On 4/27/2024 2:23 PM, Joseph Wonoski via groups.io wrote: I've always used a 7 ah SLA with good results. The weight is manageable for the short carry distances I frequent. If lithium ion ever becomes competitive enough I may transition at some point.
? ?I actually have a 30 watt panel to use but it's rather large and clumsy, so I'm hoping that newer ones are more efficient for the size. I've had this one for decades, but last time I checked it was still living up to the original specs.
? ?Thanks to all for suggestions and observations.
Joe N1KHB You might consider something like this: I have one and find it very well designed.? It has separately switchable 12V and 120VAC (600W) outputs, and a capacity of 250WH. It includes an input for a 12V solar panel for charging (standard XT60 connector) and also has a built in 120VAC charger that is VERY fast.? It can charge it from dead to full in about an hour or less. The front panel displays state of charge and also predicted run time at the current discharge rate. Paul -- Paul Goelz Rochester Hills, MI USA pgoelz@... www.pgoelz.com
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I've always used a 7 ah SLA with good results. The weight is manageable for the short carry distances I frequent. If lithium ion ever becomes competitive enough I may transition at some point. ? ?I actually have a 30 watt panel to use but it's rather large and clumsy, so I'm hoping that newer ones are more efficient for the size. I've had this one for decades, but last time I checked it was still living up to the original specs.? ? ?Thanks to all for suggestions and observations.
Joe N1KHB? ?
On Sat, Apr 27, 2024 at 9:28 AM, Ken N2VIP <ken@...> wrote: The OP is asking about portable QRP usage, so car batteries are right out, SLA are an option but heavy, LiFePO4 batteries are likely a better choice.
As for a solar panel, a three-panel array is not practical, there are quality brands out there, Bioenno seems well-regarded here, but I think there's no way to provide specifications for solar panels given the number of variables involved. I would suggest going with a well-regarded brand, over-provisioning the solar panel to the extent its practical to deploy easily in portable use, and realize that you can't run just off the solar panel - you'll need a battery and the solar panel/array you deploy is just to hopefully maintain the charge on the batteries.
Good luck, please share your decision with us when you decide, Ken, N2VIP On Apr 27, 2024, at 07:43, Joseph Wonoski via groups.io <N1khb@...> wrote:
?SLAs are actually made for deep cycle use. Depth of discharge affects lifespan to a degree however.? ? ?Car batteries are a different animal designed for short duration starting only.
Joe N1KHB? On Sat, Apr 27, 2024 at 5:30 AM, Mike EI9FEB <ei9feb@...> wrote: Many quote the maximum output at solar noon, midsummer, clear sky and the panel angled at the sun.
Obviously this can be even x10 the actual output even on a good day in the other half of the year unless you live closer to or in the tropics.
Three 100W panels, special charging electronics and a suitable battery system. Car batteries are best value but heavy. Li batteries may take deep cycles well. NiMH less tricky, can be similar volume capacity to Li, but much heavier and expensive other than AA size. Lead Acid gel don't like repeated deep discharge.
Likely for a rig the duty cycle is 1:5 unless in a pile-up/contest.·
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Re: Loosening tight screws
I agree on McMaster. They treat all customers the same no matter what size order, and delivery is FAST without special shipping charges. I used them for work and continue to use them for myself.
Joe N1KHB?
On Sat, Apr 27, 2024 at 1:55 PM, Mike Dinolfo <mdinolfo@...> wrote:
Rick:
mcmaster.com sells JIS screwdrivers.?
Mcmaster is an excellent supplier of many things
hardware-related.? I consider their products (tools, materials) to
be of high quality, not inexpensive but not overly expensive
either.? I have no commercial interest in them; just a satisfied
customer.
Mike N4MWP
On 4/27/24 13:40, VE1RNM wrote:
Hi Neil and the group,
Thanks for your post, I never knew JIS existed,
I have never had a problem removing? the screws from yaesu
products but have a lot of screw drivers also! I wonder if
there is a US distributor for this Japanese manufacturer...
Thanks again for the Post and link
Vy 73,
Rick VE1RNM?
Hi
It will help if you get a JIS driver.
Yeasu radios don't use Philips, they use JIS screws, you can
use a Philips driver but it isn't the best fit.
this website explains it better than I can.
Good luck.
?Neil
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Re: Loosening tight screws
VESSEL - ARMOR GRIP? Screwdriver Cross Point 4PC. Set (JISDRIVE) No.550APH4PBU
On Sat, Apr 27, 2024 at 1:55 PM, Mike Dinolfo <mdinolfo@...> wrote:
Rick:
mcmaster.com sells JIS screwdrivers.?
Mcmaster is an excellent supplier of many things
hardware-related.? I consider their products (tools, materials) to
be of high quality, not inexpensive but not overly expensive
either.? I have no commercial interest in them; just a satisfied
customer.
Mike N4MWP
On 4/27/24 13:40, VE1RNM wrote:
Hi Neil and the group,
Thanks for your post, I never knew JIS existed,
I have never had a problem removing? the screws from yaesu
products but have a lot of screw drivers also! I wonder if
there is a US distributor for this Japanese manufacturer...
Thanks again for the Post and link
Vy 73,
Rick VE1RNM?
Hi
It will help if you get a JIS driver.
Yeasu radios don't use Philips, they use JIS screws, you can
use a Philips driver but it isn't the best fit.
this website explains it better than I can.
Good luck.
?Neil
|
Re: Loosening tight screws
Rick:
mcmaster.com sells JIS screwdrivers.?
Mcmaster is an excellent supplier of many things
hardware-related.? I consider their products (tools, materials) to
be of high quality, not inexpensive but not overly expensive
either.? I have no commercial interest in them; just a satisfied
customer.
Mike N4MWP
On 4/27/24 13:40, VE1RNM wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi Neil and the group,
Thanks for your post, I never knew JIS existed,
I have never had a problem removing? the screws from yaesu
products but have a lot of screw drivers also! I wonder if
there is a US distributor for this Japanese manufacturer...
Thanks again for the Post and link
Vy 73,
Rick VE1RNM?
Hi
It will help if you get a JIS driver.
Yeasu radios don't use Philips, they use JIS screws, you can
use a Philips driver but it isn't the best fit.
this website explains it better than I can.
Good luck.
?Neil
|
Re: Loosening tight screws
Hi Neil and the group,
Thanks for your post, I never knew JIS existed, I have never had a problem removing? the screws from yaesu products but have a lot of screw drivers also! I wonder if there is a US distributor for this Japanese manufacturer...
Thanks again for the Post and link
Vy 73,
Rick VE1RNM?
Hi
It will help if you get a JIS driver.
Yeasu radios don't use Philips, they use JIS screws, you can use a Philips driver but it isn't the best fit.
this website explains it better than I can.
Good luck.
?Neil
|
Re: Loosening tight screws
Hi
It will help if you get a JIS driver.
Yeasu radios don't use Philips, they use JIS screws, you can use a Philips driver but it isn't the best fit.
this website explains it better than I can.
https://rtstools.com/jis-vs-phillips-screwdrivers-and-where-to-buy-a-jis-screwdriver/
Good luck.
?Neil
|
Re: Loosening tight screws
A small amount of heat. A heat gun or hairdryer will work. Assuming they have blue locktite on them, heat will soften the bond.?
I finally decided to attach the side rails that came with my Portable Zero Pack to my 817nd.? The two screws on either side are so tight I can only barely loosen one of them.? The other three are way to tight and I don't want to damage the Phillips head screw.? Does anyone know of a method of loosening screws that are so tight?? Appreciate any and all advice.
73
Rich KB3OMJ
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I finally decided to attach the side rails that came with my Portable Zero Pack to my 817nd.? The two screws on either side are so tight I can only barely loosen one of them.? The other three are way to tight and I don't want to damage the Phillips head screw.? Does anyone know of a method of loosening screws that are so tight?? Appreciate any and all advice.
73
Rich KB3OMJ
|
The OP is asking about portable QRP usage, so car batteries are right out, SLA are an option but heavy, LiFePO4 batteries are likely a better choice.
As for a solar panel, a three-panel array is not practical, there are quality brands out there, Bioenno seems well-regarded here, but I think there's no way to provide specifications for solar panels given the number of variables involved. I would suggest going with a well-regarded brand, over-provisioning the solar panel to the extent its practical to deploy easily in portable use, and realize that you can't run just off the solar panel - you'll need a battery and the solar panel/array you deploy is just to hopefully maintain the charge on the batteries.
Good luck, please share your decision with us when you decide,
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 27, 2024, at 07:43, Joseph Wonoski via groups.io <N1khb@...> wrote:
?SLAs are actually made for deep cycle use. Depth of discharge affects lifespan to a degree however.? ? ?Car batteries are a different animal designed for short duration starting only.
Joe N1KHB? On Sat, Apr 27, 2024 at 5:30 AM, Mike EI9FEB <ei9feb@...> wrote: Many quote the maximum output at solar noon, midsummer, clear sky and the panel angled at the sun.
Obviously this can be even x10 the actual output even on a good day in the other half of the year unless you live closer to or in the tropics.
Three 100W panels, special charging electronics and a suitable battery system. Car batteries are best value but heavy. Li batteries may take deep cycles well. NiMH less tricky, can be similar volume capacity to Li, but much heavier and expensive other than AA size. Lead Acid gel don't like repeated deep discharge.
Likely for a rig the duty cycle is 1:5 unless in a pile-up/contest.·
|
SLAs are actually made for deep cycle use. Depth of discharge affects lifespan to a degree however.? ? ?Car batteries are a different animal designed for short duration starting only.
On Sat, Apr 27, 2024 at 5:30 AM, Mike EI9FEB <ei9feb@...> wrote: Many quote the maximum output at solar noon, midsummer, clear sky and the panel angled at the sun.
Obviously this can be even x10 the actual output even on a good day in the other half of the year unless you live closer to or in the tropics.
Three 100W panels, special charging electronics and a suitable battery system. Car batteries are best value but heavy. Li batteries may take deep cycles well. NiMH less tricky, can be similar volume capacity to Li, but much heavier and expensive other than AA size. Lead Acid gel don't like repeated deep discharge.
Likely for a rig the duty cycle is 1:5 unless in a pile-up/contest.·
|
Hi All New firmware version V1.3 is already working in Maxicom CAT display for FT8xx transceivers A new IF for 28MHz transverter was added. This video shows Maxicom used in FT8 with FT857 and MET-4 4m transverter Of course you can also use it for digital modes in other bands not needing transverters like 432, 144, 50, 28, etc Kit price is EU200 plus shipment. ??m sending the main pcb already assembled and tested Anyone interested please contact directly luis (at) vigilant.es
73 de Luis EA5DOM
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Many quote the maximum output at solar noon, midsummer, clear sky and the panel angled at the sun.
Obviously this can be even x10 the actual output even on a good day in the other half of the year unless you live closer to or in the tropics.
Three 100W panels, special charging electronics and a suitable battery system. Car batteries are best value but heavy. Li batteries may take deep cycles well. NiMH less tricky, can be similar volume capacity to Li, but much heavier and expensive other than AA size. Lead Acid gel don't like repeated deep discharge.
Likely for a rig the duty cycle is 1:5 unless in a pile-up/contest.·
|
I saw the same thing. Various manufacturers with dubious claims. I think it probably cost more, but I bought a small folding bioenno panel and haven’t regretted it.?
Dan --. Please pardon any mispelings or errors.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 26, 2024, at 9:47?PM, Joseph Wonoski via groups.io <N1khb@...> wrote:
? [Edited Message Follows]
Hi all, ? ?I'm considering a solar panel purchase for portable qrp. Something in the neighborhood of 20-30 watts. ? ?Many on the web have sketchy, ambiguous, or contradictory specs. Any guidance would be appreciated. Tnx.? Joe N1KHB
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Bioenno has been solid with their support for batteries and panels. I have 5-6 batteries and 3 panels 28W-180W.?
Buy quality.?
Doug
W4DBL?
Doug Lynch
President?
Aries International, LLC
?
D: +1-321-415-2191
M:?+1-478-318-2655
?
E: Doug@...?
Port Orange, FL
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 26, 2024, at 23:30, Joseph Wonoski via groups.io <N1KHB@...> wrote:
?Hi all,
? ?I'm considering a solar panel purchase for portable qrp. Many on the web have sketchy, ambiguous, or contradictory specs. Any guidance would be appreciated. Tnx.?
Joe N1KHB?
|
Hi all,
? ?I'm considering a solar panel purchase for portable qrp. Something in the neighborhood of 20-30 watts.
? ?Many on the web have sketchy, ambiguous, or contradictory specs. Any guidance would be appreciated. Tnx.?
Joe N1KHB
|
DigiPi WSJT-X CAT PTT error
I'm using a DigiPi with a digirig going to the 817. Running WSJT-X. I have checked "CAT" for PTT Method. "Test CAT" works and comes back green, but then "Test PTT" produces an error (see attached screenshot). CAT control does generally appear to be otherwise working, as I can get it to change bands successfully, for example.
Any ideas or suggestions?
73,
Jim KX0U
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Re: H-250 Handset with FT-817 ??
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H-250 Handset with FT-817 ??
All,
? ? Is anyone using an H-250 military handset with their FT-817 ? Perhaps in a field pack configuration ?? ?If so, I have a bunch of questions;?
? ?How did you interconnect? the handset to the radio?? ?In other words, did you buy a special cable, build or buy an adapter, or lob the U-229 connector off the end of the H-250 cable and add the '817 mic connector??
? ? Is the output level from the handset mic high enough to drive the radio ?? ? Is there enough drive from the radio to drive the earpiece ??
? ? ?Thanks es 72,
? ? ?Gene K1NR??
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Re: Add command to Direwolf.conf to force FT-817 into FM mode?
On 2024.03.17 18:02, Dennis Blanchard via groups.io wrote: I wonder if anyone has ever come up with a command string for the
Direwolf startup config file (direwolf.conf) that would put the FT-817
into FM mode for APRS?
I recently beat my brains out trying to get the radio to work properly
with APRS, not realizing I hadn't switched the radio to FM from DIG
mode. It wasn't too obvious because I spent most of my time
controlling a Raspberry Pi remotely with VNC. It was actually
working, but not well. Dummy?
Since I have Hamlib running and a CAT-62 cable it wouldn't seem
impossible to send some sort of command (the "08" command string in
the radio parlance). I know nothing about Python, but would be willing
to learn. I suppose I could start FLrig first and somehow send a
command to it as well, I haven't really thought this out yet, but I'll
bet someone has.
Any ideas?
Dennis, K1YPP I was about to suggest flrig and on a re-read noticed you were considering it. May find some info here: and the flrig download for others: Cheers, John -- John D Erskine VE7MHI VA7OTC CN88
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Mike Dinolfo
Tobias KK7BCO/2M0TFF
Luis Fernandez
Mike EI9FEB
Doug Lynch NNJ4EM
John D Erskine VE7MHI VA7OTC