[Milsurplus] 12v -- 24v Vehicle Power

[k2cby]

If the goal is to be able to operate a 24-volt radio in a 12-volt vehicle
the simplest choice would seem to be an auxiliary battery. 

Keep the vehicle 12-volt system intact. 

Wire a second 12-volt battery (can be much smaller than the vehicle battery
since it has to supply current for the radio only) in parallel with the
vehicle battery through a switch. That way, it charges off the alternator
along with the vehicle battery.

When you want to operate the radio, throw the switch so that the auxiliary
battery is in series with the vehicle battery. Voila: 24 volts.

When you're done with the radio switch the batteries into parallel
configuration to recharge.

That's a dickens of a lot easier than building a converter.

With a little extra effort the changeover process could be automated.       
       
Miles B. Anderson, K2CBY.
16 Round Pond Lane
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Tel.: (631) 725-4400
Fax.: (631) 725-2223
e-mail: k2cby at optonline.net