Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Just ordered the Windcamp (I hope) from Ali. Thanks for all the tech support. Mike Davis WA1MAD
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On Oct 7, 2024, at 7:52?AM, Mike Davis via groups.io <maddmd818@...> wrote:
? Thanks for all those pieces of information. I do have the smallest LiFePO4 that Bioenno makes, but it is only 1.5Ah and used on my (tr)usdx. That's a smaller power requirement, in receive, radio, even though it transmits SSB @ 5 watts. I see the Windcamp setup prices from $70 to over $100 and a warning from Windcamp about Chinese counterfeits and how to tell if it's a counterfeit. Decisions, decisions. 73
Mike WA1MAD LiFePO4 is less dense than LiPoly, so not much better than 2500 mAH NiMH. The reasons for LiFePO4 vs lipoly/Liion are:
Cheaper on large packs.
Less fire risk on vehicles and solar.
3000 to 4000 deep cycles (so about x3 to x5 life of lead acid on solar
Less toxic / more recyclable (but lead acid is 100% recycled except case, which could be renewable) than LiPoly/LiIon.
So the advantage of LiFePO4 is for external packs of 9 Ah or more rather than short-lived heavy Lead-acid gel packs (was 7, now 9 Ah).
For occasional use the long life quality low discharge 2500 mAh NiMH is best internal and longer operation at full 5W with an external LiFePO4 pack (you want minimum 9.5V, max 16V, but a nominal 12V is about 11.5 to 14.5 for min-max). One with internal BMS to disconnect when too low and allows usually 2 to 4 in parallel is best. There are 3rd party LiFePO4 chargers.
Otherwise a replacement Wincamp, but external LiFePO4 (DC House brand seems OK and ecoworthy is same company). Search Amazon etc for LiFePO4 10Ah. Make sure any mains charger compatible with the Ah rating and for LiFePO4. Max fast charge current is typically 1/2 the total Ah rating. You can't use a lead-acid or LiPoly/LiIon charger unless it has a switch for LiFePO4.
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Re: Feb QST article A Portable Twin-Lead 20m Dipole
You can put this in the "I'm not a lawyer, but..." category of opinions, and I realize that I"m straying off topic, but...?
?
I've written a few QST articles over the years, and as I recall the author of an article assigns all rights to the ARRL.? So what I think I understand is that the author no longer owns the article and would not have permission to distribute copies.
?
On Fri, Oct 4, 2024 at 05:56 PM, Ken N2VIP wrote:
If the author wants to give you/us a shareable copy of an article they wrote, I believe they have that right...
?
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Thanks for all those pieces of information. I do have the smallest LiFePO4 that Bioenno makes, but it is only 1.5Ah and used on my (tr)usdx. That's a smaller power requirement, in receive, radio, even though it transmits SSB @ 5 watts. I see the Windcamp setup prices from $70 to over $100 and a warning from Windcamp about Chinese counterfeits and how to tell if it's a counterfeit. Decisions, decisions. 73
Mike WA1MAD
LiFePO4 is less dense than LiPoly, so not much better than 2500 mAH NiMH. The reasons for LiFePO4 vs lipoly/Liion are:
Cheaper on large packs.
Less fire risk on vehicles and solar.
3000 to 4000 deep cycles (so about x3 to x5 life of lead acid on solar
Less toxic / more recyclable (but lead acid is 100% recycled except case, which could be renewable) than LiPoly/LiIon.
So the advantage of LiFePO4 is for external packs of 9 Ah or more rather than short-lived heavy Lead-acid gel packs (was 7, now 9 Ah).
For occasional use the long life quality low discharge 2500 mAh NiMH is best internal and longer operation at full 5W with an external LiFePO4 pack (you want minimum 9.5V, max 16V, but a nominal 12V is about 11.5 to 14.5 for min-max). One with internal BMS to disconnect when too low and allows usually 2 to 4 in parallel is best. There are 3rd party LiFePO4 chargers.
Otherwise a replacement Wincamp, but external LiFePO4 (DC House brand seems OK and ecoworthy is same company). Search Amazon etc for LiFePO4 10Ah. Make sure any mains charger compatible with the Ah rating and for LiFePO4. Max fast charge current is typically 1/2 the total Ah rating. You can't use a lead-acid or LiPoly/LiIon charger unless it has a switch for LiFePO4.
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
LiFePO4 is less dense than LiPoly, so not much better than 2500 mAH NiMH. The reasons for LiFePO4 vs lipoly/Liion are:
Cheaper on large packs.
Less fire risk on vehicles and solar.
3000 to 4000 deep cycles (so about x3 to x5 life of lead acid on solar
Less toxic / more recyclable (but lead acid is 100% recycled except case, which could be renewable) than LiPoly/LiIon.
So the advantage of LiFePO4 is for external packs of 9 Ah or more rather than short-lived heavy Lead-acid gel packs (was 7, now 9 Ah).
For occasional use the long life quality low discharge 2500 mAh NiMH is best internal and longer operation at full 5W with an external LiFePO4 pack (you want minimum 9.5V, max 16V, but a nominal 12V is about 11.5 to 14.5 for min-max). One with internal BMS to disconnect when too low and allows usually 2 to 4 in parallel is best. There are 3rd party LiFePO4 chargers.
Otherwise a replacement Wincamp, but external LiFePO4 (DC House brand seems OK and ecoworthy is same company). Search Amazon etc for LiFePO4 10Ah. Make sure any mains charger compatible with the Ah rating and for LiFePO4. Max fast charge current is typically 1/2 the total Ah rating. You can't use a lead-acid or LiPoly/LiIon charger unless it has a switch for LiFePO4.
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Batteries Plus stores will take old batteries if you have one close by.?
I just installed a new Wincamp battery in mine. 30 days shipping from China but I like the convenience and they last a long time.?
Greg, AE4GW
Thanks all, I have reverted to the dry cell tray and some NiMH AA cells whilst I ponder my options.
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The old Windcamp pack is currently well away from anything combustible, awaiting correct disposal - once my local waste center decides? :-) .
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Andy GD1MIP
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
True Mike,? but then lifes too short for QRO :-)
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Andy GD1MIP
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Will you now be at only 2.5 watts vs full power 5ish watts?
Mike Davis WA1MAD
(h) 781 545-4381
(c) 617 909-5103
On 10/06/2024 5:17 PM EDT Andy GD1MIP via groups.io <gd1mip@...> wrote:
?
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Thanks all, I have reverted to the dry cell tray and some NiMH AA cells whilst I ponder my options.
?
The old Windcamp pack is currently well away from anything combustible, awaiting correct disposal - once my local waste center decides? :-) .
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Andy GD1MIP
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Thanks all, I have reverted to the dry cell tray and some NiMH AA cells whilst I ponder my options.
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The old Windcamp pack is currently well away from anything combustible, awaiting correct disposal - once my local waste center decides? :-) .
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Andy GD1MIP
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Mine died too at 5 years,which is the expected life of the battery chemistry.
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You could use the empty cell pack with Eneloop cells which last well, but they
are a bit light on amphour capacity, circa 2600ma.
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But most of the time I've run my rig on an external 7ah gell cell for good operating
time.
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Just remember to LIMIT any charge current to about 1/10th of the gel cell capacity.
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Anymore then you screw up the gel cell , been there done that etc etc.
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73 de Andy G0FTD
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Thanks Joe, I was hoping for Lifepo4 not Lipo. But due to compartment size, that chemistry may not be available. I've asked Bioenno the same question. 73
Mike WA1MAD
There must be a list of lipo cell sizes somewhere to see what might fit in the 817 battery compartment. Otherwise you have to go external. The battery compartment is otherwise pretty useless. It may have been relevant twenty years ago when the radio first came out, but not in recent years.
Joe N1KHB? On Sun, Oct 6, 2024 at 12:29 PM, Mike Davis Are there any internal Lifepo4 battery options for the 817? That would be a nice option. Undecided on a Windcamp upgrade.?
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
As everyone else has said, get rid of that pack. It’s no good anymore.? For a replacement just grab another windcamp, six years is a great service life for any rechargeable battery. I believe you can get the batteries individually if you look around, that way you aren’t paying a premium for the cover, charger etc.?
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On Oct 6, 2024, at 13:09, Kurt Savegnago via groups.io <ksaves2@...> wrote:
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You are doing the right thing Andy!!!!? For all others in the same boat, GET A NEW BATTERY AND SEND THE OLD ONE TO THE RECYCLERS!!!!? Many people think rechargeable batteries are to last "forever" but
they have a limited lifespan. When they can't hold a charge or do what you have seen, get a NEW ONE!!? Don't dink around.? A pack that swells probably has an internal short and is defective.? Needs to be replaced ASAP!
You had 6 years of service from the pack and in my estimation is a good long life.
Again, my diatribe is not directed against you Andy so don't be insulted.? It's so others might be impressed as to the importance on the subject.
Kurt KC9LDH
On Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 05:46:16 AM CDT, Andy GD1MIP via groups.io <gd1mip@...> wrote:
I have a roughly 6 year old Windcamp battery,?
?
All has been fine with it until this week when it literally expanded like a balloon.? The physical structure is not swollen, but the plastic cover is 'puffed up' like a balloon and can be pressed back into shape. I assume something within is emitting a gas and I have removed it from service for disposal.
?
This leads me to ask what is now available for internal fitting on the FT817? (preferably to the UK area).
?
Thanks, Andy? GD1MIP
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
You are doing the right thing Andy!!!!? For all others in the same boat, GET A NEW BATTERY AND SEND THE OLD ONE TO THE RECYCLERS!!!!? Many people think rechargeable batteries are to last "forever" but
they have a limited lifespan. When they can't hold a charge or do what you have seen, get a NEW ONE!!? Don't dink around.? A pack that swells probably has an internal short and is defective.? Needs to be replaced ASAP!
You had 6 years of service from the pack and in my estimation is a good long life.
Again, my diatribe is not directed against you Andy so don't be insulted.? It's so others might be impressed as to the importance on the subject.
Kurt KC9LDH
On Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 05:46:16 AM CDT, Andy GD1MIP via groups.io <gd1mip@...> wrote:
I have a roughly 6 year old Windcamp battery,?
?
All has been fine with it until this week when it literally expanded like a balloon.? The physical structure is not swollen, but the plastic cover is 'puffed up' like a balloon and can be pressed back into shape. I assume something within is emitting a gas and I have removed it from service for disposal.
?
This leads me to ask what is now available for internal fitting on the FT817? (preferably to the UK area).
?
Thanks, Andy? GD1MIP
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
There must be a list of lipo cell sizes somewhere to see what might fit in the 817 battery compartment. Otherwise you have to go external. The battery compartment is otherwise pretty useless. It may have been relevant twenty years ago when the radio first came out, but not in recent years.
On Sun, Oct 6, 2024 at 12:29 PM, Mike Davis <maddmd818@...> wrote: Are there any internal Lifepo4 battery options for the 817? That would be a nice option. Undecided on a Windcamp upgrade.?
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Are there any internal Lifepo4 battery options for the 817? That would be a nice option. Undecided on a Windcamp upgrade.?
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Watch out Andy, they can catch fire?
Mike WA1MAD
On Oct 6, 2024 6:46 AM, "Andy GD1MIP via groups.io" <gd1mip@...> wrote: I have a roughly 6 year old Windcamp battery,?
?
All has been fine with it until this week when it literally expanded like a balloon.? The physical structure is not swollen, but the plastic cover is 'puffed up' like a balloon and can be pressed back into shape. I assume something within is emitting a gas and I have removed it from service for disposal.
?
This leads me to ask what is now available for internal fitting on the FT817? (preferably to the UK area).
?
Thanks, Andy? GD1MIP
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Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
I have some HT batteries that have expanded when they get old after many charges.? Best to remove and replace before something leaks...??
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Within the last month I my original battery with a WinCamp set up which I bought it on E-Bay and it came from China.??
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Jack, W1JS
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Re: Feb QST article A Portable Twin-Lead 20m Dipole
This may the one or one that is similar:?
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 02:02:00 PM PDT, Jerry Steele via groups.io <gdsteele@...> wrote:
My father gave me this article back in 2002 and we made a few dipoles.? I'd love to get a copy of this article, but can't find it anywhere online.? Would anyone happen to have a copy of this???
I think these dipoles are made from foam twinlead.? Maybe I am remembering the wrong article.
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73,
?
Jerry? K8CMI
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Internal battery FT-817ND
I have a roughly 6 year old Windcamp battery,?
?
All has been fine with it until this week when it literally expanded like a balloon.? The physical structure is not swollen, but the plastic cover is 'puffed up' like a balloon and can be pressed back into shape. I assume something within is emitting a gas and I have removed it from service for disposal.
?
This leads me to ask what is now available for internal fitting on the FT817? (preferably to the UK area).
?
Thanks, Andy? GD1MIP
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Re: Home Power Supply for Yaseu Ft 818nd
Any 11V to 15V 2A PSU is fine, even SMPSU if low RF noise. A "rig" 13.8 V supply can be used but wasteful compared to 12 V. I've used decent 12V 2 A SMPUs from scrapped router/modems that made no difference to LW/MW/ HF RX noise level,
Recently I changed to using a Yaesu E-DC-5B (I was given with a VX5R) that plugs into the Cigar lighter socket on my K-PO SPS-250 II. It's an RF quiet SMPSU I bought for my FTdx10 from Classic Radio International in Netherlands with the rig as they are much cheaper than UK or Irish dealers. I bought my FT817ND there too in 2006 and though in real terms value has fallen, the euro S/H price in Ireland for the FT817ND is more than what I paid in 2006.
I also use a 12V 9 AH gel cell (also used with my Pi via a 5V adaptor, but a few deep discharges destroy those). I replaced the internal 1800 mAH with 2500+ mAH NiMH (I found the 2700 models have a high self discharge), which might need charged twice on the timer. I also have a small solar panel only good for charging (folds and opens to about A4/Letter size) in direct sunlight. But even my home solar panels (more than rated 430W in suitable sunlight) only give 10 W each on a rainy day in October.
A PC SMPSU isn't a good idea as those need loaded on +5V and/or +3.3V or the +12V rail is only about 9.5V. Many are also lacking in RF filtering. I have used a car headlamp bulb once on 5V rail to use a PC SMPSU on 12V, but even for a CB it was poor. I also tried the recommended power increase circuit for an LM317 with two external transistors for a 13.8 V @ 15 A linear PSU but layout and decoupling is tricky to avoid a lot of RF or instability generally. It powers a couple of CBs, but doesn't manage more than 10A. However even the higher power version of the LM317 suitable for a linear PSU only works with careful layout and choice of capacitors. PCB or parts direct on legs of IC on heatsink as earth is recommended.a
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Re: Home Power Supply for Yaseu Ft 818nd
Hi Tony,
based on the consideration that power supply units for medical devices must fulfil stricter requirements with regard to interference radiation, I have purchased a power supply unit for medical applications for my FT-818ND. The 'AC/DC Medical Adaptor GSM36E12-P1J' from Meanwell supplies 12V DC voltage at max. 3A. The transceiver copes well with this. So far I have no cause for complaint. It is significantly cheaper than the certainly optimal ProAudio solution, which I can at best only buy in other European countries.
73
? ?Willi, DK6DT
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Mike EI9FEB
Andy GD1MIP
Michael Davis
Kevin - K5KTM
Willi, DK6DT