[Elecraft] Batteries and solar power

[Jim Bennett]

My 2.5 centavos worth -

I've been running my station (couple years with an IC-756 Pro III, and three+ years a K3/100) on three Sun-Xtender PV-1040T AGM batteries connected in parallel. They are 104 AH each, so I've got about 300+ AH to run my equipment. These three batteries are connected to a ProStar 15M charge controller, which is also hooked to a single 72-watt G.E. solar panel. These three batteries have ample power to run my K3 at full power (along with a KAT500 auto tuner) for hours on end, along with a 12v station desk lamp. The batteries are at least 6-7 years old and appear to be holding their own. I have them connected to an N8XJK boost regulator, which provides me with a full-time supply of 14 volts into a RigRunner 4008 power distribution module. In addition to the K3, I have a home-brew 80 watt, all-mode, 2 meter linear amplifier running from the same supply to give my K3's 2 meter RF a little "punch". My K3 has never been connected to the power company mains - 100% solar / battery. Now, my KPA500 amplifier - that's a different story!

Jim / W6JHB

On   Saturday, Nov 30, 2013, at  Saturday, 8:29 AM, W4GRJ wrote:

> David,
> I believe the key to AGM longevity is to keep them on a proper charger 24/7.
> This is what I have done with excellent results.
> 
> Jack
> W4GRJ 
> 
> On Nov 30, 2013, at 9:36, "David Cutter" <d.cutter at ntlworld.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello Jack
> 
> I can see your experience is good.  I haven't so far uncovered what is meant by "life" for these batteries, perhaps it's when the energy being fed in is more than double what is taken out or something of the kind, or the time it takes to drain to a projected cut-off.  I doubt that the internal resistance is measured.  As an ex marine operator, standby (emergency) battery life was very important and they were replaced on a strict schedule, however good or bad they might be in use - a bit like alarm batteries and such like.  I know amateur requirements are somewhat "flexible" shall we say : - )
> 
> David
> G3UNA
> 
> 
> 
> I live in Florida and as a fishing guide, the  4 group 27 AGM batteries on my boat have performed perfectly now for over 4 years of almost daily use. I have almost every piece of marine electronics and radios running on the boat.
> 
> Jack
> W4GRJ
> 
> On Nov 30, 2013, at 3:17, "David Cutter" <d.cutter at ntlworld.com> wrote:
> 
> As I understand it, AGM batteries are designed for high current performance, ie good for engine starting, but for radio use I would have thought that gel batteries would be more suitable as they have a longer life, particularly in hot climates.  I have no experience of either, just reading the specs.
> 
> David
> G3UNA
> 
> 
> 
>> On Thu, 28 Nov 2013 05:36:15 +1000, John's email <ke4d at att.net> wrote:
>> 
>> I use 2 x 6V 300AH AGM batteries as the prime power source in my shack.
>> I use a 15Amp smart charger to keep them topped up whilst mains power is available and a 200Watt solar panel is available for after cyclones (hurricanes) as we invariably lose power for a day or three after them.
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA 
> 
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