[NLRS] Previous presentation on batteries?

[John Kalenowsky]

Hi Jim and NLRS,

For LiFePO4 batteries, the Bioenno brand is popular among hams, available
at Ham Radio Outlet, but a little higher priced ($ per watt/amp hour) than
others.

I found a company based just across the border from the Twin Cities (in
Hudson, Wisconsin), and have now purchased three LiFePO4 batteries from
them. The company *was* Energized Outdoors but I'm guessing that a certain
company with a bunny might have had some trademark concerns and had their
lawyers contact him, so the company name is now Amped Outdoors (
www.ampedoutdoors.com).

My first purchase (in 2018) was 2 20 amp-hour units with a charger rated at
3 amps. These batteries weigh about 6 pounds each. Total cost was just
under $250 for the 2 batteries and the charger. These were my power sources
for the lake Superior 10G activity back in August of 2018 (and other ham
radio excursions since then).

Subsequently (in 2019), I purchased a 55 amp-hour unit with a charger rated
at 10 amps. It was pricey (almost $400 total) but to have 700
watt-hour capability in a package that weighs less than 15 pounds is
AMAZING. This has been my go-to power source for several limited roves that
I've made since getting it, mostly powering my FT-991, but when I've added
222, the battery has powered the FT-736R and a 222 'brick' amp as well as
the FT-991.

You might remember N6NB being featured on the cover page of QST this past
May. In that article, Wayne mentioned that he uses a pair of 100 amp-hour
LiFePO4 batteries in his Chevy Bolt "Eco-Rover". I emailed Wayne to ask
where he purchased them and he replied that they were from a seller on
Amazon named Mighty Max.

I credit K9PW with leading me to discover LiFePO4 batteries. His first
purchases were Dakota Lithium brand which, if I recall correctly, were 10
amp-hour rated and his cost were around $100 each. Pete has since purchased
some larger capacity LiFePO4 batteries (40-50 amp-hour, I believe and from
a supplier named ToBattery).

73, JK


On Thu, Oct 14, 2021 at 7:19 PM Jim Froemke <jim.k0mhc at earthlink.net> wrote:

> My memory fails me as I try to find this presentation and remember who
> presented it at a recent Aurora or CSVHFS conference.
> It was about the various battery technologies and caring for them.
>
> I'm looking around for guidance and information regarding reliable brand(s)
> of lithium batteries for portable microwave operation.
> That is my 12V, 70# SLA battery has aged (don't we all) and seems to have
> gotten heavier over time. The newer LiFePO4 battery claims include much
> lighter and the ability to hold their voltage longer.
>
> But there are so many brands out there with few "real" reviews that it's a
> crap shoot.
> Just search the internet for 50 AH LiFePO4 batteries and you'll see what I
> mean.
>
> 73, Jim
> K0MHC
>
>
>
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