[Elecraft] Field Day

[Jack Brindle]

Be careful following this one. His suggestions will leave you in class D. Why? Two things - if the computer controls the radio (and it should for logging and sending exchanges), then it must also be run on emergency power. Second, the addition of a wall charger for the batteries puts you firmly into class D. You can charge the batteries off solar panels to remove this restriction.

Field Day at WVARA station K6EI consists of many QRP stations all running off battery, and all are charged by solar panels. For SSB, my 20/80 meter station will run the entire event from a single Marine battery (bought at Costco for $75). That powers K3S, P3, Computer (15” MacBook Pro) and lighting. It is charged during daylight by a 100 watt solar panel. By the time we break down on Sunday, the battery is fully charged. That solar array is a game-changer, turning this from a multiple battery event into one handled by a single deep-discharge marine battery.

Unfortunately, it appears we won’t be doing FD this year from the great vista overlooking the San Francisco Bay area (really a spectacular view), although we haven’t been told the definitive no just yet.

Be sure to read the full Field Day rules for what is legal and what isn’t. They tend to be rather strict.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On May 24, 2020, at 12:24 PM, Walter Underwood <wunder at wunderwood.org> wrote:
> 
> This was a nice blog post with a link to a deep cycle marine battery. Not the same
> as an AGM battery, but maybe a starting point.
> 
> https://www.amateurradio.com/how-much-does-emergency-power-cost/ <https://www.amateurradio.com/how-much-does-emergency-power-cost/>
> 
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
> 
>> On May 24, 2020, at 12:14 PM, David Lear <de.ne5dl at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Now my club is nixing a close  community effort I'm going to operate FD as
>> 2E running K3/P3 at 100W. Neighbor AF4B operating across the road from me
>> with his K3. Vertical antenna on my front lawn and me operating from my
>> garage. Maybe for 12 hours, if I can make it. Any suggestions for a
>> good quality AGM battery(s). Limit to $250.
>> 
>> 73, Dave Lear NE5DL
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