Bioenno LifePO4 Batteries, Solar Charging, For Ham Radio And More!

This video is about the battery I chose to power my gear when out in the field. Bioennopower makes some very high quality rock solid and trusted batteries for an entire range of applications. This video will show the battery I purchased, the solar charge controller and the foldable solar panel. In the future I plan on showing it in use in the field and updating you with the run times in my situation.
www.bioennopower.com
amzn.to/2vDqoGB (Folding solar panel)
Patreon.com/hamradioconcepts (to support my efforts)
hamradioconcepts (to stay up to date)

[@bruceforster3709]

I bought the 40 Amp Bioenno Battery. I-LOVE-THE-THING!

[@CroakerOutdoors]

Eyeing the same one for my portable set up and engel fridge/freezer.

[@Bob814u]

I actually watched this video after I had ordered my 1212 Bioeno. I turned around and ordered the solar charge controller. I have used them with my Yaesu Ft-817 and it is my main fun set up. I didn't know about the page where they tell you which battery is best for your radio until I watched this video. According to Bioeno I should be able to run my 817 for 28 hours (80% listening and 20% transmitting at 5 watts) or (50%/50% for 20 hours) before needing to charge it. I tried to run the battery down while it was hooked to the solar panel and couldn't. Great video!!!

[@clays5802]

Just bought a Bioeno. Great info for learning more about my battery.

[@rckgnzls]

Thanks for the video.I have been using those batteries for years and I’m very happy with them.

[@robertmeyer4744]

I have LiFePO4 12.5V think 55Ah with BMS. Use morningstar MPPT charge controller re programmed via USB for LFP battery. Have 200W 48V solar. works great. Run many rigs even RM ITALY 2M 70 CM amp. love the battery! ONLY problem. below 32F battery does not hold a charge. Ok for camping but in off grid cabin I had to go with NiFe EDISON cells. Love the video great battery /charger info.

[@rmonsipapa]

I have 2 of the 20AH batteries, the solar charge controller and the 2 solar panels for 56 watts of charging.. I run my ic-7300 off them and they work great. I run a full 100wats for several hours each day camping and by the 3rd day I swap out the battery. Great set up for sure.

[@hafizsue6227]

Can you show pic ur baterry sir

[@gregbeckern9wxg580]

Very informative, I’m old school and started in the time of tubes. Been retired for close to 20 years and am trying to catch up.

[@tommontgomery9278]

just received BLF-1209A Bioenno to run my Xiegu G90, using a HiTec RDX1 multi charger. Very helpful info thanks

[@WilliamParmley]

Excellent! I think this answered all my questions. I have a Bioenno 4.5 AH battery for field QRP operations, but want to get something larger for field QRO, plus would like to add solar charging using my existing solar panel. This tells me enough to get started in the right direction. Thanks!

[@mlardinois80]

Bioenno makes a decent battery. I had a friend tip me off on Energized Outdoors who has this technology at a fraction of the price. Just a few corrections to this which Bioenno will support. You can run in parallel not series. You can use SLA chargers but will get better results with LiFePO4 charger, the BMS (not PCB) will balance the cells not the charger.

[@Tommyr]

I have the 9ah battery and LOVE IT! Works great and long with QRP gear!

[@snafu673]

That PCB you are talking about in your video is a BMS short for Batter Management System, well done great info for portable power systems.

[@scottyhardway7557]

Great informative vid. New ham here, just put together my first hf rig. 20Ah Bioenno -> Icom 7300 -> MP1 Super Antenna. Got the 60 watt solar panel (and controller) and didn't know how to connect to charge. Kevin helped me with my order last week, but now I can't get thru to support; probably closed right now cuz of coronavirus. Really appreciate this vid. Thank you!

[@alwaysbepreparedwithjeff3245]

Thanks Again For Streaming Your Life

[@brianshanahan3878]

Awesome and informative, as usual. I just got the same exact battery, the 1212!

[@phillipgrawert596]

Awesome video thank you

[@NebukedNezzer]

I have used smaller PO4 batteries to refurbish an old techtronics scope. work great. you have the correct battery type.

[@geod3589]

I've used these for years to power remote game cameras.

[@michelboisonnault2454]

Thanks very much for sharing. It is very well explained and understandable. Can't wait to see it in action with solar panel & transceiver. Thumbs up , stay safe, 73 Mike VE2TH

[@redwards2006]

Also more cycles (charge/discharge). Lead acid is usually good for a few hundred cycles. LiPo will usually good for 2000 cycles.

[@mlardinois80]

Correction these are not Lipo. Lipo batteries also have a few hundred charge cycles. This is LiFePO4 which has up to 2000 charges.

[@TXLorenzo]

Be advised that many airlines will not allow any battery above 10AH while traveling. Most TSA personnel would not know the difference between a volt and an amp, but it is not worth the risk to loose an expensive battery, just a heads up.

[@AlexGtheOG90]

Whoop I just ordered a big-1215a for my ftm200

[@WJ6FRadio]

Good video!! I just received the 20ah today!

[@brentOhlookAsnake]

I called Bioenno yesterday and they said I can run in parallel without voiding warranty or damaging them.

[@denelson83]

But I think you would really need some kind of meta-BMS to make sure charge is balanced across all batteries.

[@N4MQU]

Thank you I use one for my IC7100 and my telescope

[@n4bc852]

Great overview of the newer battery technology. 73 de Dick N4BC

[@JasonSchierling]

Great video. Thanks!

[@winstonsmiths2449]

12 ah is fine. The only time it is "not enough" power is when you add 15 different ports and plugs that will eat up the battery. If you want to power your 50w radio, this will work. Add solar and it will run for ever. I also bought the 12ah and it runs my radio all daY LONG. hAVE NOT YETR ADDED SOLAR, DOING THAT WITH THE NEXT FEW DFAYS.

[@NoHandleNameScrewTube]

Many solar controllers have lots of rf noise. Has anyone done any tests on that as opposed to like the genasun controller?

[@jay-rus4437]

I run the west mountain epic pwrgate. It is a mppt and seems to do a great job. I havent noticed any noise at all from it

[@jacktaylor3001]

Great recommendations! I'm looking for a way to run a simple SSB solar set up. Thanks!

[@sberrett]

So glad I found this video. New ham and i’ve been nothing but confused about powering my radio in the field. Why do radios say they need 13.8 volts, but the batteries are all 12volts?

[@AlGritzmacher]

It's called a 12 volt nominal system. The automotive industry settled on a 12 volt standard years ago. It's based on six 2v cells in series from the old lead-acid technology. To charge them an alternator or generator that puts out up to 14 volts is used. To charge a battery, you must have a higher voltage available to cause power to flow to the battery. Mobile radio equipment was then designed to operate in an automotive environment where the voltage could be anywhere between 11-14 volts DC. When they say a radio uses 13.8 volts, that is where it gives the best power output. It will continue to operate at reduced output down to a lower voltage. How low? It varies from radio to radio.

[@guyonamotorcycle1]

I just got the 40 amp/hr battery. It will last me the weekend :-)

[@davejacobsen3014]

Today there are thousands of lithium batteries which are much worse on environment , Tesla and all the cars use tons of these. I have been involved in building microwave stations where a ton C&D submarine lead acids batteries were used in back up. Plus a diesel generator, so I am not impressed by saying any other battery which can be recycled several times are bad.

[@Zoidberg227]

Those 50AH claim batteries are probably not lying *outright* ... it's probably 50AH (or thereabouts) at the single-cell voltage. Crazy misleading, but they keep themselves out of trouble. How's that charge controller for RF? They do have one that's advertised as RF-quiet, but it's a bit more expensive and quite a bit heavier.

[@javierpolendok5mhc]

Hi Erick; I have the same batteriy and planning to buy the allpowers 100 watt solar foldable panel and do i need a solar charge controller? Thaks 73, de KI5GLT

[@orfindel]

Are you sponsored? Sorry if I missed it; I didn't see a disclaimer anywhere.

[@notreallydaedalus]

Can anyone comment on the Bioenno charge controllers' RFI output?

[@jackhaefner9237]

I just bought the Bioenno BLF-12045W. The directions fro discharging indicate "The battery outputs a steady voltage around 12.8V until very little capacity remain, do not rely on voltage as an indicator or remaining capacity." I assume this means that I need to monitor power source (battery) current instead. How do I find out what the minimum current draw is? There's no such spec in the instructions.

[@TenguSteel]

1. What is the warranty? Battle Born Batteries have 10 yr 2. How long to fully charge with that limited solar input? Always look at solar input numbers 3. With larger solar input you can put panels in series 4. How many discharge/charge cycles is the bioenno rated? Battle Born is 10K cycles. 5. Is that charger MPPT or PWM?

[@mrbuffles]

I don't think that battery charger plug fits into that controller. You skipped that part. doesn't make sense.

[@bradmitchell876]

Interesting info, but suggesr more focus...this contained 5 minutes of high value content in 20 minute video.

[@richarde735]

Eric, Anderson power poles come in various sizes (15a, 30a, 45a, etc)… what size power pole is included on this particular 12v12a battery pack? I’m looking to buy Anderson power pole connectors, ahead of my battery being delivered. Please advise.

[@n9oqu]

The solar panel you reccomend is no longer available. will the 28 watt foldable panel work with this battery and controller?

[@SeanOliver5981]

Im working on making a go box that has everything running on 12v. However I would like some kind of automatic switch that will cut power from the battery and put 120v power into a converter to go to 12v then to my radios...Where can I get a switch like this.

[@kd5you1]

West Mountain Radio has several devices call PWRgates that switch from 12v power supply to a 12v battery, but unfortunately I don't believe their lithuim model works with LiFePo4 batteries.

[@Hundert1]

Wonder which lithium ion battery company is best, Bioenno, Simplifhi or Battleborn? Which company makes the best batteries, gives the best warranty and tech support?

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

9:35 do you have some supporting info why you shouldn't use the load side of the charge controller? Some charge controller has a buck circuit so the load side always get x voltage even if the battery is say 15.8 or 11.5. I will always get 13.8 volts on the load side.

[@usarmyfl1]

With a small battery like this, can you use the battery WHILE its plugged into a solar charge controller and charging? Thanks!

[@bruceforster3709]

Here's a question for you: I agree do not charge them in parallel. However, CAN you RUN them to a 706 in Parallel for twice the runtime for the radio?!

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I guess you could but it's recommended to buy the next size up bigger battery, which would be cheaper than 2 of the same kind that are smaller

[@mlardinois80]

This is incorrect. You can run these in parallel but not series...

[@brentOhlookAsnake]

HamRadioConcepts that’s what I was told when I called yesterday as well. Run in parallel is fine. Charge separate. But they also said it’s more efficient to just buy the size you need

[@claudem.p.7969]

i like it

[@BruceInFlorida]

So when we talk to KEVIN from BIOENNO, do we ask for the HRC DISCOUNT ?? Thanks once again for an informative video upload ! 73 Bruce N4BRM. -PS... I didn't see a Morse Code Key in your Bug Out Bag ????

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I dont think they are giving discounts on my behalf, LOL....

[@BruceInFlorida]

HamRadioConcepts .....Well, lets see 🌝

[@longrider42]

Did you ever make the second video about actually charging the battery with the solar panel?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Well not really, but with this new solar panel I got from Orlando Hamcation I intend on showing it

[@brucetraudt1571]

hello, i need help on this question; I am running a ft-450d ham radio that pulls 13.8 volts at 22 amps my question is, i want to run 8 Pack Headway 38120HP LifePO4 Battery Cells to operate the radio but have the battery pack connected to a bus bar that is fed by a 220 amp alternator that will be shared by 2 deep cycle batteries that will power other devices. when pulling power from the lithium battery pack the lithium battery pack might pull the charging juice from the deep cycle batteries because they are sharing the same bus bar and alternator is there a resistor that i can put in place to minimize this from happening and to draw more power from the lithium battery pack than its charging source without killing the lithium battery pack? it will almost be the same concept as my car battery mod with the lithium battery and supercapacitors.

[@stevecoscia]

Informative video. Thanks. Quick question: What Bioenno controller is compatible with the Bioenno BLF-1220A 12V, 20Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery? Thanks again.

[@andrewhamop6665]

Any of the solar charge controllers they sell will charge that battery.

[@bigphil6980]

do they do custom battery's as I am looking for a system to go in-between my power film solar panel and my goal zero 400 lithium yeti system but cannot seem to find a system in the UK that will do this

[@jimthvac100]

be careful about using lead acid solar chargers on LIFePO4 batteries. Reason is they often have temperature compensation and will end up overcharging the battery, I found this out the hard way :(

[@richardg4817]

Does the battery on your video here work with the Icom IC 706?

[@RobPetty622]

As long as the battery meets the voltage and amperage requirements, it’ll work. This is a 13. 8 volt battery, actually charges up to about 14,55 volts but discharges down to 13.8 rather quickly.

[@fireyourrocketts]

Great video; while I was actually installing anderson powerpoles connectors to my battery which is a bigger 40 ah one, it came with the grey big connector so i cut it off to get anderson powerpole connector and the cables touched for a second, like, they were atracted to each other as i was trying to keep them appart, I had a spark, a second or a fraction of it. This is a new battery and I really hope that i did not ruined it by this accidental touch of the two cables! I have not tried to charge it just yet but hooking it to the powerwex in line power reader it shows 13.6 volts fluctuating 13.6 - 4; does it the circuit inside suppose to protect it against a short of this type accidentally if just for a second?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

The grey connector is an anderson powerpole just a larger current one. Using the smaller ones will not pass as much current thats why the bigger one is on there. There is a circuit inside and it should protect but may have been damaged.

[@denelson83]

So here's a problem, Eric. The Anderson Powerpole connectors that come with these batteries are the 2×1 type, but the IC-7300 requires a 2×2 Powerpole connector. How do you get those to connect to each other? Can you just plug the Powerpole on one of these batteries directly into the IC-7300 and have it work, or do you need a 2×1 to 2×2 adapter? 73 VE7NDE

[@HamRadioConcepts]

No, thats not the way you connect it. The 7300 uses a 4 pin MOLEX connector.. All you need to do is use the supplied Icom DC cable and install a set of powerpole connectors on the end of it, to connect to the battery. The battery never connects right to the back of the radio, instead of connecting the dc cable to a power supply, install powerpoles on it to match the battery.

[@denelson83]

@@HamRadioConcepts I'd rather not have to cut and splice any wires. Perhaps one of these would work? < powerwerx.com/hf4-molex-to-powerpole-adapter > Although that doesn't have the proper fuses on it. Or do you mean the DC cable that comes with it already accepts Powerpole connectors on the other end?

[@TaylorLaub]

Have you tried powering your IC-7100 with one of these? I just got a 7100 and I’m looking at power supply options

[@denelson83]

As I see it, the BLF-1212A that he shows in this video can't power an IC-7100 because the connector doesn't match. It's only a 2×1 power pole coming out of the battery, but the IC-7100 needs a 2×2.

[@jnekes]

Thanks... Please how can I connect two of this lifepo4 batteries in series

[@jnekes]

I want to use it as 24v

[@justintabatchnick1675]

check your manual , check the FAQ on their website or contact their excellent tech support

[@artadams1]

Bioenno brand is over priced in this vertical. I have several lithium iron phosphate batteries for ham radio, only considered Bioenno until I saw their prices. I build my own with headway cells now, I'll take the Pepsi challenge with any battery on the market.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Please remember there are some people, including myself, that don't have the time but have money to just buy one and be done with it .

[@notreallydaedalus]

Overpriced is a very subjective judgment. I have several very inexpensive Miady LiFePo4 batteries, and after 2y of use, they show much worse capacity drop than my Bioenno. On a purely amp-hour per dollar basis, the Bioenno falls short. But some people value build quality, customer service, and country of assembly very highly.

[@bradjohnson3600]

anyone using the mppt-300 controller ? any rfi ?

[@Surge1045]

Great content but that cheesy music!!!

[@donnymazon3107]

Hey can you email me info on this battery or the Web site that I can get on? 73's from kc3gio

[@NebukedNezzer]

Its NEVER a good idea to parallel batteries. Always use series connection.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Yah, well the manual does state this battery will NOT work in series. Parallel is technically possible but not recommended.

[@NebukedNezzer]

Yah, well yourself. if you want to hook them in series you buy from the manufacturer the kind of batteries designed for series banks. There is a special circuit inside this battery shown that controls the charging. That may be why not to series them. Its ALWAYS a bad idea to parallel batteries. ALWAYS. study and research before doing it wrong.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I wasn't being rude. I just simply stated what the manufacturer recommended. My thoughts were the internal circuitry wouldnt allow the series configuration to work.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

But also, why go series, when you could get 24v or 48v cells that they manufacturer.

[@NebukedNezzer]

Absolutely correct. buy the correct batteries for the job. other companies that make this technology battery for big banks have cells for series connection and proper charge management circuits also. when I used 4 ea 3000mahr aprox 3 volt cells in series to replace 8 original nicad pack with a constant current charging system that just happens to work good with the new PO4 cells. I have designed, installed and maintained large power back up systems. NEVER cells in parallel ALWAYS series connected cells to build the bank.