Ham Radio Station Power | Buddipole PowerPlus

Hello operators. In this video we will be talking about power and power distribution for our ham radio station. Retinking the power distribution strategy for my amateur radio station, i came across the Buddipole power plus. This is an intelligent power distribution and power management system, integrating well with my off grid ham shack and emergency communications strategy. Join me as we tae a look at how I have integrated the Buddipole Power Plus, into my solar powered ham radio station.
the buddipole power mini has 4x Anderson power poles ports for DC output. there is an additional 2x Anderson power pole connectors for power supply input, and the battery pack.
73
Julian #oh8stn #hamradio
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Mentioned in the video:
Buddipole PowerPlus: www.buddipole....
576ah solar generator: • Portable Solar Generat...
Power Stax military grade power supply: www.powerstax....
Genasun MPPT charge controller:
- • Genasun GV 10 Lithium ...
- www.genesun.eu
- sunforgellc.co...
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[@moga864]

There have been comments attached to your former presentations that have asked whether the BP-PP is a replacement for the Genasun solar controller. I, for one, have the issue cleared now that the system map has been laid plain. Well done, and TY.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for this comment. I think earlier it wasn't easy to understand the difference or the role, either of those devices played in a single system. I hadn't seen any videos explaining charging the battery while the grid was down using solar power, so I thought it was important. Anyway, thanks for the comment and the kindness. Very much appreciated.

[@RESlusher]

Thanks for sharing, Julian! Stay safe, my friend!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Richard nice to hear from you man. Be well.

[@gastongonzalez221]

Great topic and video, Julian. I love your production quality. With all the down time I tried my luck at starting a KZbin channel on preparedness. I have a lot to learn still, but you set a great bar to aspire to. Keep up the good work!

[@OH8STN]

It's definitely a slow process if trying to start off cold. When you're just getting started, it's important to make videos on topics related to your own, which people are already searching for. Once you get ten or fifteen thousand subscribers and regular visitors, you can start to do your own thing. The most important thing though, making sure someone walks away having learned something from each of your videos. Beyond that, learn how to tell the story, then present that story like you're talking to an old friend.

[@gastongonzalez221]

OH8STN Ham Radio Thank you for the advice, especially the bit about talking to an old friend. Take care, Julian.

[@nwhamguy1368]

That is really cool. I really appreciate how not only is the BP-PP multi use within the shack, it can just as easily, serve those same abilities in the field. Your videos have inspired me to finally get my butt in gear and get my HF capabilities sorted out and actually get a shack and portable capability together. I have a MPAS 2.0 and Xiegu G90 on the way that will be the core of my system. I'm really looking forward to the kW battery build you mentioned!

[@OH8STN]

Thx John. I already have another video in the works where are use the power plus as a mobile device. In that case we replaced the power supply, with the 12 volt DC from the car. In both cases switching takes place seamlessly, and artillery battery is always stopped up. You're going to have a blast with a g90 and mpas 2.0. Hope to meet you in the air. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@bp5781]

Julian, thank you for these videos. As an amateur just starting out your channel is a wealth of knowledge and has helped me to make many decisions moving forward. I cannot wait to see your 1kW system in the future. Keep it up!!

[@OH8STN]

You're very welcome Brendan. I've got a couple of small lithium iron phosphate builds in the works. I'll try to get those published in the next week's. The bigger build, the one kilowatt solar generator should be published by the end of the year, (budget dependent). Thanks for the feedback and the kindness. It's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@alexalonso2093]

ty for your linear explanation...right before i was going to pull the trigger on theirBuddie pole mini. 7 3

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the comment. I have planned a video on the buddipole power mini as well. That's two or three weeks out.

[@tristan4777]

Very interesting, thanks for the video.

[@criscross6591]

👍👍

[@thuff3207]

Very nice description of the buddipole plus. It make me wonder if I should get one.

[@Andy2e0ree]

Great show thank Julian 2e0ree

[@OH8STN]

You're very welcome Andy. thanks for watching.

[@alanread6596]

Excellent video very informative regarding the buddipole plus I may get one. Alan in the UK

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Alan. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@doncoker]

A much better way to organize/simplify my base power system. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. 73 Don KM6TRZ

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Nice setup!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you David

[@StephanRidgway]

great review. The Buddipole Power Plus is a nice bit of kit, a nice compliment to their range of portable batteries. Would be nice if the DC input could say take a range of input sources, ranging from 10-22V, this way you could connect a solar panel, car charger or fixed DC. Be nice if it supported USB C as well. Still, a great unit, packed with features :>

[@Liberty4Ever]

You'd mentioned the Buddipole Power Plus in a few previous videos, and I've been eager to hear a more detailed description of its capabilities and how you're using it, and this video didn't disappoint. It's a very capable device and the power/voltage/current monitoring abilities are excellent. In addition to being well designed, it also looks well built. I'm currently increasing my solar energy generation and storage for my off grid ham shack. I'll be very interested in your upcoming 1KWhr monster battery. Now that it's possible to buy decent quality integrated LiFePO4 batteries with internal cell balancing, over charge protection, low voltage cutoff, etc., I'm inclined to buy a battery solution, but if I can build something that's a better value from cells, I'd be very interested. Please let us know the prices you paid and any sources of materials you can provide.

[@OH8STN]

Hello Mr. B. RR, yeah at first I was a bit annoyed about it not having a solar input, but as I thought about it, reconfiguring my shack power to take into account the Power Plus, I saw how easy it was to integrate the solar charge controller myself. Yeah the new battery project is just for operating from home or our "cottage". It'll have enough capacity and capability to provide Power for communications and Lighting for days at a time. To be honest this is more about the lockdown on about providing reliable power in the ham Shack. If the lockdown remains in place, critical services will be affected eventually. It's always good to hear from you, thank you for taking the time.

[@RandallSteen]

I’d love to see that video. Are you still able to acquire those cells due to the shut down?

[@djblaze151]

Greetings Julian, love your work. I've recently completed a 10ah battery build from your blog. Works great so far. Quick question, I have a buddipole powermini and I'm considering getting a buddipole powerplus as well; could I use the powermini as the solar charge controller to the powerplus? (connecting the panels and battery to the powermini and then connecting one of the powermini load ports to the battery in port on the powerplus). Would it work? any downsides you can think of with this arrangement (other than perhaps the cost)? Thanks in advance, 73s

[@airbornelarkin]

@OH8STN Ham Radio Julian, Thank you for making this video. I was investigating Buddipole PowerPlus as a solution to my mobile needs (powering three radios from a lifepo4 battery that is also charged via solar) and you answered several questions I had that were unclear to me when reading the Buddipole PowerPlus user manual. I sent you a $10 tip to your PayPal. I do have one question: Have you come across other devices that are similar to the Buddipole PowerPlus and, if so, how do they compare to the Buddipole PowerPlus? Best regards, Larkin

[@howardgould]

Love your videos, keep up the great work. One question about the PowerPlus. Does the DC input have to be above 14.6V to charge the connected LiFePo4 battery? Based on the voltages shown in your video and in the manual it looks like it boosts the DC input for charging. Is that correct?

[@OH8STN]

Great question and thanks for the kindness. The power plus does Boost voltage, but voltage doesn't have to be above 14.6 volts to charge. That 24.6 volt comes from battery manufacturers who suggest it, because if the internal cell balancing. Best case for long life is charging to 14.2 volts, which the PowerPlus can be setup for.

[@DanielHallmark]

Fabulous instructional video as always! Question: I realize this is not applicable to your base station environment, but do the BP-PP and/or the Genasun charge controller provide low-temp disconnect to avoid damaging the batteries by attempting to charge them in low-temp environment? Thanks, and keep up the great work!

[@OH8STN]

The power plus doesn't, and Genasun only does temperature compensation for lead acid batteries. With that said, many BMS boards have a high and low temperature cut off. Inside the solar generator shown in this video, add a temperature sensor that I can read from my mobile phone. So I always know the internal temperature of the battery pack. I use this functionality even when I'm Outdoors. One misconception though, often we think outside temperatures that critical point. It's actually the battery's internal temperature, or more accurately the temperature inside the battery enclosure which is important. That's why you often see me with a battery inside a box. The battery will heat that space by simply being discharged.

[@mikerosenberg7726]

Julian, another great video. When the solar panels are topping off the battery through the power plus, do you detect any RF hash coming off of the controller in the power plus?

[@OH8STN]

So far the buddipole power plus is completely RF quiet.

[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

I still say you should receive some kind of International Award for ingenuity by advancing Amatuer Radio to the next level.

[@OH8STN]

Perhaps you're being too kind. I don't try to sell anything, I just show other operators how and where I'm using the gear. If that provide some inspiration for someone, then I've done my job. Hopefully these manufacturers will also see how we are using this year, and use it to make better products. 👍

[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

I've never been called too kind but, I'm usually on target. Ultimately you have moved Amatuer Radio "Field Work" at least 20 years forward of most everyone else. Your dedication to operating in the field, off-grid and across many modes clearly puts you on the bleeding edge of Amatuer Radio. Personally I've done maybe 10% of the field work compared to you and it's VERY demanding compared to sitting at a home QTH with electrical power and tuned antennas. I also like to tent camp, which is also never as easy as it looks. Putting it all together takes tenacity and effort. I firmly stand by my earlier statement that you should be internationally recognized beyond KZbin, etc. Maybe you don't want that, which I fully understand, but it doesn't mean you haven't earned it. You are a leader in this field and have made a differece ! Thank-you !

[@geekdownrange]

Looking at the Powerstax line, there appear to be multiple product families - Standard, Premium, Low-Noise, Ultra-quiet, and High-Rel. Which one did you find to be free of RFI? I'm always on the lookout for good switching power supplies that have no/low RFI for HF use.

[@elwood.downey]

Excellent. But I didn't quite catch how to connect up the Genesun.

[@OH8STN]

I'll do a blog post with a diagram 👍👍👍

[@LynnDeHart]

Can you share the power supply information such make and model. Tnx KB3FN

[@OH8STN]

Apologies for forgetting to do that. I've updated the description with the power supply information now. Thanks for the heads up. It's very much appreciated.

[@peterpetropoulos9607]

OH8STN Ham Radio can you say a bit more about the particular powerstax you show and how you set it up ? Great info in your vids !

[@guidelineuk]

👨🏾‍🎓tell me more...please.. 🤤😉🤗

[@rachmielbenberel]

Julian, I was wondering if a similar but limited configuration might also be possible using the Buddipole Power-mini. The mains powered DC supply output would be connected to the solar panel input on the BPmini and the Genasun output (which normally charges the battery from the solar panel) would also be connected (in parallel) to the BPmini battery connection. Granted, the BPmini is limited as far as the number of loads that one can connect to it but even were it one--specifically, just the radio--the configuration would provide radio operation from the mains while keeping the battery topped off and while also providing automatic switching were the mains to go out. What do you think?

[@OH8STN]

I understand what you're saying but I wouldn't do it. Buddipole power mini is a solar charge controller with multiple output ports. Connecting a power supply without any current limiting to the solar input Port would probably just destroy the power Mini. Anyway, if you have the solar panels to connect to the power Mini, why would one need the power supply, for anything other than the occasional top up?

[@rachmielbenberel]

@@OH8STN Yes. This is true. Still, at times it's tempting to see if one can push the technology--at least in a brainstorming session. But I will not take any risks in the physical realm of things. The powermini is not exactly inexpensive and it frying the thing is not on my bucket list.

[@WisconsinGabe]

Great video!

[@lexxmurk]

This is solid shack power managment, im willing to do the same, but... about emcomms and portable use, its alot of comsumption , G90 eating alot, ft891 too, i know i have ft-100d almost more then 10-12 years+ andits working perfect but on rx its eat near 1amp, alot of trx dealing better with power. Its only my opinion)

[@OH8STN]

It's all good, I see what you're saying. The way to offset the current draw, is by using solar panels to passively extend runtime. That's all I've been able to come up with, and it's working well.

[@lexxmurk]

@@OH8STN is buddipolepowerplus extends it? through genasun ?

[@OH8STN]

The buddipole Power Plus battery output and Genasun battery output connect to the battery in parallel.

[@lexxmurk]

@@OH8STN oh i see, now understand and its okay ? all in one power connection - from battery and from genasun? they have no conficts while charge discharge?

[@OH8STN]

Yep there's no conflict. The Genasun is not connected directly to the power plus.

[@johnkershaw9575]

Hello my friend. Great video. Always enjoy them. Hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. All good here in Lompoc. When you are operating in your QTH do you notice a big change in noise levels when switching between house power and battery. Have been thinking of putting some of your designs to work in my shack ie., continuously charging battery power. In my former life with the NRO we had "tech power" "conditioned power" where all critical systems were powered through large battery banks that in turn were continuously charged. This way if the power ever went down (we also had diesel backup and even separate power distribution lines running to the facilities) (even dual power strips in each rack) the equipment never saw the drop. If I don't build mine what Bioeno battery would you recommend? Running ICOM 7300, 100W, no amp. Take care. John N6NRO

[@williamstaylor5449]

Greetings, I am working on something similar, built around the West Mountain Radio Epic PWRgate - on their DC-to-Go Box. I am looking at a 40 to 50 Ah Bioenno battery to power my Icom IC-7200. Currently, I am waiting on a back-ordered hardware.

[@OH8STN]

Sounds like an awesome system you've been using. Choosing which capacity of battery depends on how much gear you want to run, and for how long if mains power goes down. The only real way to answer that question, is to actually measure the load of the system over a period of time. Once you know that number, then you can find the ride capacity of battery, which fits your budget and requirements. We have an incredibly low noise environment here at home. We've gone through and removed any device which creates noise. The noise level in the neighborhood is actually quite low as well, since our neighbors are not sitting right on top of us. With that said, there's no discernible difference between operating on battery, or from AC mains. Operating away from the city dropped the already low noise floor to almost nothing full stop in fact sometimes I need to to ensure the radio is actually operating because the noise floor is so low. Anyway excellent comment, feedback and ideas.

[@OH8STN]

I thought about getting the Epic PWRGate, but was kind of bummed I would have to buy or build an additional DC distribution block. Otherwise the Epic PWRGate is ok.

[@williamstaylor5449]

@@OH8STN I am getting a Rig Runner 4007U with the system for the main DC distribution panel, which has a readout of volts and amps.

[@beansurfin]

Great information, thank you. So I have one question, would there ever be a time you would connect your solar panel to the DC input of the Buddipole unit? Thanks. 73, Josh.

[@OH8STN]

Awesome question. Definitely no. The buddipole power plus isn't able to see the battery through the solar charge controller. Also there's an incredible amount of current flowing between the battery and the buddipole Power Plus.

[@beansurfin]

OH8STN Ham Radio Awsome. Thanks.

[@oh2hqe]

For that I had think twist to another position these powerpole connections for solar power line. Maybe some new standard for that. As well color code could be good as well. Although different system need more cords. So better stay in the way what Julian has sayed: Know your gears!

[@anthonyhughes8888]

great info just ordered one trying to learn all i can thank you. N6RIP

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. Please let me know how it works for you. 👍

[@rachmielbenberel]

If I understand correctly, you are saying that one adds an additional connection to the Genasun controller output and connects it to the battery connection on the Powerpole mini. This way the battery pack may be charged from either the solar panel or from the DC supply connected to the Powerpole mini. Is this the idea?

[@OH8STN]

No. Let's it this way, the DC output from the solar generator connect to the buddipole Power Plus. The Genasun GV10L battery output is literally connected to the battery +/- inside the solgen. Essentially the battery output from the Power Plus and the battery output from the charge controller are connected in parallel with a battery. And solar panels are then connected to the solar input of the charge controller. This explained at 04:02 albeit not very well.👍

[@rachmielbenberel]

@@OH8STN OK. Thanks. I wanted to be sure that I got it right.

[@rachmielbenberel]

@@OH8STN Well saying I wanted to get it right but actually understanding why it is so required me to make my own schematic. But once I did I immediately saw the brilliance of your configuration. The battery is topped off by either the solar panel via the Genasun or by means of the mains driven power supply via the BuddipolePowerPlus. Both can source current to the battery. And since the BuddipolePowerPlus is essentially controlling the show, in case the solar panel stops generating (for example, let's say at night) or in case the mains driven supply stops working (for example in case of a power outage), the other source will then be automatically switched in by the Buddipole, keeping the battery always topped off (when not in use) and by providing a power source if radio ops are required. Neat!

[@notreallydaedalus]

Are the Powerpole outputs regulated, or do they run at the input voltage?

[@OH8STN]

They run at supply voltage until switching to battery backup.

[@JohnTarbox]

I would love to see how a DIY solution would compare to the BP-PP. This unit is certainly not cheap! I can't help but think that many hams could build something similar centered around an Arduino or Raspberry PI Zero. In terms of features, it would be nice to be able to monitor and control power via a USB interface, just like we use CAT control on our radios. Also it would be great if the USB ports supported the newer USB 3 smart charging with higher charge currents. This is in no way a knock on this product, it may be ideal for many who are looking for an off the shelf solution and are willing to pay the price.

[@OH8STN]

Definitely. There's a lot of engineering going into this. There's the CPU, mosfets, circuit design, charge controller, GUI, the software driving it all,... would definitely be a lot of work. Don't you have some electrical engineering background?

[@JohnTarbox]

@@OH8STN Remember we are hams! Without hams there would be no SSB, no cellphones, the list goes on and on. I view this box sort of like your battery project. You could have just bought something pre-built but by doing it yourself you have something far better and cheaper than what you could buy. You are correct that making good ham gear takes skills, patience, trial and error etc. It is not for everyone. By the same token if one looks at back issues of QST or QEX (ARRL's other publication) one can see examples of projects far more complicated than this built completely from scratch.

[@OH8STN]

I wasn't disagreeing. I think building something like this is a great idea. I just think it takes an incredible amount of time and tools to do it ( not that it can't be done).

[@oh2hqe]

John Tarbox not advertise, but look West mountain radios latest production. Over LAN/WLAN

[@buddipole]

Hi John - Thanks for the suggestions. We are USB 3.0 compliant but the 3.1 standard would require a different charge controller. On the topic of cost - someone with the appropriate design and manufacturing skills could certainly homebrew a product with similar functions. However, as usual, the devil is in the details. The design of the PowerPlus focused on making a compact, rugged and efficient power management system in a single device. The cost of the product reflects the choice of high-performance components. Performance-wise it uses high efficiency active switching between battery and DC input, it is not a simple diode OR that is functionally inferior and has higher power loss. The battery charger is not just a multi-chemistry charger, it is, unusually, a buck-boost charger so that it is capable of fully charging even if the DC input voltage is less than the maximum battery voltage. Power monitoring is all high-efficiency high side monitoring to avoid potential issues with ground loops affecting the measurements. The outputs are monitored for both overcurrent and overvoltage which also requires the use of high efficiency MOSFETS. Power loss is low enough that in many situations (unless you use 8AwG like Juilan) there is more power loss in the cabling than through the device. Physically, the PowerPlus uses a solid custom extruded aluminum case (extrusion die) with custom non-slip end caps (custom injection mold), not just a folded sheet metal case. All of that does increase the cost but if you want a comprehensive power management solution it is actually less expensive and more elegant a solution than the alternative of purchasing multiple single function devices like power monitors, distribution boxes, battery chargers and changeover devices. We have quite a bit more info on our PowerPlus webpage - including the user's guide and application notes: www.buddipole.com/powerplus.html Questions can be emailed to us directly at [e-mail] Chris Drummond, W6HFP Buddipole

[@spaceghostone]

What model is the Power Stack

[@OH8STN]

Power stack?

[@spaceghostone]

What is the model number of the Power Stack they have many models

[@OH8STN]

Sorry I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "power stack". Did you mean the buddipole PowerPlus power distribution?

[@spaceghostone]

What is the model number on the Power Stack power supply? Power Stack is the brand name there should be a model number also.

[@StephanRidgway]

great review. The Buddipole Power Plus is a nice bit of kit, a nice compliment to their range of portable batteries. Would be nice if the DC input could say take a range of input sources, ranging from 10-22V, this way you could connect a solar panel, car charger or fixed DC. Be nice if it supported USB C as well. Still, a great unit, packed with features :>