I use a simple LM317 voltage regulator chassis to provide a
14 volt buss for the radios. The chassis has metering for current
and voltage and I use a large meter to monitor the buss voltage when
cranking. - - - Photo below.
The regulator chassis has a toggle switch to select either Solar
Panels or Hand (or Foot powered) Generator. I built the chassis
many years ago when a LM317 voltage regulator was a big deal but the
problem is the LM317 is very inefficient with efficiencies of 60
percent for my 14 volt buss voltages (20-24 volts in) and when I use
the LM317 for 2 or 1.5 volts the efficiency really drops and is
around 15 percent.
- - - Q. Has anyone tried the newer adjustable regulators that
are more efficient with claims of 88 percent efficiency such as the
LM2576-ADJ? My biggest concern is that the LM2576 operates at 50
kcs and I am worried about the noise being injected on the line. Its
a strange looking device as it has 5 pins.

I made a short video of the power and CW ops.
http://k4che.com/Tempvideo/Clansman%20Gen/FD%20OP%20K4CHE.mp4
Z
