DIY LiFePO4 Solar Generator for Portable Ham Radio

[@thequarantinecatholic]

I just love that tag "Stick with me and Ill teach you what I know." You just rock!!!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Excellent presentation! I love your setups! I want em all! I have too many projects going on! Building my rig, a 99 Jeep Cherokee XJ, I'm also setting up a solar rig for running my Ham Shack and emergency backup for my oxygen machine and CPAP machine! I'm getting ready to order my first batch of batteries! I've decided to start with a larger 280ah 12V cells in battery boxes. Going to build 2 and start at 24V. I bought a 2500w inverter, 24/13.8V 20A step down transformer. This way seems best for my needs. Serves me immediately. I can pull one for trolling motor use or camping. I am going to build a 3.2V 100AH X 16@ 51.2V and design my own case with the intention of a rack of 6 for the house system and a larger 48V all in one inverter. I am also planning on building 2 of each of your smaller battery packs for portable ops. Julian, I love your channel but Dad gone it, it's expensive trying to keep up with you !!!😂 Semper Fi!

[@demetriospulas4078]

K4BSA Demi BINGO!!! This single video presents what the backpacking portable operator (especially QRP POTA/SOTA operator)need to consider and plan into their operations plan to have a successful outing. Invirtually all resoectsI have copied Julian"s set-up with a FT817 (f0or minimal backpacking weight) or IC 705, if I am not backpacking; Chameleon Mpas 2,o or Leffs oe OFF dipole: Bioennno batteries, : Powerfilm 60 watt and Lightsaver Max 30 watt panels: Genasun 5v MMPT controller; and Powerwerx power distribution strip; and finally a Microsoft Surface Go 3 for digital commo. It all works fantastically. Thanks to Julian for educating us to be better operator off-grid in the field

[@thatkajunguy8029]

Saw your post at the S2 Underground, still enjoying your videos

[@haroldskinner1783]

Appreciate the content very much, will watch and rewatch this series.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Harold. Sometimes there's almost a feeling of cheating on traditional ham radio. So many changes an operating style and equipment used, it's almost unrecognizable from just a few years ago. Thanks for watching, and the kindness. It's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@AD6DMDennis]

Great series so far. You really got the setup dialed in and well-rehearsed, and I think lots of people will reference these vids for their own field gear.

[@JamesKC3OXN]

Thanks Julian, for the insights. I wish you were putting out more content because I'm addicted to this stuff right now. I'm in the process of developing a network of hams for what I'm calling EM4P "EmComm for Preparedness". It's very difficult to get information that isn't the EmComm associated with public service i.e., ARES/RACES, etc. The ARRL seems to have captured the emcomm market and hasn't left much for those of us that are concerned with personal preparedness and dealing with SHTF situations. I'm not against someone volunteering for public service, of course, but I want to form networks that are separate from any public or commercial enterprises, as I'm certain if things got bad enough, we couldn't expect to rely on anyone but our people. Perhaps you could make a video that touches on this subject a bit deeper than you have already. I trust your thinking on these matters. 73 KC3OXN

[@jaredrobbins4440]

I’ve been on a two-day fascination binge of (yours and others’) Ham and Pi off grid solutions, so seeing this was posted just 2 hrs. ago really threw me off guard! I really enjoy your content, and you’re a top-3 yearly YT Channel sub for me, sir! From a dude whose family ex-patted from Finland to USA haha

[@billlamm4688]

I am so close to a complete solar go kit.. inspired by your videos.. I have a small, medium and large batt pack (battery hookup rocks). charge controller and a couple of panels.. just need to finish some go box details..

[@jakep5121]

I've been using solar panels for years now to charge dead batteries in the field. (Literally, I'm talking my back yard and tractor batteries) and never thought to hook up the battery to the CC 1st. that makes so much sense. thanks!

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome Jake. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@matthewbengel7088]

@@OH8STN I have always understood this to be the case as well. Interestingly, however, I was surprised to see the manual for the Genasun GV-10 (purchased June 2022) recommends connecting the CC to the panel first. The manual states, “While connecting the battery first will not damage the GV-10, we recommend connecting the panel first. This eliminates the risk of short-circuiting the panel while the GV-10 is operating, which can cause damage.”

[@mikemiles3068]

I enjoy your videos very much, I have been doing this type of Ham radio operation for many years now and learn something new almost every day. Thank you for your great video 73 KV5P

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching and sharing your story. Yeah field radio is something which we must all experience. It's like trying to describe the roller coaster ride with words. :-) thanks again. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@donaldsmith3048]

Thanks for the information. I need to watch it again to soak up more of the information you give. There is a lot of information to understand.

[@JohnTarbox]

I realize many are simply looking to buy off-the-shelf components, but I, for one, would like to see a DIY power controller presented as an option.

[@OH8STN]

There's lots of circuit diagrams for charge controllers. Although interesting for me as well, the situation with my eyes really prevents me from doing that kind of work anymore.

[@MrDoccodyblue]

Great! I am working on making my Kiwi SDR receiver completely solar powered. So this series is of huge interest for me! 73, Andy / DG7LAN

[@OH8STN]

Ah thank you for watching andy. What's your budget for the solar power aspect of your SDR project? I ask because I think of doing a video on this topic as well. Thanks for the comment and kindness. Much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@MrDoccodyblue]

@@OH8STN Hey Julian, I don't really stick do a budget here. I already have a KiwiSDR, added Wifi and also have 2x 6Ah 12V batteries. My main concern right now is to find a solar controller with low RF noise emission. I also run one of the Victrons on my boat which is great with gathering statistic data and has a great overall performance but is maybe overkill for charging 12Ah batteries and could need some tweaking RFI wise :) I will keep you posted if you like. Also if you want any technical details. Too much information for a youtube comment ;) 73s, Andy, DG7LAN

[@OH8STN]

RR. I'm using the gv5mod for project integration. There's no statistics, but it's a single board PCB which is practically flat. It's about a hundred euros from Genasun dot eu.

[@MrDoccodyblue]

@@OH8STN Great, I will look into that. I could easily measure voltage and current with the Raspberry so having statistics in the controller isn't a "must have". Did you measure the gv5 RFI wise?

[@sk8crk]

another great informational video

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching martin. Much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

I've been very pleased with NOS panels I found

[@46camper50]

I have a 20watt radio. It’s very small what I want to do is have light way to power it. It’s a GMRS radio. I know I can build a simple ammo can for it . I just want something I can power it with and not under power it . I also want to be able to use it on the move . Similar to the HYS radio. I was thinking of a 12 volt power pack that has a cigarette lighter socket. Thin and light compared to the ammo can style

[@OH8STN]

Watch this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5iudmt5lLtkj5I

[@OH8STN]

Here's a playlist for you. Solar Power your Portable Ham Radio How to: kzbin.info/aero/PLKMrdrsNkFA685wIKs32CcO9l7vM0V-SH

[@dougdaniels]

Thanks for another great segment in this series. I was wondering if you could do a review of solar panels with respect to quality/efficiency, cost and weight values for these projects. For instance, the Powerfilm 60w foldable (3.2#) is $900 while the 40w Bioenno (3.97#) is only $125. It's 50% more power at about 25% less weight, but 7x the cost. I never want to trade value for price, but some of us need to get the best system we can afford. 👍

[@OH8STN]

It's a good question and the great point. It's quite much work to feature the budget panels on the channel. As the risk is so low, I wonder if a community approach would be better. If the community buys them, tests them, then shares their results, I would be willing to share those results on the blog or Channel. This Channel won't have to purchase all of these panels, pay the shipping, the import tax... for something I'd probably never use again. It's brilliant idea but something I'd prefer to do as a community, rather than the channel using all of its resources and taking all the risk alone. Does this make sense?

[@dougdaniels]

@@OH8STN Absolutely makes sense. I wasn't sure, with your network of technical Hams, if you'd be able to source the different gear among them for analysis. On a similar note, I'm looking to get a Buddipole Powermini2 as soon as they are available again. I am currently using the Bionenno solar charge controller, and would be happy to share my comparisons. TU et 73.

[@OH8STN]

@@dougdaniels sticking to solar panels as your first mentioned. All of the budget panels are rebranded panels from china. It doesn't matter if it's Bioenno, Goal Zero, Jackery, Bluetti, Ecoflow, ... They are all usually made in China. The best advice I can give regarding the budget panels, is pick a brand, read the reviews, then find the best deal. Just avoid the completely unbranded Fly by Night panels. I particularly like Renogy as an option, and will show them on the channel during the autumn. If you'd like to understand how to compare other panels to powerfilm, here's a post I wrote explaining Powerfilm panels specifications, manufacturing and certifications. Once you read that you will understand why the military uses them. oh8stn.org/blog/2021/06/24/powerfilm-solar-foldable-vs-rollable-solar-panels-and-others/ If you don't need a backpack portable solar panel, please check out Renogy.

[@HamRadioPortableOperations]

Looking forward to more in the series on this Julian. Its really helpful and useful stuff. I know I have seen you using the Buddipole PowerMini charge controller, I have been looking at the PowerMini 2 depending when and if I can get my hands on one seems to be out of stock everywhere. Thanks 73.

[@davidgonzales6910]

Thanks Julian. Your videos are always informative and on point. I have been looking to Solar charging for a bit and your information is very helpful.

[@3asyrider75]

Great video. Clear and easy to understand. I am new to Ham and looking for off grid solutions for Emergency, POTA and possible SOTa (when I get back in shape). I will be getting a Ft 891 To start and eventually a QRP for portability and efficiency.

[@yv6eda]

Great content Julian, as usual!

[@W0BNC]

I always connect the battery to the charge controller first, I've always found it interesting that Genasun says to connect the panel first in the manual for the GV-10.

[@janiceemery2008]

OH8STN, why did you choose MPPT over an PWM?

[@OH8STN]

Pwm charge controllers are noisy. They put RF hash all over HF Spectrum making it difficult to accomplish weak signal work. Moreover mppt is constantly searching for the maximum power point of your solar panel configuration, making the best use of the energy coming in.

[@janiceemery2008]

@@OH8STN Thank you so very much for answering that question. A little confusing for a beginner. Thank You KO4UWU

[@JulietNovember9]

Great video. I had no idea about the order of connections with PV panel and battery and charge controller. Really enjoy the series. High yield stuff that gets to the meat of things

[@danskibo]

Awesome stuff! Thank you!

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome Dan, thanks for watching. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@patriotpreppermama]

What are your thoughts on small portable power stations? They're not necessarily the lightest but how do they perform in a grab and go situation?

[@OH8STN]

You'll have to be a little bit more specific. When you say small portable power station, what capacity and to power what? I generally have multiple power stations. Some of them are pocket size, others are larger. Each of them has a unique purpose like powering a radio or Keeping the refrigerator going in a grid down. The one thing I've learned on this topic is there is no such thing as a 1 size fits all. If we get it wrong,l we can end up leaving them behind Because they're too large.

[@patriotpreppermama]

@@OH8STN I should have rephrased that, I was thinking of buying a small 600 watt portable power station and wasn't sure if there was RF feedback associated with such units.

[@OH8STN]

@patriotpreppermama indeed there is on the AC side. I have the Ecoflow River 2 Max.: On AC Power there is noise. The DC outputs are silent . Iuse the DC outputs for Radio. use the AC o utput's only in Emergency. Hope this helps.

[@patriotpreppermama]

@@OH8STN thank you, appreciate you!

[@sk8crk]

I have a couple extra Victron 75|15 laying around from upgrades, are they radio friendly?

[@OH8STN]

So far it seems like it. I've got a video planned running High current from solar panels into that charge controller while connected to an HF radio. We'll see how quiet they really are 👍

[@cojim]

Just a suggestion to simplify all the different connections between components in a portable power pack: use different color PowerPole connectors based on function. For instance, I use yellow/black PowerPoles for solar panel to charge controller wiring, lavender/black Powerpoles on the charge controller to battery wiring; and orange/black Powerpoles on the battery to the power distribution bus. All connections from the distribution bus to the radio and other 12 VDC accessories use the typical red/black Powerpoles. Note that my portable operations are typically not "camping" portable but mostly RV portable at remote sites without the typical utility connections. Mine consists of a 20 Ah LifePO4 battery with an MPPT charge controller, plus various PowerPole, USB, and a 12 VDC accessory socket. I also have a battery status meter that shows state of charge (percentage), amps remaining, and battery voltage. My rigs include an Icom IC-703 for QRP operation and an Icom IC-7200 for QRO operation--the latter is the primary reason for the larger capacity battery.

[@Subgunman]

Color coding connectors is a great idea, I have been using white/black for my solar panel to controller connection. Red/black stacked top bottom for battery to controller and standard config for power to equipment hook up.

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

Bought a charge controller and ht from gigaparts, they came in yesterday.

[@GnoticPasta]

Great video and series. I just recently got into qrp (have the x6100) and this gives me a lot of ideas on how to extend my field time.

[@OH8STN]

Great to hear! This pack was tested with the x6100, x5105, FT-818, G90 and IC-705. It is nice having a bettery pack which isn't larger than the radio. Thanks for watching adn reaching out. Much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@thatswhatshesaid1]

Just curious about your black tent and stove, what's the make of the tent? I live in alaska and would love to have something like that for a shack. A friend of mine uses the heat reflective quick deploy ice fishing structures, but they don't seem to pack down all that small. Thanks, loved the video

[@OH8STN]

Try this page oh8stn.org/shelter-system/ 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Subgunman]

Thanks for another great and informative video! Unfortunately my "portable rig" an SGC2020 is way off spec for a really efficient field radio so I am stuck with it for now with a larger battery pack. Back to the states next year to upgrade equipment. 73 from SV9 land !

[@janiceemery2008]

Thank you so very much for sharing. Being able to go portable with my radio is something I would like to do. So, watching your channel has been very helpful. I don't necessary need it to be pocket size but, I want to be able to pack up and if I have to go, I would like to have my radio gear ready in case. I want to be prepared for off grid radio. I guess the first question to ask myself is what type of communication do I want to do portable, which would dictate power level on my radio. If this is not the start please advise. Thank you again for sharing this video. KO4UWU.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the kindness, commenting and watching. You are exactly on track. Understanding what type of communications and with whom you'd like to communicate is the first step. Answering this question will lead you in the direction towards all the others questions which follow. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@mrwiik644]

did you find out how too fix the noise from the victron mppt?

[@OH8STN]

Not yet but still working on it. At the moment I'm using Genasun which is practically noise-free.

[@mrwiik644]

@@OH8STN thanks for replying. Will be interesting what it could be. Have you reached out to victron, maybe they have a clue 😀

[@OH8STN]

Yeah, but no useful feedback.

[@phildurall7466]

Thoroughness is appreciated Julian! Key to helping make informed decisions for survival! Tnx - 73 - KF6IF

[@hicksdp]

Excellent info as usual.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 73 Julian oh8stn

[@johannesmiller1849]

Julian, could you pls. provide some details how you wire up the Genasun GV-5 Mod? Thank you very much in advance! 73, Jo - DL1JRM

[@OH8STN]

The wiring diagram is printed right on the controller. Perhaps I could make a pan out Diagram if that make it easier. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@johannesmiller1849]

@@OH8STN Thanks for your prompt reply. I wonder if you are using a ribbon cable adapter? 73, DL1JRM

[@johannesmiller1849]

@@OH8STN Excellent videos by the way!!! I cannot wait to see Part II of your interview with DL4KA on the DIY599 BAT500!

[@johannesmiller1849]

Hello Julian, I‘d still love to know, how you wired up the GV-5 Mod. And which connectors did you use? Would be great if you could somehow provide more info. Excellent video(s)! Jo, DL1JRM

[@johannesmiller1849]

Maybe you could just add a link to a suitable connector to the description? 73 - Jo, DL1JRM

[@chrissewell1608]

I need to do some amperage draw tests on my small Vhf / Uhf Go-Box equipment. In hopes my small 30 watt, folding solar panel may run the rig, & laptop? and provide extra to charge my battery. Can you offer any advice?

[@OH8STN]

Well it's easy to measure the VHF UHF gear. You just need an inline voltage wattage current meter. Your laptop might be a little bit more complicated. If you have a 19 volt laptop how do you get power to it when you're out in the field? I always recommend field radio operators use laptops with USB C power delivery Thunderbolt 3 charging. Then we can simply use a cigarette lighter adapter for USB C power delivery from our battery pack, to the USB C port on the laptop. If you have a 19 volt laptop and you're using an inverter or something like that, you'll have to measure it between the battery and inverter to see how much the laptop and it's power system are using.

[@OH8STN]

Take a look at this picture I made for you Chris. I have my Microsoft Surface, IC 705, pa500 amplifier all connected to the load port on my victron 75/15 charge controller. On the bottom left of that picture you see the incoming solar power. At this time of day there's nothing coming in. In the middle picture you see the battery status, and on the bottom right picture you see the load of all the components connected to the battery. Total load on RX 0.4A oh8stn.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/wp-16605822729675177003249880953999-scaled.jpg

[@chrissewell1608]

@@OH8STN I recently purchased a small & light weight laptop computer, The Evolve Mestro III. It is on Sale for $60.00 (U.S.), runs a full version of Windows 10, and runs on 12 VDC. The memory is a bit small, but it works for most Ham Radio programs. All cheaper than building a Raspberry Pi computer.

[@OH8STN]

Excellent. I also have one of those incoming. Since it runs on 12 volts, you can power it just like you power one of your radios.

[@chrissewell1608]

@@OH8STN YES! It will run / charge from a field battery. As for the Laptop: I wanted one with cellular service, but they were not available when I went to the "Micro Center" computer store. So, WiFi only! And I am pretty sure that it does NOT have the ability to add another Sata SDD card for extra memory. Which the earlier models could do. But, I have not opened up the back yet, to verify that. I simply added a 250 GB. - Micro Flash Card, for tons of extra memory. Which I have loaded the Ham Radio stuff on it. I like it!

[@OH8STN]

Today we are discussing pocket-sized solar power generators for FAST field comms. video URL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpi0ZKBsp999odE There is also episode notes as a PDF version (no images), small enough to share over a Winlink or VaraAC P2P connection or file transfer: Pocket Portable Solar Gen for Ham Radio PDF Traditional episode motes on my blog (with images) oh8stn.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Pocket_Solar_Generator_for_portable_ham_radio..pdf oh8stn.org/blog/2022/08/10/pocket-portable-solar-generator-for-ham-radio/ 73 Julian oh8stn

[@CucamongaGuy]

Great content!

[@OH8STN]

🙏

[@billbolen8115]

Always great and informative.

[@tunnelrabbit2625]

Wish I could afford all that great equipment, but there are competing priorities, so one can only do what they can on a tight budget. There could be interest in getting it done on the 'cheap' .

[@DalenKruse]

Great videos, Julian. You briefly mentioned using an efficient PA for QRO operations. Do you have any experience with the Hardrock-50 amp? I'm curious how it would fit into your operating paradigm.

[@OH8STN]

The Hard Rock 50 is an amazing amplifier. The only reason I didn't choose that one, was its weight. It's more of an amplifier meant for the desktop when using a qrp radio at home. The PA 500 in contrast, is an amplifier meant for the field. So I absolutely love the Hard Rock 50 as a home amplifier. Hope this helps. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@DalenKruse]

@@OH8STN Thanks for the quick reply! It helps greatly. It's too bad that the PA500 is difficult to obtain.

[@perojunak6949]

Your videos are always informative and relaxing to watch. Great job as always! W8BBM

[@prepcommsuk]

Julian you should be doing professional voiceovers. Enjoying the videos. 73 de G7BHE

[@OH8STN]

Perhaps I should do some audiobooks on radio preparedness!? Always good to see you in my comments. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@nathanwilson5433]

This is outstanding content! Please keep it up!

[@OH8STN]

Working on another one as we speak. Thanks for the kindness👍 73 Julian oh8stn

[@quasarpulsarspark]

From where I can get the power amplifier you mentioned in this video ? YO3IOJ

[@OH8STN]

From Oliver DL4KA at www.diy599.com/ . Just send him an email and he'll tell you what to do. There's little or no wait list here in europe. 👍

[@The3DPrintingWarrant]

GREAT VIDEO!

[@milwman1958]

Nice I have have a 15AH &100 AH for my camper. At some point I will be 100% off line when camping. What do you do when mid winter and sun is Low and not up long? KF0HRF

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the comment. December and January are a problem. If it's windy, my wind turbine can recharge the batteries but not always. I'm thinking of building a small DC generator which runs on alcohol to act as a fast charger for those times when I need a quick top up. DC generator because it won't create a lot of noise in my radio equipment. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@halledwardb]

Love your videos. Always great! Thanks

[@OH8STN]

Thank you. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@GordLamb]

I really wish Genasun would bring out a weather sealed MPPT controller for powerpole/XT60 connectors instead of screw terminals, and an LCD display. I'd buy a Buddipole Powermini but they've been out of stock forever now. :(

[@OH8STN]

Agreed

[@jamesa4958]

Thank you

[@J1mbo888]

Very interesting as always Julian. Top Video 🙂

[@paulocesardesousa6984]

Great vídeo Bro! PU2TEW, 73's from Brazil.

[@barryballbag2361]

Great video many thanks

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome Barry. Thanks for watching and commenting, it's greatly appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@barryballbag2361]

@@OH8STN No worries from vk7 Tasmania Australia

[@aaronm9478]

These are great videos! Those solar panels are definitely something you only want to have to purchase once ($$$). LoL!

[@brucelasley1244]

Julian, have you given any thought to QRP Labs QDX digital transceiver? Very small and light, only digital modes.

[@OH8STN]

I have and would pick up a kit. Unfortunately my eye disease makes kit building more frustrating than fun these days. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@brucelasley1244]

@@OH8STN Sorry to hear that.

[@3asyrider75]

You packed this all on a motorcycle? 😲

[@OH8STN]

It's actually a bicycle (ebike) oh8stn.org/blog/2022/06/17/fat-bike-portable-ops/

[@3asyrider75]

@@OH8STN I commented before finishing video. Very cool charging the bike with solar blanket.

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice..........

[@Locksnut]

👍 👍!

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Why don’t just use a portable power station with 110v outlet?????????!!

[@OH8STN]

First noise from the inverter into the radio. Secondly the radio operates on 12 volts DC, not 110 AC. Finally a portable power station is simply too heavy.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

@@OH8STN the small ones like Westinghouse igen 200 are not to heavy … and thanks for answering my question 🙋‍♀️

[@spaceshipdev]

Power film 60 watts, $859.00 !!! Er, yehhhh Naaaaaaaa

[@3asyrider75]

I can see it’s made in USA but way too expensive. I don’t want to buy fake Chinese junk, but something in between for my burget.

[@OH8STN]

What are you talking about? Battery pack, charge controller, solar panel?

[@3asyrider75]

@@OH8STN Solar Panel.

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

Great video!!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Ammed. Hoping this reply finds you well. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@billbolen8115]

Always great and informative.