[ICOM] Battery Power

[KD5SFA]

I am doing something similar...

I have 8 92ah AGM batteries in 2 banks of 4.
I run a 1 amp battery minder on each bank to charge,
float, and de-sulphate each bank.  I run the radios directly
off the batteries so that I am generally isolated from A/C.  
During bad weather I unplug the battery minders.

I have had no reports of noise on my signals HF, VHF, or UHF.

I have power to run my radios for days if needed.
They very low maintenence and I do not have to worry 
about off-gassing that you might have from a flooded cell.  
Thus I can have them in the same room as my gear.

I can always pack these in the truck for field use.  They
do not spill.  No venting isssues so you can use shorter
cables with less loss.

The key here is more is better.  Golf cart batteries are a
good start but you also have to do more to maintain them.
(water, specific gravity, temperature, venting,  possibly 
longer and heavier cables)

Be sure you add up all the small current loads...the small
phantom loads (inverter standby can be as much as 1.5 amps
on some of the smaller cheaper units and will help to run things
down quickly).  May rigs do not turn everything off when the 
power switch is turned off.  The IC706MKIIG is a good example,
granted the standby current is fairly small.  Some also have a 
pretty fair current draw on receive...TS-660 is a good example.
You could find anywhere from an 1 amp to 3 or 4 amps idle
current constantly draining them with everything hooked up.

I hope your project works out....I'm just trying to make sure
all aspects are being considered or to give you some ideas too.

73,
Jon
KD5SFA

-----Original Message-----
>From: ICOM <ICOM at COX.NET>
>Sent: Feb 23, 2006 12:58 PM
>To: ICOM Reflector <icom at mailman.qth.net>
>Subject: [ICOM] Battery Power
>
>Howdy ICOM users ...
>I am getting ready to set up a 12VDC emergency power supply, and was 
>thinking of using 2 golf cart batteries for the source, with a float 
>charger, and have my IC-756 P2, IC-2000 et al run from that source .. in my 
>looking `roun, I bumped into this site.  Now, mind you, I am somewhat 
>familiar with battery usage and ham radio, on repeaters, and off-the-grid 
>setups, including KL7 land .. the hot thing if you had the bux was the NICAD 
>pocket batteries from Sweden.   This site has some super data on 
>discharging, charging, etc...   I have a couple of inverters to get my AC 
>from, I used to use one for running my IC-736 whilst camping, with very 
>little noise and few birdies (16�M being most worster) ... so .. just 
>sharing ... 73, Mark   AA6DX
>http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm#Starting,%20Marine,%20and%20Deep-Cycle%20Batteries 
>
>----
>Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC, icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
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