Icom IC-705 & PowerFilm Lightsaver Max

Hello Operators
In this episode of OH8STN Ham Radio we take a look at the PowerFilm Lightsaver Max to power the Icom IC-705 in the fiedld. The Lightsaver Max is a lightweight portable solar panel and battery bank in one. We will be using the Lightsaver Max as a battery for the Icom IC-705. Although the Icom 705 has its own internal battery pack, using the Lightsaver Max allows us to use the full 10 watts output from this portable QRP Ham Radio, out in the field.
73
Julian #OH8STN
Share video url: • Icom IC-705 & PowerFil...
- Episode notes: oh8stn.org/blog/2021/09/18/ico...
- Original Lightsaver Max Video: • PowerFilm Lightsaver M...
- Latest Icom IC-705 update from OH8STN: • Ham Radio with Microso...
- Lightsaver Max on OH8STN.org blog: oh8stn.org/blog/2020/12/14/ico...
Ordering the Icom IC-705?
Order your own Icom IC-705 from GigaParts USA: oh8stn.net/32Emj8w
Order your own Icom IC-705 from PileupDX EU: oh8stn.net/3l8Ar0b
Cables work for both the IC-705 and Lightsaver Max: ebay.us/V92yjQ
PowerFilm Lightsaver Max
- GigaParts: oh8stn.net/3nYR8Ny
- California PC: californiapc.com/Portable-Sol...
- PowerFilm Solar: www.powerfilmsolar.com/produc...
chapters
00:00 Intro
01:47 Icom IC-705 Settings
02:50 Making cables
03:43 Enabling ports
04:40 More on cables
05:25 Making connections
06:05 Q&A
09:57 More information
______________________________________________________________________________-
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[@Eric10179]

You should really make a video just on how to make various jumper cables, different version, and all the various cables one would need in the field. Like the ones you used in this video. Show us step by step how you do it.

[@OH8STN]

Lots of great information in the episode notes. - Cables work for both the IC-705 and Lightsaver Max: ebay.us/V92yjQ - Episode notes: oh8stn.org/blog/2021/09/18/icom-ic-705-powerfilm-lightsaver-max/ - Original Lightsaver Max vdieo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXiTeKuMqreYgsk Thanks for watching. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@ericescobar4588]

Have you made a video about making cables? Can you post a link to the 90deg icom power cable?

[@MW-lw8em]

Just ordered one from Cal PC. 10% off is great. Thanks

[@ericescobar4588]

Absolutely love the videos! Just purchased the cables.

[@OH8STN]

Awsome and thanks. It seems easier to make hack these cables than trying to find "ready" made specific to our gear. Thanks for watching 73 Julian oh8stn

[@nicolaspons2758]

Great video thanks Julian, Hope that the lightsavermax will be soon availaible for Europe. 73's

[@OH8STN]

Thanks and me too. PF wants to start exporting again, but they like to insure everything is in place before doing so.

[@Entrailss]

Thanks for the info.

[@kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695]

always great stuff

[@prestonw3pls]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for giving me an audience to share with :) 73 Julian oh8stn

[@ericpattersonk8eep953]

Good video. Nice equipment

[@TheGhostfaceKLR]

FWIW, the 705 pulls only about 2A at 10W on HF, so you don't need to size the wire based on the solar panel, but rather just the radio.

[@Huntingne]

Another great video.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. It was great fun making this one. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@5cyc]

Good info

[@RadioAntics]

I’m sold! Really been wanting to add solar capabilities to my portable set up. The 60w folding panel seems ideal and I like the option of running the max in parallel to give 10a which will be great for my 857D at around 25W. look forward to being able to get them in Europe. Thanks as always for a great video 73

[@OH8STN]

I have bad news. The Lighsaver Max won't power the 857 :( The start up current of the rig is too high for the LSM. We tried with the 891 which was a no go. Not to fear though, the 60 watt panel and my new battery pack project will power the 857 extremely well. Please stay tuned. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@RadioAntics]

@@OH8STN I’ve never considered the start up current before. Something interesting to think about. Will keep my eyes out for your solution 😁

[@Ianjustice1]

thanks good video

[@hamradiotube]

Love this. I’ve been using the 705 for all of my activations these last few weeks. Don’t have the Power Film in the budget right now but this looks like a great off grid power solution. Always love the different ways you come up with powering up our portable coms. I owe you a lot Julian. 73.

[@vaughnburrows]

Didn't see the links for the cables you bought. Also what's the guage wire you used for the cables

[@OH8STN]

I forgot to post the links. Here you go. It worked for the 705 and LSM. ebay.us/V92yjQ 73 Julian oh8stn

[@vaughnburrows]

@@OH8STN Thanks 😁

[@HamRadioPortableOperations]

Thanks, Julian. I've been very interested in these for a while now. Just a shame we don't have more suppliers here in the UK, I reached out to their official supplier and they are unsure when stock will be coming in. Hopefully soon 🤞 73

[@OH8STN]

Agreed. It's a bummer. I continue sharing these comments with PF. Hopefully we will get there again soon. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@per-toreaasestrand8984]

Yes, I noticed that the LSM can give around 6 A max, so a bit reduced power would be necessary. I am looking for a suitable LiFePO4 battery. I like those from Dakota Lithium, but no dealer in Europe.

[@OH8STN]

I tried to show some of the batteries from Dakota lithium. They promised on three occasions to send batteries for review and video making, but failed every time. It really would be nice to have a solid turn key battery supplier which doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Until there's a reliable one, I'll continue building them 😉👍

[@johnjosephreed]

Grateful

[@OH8STN]

Sharing these vids is also a blessing. thanks for watching 73 Julian oh8stn

[@airwolfcheck]

Nice

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. More on the way.

[@SamGamgeeful]

Good video Julian (as usual)! Q - What is the wattage of the PFLSM solar panel?

[@t.m2933]

Great content Julian, thank you so much for sharing with us. KN6PWH.... 73..

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the kindness and for watching. The goal is always to make the videos enjoyable, even if the specific topic is not interesting. Takes time but seems rewarding for you and me :) 73 Julian oh8stn

[@IndependentNewsMedia]

Please can you look into under good, average and bad light conditions, how long it takes for one Max device to charge to full from fully discharged, and same again but using your 20W foldable panel.

[@jimthvac100]

Great video, I know you use these power films a lot in your videos; But as much as they cost I would wonder how long those little wires inside the power films would last before they start to break... like how many times can one roll them up and unroll them before they start to fail. It would be a lot of money down the drain when that happens.

[@OH8STN]

So far I have never seen one break. I have never even heard of anyone complaining about this problem. My oldest panel has been abused with no care taken during its deployment, and has not had this issue. Considering the military uses PF folding panels, I imagine this has bene well tested. Here is my PowerFilm SOlar buyers guide. It speaks mainly about quality assurance. oh8stn.org/blog/2021/06/24/powerfilm-solar-foldable-vs-rollable-solar-panels-and-others/ 73 Julian oh8stn

[@jimthvac100]

@@OH8STN thank you for the reply. Hearing that the military uses these panels and you have not heard of them failing is very encouraging.

[@CliveDrone]

Thanks Julian, I am interested in this setup for my 705 for my trip to VK3 land in March. I can get the Powerfilm LSM alright but your link to the cables on ebay is broken. Is it possible to fix? I always look forward to your next video. Also is that the Windcamp bracket on your 705?

[@2e0txe]

hopefully we can get stock in the UK soon! Can't wait to get my order in for one. Been waiting for months already

[@OH8STN]

I hope so too! It is really a bummer. PF is planning on starting up exports again. We just don't have a firm date. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@NAPELAKAPU]

👍

[@OH8STN]

Thanks 73 Julian oh8stn

[@paulwarner7307]

Hi Julian- The eBay link to the cables is broken. What are the barrel sizes for the input and output of the Lightsaver Max? Thanks!

[@jimthvac100]

Julian, since you have spent a lot of time on both of these radios. Which radio do you enjoy using the most the Lab599 or the IC705?I know the Lab599 is going to use less power and is very water resistant. I have a feeling the 705 might be easier and funner to use (I do own the 7300). I have a few LIFEPO4 battery packs and solar panels so not really worried about running out of power. But since I don't yet own either one of these radios I wanted your perspective. if you have already covered this topic in another video then I apologise.

[@billgrant6175]

Hey Julian, was really looking forward to this video. I have all the gear but no cables to connect it all!!. I followed the link to eBay but there are a ton of cables on there. What size is the 12v barrel connector for the PFLS? I see 2.1mm, 2,5mm etc.on eBay. Love you videos and mindset of off grid and self reliance. 73

[@OH8STN]

I used this one for the IC-705 and Lightsaver Max. 73 ebay.us/V92yjQ

[@billgrant6175]

Ok cool. That barrel connector fits the 705 but what or where did you get the connector for the PFLS? My 705 came with a DC cable with bare ends and I put power pole connector on it.

[@OH8STN]

It's the same cable. They are close enough that it fits both 2705 and lightsaver Max. I just bought a few of those cables, chop them up, and splice them into a single power pole connector

[@billgrant6175]

@@OH8STN Perfect!!! Trying to copy what you did with the Surface Go2, 705 and PFLS!!!!!

[@OH8STN]

I think I'll do a video specifically on that. The 705, the surface go 2, PFLSM and cables.

[@templehager4834]

Julian. What are the longest cables that you've made for the Lightsaver Max? I could see the need for a longer cable if you had the radio in a tent, and the Lightsaver Max was placed outside. Thx.

[@per-toreaasestrand8984]

Thanks for your reply. I plan to use LSMs for powering my TX-500 with PA500 amp. Maybe the best would be to power them individually from their own LSM? P-T

[@OH8STN]

The LSM can power the TX-500, but the PA500 has a maximum current draw of ~8A. So it requires two LSMs in parallel. When I combine two LSMs in parallel it works however, I would use a traditional battery and charge controller with diy distribution cables for the TX500/PA500 combination over two LSMs. I'm working on a battery build just for this purpose.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

Hey Oscar silly question but can the battery in the Lightsaver ever be changed or removed?? Thanks for your in depth reviews!!😁✌️💚

[@OH8STN]

Funny you should ask that. Let me answer in this way. In the current version it can be swapped out at the factory, Iowa USA.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

@@OH8STN Hmm very interesting so will there be a next version that's swappable, of course life expectancy is the only down side to a battery bank!!

[@OH8STN]

@@Canadian_Craftsman PF is always working on improvements to their products. 😉

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

@@OH8STN thanks for the response brotha!!😁✌️💚

[@thestonerguy5276]

Hey Julian, How does a Global Solar 62 watt US military grade flexible solar panel compare to the PF Lightsaver Max (if you've used both)?

[@OH8STN]

Good question. CIGS panels require solar soaking before they are fully effective. Amophous panels do not. So far, haven't heard of any other major disadvantages. Here is a good article for comparisons against PF panels. oh8stn.org/blog/2021/06/24/powerfilm-solar-foldable-vs-rollable-solar-panels-and-others/

[@W9HJBill]

​I do have a question about one of your "if I did it all over again" statements. You said you would use a 60W external panel but on the LightSaver Max web page it says "A second LightSaver Max or another PowerFilm Solar panel (30W maximum) can be connected to the 12V input to increase solar charging speed". So is it safe to connect a 60W panel, like the PowerFilm F16-3600 to the LightSaver Max or stick with the F16-1800?

[@OH8STN]

I thought about this later on. PF says the LSM can only make use of a 30 watt panel. The rest is lost as heat. My comment about a 60 watt panel referred to times when I am using a larger battery bank and genasun charge controller, or when dividing the panel output across two LSMs. I should have added additional context. Apologies. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@W9HJBill]

@@OH8STN I guess in thinking about it, even if you get the 60 watt PF panel, and you were just going light and just wanted to use the LightSaver, you could just fold the F16-3600 partly on itself so it's only half the panels are seeing light. Thanks for the the reply and video.

[@OH8STN]

That's true and you are very welcome. Thanks for watching and for the comments.

[@ingramleedy]

Do you have an updated link for the cables?? Seems the ebay link is not working.. Thanks!!!

[@ericday2072]

I did not hear a comment, and I have not found in my initial search the number of charge cycles for the internal battery. I've seen solar generators with varying number of charge cycles when drawn down to 80%. Batteries wear out. I'm always concerned when a product has an internal battery.

[@OH8STN]

It's usually dependent upon the quality of the internal cells. The cells inside cells top shelf Lithium-ion. Moreover powerfilm is working on a refresh program for the LSM. This would allow the replacement of the internal sales rather than having to completely purchasing a brand new package. I'll give me more details on both once info is available. For what it's worth, my first lightsaver Max came from the initial run few years ago. It's still my primary pack. 👍

[@bradlarson8458]

I would assume you would need to use an external panel to charge the LightSaver Max in winter as the LiFePo4 would need to be kept above freezing. Or have you found other methods of charging in the winter?

[@OH8STN]

I don't charge it outside. For winter operations I'm almost always in a shelter. The LSM is almost always in a protected case or in my sleeping bag or something like that.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

Do you think the 705 is the only / best choice for 6m portable? You recommended the x6100 due to updates from the 5105 but 6m doesn’t seem to work well on the 6100. Is 5105 a viable option for 6m? Thanks!

[@OH8STN]

Excellent and interesting question. 6M works extremely well on the 705. I just posted a video to Instagram with a 50 MHz winlink session using it. 50 MHz also works well on the 5105, G90 and 818. I haven't done any testing at all with the 6100 on 50MHz yet. 6m season is nearly here so I'll include that in my testing. That's the best answer I can give you for now without blowing smoke in your ear. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

Fair enough, thank you. The reason I ask is I’m a tech and want to get stuck into 6m but the G90 doesn’t appear to support SSB on 50mhz. All mode portable rigs seem few and far between, and Xiegu doesn’t look like they’ve gotten the x6100 up to snuff…although the waterfall is tempting. X5105 might be a fine compromise…

[@OH8STN]

All of these rigs are All-mode 160-6m: IC-705, TX500, G90, x5105, X6100, FT-818. I really live the 705 & tx500. My G90 has ran 24/7 over a year. X5105 is only 5 watts. FT-818 is my least favorite.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

PS I appreciate the FT notes…I didn’t start with Yaesu radios but have become a convert. Just doesn’t seem to be the way to go for what I want to do with HF

[@patricksnyder4896]

Very much enjoyed your video. I am active in Emergency Preparedness for Hurricanes and intrigued by your use of solar for Emergency Comms. However when it comes to DIY projects I must admit that I am technically challenged. Is there any vendor who can provide the cabling you describe?

[@OH8STN]

Hi Patrick. Although it is quite costly, you might ask from hammadeparts.com. Otherwise, I'm not sure. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@patricksnyder4896]

@@OH8STN WILCO, Did I also see that you have a discount with Gigaparts

[@OH8STN]

Yes, my callsign 👍

[@patricksnyder4896]

@@OH8STN how much is the discount?

[@OH8STN]

Perhaps 5%

[@fritzlem.4151]

comment for you

[@per-toreaasestrand8984]

What is the recommended way to use two LightSaver Max in parallel?

[@OH8STN]

It's very simple. I just made parallel cables with plugs coming from the output of the LSMs, to an Anderson power pole adapter. It's like taking two power cords with coaxial connectors. Cutting off the Anderson power poles on the other end, splicing them together and terminating them with the single Anderson power-pole. The coaxial connectors each go to the individual LSMs. It's important to make sure the LSMs are fully changed. Then keep an eye on any imbalance between the two.

[@user-vx5ru7gh7c]

There will be no LSM this year, which is a pity (to say the least), because of problems of certification. I've had extensive correspondence with PowerFilm and the earliest will be sometime (hopefully) in early 2022. Julian, as a PowerFilm ambassador, what seems to be the problem? Is it a new battery technology that needs to be certified? It's frustrating for all. 73

[@OH8STN]

Certification is one problem but availabilities the other. Our film is having exactly the same problem as Elon Musk

[@user-vx5ru7gh7c]

@@OH8STN Oh -- chips, inability to keep to high-tech promises (self-driving cars), or Taliban leaders not wearing masks? Cheers...

[@OH8STN]

Why are you busting my balls? This is frustrating for me as well

[@user-vx5ru7gh7c]

@@OH8STN Sorry, my friend, only trying to have a laugh in trying circumstances. 73