say it requires 5.1v at 3A, and so I use a buck
converter from the 12V. The
battery I am using is heavy from a lawn mower, so these days if I
can't drive to the op site I
don't go, but here in TN we have quite a few parks I can drive up to a
place to set up. Nice
for POTA.
Have a good day.
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 15:47, Bill Cromwell wrote:
Hi Marty,
I looked at customer "questions" section and the manufacturer states
5V@2 amps and 12V@3 amps. I removed those batteries from my "shopping
cart" since they won't actually meet my use needs. At the moment I am
running 12V sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAB) at just over 7
Amp-hours. They are holding up well but are reaching end of life.
Some of my gear draws up to 7 amps in transmit. If I only wanted them
for QRP operation they would be suitable. Maybe I will buy *one* for
that purpose. However, when I buy more suitable (to me) batteries
those will certainly handle a QRP rig at the park. I run up to about
fifty watts when I feel evil :) Less than one watt sometimes too so
maybe there is some hope for me.
I will look at other offerings from this and other manufacturers.
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 15:00, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi Bill
I looked at the pictures on the left side that shows the different
views. The
second one down showing the front with the switch and USB and 12V
input/output the USB shows 5v/2A (Max).
My pi is housed with a monitor and I know it says 5.1V/3A and it
does show
low voltage warning, because I used a Buck Converter that had screw
terminals
for the connections and had to remove the connectors and solder the
wires
in/out to overcome the voltage loss., Maybe if you pi in run
headless it
is ok with 2A at 12V, good luck.
Nice looking battery if it works good.
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 12:19, Bill Cromwell wrote:
Hi,
I put two of them in my 'cart'. I didn't notice anything about a 2
amp limit on the 5 volts. And nothing on the 12 volts either. Where
did i fail to look?
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 10/31/22 10:45, Marty Hartwell wrote:
Hi
I noticed the 5V is only rated at 2A, have you noticed any problem
with the pi which needs 3A
I believe?
Marty kd8bj
On 10/31/22 04:36, Vic WA4THR via groups.io wrote:
Roy, the battery I use is this:
<
< <>>
which is nice in that it also provides a 5v connection for the
RPi in addition to the 12v for the rig. Seems to run all day.
=Vic=
|
I have a co-worker who used to design BMSes. He says batteries are more about the BMS then any other part. He says a lot of work goes into a GOOD BMS, and there are a lot of cheap bad ones out there
--
73 de KG2V
Charlie
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Nov 2, 2022, at 9:20 AM, Bill Cromwell <wrcromwell@...> wrote:
?Hi JJ,
I think the comment I referenced said you can run them flat and not to 'BMS' cutout. For what it's worth I have already cycled my SLAB batteries far more than 300 times and they were used when I got them. In dayes of olde I had two or three Ni-Cad battery packs that lasted more then 12 years of regular use simply by avoiding complete charge depletion and not using "fast charge". So no abuse. I replaced those with NiMH and those are performing even better (age unknown). If we use due care with any of the technologies they can give us excellent service. The lithium technology has high power density for light weight and has a useful voltage-discharge curve. The LiFePO batteries are the ones I am acquiring to replace my aging SLAB batteries. Thanks for the comments. I will look into getting the controllers and buying the cells to assemble my batteries.
73,
Bill KU8H
bark less - wag more
|
EI7CLB
Vic WA4THR
Nigel Gunn, G8IFF/W8IFF
Glen - G0SBN