[HCARC] "Go To" Station

[Gary and Arlene Johnson]

  Madam President mentioned at last night's meeting that someone was in charge of the Go To Box / Station.  Who is this person??  I would like to make them aware of an excellent article in this months QST (page 36 I think) where they are designed and constructed a mobile power station for use with the Boy Scouts??

  I am currently assembling one for use as the power for a "Green Station" for next year's Field Day and maybe for use at the station Dr Jim wants to assemble for Ships On The Air that happens a couple of weeks before Field Day at the Museum of The Pacific War in Fredericksburg.  I currently have most of the parts needed to power my station on Battery and Solar Power.  Deep Cycle 6 volt, 220 amp hour Golf Cart batteries are available from Costco for $79 each plus state taxes/fees.  Two batteries are needed, connected in series to get my needed 12 volts.  The Elecraft K3 radio I plan to get accomodates battery power very well because it is one of the few radios that have been tested and verified to produce 100 watts with a minimum input of 11 volts and 20 amps.  These batteries combined with one of the 45 watt solar panel/controller sets from Harbor Freight comprise most of the big items needed.  To make it mobile, I plan to use one of the metal garden carts that have big knobby inflatable tires from Tractor Supply.  I will construct a wooden box to house everything using 3/4 plywood from Home Depot that will exactly fit the Garden Cart dimensions.  Currently I am looking for a set of volt and amp meters to install in the top of the box to show the battery status and amperage being used by the system.  If the radio being powered needs to see 13.8 volts, then a Battery Booster needs to be added.

  Gary Johnson
  N5"BAA"