[SIERA] (no subject)

[Dick Young]

Not many moons ago was off to participate in the communications for an all day road rally.  Two of us at the same checkpoint - he a local boy and me the carpetbagger.  I'm set up and operating in about 10 minutes.  I mean how long can it take to put your battery, a mag mount and your radio together, and pour a cup of coffee?  My "partner" is foolin' around with his rig and trying to set up what turns out to be a small solar panel.  Finally gets it done and, after a bit, we start talking about it.  I'm using a 7.5Ah AGM.  He's getting along with a 5.  He figures he can communicate all day with that 5 if his solar panel is operative and he's set it up right.  Hadn't tried it before so he doesn't really know what he's up against.  Which, I guess, is what took him so long to spool up.

Got thinking about that later and figured SOLAR was a pretty good plan...if it works.  Allows you to carry a much lighter (and smaller) battery, for one thing.  Actually, I had a back-up 24Ah stashed behind the seat that I didn't bother to mention.  Just in case the 7.5 didn't hack it!

Solar has great potential for a radio person.  Sure helps to know how to put it together before you leave home though.

Ever wonder what "put it together" probably means?  And what it is you need to have to put it together?

Show up at the April 3 SIERA meeting and get an ear full.  Mike Noble teaches Solar application at WNC and is a true believer and expert.  Mike will share his knowledge with SIERA members.

Visit us at  .cvhams.com.


SIERA - the voice of amateur radio in the Carson Valley.