[MRCA] AN/PRC-10 Powering Up

[Gene Smar]

Bill:

     TM-11-612 for the PRC-8,9,10 series radio says that batt life for the BA-279/U should be around 21 hours for 8-hour daily use.  As the -279 is composed of individual carbon-zinc cells, I would imagine a homebrew batt package with store-bought cells ought to last about as long (less than a full day.)

     However, I've never been too concerned about batt life in my -10's.  I don't get many opportunities to operate the rigs, except  for my annual trip to MRCA in Gilbert, PA and infrequent demos for the local Scout troops (the boys love to run around with the -10s and -25s on their backs.)

     Because I do't rely on my -10s for serious communications, I put cheap dollar store cells in the batt package.  For me the cost is around $12 for the 12 or so pairs of batts needed (four in parallel for the filaments, four in series for the bias and fifteen 9 Volt batts in series for the B+ supplies.)

     I assume you know about the AM-598/U 24 VDC power supply/audio amp for the -10s?  This is a vehicular supply (hence the 24 Volt source) that can be used with two 12VDC gell-cells or commercial AC supplies in series.

     You can also buy a dead BA-279 on that www thing and remove its contents (keep the connector).  Then you can add your own HB batt package.  It'll fit nicely inside the CY-744A case and, if you don't hose up the outer wrapper too much, it'll look like NOS.

     Good luck.


73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F



     From: Bill Ramsey <ka8wtk at ohio.net>
Date: 2008/05/04 Sun PM 07:36:54 CDT
To: mrca at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [MRCA] AN/PRC-10 Powering Up

All,

  I have acquired an AN/PRC-10 with an empty battery pack. By empty, I mean
empty, nothing in it.

  I have seen the "Power Up" article about using multiple 9 volt batteries
and some D cells to create a battery back but wonder just how long it would
last. What is your experience? Has anyone else has come up with a better
method? 

  While we are at it, what do you use to power yours when at home from the
mains?

 

            Thanks,

                        Bill KA8WTK

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