PowerFilm Lightsaver Max | OH8STN Ham Radio

Hello Operators.
Today we are taking about portable power for man portable QRP ham radio. For some time now, I have been testing the PowerFilm Lightsaver Max with a variety of popular portable QRP radios. Often what these portable ham radios are lacking, is a lightweight and reliable portable power supply, which is easy to use, and airplane friendly.
The PowerFilm Lightsaver Max is a Hybrid Solar panel and power bank, with built-in 60wh lithium ion battery pack. This is perfect for radios like the Elecraft KX2, KX3, Yaesu FT-817, FT-818, Xiegu G90, X5105, Lab599 Discovery TX-500, and QRPVer Minion.
Make sure to watch the video to the end. There is going to be a sneak peek QRP QSO on SSB, using the Lab599 Discovery TX-500 with the Lightsaver Max.
73
Julian #oh8stn
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PowerFilm Lightsaver Max: www.powerfilmsolar.com/produc...
Lightsaver Max user manual: www.powerfilmsolar.com/media/...
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[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

An all in one solar powered energy source for QRP that can be daisy chained. I guess we have finally arrived somewhere in the future.

[@OH8STN]

I think so too. With Innovations like this, things can only get better.

[@99corncob]

I note that over the relatively short time I have been following you -- a year or two -- the amount of kit that you are taking on your expeditions is smaller and includes far fewer things that you needed to make for yourself. This is a clear message that manufacturers are watching your videos and paying attention to the input they are receiving from you and other real operators. Congratulations.

[@CleanRunShooting]

You’ve got a straight up conspiracy theory or true crime documentary voice.

[@OH8STN]

Okay I think I'm going to have to upgrade the microphone 😂🙏

[@Joetechlincolns]

On the next, Unsolved Mysteries. Lol

[@mdouble100]

This is an excellent review of the Light Saber Max. I like the idea of having an internal battery and solar panel combined in one unit. The Power Film folks were very clever in adding the ability to daisy chain two panels togther for additional wattage. All in all this product looks like a winner for QRP portable operations.

[@OH8STN]

Well said 👍

[@13flyfisherman]

Outstanding! This was the type of information that I have been looking for to develop my QRP set up. Thank you for the wonderful video.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Thank you for putting together such excellent videos. The question of power supply seems like portable hams are constantly asking and this seems like really a nice, simple solution.

[@richardiancarpenter534]

Thanks for the video about the field gear and the additional blog post specifically about the Lab599 QRP radio! I like that solar set up. I’m going to add that to my “Wish List” for portable operations.

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@PowerFilmSolarEnergy]

Fantastic video, Julian! We love seeing our products in action. Keep up the great work.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you PowerFilm 🙏 Customer for life!

[@Jeff-jg8kj]

Another great vid showing practical application. Thanks, Julian!

[@OH8STN]

Your comment just made my day :-)

[@bidlokwerve]

Nabbed a Lightsaver Max based on your recommendation a couple of months ago and it has really freed my station. Solid product with an even better review from you. Thanks for all the work capturing and testing it for the community.

[@OH8STN]

Nice to hear about your confidence and ultimately experience with it. Sometimes I wonder if I take too long field testing, before recommending something. With the results of this video, this video could have been published several months ago. Just wanted to be sure. thanks for commenting and for the confidence. It is very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@bidlokwerve]

@@OH8STN No worries at all. Huge fan of your work. One question I do have, do you run Pi 4? Not getting enough amps from USB to USB C cable on the Lightsaver Max's outputs to keep my Pi4 powered. Going to grab a 2-1 USB to USB C cable first before I give up and run a separate battery.

[@scottwood1143]

Looks like a practical, all-in-one solution for portable power. Thanks!

[@OH8STN]

I think so too. I've been testing it for nearly half a year, and I like it. It's a good match for a radio with the low current consumption.

[@jbgreer]

Good lints all around on being aware of input voltage of new radios especially QRP. Thanks for another comprehensive review.

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. Trying to squeeze those details into every video. thanks for the comment and kindness. Much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@jeremy-ketev3028]

Just wanted tell you that I am absolutely loving your channel. I just discovered it about a week ago and have been power watching your videos. I’ve lived off the power grid for the last four years and have just recently started getting into ham radio, so your channel is right up my alley. 👍🏻

[@OH8STN]

Such and awesome comment to wake up to 🙏 Reliable comms and power are the cores of this channel. It's a blessing if someone can get something from it. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@roykilo9642]

well you need to start at the beginning and do all the projects so yer bank account can feel the love also..... one of my Fav Channels also

[@kurtschulmeyer1041]

Great video! The technology is changing all the time. Nice to see things that meet most of our needs.

[@OH8STN]

This is one of those products which didnt have a specific problem to solve. When i read the specs, I thought "Huh!, I can power my 817nd, and take this through airport security". Excellent travel pack for QRP holidays and comms on the go. Manufacturers are just now starting to think about portable power requirements for their rigs. Nobody wants to use a battery 10 times heavier than their radio anymore. Sorry, rambling. thanks for the comment and kindness. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@kevinhartley3456]

Thanks for the video, Julian. I've seriously considered getting Lightsaver Max for when it was too cumbersome to carry my existing Bienno 12V 12AH LiPO4 with 28w Powerfilm rollable and the Powermini on a hike. But was concerned my G90 might draw too much current and it would shorten the life of the Lightsaber Max. Now I have the confidence to try the LightsaverMax after seeing your video. Thanks again & 73 de VE7OVY

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the confidence. I've used the G90 at 18w using js8call for extended QSOs. Max current on G90 was within the Lightsaver Max spec, and in practice worked well. It was my only powersource in this winter deployment video with the G90. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHi4nn2bfKuGZrs 73 Julian oh8stn

[@AnttiKivekas]

Just found your channel. I binge watched EVERYTHING! Really great content💪🏼

[@wild-radio7373]

SAME!♡♡♡

[@kissalive2]

Great video as always. Looks like a great light weight power option for the backpack. Thanks

[@survivalcomms]

I have been using the PF lightsaver for years backpacking and love it . For its weight, form factor, and consumer electronics use it still is the best option for backpack charging IMHO. The PS Lightsaver Max seems to be an awesome solution for so many moderate current radio applications. Once an individual uses a power film product it really is hard to consider other manufacturers. Thanks for sharing !

[@OH8STN]

I remember your video on the Lightsaver. I always imagined you as "old school" so pleasantly surprised when I saw that video. Alway nice to read your comments. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Another nice power source for QRP. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@OH8STN]

No problem. This kind of effort is where the fun is. thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@nxesr]

Very very nice work 👍 thank you for the great detail and explanation awesome 👍

[@cappaculla]

Thank-you for the demonstration Sir.. Very useful !

[@OH8STN]

Thanks you for watching and leaving a comment. It makes it all worth it :) 73 Julian oh8stn

[@7125Mhz]

I absolutely love the tx 500, and that is a perfectly good power solution for portible operations.

[@K5ATA]

Great video... thanks for this, Julian. Down the solar rabbit hole I go...

[@OH8STN]

Thanks! Solar and Battery power is an absolute passion. Lots of us just go buy something off the shelf without really thinking about how it's really going to be integrated into our systems. If we get it wrong it can be frustrating. If you get it really wrong it can be a very expensive mistake. So don't be afraid to go slow. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Liberty4Ever]

I usually like assembling my own power systems from discrete components byr that PowerFilm Lightsaver Max is some pretty sweet kit. The integration seems ideal for portable radio use.

[@rimasmeleshyus9486]

I like it very much ,thanks for sharing

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for watching and leaving comment. It's much appreciated.

[@Robert-jt6eo]

as always great video and informative.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Robert. It's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@paulduncanson9898]

I’ve purchased 2 of these in Thailand and 1 in America from Amazon. They work great as a 13.8 Vdc power or usb power bank it also charges quickly via the usb or 13.8 vdc input. It’s also charges quickly when when supplemented with an external 30 watt panel. But laying flat on the rooftop of my penthouse in Thailand Thailand even for 12 hours over 2 days is only charges to about 40%. But it will beg very convenient to use with a ic-705 and a Raspberry Pi 4.

[@K1QS_Radio]

add that to the bucket list please. Look's like a great product.

[@OH8STN]

This is definitely one of those nice to haves. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@nr3rful]

wonderful, informative and "I want one" ..Thanks

[@OH8STN]

🙏 thank you

[@wv60]

Julian, another outstanding video

[@OH8STN]

Thanks :) 73 Julian oh8stn

[@user-mt2qn4yp8w]

One word, WOW. What a concept. This is great. Thank you. 73 Clark KG7LOI

[@OH8STN]

Glad you liked it! Hoping this triggers some new ways of thinking about lightweight portable power. thanks for watching adn commenting. Much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@phildurall7466]

Nice contact demonstration of remote operation Julian! Now you have inspired me to go hop on my "Fat Bike" and get some exercise! :P 73, phil KF6IF

[@OH8STN]

Exercise never hurts us Phil. The upside is riding a fat bike is pretty magnificent :-)

[@schoocg]

Very awesome!!!!!!

[@brianblanchard5016]

Thanks for all the videos! I'm new to radio and am interested in field operation on HF.

[@OH8STN]

If you're interested in the PowerFilm Lightsaver max for your Icom OC-705, there is a new video up. - Icom IC-705 and PF Lightsaver Max: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anjZpGWfq8hroq8 - Episode notes: oh8stn.org/blog/2021/09/18/icom-ic-705-powerfilm-lightsaver-max/ Thanks for watching. 73 Julian oh8stn Introduction: 00:00 Problem & Solution: 00:57 PF Lightsaver Max 01:15 Benefits of the Lightsaver Max 01:37 Testing with QRP rigs 02:07 Understanding rigs voltage reqs 02:31 No battery, no problem 03:28 Lightsaver Max external overview 03:46 Charging the Lightsaver Max 04:40 Daisy chaining solar panels 06:16 Field test Lab99 Discovery TX-500 07:35 Final thoughts 10:11 Huge thanks and end screen 11:03 73 Julian oh8stn

[@ridgereed8163]

you prolly dont care at all but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an instagram account? I somehow forgot the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@victordiego7791]

@Ridge Reed Instablaster =)

[@ridgereed8163]

@Victor Diego thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@ridgereed8163]

@Victor Diego it worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out !

[@victordiego7791]

@Ridge Reed No problem =)

[@barrykery1175]

Nice video. Well done. But I use a 24 watt solar panel with a small gel cell. My solar panel is compact and folds up. The cost of mine was $69. My gel cell was $14. This package actually carried me through 24 hours of ARRL Field Day with my KX2 Barry, KU3X/QRP

[@OH8STN]

Perhaps there's a real problem with our portable deployment philosophy, if the battery and solar panel weighs more than the qrp radio.

[@barrykery1175]

@@OH8STN I would agree. Size matters when it comes to portable operating. I do like what's shown in the video, it's a neat package. A tad too expensive for me. KU3X

[@karlschwab6437]

Interesting solar panel, I am going to check it out! I see you have a fat tire ebike too! I also have a fat tire ebike, and I love it! 73, de Karl, KO8S

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching and the comment Karl. Yes, the eFat bike is amazing. Perhaps it needs a video of its own :) 73 Julian oh8stn

[@forrestrichardson8891]

Yes please 🙏

[@zanado11]

Nice job. thanks 73 Roger w8rlp

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching Roger. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@roykilo9642]

always quality ... 73

[@OH8STN]

thank you

[@metaller_alex]

Discovery TX-500 seems to be amazing radio ! Small, has waterfall display and less RX draw then Elecraft KX2 !

[@OH8STN]

That's true. You can also use it in the rain or bad weather.

[@TXLorenzo]

Dammit Julian you are going make me spend more money. LOL. IU3JNT

[@OH8STN]

We need to find a money tree 😂

[@TXLorenzo]

@@OH8STN That solar/battery combo would be perfect for my G90 with a backpack.

[@polymath5119]

This could be good for specific use cases, and the small diameter is nicer than the 3" diameter required for the Powerfilm rollup panels. But it seems like waterproof rollup panels and separate DIY battery packs would enable a more modular all weather kit. Thanks for the review.

[@OH8STN]

Yes I agree. The Lightsaver Max solves a different problem, where space and weight are at a premium. We can't replace the rollable panels and diy pack with this Lightsaver Max, just as the rollable and diy pack couldn't be as lightweight and portable as the Lightsaver Max. For example, on a man portable expedition with ham radio. QRP radio and small tablet for checking email with winlink. A kx2 or other qrp rig with the Lightsaver Max is the obvious solution. On the flip side, an FT-891 or IC-7300 being deployed after a hurricane would be better served with rollables and a LiFePO4 pack. Not trying toreplace one or the other. Just showing different tools, for different jobs. Make sense? 73 Julian oh8stn

[@polymath5119]

Indeed. The Lightsavers offer useful conveniences.

[@alan4cars]

Great review. I can buy a lot of compact LiPo batteries for the price of the this panel but the concept is very cool indeed. My thanks for taking the time to post this. WA6MOW

[@cristianocapasso5870]

How much weight are the LiPo batteries compared to this unit, assuming the same final price. How long can you run them before you get out of power? Those answers could help in defining short term, medium term, and long term solutions to off the grid transmission. I agree with you for a 1 or 2 days of mobility with human carried equipment, for longer events you might need a solar power solution.

[@OH8STN]

Yes lipo batteries are cheap but hopefully we strive for a lightweight, man portable, renewable power source for the field. I carried the li-ion batteries in the past, but hated carrying them back out when they were dead. :D thanks for watching and commenting. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@OH8STN]

this is the correct thinking. If we want a 1:1 comparison, we need to add up the cost of the batteries, the charge controller, usb ports, solar panel, multi-voltage charger, and regulated DC output. Buying Lipo batteries is just one step in the process. Awesome reply, thanks for this.

[@rachmielbenberel]

After finally deciding to purchase a 5105 I notice the latest MFJ ad in QST for $50 off on it. Thinking that it's a good time to buy, I telephone MFJ and am told that they no longer have 5105s in stock--additionally, they tell me that Xiegu has completely pulled back all of the 5105s and is reengineering the radio. The new 5105 will be call the 5105 PRO. Check back in November or December (though there is no way of knowing if it will be out by then). And that's the way it is.

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice.....

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the comment. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@titanpreparedness]

Great set up. I wanna get the power film but a bit expensive.

[@OH8STN]

Understood. We had to go through quite a few revisions of the lightweight kit before choosing PowerFilm. I started with Goal Zero but they were too heavy and ultimately failed, so we had to buy again. My wife finally asked me why I was wasting our money on them. I though I was saving money by buying cheaper. So it took much longer, but was finally about to save up for PF gear. It might not be related to your situation, but this context is important to know. Thanks for your honesty and kindness. Its very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@ronangsr]

is the second solar film needed if you want to use the radio while also charging the lightmax?

[@geneturner870]

I would love to see your setup when you get the IC-705 radio, I get mine Sept or Oct. I have the Light Savor Max already, it will work great with the IC-705, so no need to purchase or make external battery. With this setup would you use the Buddy Pole for power distribution? Than you for all the great ideas Julian. 73's.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. I'm also looking forward to getting that setup out in the field. Not sure if I would use the PowerMini as power distribution for the Lightsaver Max, but there is no reason why we couldn't. I built a cable with one 2.1x5.5 on one end, and 2 powerpoles on the other. Added a fuse inline. This runs a raspberry pi and whatever radio I want from the Lightsaver Max, without any overhead. Thinking about it, it sure would be nice to know that remaining voltage of the Lightsaver Max while in use.

[@wrenchmonkey3920]

connector selection has been a question for me as I build my radio kit. Need a standard and Delco 2 pin connectors are on my list.

[@NexxuSix]

Outstanding video, Julian! Do you have a review in the works for the TX-500?

[@OH8STN]

In fact I do. Next video out should be the review of TX 500

[@michaelsharp8229]

@@OH8STN Excellent! I look forward to seeing the video. 73!

[@nobraidps]

Hello Julian, I am soon to pass my exam for foundation/technician licence and I'm thinking about transceivers. I'm not convinced I need base station just yet and being restricted to 10W I'm more and more drawn into QRP portable. Would 5105 be a good first radio or would you recommend something else? Could you also recommend a budget antenna? I'm looking at end fed antennas right now. Thank you!

[@AD6DMDennis]

Great field demo for a really cool QRP power source. Curious: Are the main 12v input/output connectors 5.5x2.1 barrel plugs? 73

[@OH8STN]

Hi Dennis. Thanks for watching and for the kindness. Yes the output connector is 2.1 * 5.5 . The DC input is 1.3*3.5mm.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Dennis. Much appreciated. Yes the connector on the output is 5.5 * 2.1. The DC input is 1.3 * 3.5 mm.

[@skyscratcher8825]

Julian, fantastic work! What are your thoughts on the *solar charging LiPo battery’s now on the market* (Patriot Power) for use with the iC-705 through USB connection. It seems to me that it would be a fabulous power solution in the field!

[@OH8STN]

Let's see if I can reach out to the company and get one here for testing.

[@skyscratcher8825]

Outstanding! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with on this topic.

[@wild-radio7373]

Heck Yeah!♡♡♡ 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻

[@wild-radio7373]

This is the video I have been looking for!!

[@forrestrichardson8891]

Brilliant video. Thank you for your videos. Us newbies are very grateful. Can you tell me all the radios it can work with in the video please. I was having problems with the sound my end. Many thanks forrest M7CCU all the way from the United Kingdom.

[@OH8STN]

I've tested with Xiegu X5105, Xiegu G90, Lab599 TX-500, Yaesu FT-81x. Remember despite its form factor, the Surface is just a computer. Any radio with cat control can be plugged into the USB port of the Surface. Only the 705 will be wireless.

[@forrestrichardson8891]

@@OH8STN hi thank you for your reply. I will try and remember it. Can I ask, would the icom ic-7100 all band/mode radio be a good beginner radio for sota and talking to people. Many thanks forrest

[@Nimbus495]

You should include the IC 7200. It can act as a a qrp radio and a 100W portable with a genset.

[@OH8STN]

The 7200 is a definitely a magnificent radio. For this video, I wanted to limit the list of rigs to those with rx current draw under 500ma, but there is no reason we couldn't use this with a 7200 as long as we keep and eue on the rx current draw. Good suggestion 73 Julian oh8stn

[@matthewtaylor3301]

My main complaint about this unit is that the cells are not easily replaceable. They will inevitably degrade over five years or so regardless of whether or not they are cycled and then I’m stuck with a 600 dollar paperweight, unless I want to open it up and replace the cells myself.

[@antonioluna1707]

Awesome as usual. KD9OIQ

[@stevensmith5232]

I’ve been enjoying the pragmatic approach of your videos! I’m a Tech license holder for nearly one year now (studying for my general now) and I’m getting ready to invest in my first mobile radio (i have two baofeng HT now). I’m considering the IC-7100 or the Yaseau 818ND. My concern with the 818ND is the comparatively low power output of 2 & 6 watts vs up to 100W with the IC-7100. Can the 818ND truly do a great job with 6watts? Is this something I should take into consideration? 73, KI5HFN Oklahoma USA.

[@OH8STN]

Your reservations are well-founded. Because of the challenges operating qrp, I always tell people coming into the ham radio community, not to start with a qrp radio. The 818 is a great second radio. The 7100 is an excellent foundation to start with.

[@stevensmith5232]

OH8STN Ham Radio , thank you for the reply!! 73!

[@vidajoseph7534]

Hi everyone, I'm a total newbie who just started studying for my technicians license, so forgive me if this is a bad question. But can someone give me a detailed list of precisely everything I would need for a basic off the grid setup? I'm doing all the studying I can at the moment and I'm sure knowing exactly what I need and want will come with time and experience but I just want to be prepared for what may possibly be around the corner. So, would someone be able to recommend a good and precise equipment combo list that would work for what you'd generally need in an off the grid situation? Many thanks

[@radioactive8772]

Thanks for the video. I noticed the input on the LightSaver Max is marked 12v. The voltage from another solar panel will be more than that. Will it handle 18 or 20 volts? Thanks K7WHN

[@OH8STN]

Yeah. Often charge it with my panels up on the tower, connected directly to its DC input. I wouldn't connect it to a string of panels in series though.

[@radioactive8772]

@@OH8STN Only going to use one 28 watt to help it charge faster. Thanks again K7WHN

[@M0RMY]

PowerFilm Solar have recently stopped shipping these - any idea why? I am a interested in them but they are no longer being distributed. It is a great product. Have been told by a UK supplier that this may take "months" to sort out. PS Julian - great informative channel - thanks!!

[@OH8STN]

They're not being distributed outside the u.s.a. at the moment. They're trying to get certification for the Lithium-ion batteries inside. This would make it acceptable for shipping by air.

[@M0RMY]

@@OH8STN Thanks Julian - I emailed them and got the same info but they are working on it as you know. I already have their rollable panels - brilliant products (you get what you pay for)

[@jonathanp906]

Could you please tell me what fat bike you have, it looks fantastic!

[@OH8STN]

This is the core bike. Sorry it's in Finnish. www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product/74444/mshdq/GZR-Black-Raw-2020-26-sahkofatbike-17?list=OZCYkRiFBC1hN1vg5oN0J532Y95ohhn532xy5ohXa5QnOHigDdkNIndkZ5RuE5bLdzZ

[@richardwasserman]

I really like your videos. I like the PowerFilm product line, but they are more money than I can afford to spend( The wife would be unhappy). I can't come up with a diy solution that is workable and within my skill set.

[@OH8STN]

Don't worry Richard. I've got an easy DIY power project for qrp/qro radios coming up very soon.

[@richardwasserman]

@@OH8STN I have been making LIFEPO4 based power boxes for a while. Just stuck on the solar charging part. Looking forward to what you are doing.

[@W9HJBill]

Can you, with a Y adapter, have your radio (say an IC-705) connected to the Lightsaver Max so the 705 can run 10 watts, but also have an additional 20 or 30 watt solar panel plugged in to help charge the Lightsaver Max at the same time?

[@OH8STN]

Absolutely! You probably didn't make it to that point in the video. That's exactly what we did 👍 I usually use a 20 or 30 watt panel connected to the input on the lightsaver Max. If you're going to order yourself one, remember to use my call sign as a discount code. Thanks for the question.

[@W9HJBill]

@@OH8STN I saw that, I just re-watched it and then looked on their page and realized that there are separate 12VDC in and 12VDC out. So I guess you don't need a Y cable after all. Thanks for the reply. I'll most likely be ordering one ASAP.

[@rkaag99]

Although I'm not a fan of QRP, I do love the 'power-sipping' efficiency. I have found (in my limited exposure) that the biggest problem with QRP tends to be the disrespectful QRO operators. Does the Lab599 have a tuner built-in?

[@OH8STN]

Understand exactly where you're coming from. Most of that qro mentality can be bypassed with a narrow bandwidth data mode or operating on warc bands. No tuner in the tx500, but you can use it in the rain ;-)

[@rkaag99]

@@OH8STN What's the world coming to? Now I'm expected to use a resonant antenna, of all things. LMAO

[@OH8STN]

Perhaps you're missing the point of the radio. Anyway I'm not defending it, I'm never defending them. Just showing the community what's possible. Even without a tuner, I'm glad there are companies calling out the big players who keep falling short of our expectations

[@rkaag99]

@@OH8STN I was kidding, my friend. Resonant antennae are preferred. Take a rig like that or the new Icom with a screwdriver antenna and you're cooking with gas! I've always thought a bicycle mobile setup would be nice. I acquired a pedal-assist bike from Rad Power that I love. (I'm not 18 anymore).

[@OH8STN]

Yeah I'm sorry. I'm tired. Arie compiled that video about four times today an uploaded all three and a half gigs of it, with two fails. I'm just tired 🏴‍☠️

[@shtfshow8561]

Have you noticed any RFI from the solar panel?

[@OH8STN]

None! It's absolutely quiet.

[@schoocg]

Can’t find the Max anywhere. Dam chip shortage :-(

[@Nimbus495]

Who makes the other solar panel-the rectangular array? TY.

[@OH8STN]

It's also a PowerFilm panel. FM16-1200 20watt, but any similar panel would work.

[@stridermt2k]

I love that bike so distracting. :) I like what I'm seeing here and I think the PowerFilm Lightsaver Max might be a solid addition to my portable setup.I'd like to use the thing to charge my main battery and use it's internal battery as an alternate.My only concern is running the system at close to it's top end rating using a G90 for digital modes with high duty cycles. I would usually prefer a little more headroom in a power system, but I'm a belt and suspenders guy that sees failure everywhere. Do you see that having any detrimental effect over time? Thanks for your great videos! 73 de N2NLQ

[@OH8STN]

I'm not sure if charging another battery will work out. Perhaps thats a question for powerfilm. Do you remember the aprs/js8call video I did a couple of months ago? We drove down to the south of Finland in our Subaru Outback. We had the G90 running JS8Call through a super antenna mp1, and powered the G90 through the Lightsaver Max. In this confihuration, the Lightsaver max was just a battery pack being topped up by the cars 12v socket. The G90 ran 18 watts in slow mode the entire time. The required "overhead" is about tx current demand, which the lightsaver max never exceeded running the G90 that hard. I hope this context helps. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@stridermt2k]

@@OH8STN Hey that's outstanding! Thank you.

[@stridermt2k]

@@OH8STN Oh, regarding battery charging, I was going to contact the folks at Bioenno about what it would take to build or modify a charger for their battery that would be 12 volt powered in order to accommodate a system like this one.

[@OH8STN]

Not sure it's worth it. First and foremost the Lightsaver Max is a Lithium ion battery. Its solar panel charges that battery. There's no way to bypass the battery, to get the panels power out to your LiFePO4 battery, through the regulated voltage output of the Lughtsaver Max. A standard solar panel (no battery), could be a better solution for charging other 12v batteries. Bioenno will suggest a dolar panel for sure.

[@stridermt2k]

@@OH8STN I understand now. Yes I agree now that I've had time to think about it I see your point. I appreciate your feedback greatly!

[@WC9Beau]

Late to the show, just heard about this power panel. The site says that the 18,000 mah battery is 3.7v , but the output is 12V . So you can not run the radio with out sunlight?

[@OH8STN]

The individual cells inside the pack are 3.7 volt lithium ion. collectively in series, they make over 12 volts nominal.

[@WC9Beau]

@@OH8STN thanks for the reply. That makes way more sense.

[@butchdingle1000]

I looked for one of these and the best price was £350 wow that's a real chunk of change to only use for portable ops...

[@OH8STN]

All depends on our requirements. If I have the choice of carrying ham radio on a through hike csmping trip vs not at all, it's reasonable for me. Perhaps not for someone else. Isn't it nice to have the option though?

[@butchdingle1000]

@@OH8STN we all like options, I use a tracer 10ah battery but again I don't go out as often or as long as you do so it works for me. Again great content and delivery 73 om.

[@OH8STN]

That's the spirit. Thanks for the comment and the kindness. Very much appreciated.

[@mauldus]

All those bulky plugs, I’d snip those and replace with SAE plugs.

[@OH8STN]

Agreed. Just showing use, with what came in the box.

[@alespauss4677]

Price?

[@MrC-Hacking]

Where's That 705?!

[@OH8STN]

Good question 🤔

[@jimthvac100]

Had a hard time determining if you own the Lab599 or was just borrowing footage from someone else that was using it? I would like to hear your thoughts on it.

[@OH8STN]

Skip to 07:35 in the video.

[@OH8STN]

Hello Operators. For those of you interested in the Discovery TX-500 by Lab599, here's my first public blog post on this interesting nes radio. oh8stn.org/blog/2020/08/23/discovery-tx-500-by-lab599/ 73 Julian oh8stn

[@wirelessdj]

That thing is very expensive

[@caffrey9]

PWR bra

[@Nimbus495]

Ok what’s that tat on your right wrist? Looks like a military COA.

[@OH8STN]

"XXX"

[@sk8crk]

PFMax has been out of stock far too long

[@OH8STN]

New version in R&D

[@sk8crk]

@@OH8STN awesome!