Batteries for QRP and Survival Radio.

[@HALEdigitalARTS]

Excellent video Gil... Thanks!

[@pathopkins4500]

Thanks Gill for the great introduction to battery types and their charging units =) YES .... Julian's battery pack is GREAT DESIGN .... with many ways to charge the batteries he uses =)

[@AusProbiz]

Hilarious! Got dizzy as you went around the roundabout. Thanks for another great and entertaining video.

[@jykke6776]

Thank you for useful information!

[@jerrybates5791]

Nice. I am constantly looking for better, smaller, and easier to charge with a small solar panel. Thanks for sharing.

[@survivalcomms]

Excellent video. I have focused on the 18650 as well for a platform. Thanks for sharing !

[@mikesey1]

Thank you, Gil.

[@madalinbetea9871]

Plutonium 239 way to goo !!!!.

[@recumbentogiro26]

Thank You. Better to have more than you need than less.

[@larrybushman1]

Many thanks for that Gil enjoyed the views of your town. My go to power for portable use is the QRP Ranger by Hardened Power Systems. Particularly like the built in charge controller enabling a solar panel to be connected direct. For lightweight stuff I have been using a Tracer Lithium Polymer Power Pack which also works well. Thanks again Larry.

[@RadioPrepper]

+The Pensioner Prepper I have seen it on KZbin.. Very expensive.. It is also quite big. I looked at it and decided not to get one. Maybe I should request one for review...

[@larrybushman1]

Radio Prepper Yes the Ranger is a tad heavy I use it mostly with the FT-897 when I am ATV portable and the Tracer with my FT-817 or KX3 when I am backpack portable. Larry

[@stationvictormike3415]

I have that same Gel cell. Though, now I switched to Bioenno just 2 days ago, with Solar powered.

[@davequick3373]

Not too long.... lots of good info.... thanks!

[@Liberty4Ever]

Big fan of the 18650 lithium batteries. A great tool to have is the Chinese boost or buck converters or even a boost buck converter that can go either up or down in voltage. Typically 80 to 90 percent efficient. Add a small digital voltmeter and you can do anything from charging batteries from solar cells (cheap and ultralight charge controller) to charging batteries from other batteries et cetera... just adjust the output voltage to the terminal voltage you want and size a solar panel that won't exceed the charge rate of the battery and you're good to go. It's a very flexible solution. If you need 10 volts to charge your Baofeng radio then adjust the voltage converter to 10 volts. For bugging in I have a 20 watt solar panel mounted to the side of my small antenna mast and a Chinese charge controller charges a 12 volt 10 amp hour lithium battery with a built-in charge balancer and charge controller. These are sold on Amazon and eBay as replacements for sealed lead acid batteries and of course they weigh about a quarter as much. US $80 for 12V at 10AHr LiFePO4 with integral battery management system to balance the cells and disconnect the battery to prevent under voltage (discharging) or over voltage (charging).

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks. I have a video coming up on all that soon :-)

[@konradritter7543]

Our DV-Repeater (to be build) and our APRS-Digipeater(In Operation) are both 100% solar powered and buffered by huge lead batteries. It's something :) Thanks for the Video.

[@RadioPrepper]

+Konrad Ritter Awesome, how long can it work on batteries.

[@HarmonicaMustang]

Great video. What about a regular high-capacity 5V power bank with a step-up DC-DC transformer to reach 12V? Sure the output current isn't terribly high, but it should suffice for most QRP transceivers. It's less hassle to charge, they're cheap and easy to find.

[@RadioPrepper]

I bought one, haven't tested it yet...

[@prestonshute7243]

Very good points about batteries. How much weight are you willing to carry. The AA cell you showed are similar to the pack in the KX2 and you can DIY your own. My IC-703+ will draw 300ma at 9.6v while squelched, 450ma at max audio and 1.2 amps at 13.8. So what you take to the field will to dictate what power system will work for you. Enjoyed the first part of your video, always love to see new places. Hope to meet you on the air some day. FB & 73 wd4dda

[@Tom-jd1rm]

Enjoy your videos USA Mo

[@darrinpearce9780]

Great informative video. Loved the steering wheel camera!!. By the way, that wasn't a big spider, come down here to VK to see big spiders ;) 73's

[@RadioPrepper]

LOL, I bet..

[@whittierwatts865]

Is that somewhere around South Georgia at 8:30?

[@RadioPrepper]

North of France.

[@whittierwatts865]

Du Spanish moss dans le Nord de la France? Je crois pas, non hahaha

[@RadioPrepper]

Ah yes, that segment was in Florida!

[@mikes6844]

So I’ll take a look at 1860 type batteries for my KX3. I have a 5 Ah sealed lead acid and that’s too heavy for SOTA. Rechargeable AA type batteries I just don’t seem to get on that well with when operating. Thanks for all the tips. 73 M0AZE Mike

[@RadioPrepper]

18650 it is :-)

[@theoldhobbit3640]

My main QRP field radio is the 817ND and as funds are tight I don't see an upgrade coming along any time soon. I usually carry x3 lipo's at the moment (4500mah) and never discharge below 3v per cell, and was thinking about the 18650 route. I also carry a 45w folding solar panel with a solar controller which allows me to charge while operating. In your video you suggest using x6 18650 for an 817, how would this be configured? Many Thanks

[@tygriffin5528]

Another great video. I really enjoy your LNR mountain topper CW vids. Thinking of batteries, I've been wondering about using an external phone charging battery by splicing a couple usb out into a standard barrel plug. I'm not sure this would work but would be handy if it did.

[@RadioPrepper]

It probably would... Not out of the same pack though... I should take my MTR out again soon!

[@anthonymarino4260]

well said

[@shaneweightman]

18650 cells give a good amperage for there size but check cells under voltage when in use as first they get hot then should the voltage get below ,, they do go with a good explosion be warned

[@mikesey1]

I use Yuasa 12v standby batteries with a 1500, (peak 3000 watt) Inverter with three USB sockets & two mains power sockets. A 30amp solar panel & control box is on the way for recharging **This is all for home use, of course!

[@RadioPrepper]

I thought the inverter was too much but for home, yes of course!

[@margaqrt]

Is there a video where you explain (briefly is fine) what happened to your sail boat? I'm curious about your 2015 maritime intentions... Thanks, keep up the great work. Your channel is an excellent companion to amateur radio content on youtube.

[@RadioPrepper]

r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecruisersforum%2Ecom%2Fforums%2Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Ft%3D158283&share_tid=158283&share_fid=78818&share_type=t

[@RadioPrepper]

It's on the cruisers forum, thread called: when tragedy strikes.

[@margaqrt]

@@RadioPrepper Thanks for replying. I read through the post, my condolences on your boat and on such an unfortunate ordeal. Glad it's behind you. 73 Gil, ke0rfz.

[@RadioPrepper]

I hope to do it again!

[@magwhyte]

@@RadioPrepper I hope you do get the chance. Best wishes.

[@bobsullivan5714]

Gil, I am leaning toward the Ziegu X5150. Do you know if the Yaesu 817 charge plug will work on this radio? If have been told it is the same and I have been told they are not.

[@RadioPrepper]

Not sure but I would guess they are..

[@joeframo3347]

Hey radio prepper turn your mic gain up you're already a little bit so we can hear you better anyway thank you for sharing great great video

[@RadioPrepper]

Will do!

[@ricoabagnale1361]

Hi Gil, again a very good video. What are your experiences with the mountain topper? What kind of Battery do you use for it? I just bought one and I am concerned about the warning not to feed it with more than 12V. Vy 73 de Rico

[@RadioPrepper]

Either eight AA cells or three 18650. I have used it with 12.6V no problem but you must have a good SWR. Tune your antenna using a 9V battery, then you can use 12.6V...

[@ricoabagnale1361]

@@RadioPrepper Ok, Gil, mni tnx es vy 73

[@2e0txe]

Very interesting video, I'm considering all options at the moment to build a battery pack for my FT857D. I'm thinking of SLA because I can recharge them with my motorcycle Optimate. I don't think AA's would last too long with the 857

[@RadioPrepper]

Look at ion-phosphate 10ah cells..

[@Carterofmars]

Very informative.

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks!

[@kw4jm699]

Gil, I’ve watched all your battery videos. Good stuff. Tnx. In one you mentioned shorting the pack to limit the voltage. So I want to assemble 4x18650s in a pack for my kx2 but it’s too much voltage. Would you do a video on how to cap the voltage at 12 or even 15 volts? Tnx! Scott kw4jm

[@RadioPrepper]

Shorting, no! You can use a few 1N4004 diodes, -0.6V per diode... Or use four lithium ion phosphate cells, they have a bit less voltage. My kx2 worked great using three 18650s though.

[@kw4jm699]

Tnx Gil. Diodes. Ok good. Can do. I use 3x 18650s now. I’d like a 4 pack and get 14-15 v so I can get 10w out of kx2 for a while longer before it fades to 5 w. Tnx agn. Scott

[@VicGreenBitcoin]

Did you know that Ikea rechargeable battery are in fact eneloop batteries?!

[@RadioPrepper]

I do now, thanks! We have an Ikea not far from here; good to know!

[@philshnieder9188]

I went with bioenno iron.fosifate. Very light

[@RadioPrepper]

I'll check that out, thanks.

[@dirkanderson1606]

I have a nice solar panel for charging smart phone etc. But for qrp cw alkaline battery pack works just fine over a range of temps etc use it than properly dispose of it. Hint, don't tell anybody Dollar store sells alkaline batteries cheap, take extra. 💀

[@RadioPrepper]

Yes, and you get a little more power with the extra voltage, if your radio can take it..

[@dirkanderson1606]

Radio Prepper I think I'm missing something? Make your own battery pack with as many AA or C batteries as required say 8 for 12 volts. Radio Shack has plastic battery holders you can often glue together for the correct voltage. So far Alkaline Batteries have worked fine for me, I operate CW QRP the portability makes the case for Morse Code! Strictly a hobby I'm not going to save the world with a hand key. That said, I am considering battery options with better performance than alkaline. I have Nomad 7 Solar Charger which is strictly for Smart Phone.

[@caulktel]

At least the French drive on the right side of the road:-)

[@RadioPrepper]

I like to think so ;-) though the Brits decided on the left side to avoid sword accidents when going by another rider..!

[@phononify]

Great video ... as always. Thanks a lot. I am still looking for a good field solution for my 100 W radio (Yeasu FT 857d) -- Would you use a DC-DC converter for a gel battery in this case or directly use the radio at the battery ? I am not sure, if the voltage would not drop too strongly in case of high power. Any help would be strongly welcome. Thx.

[@Radioexperimenter]

Very good ideas & interesting vídeos.73 from Tenerife. Isidro EA8DGA - 73

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks, I have been to Tenerife a couple times! Last time in March.

[@johndk9jc354]

No need to stay at 3,2V on 18650. Enter the type of the cells in Google and check the Datasheet. Most cells are okay even with a discharge to 2,5V - 2,7V. I discharge to 3V but I ever add a balancer lead and I use a 2€ voltage beeper from China. Please check my Website: www.dk9jc.de/blog/equipment/108-li-ion-battery-pack-18650s-for-the-ft-817-and-comparision-on-rc-li-po-and-lifepo4-packs

[@RadioPrepper]

+John Works Thanks, I'll revise my cutoff voltage to 3V...

[@GreyGhost-r4z]

Please add your videos to Rumble.com

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the shout out. Heres the link to the battery pack kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJXNn2SkiNeeobs Also incoming blog or response. Grest video!

[@RadioPrepper]

Great, thank you!

[@cosmefulanito5933]

For survival you need to talk, no CW. Common people know how to talk, but no CW.

[@RadioPrepper]

There are more people using Morse than you think and it is twenty times more efficient. I get your point though, best is to have both!

[@cosmefulanito5933]

@@RadioPrepper THe problem is 100% can talk. Not 100% can do CW. We need to talk and we need to talk in frequencies that a common receiver can receive. MW for example.

[@usarmyfl1]

Nice flag on the intro! Don't Key up on me!

[@RadioPrepper]

Right!

[@W-733_KWX]

In case of disaster you'll have lots of 12V batteries available (cars) :) On my side I do have a 8 amp LiFePo4. hobbyking.com/en_us/zippy-flightmax-8400mah-4s2p-30c-lifepo4-pack-xt90.html?___store=en_us Charger for it is : hobbyking.com/en_us/imax-b6-50w-5a-charger-discharger-1-6-cells-genuine.html They are awesome, charger takes whatever technology and i have had them for years now. Trying to get it chargeable on solar on my side too.

[@stephenberghofer1382]

Gil: What an excellent review of battery options for QRP/survival purposes! Really enjoyed your summary of different options, along with positives and negatives for each (no pun intended!)... I have started compiling the necessary components for 18650 packs; however, my research and experience so far has shown that cell protection is an important aspect of the 18650 cells that you didn't mention. I would recommend the following youtube video re: cell protection: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXqoZ5WNn5Kfibc I'm trying to build 3- and 4-cell packs for my FT-817ND, and want to minimize the risks involved to both my rig and my person: I'm hopeful that cell protection, along with good safety precautions, will achieve my goal! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@jhalscott]

18650 works great. A lot of tactical/weapon lights use them now too and the batteries are becoming very cheap. I have a few Streamlight dual 18650 USB chargers that weigh almost nothing. I run those off a 50W/12A 6 port USB 12V charger. Hadn't thought of making a radio power supply yet.

[@RadioPrepper]

Yep, I use them for flashlights too!

[@GreyGhost-r4z]

Everybody in the Entire World hates Roundabouts...