[BARC-List] Battery Operations

[G. John Garrett, C.A.S.]

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On 20 Mar 2002, at 11:36, Ethan Maass wrote:

> I'm looking for portable power solutions for operating a mobile rig at
> 12v. This would be for use where more than 5w is needed in an
> emergency or at an outlying area of a public service event.

How much more, and for how long? These two questions will determine 
how strong your back needs to be to carry the battery power required. 

> 
> I remember seeing someone at the Boston Marathon a few years ago
> (before I was a ham) who had a mobile radio in a backpack with
> batteries and a small antenna mast. What kind of setup might this have
> been?

It could have been Gates Cells [sealed lead-acid batteries, which I 
love], gel-cell[s] or NiCd batteries. I used to see sealed Gates 
packs at MIT [and bought a number of them] in 7AH or so size. A 
couple of those could keep a 5W radio ticking for quite a while. They 
weigh about 5 pounds apiece. 

> 
> I figure that with my 5w HT and a good bunch of batteries I'd be OK
> for most public service events, but I'm curious about building
> something more substantial. And carrying a car battery around is not
> all that practical. ;-)  Or is that really the answer...

Probably not. Are motorcycle batteries 12V? I bet somebody makes a 
sealed moto battery. Hawker Energy now makes the Gates type cells 
[http://www.hepi.com/] and they're worth looking at. I've used all 
sorts of batteries professionally and in ham radio pursuits, and 
sealed lead-acids are my favorite rechargeable battery, hands down.

73

John
WN9T/W1BOS

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