[Elecraft] OT: Small Patio Vertical:

[Joseph Wiedeman]

Hi Mychael,
I know next to nothing about batteries but can only relay my experience and
care with my battery usage.
My first thought was the rig draws 191/2 amps at 100 watts into a perfect 1
to
1 antenna match.
I have an extremely heavy duty battery in my station wagon and have left the
door open more than once after parking in the garage. The wagon has 5
interior bulbs and a red door light that were on continuously for about 2
days. The car started after a 5 minute rest with the doors closed. This got
me curious as to just what the current draw was that the battery was able to
sustain enough to still start the car after such a sustained draw.
The current measured was 91/2 amps. That's a little less than half of the K2
at 100 watts. If my car battery can sustain 91/2 amps continuously for 2
days and still have enough reserve to start a car I got to thinking what
would the highest capacity deep cycle battery that's within reason to
transport react to at worst scenario 50% TX 50% RX at 100 watts.
So I had a friend in the business get me what he thought would be
appropriate for my application.
I do not know the batteries ratings only that it is the size of a large car
battery
and weighs 85 lbs. It has to be over 200 amp's cold cranking easy. No matter
how long I use it
before charging it I have never had the voltage go below 11.8 volts. Even
after two days of field day operation.
Due to this I really did not require the deep discharge type but some day I
may require a longer period before
charging.
I started this response 4 PM Wed. and the computer died. It is 6 PM Thursday
Thanks to the blackout here in NY City.
Again I was on the air this time on battery power from the home qth.
I hope the power remains on for a while so the stuff in the refrigerator can
cool off again if it is not already spoiled.
Best 73
Joe
 Original Message -----
From: "Mychael Morohovich AA3WF" <To: "Joseph Wiedeman" <
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003 10:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Small Patio Vertical:
> Hi, Joe-
> You wrote,"Away from any AC power source I use an extremely heavy duty
deep
> cycle RV battery. (85lbs.)"