Picking the best battery for portable Ham Radio

A viewer asked about batteries, and what type of battery I take into the field for portable operations. This video breaks down and explains my portable power sources.
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#Hamradio #AmateurRadio #POTA #ParksOnTheAir #PortableHamRadio #battery #LiFePO4 #litiumironphospate #portablepower

[@MrJimmy440]

Another great informative video Michael. Please keep them coming. Very valuable to the ham world. I use a Bioenno 30 AH battery for POTA. I run usually at 95 watts SSB and 40W FT8-FT-4 for the second part of my activations. I have only run it down once and that took about 5 hours. Thank you, Jim K2WPA

[@Random-JK]

Thanks for the information. You were the first person to introduce me to POTA and I am a happy hunter. I also have been using your 2M j-pole for the last 2 years.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Awesome, I'm glad to hear the antenna is working well for you.

[@jamescady723]

Thanks for this! Very clear and to the point. Appreciate your videos.

[@56thSPSk970]

Another great video, Thanks Michael!!

[@juliocesarpereira4325]

Very important information. Another excellent video! Thanks!

[@michaelradzicki2385]

Super useful info Michael. Thanks.

[@andyM7XTT]

Great advice as just started doing portable work.i went with the 22ah lifepo4

[@stephens8175]

Thank you for the video, Michael. Very informative! Always great to have real world performance information before a purchase. I’ve been looking for bigger battery solutions for POTA activations with the ability to run FT8 and closer to 100w phone.

[@spudhut2246]

Great video. Your information is always top notch. Thank you

[@Spoutloud]

Thank you for this video!

[@billw8dsx939]

Great Video! Thank You!

[@airheadzradioadventures]

Nice work Michael!

[@larryjohnson1966]

Very well thought out and a great explanation of how batteries work. Great Job Michael.

[@chrissewell1608]

Well, maybe not How they Work, in detail. But close enough for Ham radio use!

[@decreasingmass4577]

great video, i use a 12A life po4 and have had it a few years now, also use a battery monitor from hobyking.. great device.. keeps my ft818 working all day long, i also use battery packs made with 18650 and 21700 cells.. there even lighter and last a long time to. weight is very important especially when having to cycle to my dx spots.. lets see more video's on portable set ups and the gear used.. another useful thing to take portable is an earth spike. 73's

[@dennistate5953]

Thanks Man!

[@earnestmatlock9694]

Thanks another great informational video Michael. Good job. I'm thinking of setting up an APRS digipeater at my home with, that would be off grid and carry on even during wide spread power outages like from a major hurricane or such. Thanks again and GOD bless, 73 Earnest K5EWM 👍.

[@theramblingsoflarry9290]

Great video

[@bill-2018]

Some interesting information here, thanks. I bought 12 AH Sealed Lead Acid Batteries for home use with a solar panel with my QRP h/b radio and then got an FT817ND for portable use but a lead acid battery is heavy for a rucksack so looking into Lithium Iron Phosphate. G4GHB.

[@mmmichaeldane1288]

Thanks!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thank you for your support, it's greatly appreciated.

[@wildbill1]

Another good informative video mike keep ‘em coming!

[@1polonium210]

Bioenno 12v/20 aHr or 30 aHr. For my cw-only portables, bioenno 12 v 4.5 aHr or 12v 6 aHr.

[@NgakpaW]

Thanks for the work. One comment, in the links, the battery charger goes to a charger specifically not for LIFEPO4, but only for Lead acid batteries. I am sure you will want to change this. Also, the Amazon link for the FT 891 is $100 more than the price at DXengineering,for example. Otherwise great video.

[@lyfandeth]

Amazon prices for legitimate ham-specific gear usually have to be higher than store prices. They pay a slice to Amazon, they ship by priority usually, and they pretty much have to stand behind Amazon's return policy, so they need margin to eat returns. It always pays to shop around.

[@stephanhersey1186]

Very informative video as usual. Thanks. Steve, k7ofg.

[@c.h.3500]

Michael, I love that you are pushing LFP batteries. I have been doing that since 2020. I would like you to think about checking out REDODO Power. They have a 100AH LFP that is small enough to fit in a 50cal ammo can and is half the weight of a regular LFP 100. Very new unit, and I think would be well worth the cost.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I don't have any experience with the Redodo battery. There are new cell configurations coming on the market that are reducing the size of these batteries. It appears that Redodo sent free batteries to a bunch of people for review. In disclosure, they offered me a free battery but I passed on it- I don't have to facility to do an objective review of these larger batteries. For excellent insight and teardowns of LiFePO4 batteries, I recommend Will Prowse' channel. www.youtube.com/@WillProwse

[@willian.direction6740]

Thanks for the video I use a 30 amp version made by Powerhouse. I have done 5 VKFF parks to 44 + QSO in each 30w ssb 20w cw that was about 12 hours on air time all on the same charge. Cheers all 44 73 vk5cz ..

[@alanmelham8475]

Really helpful. Cheers. Alan G7VNM

[@K9TPT]

Great video Michael. Sounds like my 200ah lipo is maybe a little overkill for POTA lol

[@williampeacock9473]

I would say so. That would definitely last along time. But it has its advantages. 73 AE4OY WILLIE P. EM-81UF Blackshear, Ga

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Possibly. Unless your taking your amp out into the field :)

[@coolstuff_.]

Cool

[@jamesgoodrich8355]

Hey Michael. Love your video's. I have one of those little inline power meters like you showed towards the end of the video. I bought it to show me when my battery is getting low. Problem is, I dont understand what all those numbers mean. So I can't really tell when Im getting low on power. I looked on you tube and could not really find a video that explains that. Just a thought about you doing a video about that. I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one who would find that very helpful. Thanks again Michael. Jim N2JIM

[@rjones6016]

I am working to set up an outdoor UHF repeater, which will get little use. I would like to set it up with a battery power supply that I can occasionally run an extension cord to to recharge. 1 will the analyzer you mentioned record a history of the use pattern so I could come and check it after several days or weeks to see what the draw pattern has been? 2 do you have a recommendation for a lithium iron battery which has one or two 12V outs and the ability to charge from an extension cord?

[@stephenrichendefer8782]

Interesting info. I'm currently building a battery box using two Miday 36 AH batteries to use for portable operating, and back up power for power outages here at home. Thanks for the info. de KF3BH

[@AlexGtheOG90]

My Yaesu FTM200 draws 11amps at 50 watts. I ordered a Bioenno 12v 15ah battery

[@corya9474]

How's the 15ah battery working out for you so far?

[@sparksw9dkb187]

Nice informative video. Do you run your FT-891 directly from your battery or do you use/need a boost regulator to raise the voltage up to 13.8 volts? In other words, how well does the FT-891 work on voltages lower than 12.6 volts?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I don't use a booster with my LiFePO4 batteries. I really don't think they are necessary with that chemistry (unless you require voltage stability) as the nominal voltage of a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery is 13.4 volts. Nominal voltage of Lead Acid is 12.6v. The FT-891's voltage requirement is 13.8v +/- 15%. It will operate over a wide array of voltages. I've had no issue running it with lead acid batteries and with LiFePO4 batteries as their charge diminished. The only time the radio shuts down is if the floating voltage drops below 12v.

[@sparksw9dkb187]

@@KB9VBRAntennas thanks for the info. Very helpful. 73

[@tmmlrd]

Interesting video. Could you please tell something (maybe in another video) about battery charging via solar power? Which hardware is needed and which is the panel size needed vs. battery capacity etc... I use 2200 mAh LiPo batteries for my FT-818 and would like to charge via solar power just for "greener" operations. In fact the two fully charged batteries give me half a day of operations in SSB or CW at 5W which is enough for my actual /P needs, but the idea of charging via the Sun instead of 220V network is intriguing... thanks. 73 de IW5CWC

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I've had a couple of requests for a solar video, I'll put something together.

[@alexahedo85]

What do you recommend for a 50 watt mobile wouxun radio???

[@cavdvr99]

Thanks for the video. Can you do a follow up video on your solar panel. I am looking to get a solar panel but I am confused about sizing the panel. Do run the solar while operating the battery or switch batteries? I run the EcoWothy 30Ah battery. The 20Ah EcoWorthy has a good deal going on Amazon. Thanks .

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I've had a couple of requests for a solar video, I'll put something together.

[@bugzybalone9637]

Hello, Can you use these while they are charging?

[@chrissewell1608]

Michael, can you do a video on determining the proper battery size, needed for operating a person's rig? How to do the math! Yes, MATH! 🤬 As you pointed out , there are various sizes for various needs!

[@gerard6544]

I follow your channel for some time now. Great content! This video rises a question. My experience with my a Rebbel Cel LiPo battery 50Ah is that the optimal voltage for my 891 (13,8V) is not met. Fully charged it gives 12,4V and with a little use its base voltage goes to 12,1 volt. On full power the 891 shows dimming of the display light on Tx. I could of go for lower Tx power but I solved the problem by using a powers stabiliser form 8-17 to 13,8 volt. These stabilizers are normally used for charging battery from a solar. Now the problem seems to be solved. Do you have the same experience with your 891?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm not familiar with that brand of battery, but a fully charged LiFePO4 battery should have a nominal voltage of about 13.4 and should stay within a few tenths of that under load. it wouldn't drop to 12.1 unless the battery is almost entirely depleted. My only thought would be if a cell or two is bad. These batteries are constructed out of multiple smaller cells that are connected in series and parallel to create banks of cells. If one cell is bad, it can cause the entire bank of cells to not provide power, reducing your voltage.

[@gerard6544]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Your reaction made me think. Was I sold a faulty battery? I run it for 4 years now in my canoe and only the last half year on the 891. I looked is up and No, according to the manual all is within specs 9-12,4V. I bought the battery originally with the electro motor of my canoe so it might be the intend purpose or American batteries have other specification that suit the hobby better??

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That battery may not be a true Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, or uses some other chemistry if the floating voltage is 12.4v. That's more in line with what a lead acid AGM battery would produce.

[@jasony.2001]

Thanks for posting another great video! For that 20ah battery, at 50w ssb phone, do you have an estimate of how many actual hours of use you get?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Strictly 50w phone, the 20ah battery should last 5-6 hours.

[@jasony.2001]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you!

[@Andrew-yx7sf]

I just ordered the 20AH , charger and meter. I need something to get me out of my truck for POTA. 73 N1XXU

[@debsmith4741]

Can you please show what wires you need that come off the batteries and hook to the radio?

[@globetrottermike3262]

Hi Mike, quick question , i like to run my ft 891 with cha tdl on pota, i can get a 12v 18 amp Lithium Battery for 140 $ CAD or 12v 30 Amp Lithium Battery for 300 $ CAD, you think the 12/18 can run the ft 891, if i decrease the hf out to ~ 75-80 watt out put ? Voice only . thanks

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Since SSB is not a full duty cycle mode, you will seldom draw the full 20 amps when transmitting it at 100 watts. An 18 ah battery will manage 100 watts transmit for about a couple hours or so. Reducing your transmit power will increase your battery life. For example, I transmit SSB at 50 watts, and with my 20 ah battery I can get about 5-6 hours out of it. In that time period I'll make well over 300 contacts, so that is a pretty high utilization rate.

[@jarrettmaryframe2278]

What battery do you use to power your camper? I have a camper also and we go off grid a lot. I am using a large deep-cycle RV battery, but I am always looking for better alternatives.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm using a 100ah LiFePO4 battery for the camper. The brand is Weize and this is the 2nd season I've used it. I couldn't find the exact battery online, but I choose that model because Wil Prose gave it a decent review when he did a teardown and it had a built in low temp cutoff sensor, which is important to me for late fall camping. My recommendation if you are switching to LiFePO4 is to buy the biggest battery you can afford. Or if you are looking a multiple batteries, make sure the BMS allows for parallel connection (not all batteries do, and you have to stay within the same brand and size in order for the BMS to communicate with each other). I found an older video on my setup, I think I may update it, though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6Oqg5dmaLSsZtk

[@jbplanner]

How about using power station like a Bluetti EB55 which only draws out 12v 10Amp? Does it suitable for operating FT8 15-20watt with Yaesu FT891?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The issue I have with power stations is that the accessory port (cigarette lighter) is regulated at 12v and 10 amps. It's a hard limit and the transceiver will shut down if you draw more current. The transceiver works best at 13.8 v +/- 15%. If the voltage also dips below that threshold, the transceiver will shut down. With the FT-891, I've found that I can't go more than 40 watts SSB using a power station. 15-20 watts FT8 may be possible as long as the Bluetti can deliver a consistent 12 volts.

[@wild-radio7373]

🥰👍

[@davidbinkowski4825]

Michael, holy cow. Let's talk trailer for a moment. That looks like something I googled called A "Diamond in the Rough" by Teardrop Trailers, Inc. Is that diamond plate all over it from front to back, or does the top of the trailer just appear to be? How do you like it so far?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The trailer is a TC Teardrops 5x8 camping trailer. www.tcteardrops.com/. It has aluminum skinned sides and a aluminum diamond plate top. If you dig through my Parks on the Air playlist, you can see more of the trailer, otherwise the manufacturer website will show you more pictures of their product.

[@txfotog]

I'm new to batteries in the hobby. I bought the same EcoWorthy 20Ah Lipo4 battery that you run. Do you have any tips on storing the battery when not in use. Should I store it fully charged, etc. and how do you keep it safe from metal objects making contact with the terminals? Thanks in advance. Michael-WA5AZQ

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

For short term storage, you can fully charge the battery and let it sit. The discharge rate for these batteries is extremely slow. If they are going to not be used for a few months or so, then the common recommendation is to charge to 75% and then put away. You can then fully charge them prior to use. As for the terminals, I usually put some electrical tape on them to protect from contact. I removed the tape prior to the video. You can see the large battery taped at 03:09

[@chrissewell1608]

I agree with Michael's comment. If you want a Box, you can get an actual battery box for marine batteries. But they are large. You could probably make due with a plastic ammo can. They are waterproof, and 1/4 of the size. Even a large Tuperware container would work. LifePo4 batteries don't require ventalation like a Lead Acid batteries do.

[@wa5azqhamradio]

Thanks so much for the info Michael! 73!

[@tlebryk]

Bioenno is now insanely expensive. I am wanting field reports of Redodo Mini 100ah or their 50ah Pro.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I've found that Will Prowse' teardown videos of cheap LiFePO4 batteries indispensable when shopping for one.

[@tlebryk]

@@KB9VBRAntennas OK, will do.

[@richsilvasatx]

How safe are the lithium batteries for home (indoor) use? I understand if on fire, very dificult to extinguish. Thank you.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

There are different lithium battery chemistries and some are safer than others. Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO4 has been proven to be very safe and it has been found that it takes a lot of overcharging, coupled with a faulty Battery Management System, in order to get them to heat up and swell.

[@lawrencemilks9228]

K8skp make a video on your camper setup

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I did a tour of my trailer a couple years ago. I do talk about a little about the solar, but maybe it's time to make another one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV6ac4GYe5eDr6s

[@M6GXG]

What amp charger would i get if i get the 30 amp version of the eco worthy

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I think there is a formula to help you decide, but my general rule is to pick a charger that's 1/2 to 1/5 the capacity of the battery. I'd go with a 10 amp charger for a battery that size.

[@M6GXG]

@KB9VBRAntennas thank you and thanks for doing these good videos

[@jerryKB2GCG]

I have a qrp radio that needs 12V , lifepo puts out about 13.2V, want suggestions ?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Most transceivers will work +/- 15% of their recommended voltage. Check the specs for your radio to see what range it desires for an input voltage.

[@jerryKB2GCG]

@@KB9VBRAntennas the QRP Labs QDX will not, effectively. increased voltage from 9V to 12V. Decreases Output power from 5W to 3.6-4W depending on band. Additional voltage will me at a QQQRP radio 😀

[@mardygulbrandson803]

Do you use a fuse on the posituve side? KF0HZN

[@davewhite7679]

For short circuit safety protection, fusing batteries as close to the source as possible is important. I always put an in-line fuse in the positive lead of that short Anderson power pole battery cable. KZ9V

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I have fuses on the positive side of all my power cables.

[@davewhite7679]

If you ever plan to travel by air, keep in mind that the current TSA and airline regulations limit LifePo4 battery size to 160 watt-hour (12 amp-hour) maximum, and just 2 of those which must be in your carry-on bag. KZ9V

[@jerryKB2GCG]

Doesn’t that come out to 11 AH? I brought 9Ah batteries last trip in a plane just in case

[@davewhite7679]

@@jerryKB2GCG Technically, 13.8 volts x 12 amp-hours does equal 165.6 watt-hours, but these are generally considered 12-volt batteries, so I've never had a TSA issue with a 12 amp-hour battery pack in my carry-on. KZ9V

[@moparman8254]

BUT THE COSTS OF A LiFePO4 Battery verse a lead acid or a agm onei can buy many flooded lead acid/AGM over 1 LiFePO4 Battery

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

A 30ah sealed lead acid AGM is roughly $75. I've seen 20ah LiFePO batteries sell as low at $70. SLA batteries can only be safely discharged to 50% of their capacity, so a 20ah LiFePO4 battery will have a longer life than a 30ah SLA battery. Another added benefit is that SLA batteries are good for about 300 charge cycles while a LiFePO4 battery will last for over 3000 charge cycles. The initial cost may the same or slightly higher, but the long term ownership is much lower.

[@turtlecreek4633]

73, w3rrm

[@K5LXP]

The comment about discharging lead acid below 50% will cause damage is FALSE. You will find no such information in manufacturer data sheets. If your equipment can operate at the terminal voltage the battery supplies, lead acid can be discharged many hundreds of times to 0%. This represents years of operation for a typical ham doing field operations. There's no denying the performance advantage of lithium but lead acid can still have a place for portable operation. Mark K5LXP

[@DutchCleveland]

In the first few seconds how did you NOT get shocked when you put both hands on the terminals?????? I've always been super careful with that???? That 20ah battery is 55 dollars on Amazon right now. 73 de NA8Y.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That battery is deader than dead. I should return it for the core refund, but I keep it around as a prop.

[@WN8HGZ]

Very good info de wb8idy

[@jozefbezan2501]

Danke,für das tolle Videu .Dies sind Informationen,die ich benötigen.73,de Jozef OE1CJG.😊😊😊