Running a FT817 using 28W of solar, Charge controller to match the battery, and a 12AH lithium is
a good match up.
I run mine with an 11 Ah pack, and 20W panel and a charge controller to match the battery.? This?
runs well enough that low battery is not an issue as the solar panel has enough output to charge?
the battery during receive and substantially offset TX drain. I tried 40W but it was much more than?
needed for charge rate and weight.? ?The sweet spot is likely around 28-32W assuming FT817, a?
higher?drain radio would alter that.
I run larger radio 100W (Tentec Eagle or Tentex 6n2+ 100W amps) using 70W of panels and?
a pair of 33AH AGM batteries?for Field Day.? In that case 100 W or more is desired.
In both cases excess solar will make up for cloudy days and insure fast recharge.? The price is?
of course cost and weight.? ?Biggest thing is not to exceed battery charge rate or max voltage?
as its bad for?any battery.
Allison
