Parallel batteries | off-grid ham shack

[@OH8STN]

Hello Operators. Easy tutorial today. This time, we're learning how to connect two 12-volt batteries in parallel. We do this to increase the capacity of our solar storage, using two identical batteries. This video was made possible by @powerqueenbattery 73 Julian #oh8stn Share video url: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6qtqoCMdtqlfrs Related post: oh8stn.org/blog/2023/12/21/building-an-off-grid-solar-powered-ham-shack/

[@TimR1099]

Julian, glad you’re back on your feet. Thanks for the easily followed video and the clear dos and don’ts. Keep up the good work. 73s. Tim, KO4EZG

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Tim. It's been a tough road. On the bright side, the days are getting longer again. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@toddschutter6535]

Great stuff as always Julian, and very timely. This subject came up last night with some newer Amateurs. I've shared this with them this morning. Thanks for all you do!

[@dougdaniels]

Thanks for showing not only the "how" to do something like this, but also the "why" you do it that way. Double the learning 👍

[@norrinradd8952]

Solid information that should help anyone searching YT for battery tips. I also try to pair up batteries with a matching batch/date code. Glad you're feeling well enough to share your wisdom. Thank you.

[@BenButler1]

Looks great Julian! How much of a voltage difference is allowable? Yours were showing 1/2vdc difference. What would be the maximum difference allowable? Thx, de Kx4tq

[@OH8STN]

Half volt would absolutely be the maximum. A few tenths of volt is more realistic.

[@rjy8960]

Glad you are feeling better Julian!

[@Swamp-Fox]

I am really enjoying this off-grid ham radio station series! Glad to hear you are feeling better. Happy New Year Julian!

[@halledwardb]

This will be great for new hams! Nice job on the tutorial!

[@neubert500]

Excellent basic video!

[@DonzLockz]

Long time no see. Glad you are feeling well again and back to tinkering, Julian.👍🤠

[@amham48]

Too basic for this channel...feel better soon!

[@OH8STN]

Agreed. I just needed to document the upgrade. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@ON3RVH]

Nice video, but I'm wondering why you use separate cables for charge & discharge I wire them all to a multi fuse harness so that charge controllers and the discharge all go through a separate fuse, but in the same panel. (I use ANL fuses as they can handle higher currents but also have low current fuses in ANL format)

[@OH8STN]

Only because the system is still in development. Ultimately I'll discharge and charge through the same massive wires. It's just easier to do it this way, while i'm still sorting out the charge controllers. Great question, 73 Julian oh8stn

[@LordTimelord]

Just getting caught up on your videos. I didn't know that you were sick and missed out on work! Boost headed your way! 💸 73, Mark, N2XDO

[@MTimWeaver]

I didn't know you were ill...but glad to see you're on the mend. Thanks for all you do!

[@RobB_VK6ES]

The batteries will always charge and discharge to the same voltage through the parallel strapping, there is little point in wiring neg to one battery and pos to the other. Indeed it is impossible to follow your recommended wiring for 3 or more batteries in parallel. It is also fine to have batteries having the same chemistry but of different capacities for parallel connections since again each battery will charge and discharge to the same voltage. It is series connected batteries that must be of equal capacity.

[@ON3RVH]

It is advised to wire pos and neg to the first and last battery in the parallel chain. Yes, charge/discharge will go through the parallel wiring, but there is a substantial difference if you wire both pos and neg on the same battery and the difference will build over time That is also why in higher amperage solar installations batteries are wired e.g. pos on the first battery and neg on the last one.

[@JeffSkymaster]

Thanks Julian 73 KJ7JYJ