[Elecraft] K3 Off Grid

[W8OV]

David,

I'll describe my setup for you.  As others have mentioned, you need only 
2 basic items, a 12V battery and some means of charging it.  My 
particular arrangement is as follows:

  *    100Ah Group 31 12V battery.  Mine is an AGM type, which is safer
    than a wet cell type to keep indoors.
  *    20A MPPT type charge controller to limit charging rate from solar
    panel to battery to protect wires and battery.
  *    60W solar panel to keep the battery topped off or for QRP use.  I
    had these on hand so use them when I can.
  *    210W solar panel when I need to run full power for extended
    times, e.g., Field Day, contests, etc.
  *    Battery charger for operation when sun is not available. Mine is
    a BatteryMINDer 12248; many others available.
  *    TGE N8XJK Boost Regulator to keep the voltage to the K3 steady as
    the battery is used, and to filter the "noise" from the BatteryMINDer.
  *    PWRcheck meter to keep tabs on voltage, current, etc.
  *    1200W pure sine wave inverter; not needed for radio, but can run
    our refrigerator all day in case of grid failure.

I also recommend the ARRL publication "Emergency Power for Radio 
Communications" by Mike Bryce WB8VGE to enhance your "technical side."

I hope this helps.  Best wishes on getting your K3 "off the grid".

73, Dave W8OV

On 3/3/2014 6:03 PM, David Peterson wrote:
> I would like to operate my K3 off grid.
>
> I would like detailed information on this.  I am not a technical ham, so, I will need detailed help.