[Elecraft] Battery back-up system for multiple rigs

[Don Wilhelm]

Tony,

There is no problem connecting batteries in parallel *if* (and only if) 
they are the same capacity, manufacturer and age.

If the batteries are not identical, isolate them with diodes so one does 
not draw current from another battery.  You will suffer the diode 
voltage drop in the output voltage.  The diodes must be capable of 
carrying the full maximum current load for all the rigs that will be 
operating at the same time.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/22/2015 2:47 PM, N2TK, Tony wrote:
> Looking for some advice. Trying to help out a friend who is setting up an
> emergency communications system for the Hams in their condo group.
>
> They have several marine batteries they want to tie in parallel so they can
> run multiple rigs,  K3's plus UHF/VHF for extended periods. They have a
> charger for the batteries. They use the 12V off the batteries to a
> distribution box for the 12V equipment.
>
>   
>
> Questions:
>
> -          What is the best way to isolate the equipment from the batteries
> if something happened to the battery (ies).
>
> -          Is there a way to isolate the batteries from each other if
> something happened to one battery so it didn't draw down the other
> batteries?
>
> -          Am I missing anything else that should be done for safety of the
> equipment, batteries and the operators?
>
>   
>
> Tnx
>
> N2TK, Tony
>
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