Portable Solar Power for off-grid ham radio
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
- Build a super easy portable LiFePO4 solar generator battery box for off grid ham radio, emergency backup power, grid down Communications & and portable power for camping.
Hello Operators.
Thanks for watching this next episode of How to solar power your portable radio. When talking about manpacks, we normally mean ham radio or military-style manpack HF VHF or UHF radios. Well, we have taken the military manpack radio concept and applied it to a man portable solar generator power system, for high power civilian communications off-grid. The system includes the battery, dual charge controllers, fused leads, power distribution, and a shooter style manpack pouch to keep things simple and organized.
The portable solar generator was designed to simplify the build, stopping any unnecessary wire mess, and has an active focus on rapid deployment and portability off-grid. The system can be used to power one or more high-power radios for instant power and comms off grid.
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Julian oh8stn
#oh8stn #portablepower #manpack
Video URL: • Portable Solar Power f...
Parts list (Global shipping):
24ah LiFePO4 oh8stn.net/24ah_lifepo4
Genasun GV-10L oh8stn.net/genasun_gv10l
Genasun in EU: www.genasun.eu
Windcamp AP8 ebay.us/OSKCvN
Windcamp AP8 ebay.us/OSKCvN
Solar panels from the video:
PowerFilm F16-3600 60-watt oh8stn.net/GigaPartsPF60Watt
PowerFilm F16-7200 oh8stn.net/30YAeFz
PowerFilm 160-watt Crystalline oh8stn.net/pf_160w_crystalline
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As someone who has designed and built 12V high capacity lithium battery systems with large solar arrays for campers, I can say that Julian knows what he is talking about. This has me inspired to build a small solar array and battery bank on my property.
Thanks Rob.
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Julian oh8stn
Agreed, I'm so glad the ham radio community is moving away from simply getting the generator out and setting up outside for field day then calling it good to go.The requirements you lay out and emphasis on portable power is super important. Cheers and keep up all your hard work.
Perfect Timing!!! Literally Just began researching this topic. So many uses in addition to my pack. I am new to your channel & Exceptionally glad I found it.
THANK YOU!!!
SW Florida
Now I got it! Excellent video. Oh yeah I'm gonna shear it. Rock & Roll
I have the ability to operate QRO from the field on alt power and to recharge using solar, yet the system is not man pack portable.
That’s ok. I am not discouraged. A couple short years ago, I didn’t see the need for a QRP radio and knew less than nothing about lithium iron phosphate batteries. So, it’s been a journey, and I’m confident that before long, I’ll have the solar blanket that I need to deploy from a day pack. All in time.
As is true with most pursuits, we upgrade when finances permit. Until then we do as best we can with what we have.
Speaking of which, following along as you’ve shared and expounded your trademark philosophy of operating and designing a station from a systems standpoint has been an integral part of my progression thus far as a field operator. Thank you so much for your generosity of time and knowledge in producing the content that helps many of us become better amateurs.
Great Video! Very helpfull information on this topic. Solar panel and Battery Technology are evolving at a rapid pace in todays world. I will personally be taking a much more in depth look at what you have presented in this video. Thank You again for your efforts in putting this video together, it was well thought out and explained in an understandable way!!
Love the technical aspects of your videos but your campsites and landscapes are a big plus. Thanks for sharing. 73, W1RKB
Lego Block Building
- What a great analogy. 😉
The moment you mentioned LEGO's I remembered that I still have three large garbage bags full of LEGO's in my attic from 1982. Going to be a good evening!
Love all your videos Julian. Always "Food for Thought". Rock and Roll is the way forward. Keep it up Bud.🙂
Too kind.
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Julian oh8stn
I didn't think building the battery packs looked all to hard. As long as you can add the BMS boards, and not have to build those. I think it would be a fun electronics project. But this is just adding all the right parts and pieces, to suit your power needs. Thanks for all the info on the dual solar systems, being used in conjunction. That part makes sense to me.
Great info and video, thanks 👍!
Having owned and used a Genasun GV-10 for the better part of 10 years, I can say, unequivocably, that I've found a superior solution: the Allto 10A MPPT controller. It's less than half the price, much smaller, and has an LCD display. The included connectors are easily replaced with a pair of powerpoles.
As much as I appreciate Genasun's work, they've simply fallen behind the state of the art. There's no excuse for screw terminals or lacking instrumentation at that price. I've put the Allto through its paces for about a month, and it's performed flawlessly, capturing every bit as much energy as the Genasun (averaged over 2 weeks, swapping identical panels between them).
Hi Gordon, thank you for your comments very interesting reading. Are Allto RF quiet?
I really this setup. I had built a similar configuration for my EMCOMM Go kit. I am will be making some modifications after watching your video. Great job! I always come away from your videos learning something new.
Thank you 🙏
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Julian oh8stn
Great Vid Julian - I think I will use my BIENNEO 30amp hour for this - Thank You N1EZZ
I have a setup similar to this that I use with my FT-891. But I have to say that - THIS IS THE VIDEO I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR!! Thank you, Julian! There are a couple of things I’m going to work into my setup. Your ammo and power analogy is also very apt. I’ve had the same problems with a group I work with here. They’re getting it, but it’s a bit of a slog at times. Thanks again!
Me too!! I have the 891 also and work off a LiFePO4 too. BUT I have one question…I was told by a very smart ham who is all about portable ops and battery power that it isn’t recommended to charge and discharge a LiFePO4 simultaneously. Did you research with the battery manufacturer if this simultaneous charge/discharge setup puts unnecessary stress on the BMS or cells, reduces the battery’s lifespan or creates any kind of safety issue? Looking forward to your feedback! I am definitely going to consider this setup for my LiFePO4’s!
Thanks for the more simpler design. It’s on the list with a few tweaks as a Xmas week off project.
Really good stuff. Thank you!
Nice piece of kit!
Excellent and well thought out video as usual! Thanks!
I think you touched on a very important subject. As soon as I got into ham and especially emergency comms part I had to figure out power. I run a similar setup with one panel but usually run a fT-818 but I am in the process of building one for my 7300 just in case.
Great video and very useful information. Thanks for sharing!
That’s an amazing set up! I’ve been looking into building a emergency and QTP set up. Def saving this video and sharing!
Great video, excellent presentation, awesome scenery! QRO with a field-expedient manpack is part of my portable ops quest. Thanks for the effort! 73
Great video! I like how the setup is "just enough" to go full power for a reasonable amount of time. That keeps the cost way down for the average ham. Also extremely packable with the while kaboodle around approx 15lb/7kg.
great info :) I have built a similar beast into a plastic box to take in the car (it also runs a small fridge).
Outstanding, Julian. I'm working on a set up for my FT991. I'll let you know. Thanks for all your work. Bill K1SAY
Today we put together a 307wh portable power manpack. We also discuss the relationship between our communications and off-grid power strategies.
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Julian oh8stn
Video url: ruclips.net/video/L-_V8qOf0hM/видео.html
Parts of the battery from @GigaParts
Parts list:
24ah LiFePO4 oh8stn.net/24ah_lifepo4
Genasun GV-10L oh8stn.net/genasun_gv10l
Windcamp AP8 ebay.us/OSKCvN
Windcamp AP8 ebay.us/OSKCvN
Solar panels from the video:
PowerFilm F16-3600 60-watt oh8stn.net/GigaPartsPF60Watt
PowerFilm F16-7200 oh8stn.net/30YAeFz
PowerFilm 160-watt Crystalline oh8stn.net/pf_160w_crystalline
Great job Julian, I gotta get me an IC-705 and solar setup for portable ops. My Station Solar battery died the other day and it let me know to always follow our Principles! One is None and Two is More! Great video and Yes I need to get in the boondocks before winter hit, Just got my Portable Nebulizer a month ago. Still waiting on my Portable BIPap machine the VA Hospital seems to not get for me. Semper Fi Brother and Stay frosty De WV1Q OORAH
I deploy very remote 2m repeater systems ,it would be worth a try weight is not an issue. Thanks for your vids.
Thanks for watching and for the comment. Remote repeater systems would be an excellent use case for this type of system. I thought about testing this kit and some rigid Renogy solar panels, with my RMS Gateway.
Thanks again.
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Julian oh8stn
This looks sized and works for me. Thanks 50613
Thanks scooter. If you build it, let me know how it works out for you.
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Julian oh8stn
Great video. Minor edit, the battery upper limit discharge temp of 60 C would be 140 F (video shows 76 F @3:15)
Thanks Scott. Too late to edit it now that it's published. Just didn't catch it.
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Julian oh8stn
Excellent video and very informative. I would like to build something like this for a GMRS setup, since I don't have a ham radio or license.
Thanks for watching and for the kindness. A gmrs repeater would be the perfect candidate for a solar generator like this. Rather than using portable panels, you could use a couple of cheap rigid panels to keep everything topped up. Good luck on your project and please let me know how it goes.
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Julian oh8stn
Another home run, touchdown or GOAL! Pick whichever one you like another great video
Semper Paratus
Excellent demo, my friend. Really great explanation by keeping it simple. What we need is the price on those solar panels to come down.
Thanks and agreed. Unfortunately the price of lightweight portable power is a tough pill to swallow. The good news is, if we're not operating man portable, heavier solar panels become an option.
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Julian oh8stn
@@OH8STN I’m hoping that as technology improves the price will come down. I also know there are some knockoffs out there rolling around. Many people are certainly tempted by that. I can’t speak for the quality. I’d suspect your sponsor would not be impressed if you did a side by side comparison. I’m always leery of the knockoffs of anything to start with, and in a man portable condition, having your equipment fail because you cheaped out would suck. Unfortunately, there are a lot of operators that don’t have a choice in the matter. Always learning something, my friend, keep it up.
Thanks for the comment. Since I don't take money, "sponsors" don't tell me what I should or shouldn't do. PowerFilm wouldn't anyway. More than anything else, they are interested in my field testing and the honest feedback from that testing.
Thankfully, there are enough RUclipsrs pushing cheap or Chinese solar panels for Amazon commissions. So I can stay in this niche 😉👍
@@OH8STN and that’s why we trust you, sir!
Love your videos! Had no idea you could use the solar generator in parallel! Great info to have!
Great presentation as usual. I may have missed this in previous videos, but what pack is that you have the radio in?
I think a point to be had here that was not mentioned (or maybe i wasnt listening) is determining locality, and the need for long distance commo. If you need the QRO device, or can you make due with QRP? I really enjoy the videos you have made, and how your QRP bag has evolved. I intend to imitate your QRP bag with a modification or two. I think a QRO manpack is just too heavy and cumbersome but I do not think I have immediate need of QRO on foot.
Great like every time, I'm little confused about solar mppt so my 2 question are when I combine more solar panel in one way or the other they will be output the lowest of two: if one output 16v the other 18v both give paralel 16v right? and if one product 8 amp and other 12 together 20 but never overcurrent the charger or not?
Excellent video! Just purchased a QRO radio and have been looking for a way to power it form more than 45 minutes.
Excellent! This one will due just nicely. I hope the wiring was clear enough.
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Julian oh8stn
We’ll Done Julian!. Basic design anyone in Ham Radio can put together in a few minutes. Always look forward to your videos. Out of curiosity, what is the circle H placard we often see when you set up camp? Thanks for the video. KM4SON
4:30 Very informative. Thanks! But the video discusses and shows two slightly different Genasun charge controllers (GVB-8 vs GV-Boost), recommended for higher latitudes. And unfortunately, the affiliate links in both the video description as well as your blog only specify the Genasun GV-10L. When I search Gigaparts for "Genasun 8A Boost Lithium Waterproof" myself I find what looks like a newer version altogether. Any chance you could provide a correct link for what would be used at higher latitudes? Also, reading the specs for the new Powerfilm 160W panel suggests a "Rated Voltage at Pmax" of 28.3V but the Genasun's "Maximum Recommended Panel Vmp" seems to be 13V. I don't understand if that means the controller would just be less effective when the sun did come out or might actually damage it. Can you clarify if those specs need to be aligned for a 12V lithium battery.
I have two 10 Ah lithium iron batteries for my portable setup. I will be I upgrading to 20-30Ah battery.
I bought the two 10 Ah for when flying as the limit for lithium batteries for flying is 2 batteries between 100-160 Wh each battery.
Hey Julian,
After watching your recent expedition, I came back to watch this video again. I've settled into having a Genasun Charge controller for each of my solar panels (thanks for helping me with my solar array!), but one thing I haven't seen mentioned in your videos that I hear about elsewhere is shunt for battery status monitoring.
Many of the LiFePo4 batteries out there have some sort of integrated Bluetooth BMS today, but they seem to have many problems relaying accurate battery SOC information via an iPhone app or by some other device. The suggested solution in these cases seems to be adding a smart shunt (Victron is mentioned frequently) in order to get an accurate picture of the battery's (ies') charge status.
My question then is this: is such a shunt necessary in this sort of off-grid configuration? If so, then do you plan to add one to your system in the future? If not, then what are you seeing in your setup that does not require a smart shunt where others seem to see a need for this device?
As always, keep up the good work!!! Glad to see Snapper on the Arctic Expedition too. Semper fi Brother!
Todd KI5HNX
Hi Todd.
When this solar generator was first seen on the channel, it was designed with a shunt ( ruclips.net/video/Nf9X4YIK9xA/видео.html ).
These days, I think it's nice to visualize incoming and outgoing current and voltage but it's not necessary. I believe the ad complexity needs to be weighed against the benefit. It's also important too Think about scale. On a small system like my pocket portable solid gen, It's enough to look at the voltage on the figs display. For something bigger, a power supply for a fixed installation, It might be advantageous to integrate a shunt.
I haven't had good luck with victron controllers (noise), but the integrated shunt is a very nice feature.
Semper Fi brother.
So once again you hit a home run with this video. As you have built this system, did you consider the recharging of you bike ? I know you already did . ??? can you use fine Kevlar string on the drone to pull up a single antenna and loop it over and then pull from the ground to secure it ?
Thank you 🙏
Yes the next video out will show you how I charge my bike, using some of the components from this system.
I tested lifting the 24 gauge wire with the Drone but find the effort not worth the benefit. It's a cool idea if we're stuck in a valley or something like that. I'd be afraid to lose the $1,200 drone 😂
Thanks for watching, commenting and for the kindness. Much appreciated.
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Julian oh8stn
it would be nice if genasun would see this and come out with a higher amperage charge controller that is still ham rf quiet.
I got a heads up from them about half a year ago. They said they higher amperage version was in development. I don't know if that was just marketing blowing smoke up my chimney, or the real deal. Either way, I hope it's true
I've been waiting for Genasun to release an all-ceramic-capacitor version of the GV-10 (similar to the GV-5) for years.
Don't hold your breath.
What about Midnight Solar's MNKID-M-B "KID"?
Absolutely going to build one. Could you send post a detailed parts list? Just got my new IC-705 today. And will be using it for off-grid activities, and for when SHTF. Awesome content, keep it up you're doing a great job.
Thanks
Matthew K5DAZ
It's in the description 👍
Excellent setup and great video. Does the Genasun GV-10L handle the PowerFilm 160W Crystalline? Is the Powerfilm 160W output at 28.3V? Do you have the PF 160W connected at the same time with the PF F16-7200? Sorry, this is probably very basic.
Not at all basic and I'm actually working on that crystalline 161 video. With this battery setup and two independent charge controllers it's possible to put the 120 and the 160 in parallel. I've done it then it works fine. Yes the voltage is 28.3 volts amperage is 5.7 amps. Hope this helps.
Great campsite and scenery! What was the time of year and temperatures (C/F)? I’m not a techie, but your easy going explanations make it easy to follow and learn. Thanks!
Thanks for the kindness comment on for watching. Actually this was a week before this video was published. We're at 65° North which meant just above freezing.
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Julian oh8stn
Ok this may be a truly dumb question, but by paralleling two separate charge controllers how does either one of them actually see the state of charge condition of the battery?? Won't they both just see the output of each other without actually seeing the condition of the battery???
All they detect is the voltage of the battery. Battery voltage is what it is regardless of how many parallel controllers are attached. Works extremely well.
Julian do you have a video for the very beginner with perhaps low cost entry level power gear? I have an FT-891 and home made mag-loop. I am looking for battery build and solar recharging.
Check out Will Prowse. Not a ham, but he has exactly what you want.
@@PatrickKQ4HBD found it. Looking again at this video from Julian, it is not at all a difficult setup. The trick will be finding a cheaper solar panel because I cannot justify over 1 thousand dollars on solar panel(s). Thanks for taking your time replying! 73
There are lots of heavier solar panel options, if weight is not an issue. Check P3 Solar for example.
@@OH8STN will do! 73 Julian. Check my last video, trash-bag protection for my little mag-loop. 73 friend
How do you connect the Surface Go to that power distribution board?
Everything you need to know.
oh8stn.net/MicrosoftSurfaceGo
What type of adapter did you use to keep the Microsoft Surface charge. I am assuming that it was plugged into the Anderson power pole distribution block somehow? IIRC the wall plug to computer adapter that comes with the Surface inverts AC to DC and steps down the voltage to 5VDC. Correct me if I am wrong in that. But in any case what did you use to get current from the battery, to that distribution block and to the Surface to keep it running without using it's on internal battery?
Much simpler than all that. I simply use a USB C to 12 volt adapter. The 12 volts comes from an Anderson power bowl. As a rule, I don't use inverters since they are so inefficient. Here's a link to my Microsoft Surface go pages.
oh8stn.org/blog/2021/10/10/microsoft-surface-go-2-faq-ham-radio-laptop/
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Julian oh8stn
Julian, quick question. How did you attach the mic to the IC-705?
It clips to the Peovi cage protecting the 705.
@@OH8STN Thank you! Much appreciated. 73
I have just started to build a system like this. I've chosen the GreCell T300 Power pack. A bit heavy, but I too use a bike and trailer to haul my stuff around. I just need a solar panel and I'm set.
Can you transport your radio and battery pack in the same bag? Thanks in advance.
Sure, if the bag is big enough. Still, it's a good idea to separate them, avoiding any chance of grounding the terminals.
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Julian oh8stn
Sir, I forgot to ask you, which bag do you use? Thanks in advance.
This one is called a "shangri-la tactical messenger bag". Try searching your local amazon. There are many similar bags from other companies. Just be sure to place some padding between the battery and the inside of the bag. This absorbs any random hits.
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Julian oh8stn
in the apocalypse you need a RTG or devil watt, Sun could be shrouded a long time
In the lead up to the apocalypse, you'll still need reliable power. If the sun is shrouded, there are bigger problems than how to power our gear.
, I was looking for a setup clicked this video and was thinking wow this is over the top, so I poked fun about an rtg, the devil watt does put out like a drunk college chick though , you had that fire going why waste it.
😂👍 I had just woken up, still laying in bed when I answered that comment.
I was under the impression that modern solar charge controllers are “smart” multi-stage chargers and that they measure the battery and charge according to different stages. If this is true, I confused how two could be used on the same battery at the same time. How would the charger know which stages to apply to the battery?
Excellent question. Lithium batteries use a CC/CV charge profile. This means constant current constant voltage. Based on the voltage of the battery, It's either charging or not charging. Unlike lead acid batteries, there is no float, absorption,..
Hope this helps.
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Julian oh8stn
Thanks a lot for this! But a lot of us are in Europe and elsewhere where we can't get these USA parts. Would you be kind to put together a list for European HAMs using Amazon so one could just buy all the components in EU using Amazon and get mobile fast. This would be of great help for people that are not understanding all the power requirements. Thanks a lot!
I'll work on it but, it is difficult to keep up with all the different Amazon shops around the world. If I supply links to everything in every country, I'll spend oh my time trying to keep those links updated. Instead I've created a concept that anyone can build with the parts they have available to them locally. Moreover I've supplied links to a distributor who ships worldwide. The other problem I have is the equipment used, isn't always available from Amazon.
I get what you're saying and I'll try to improve but it doesn't hurt to do a little research on your own.
@@OH8STN one thing that I am not sure of what charging controller to get because of this noise issues with HF radio as I can't get the GENASUN part in EU
www.genasun.eu
You have to have like $10,000 worth of equipment with you.
About $2.5k
This hobby is expensive! The portable solar panels are over $1000 each...very difficult to justify. Of course, the radio is not cheap either or the other accessories.
Agreed, it is expensive. The only reason I can justify the solar panels is because I'm generally operating man portable. I tried the other less flexible panels, but they were too heavy with all my other camping gear. These were the lightest I could afford.
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Julian oh8stn
The hobby doesnt have to be expensive if you build your own kits. Radio receivers, transmitters & power amplifiers are all available in kit form. True, the problem of portable power source would still exist so you may be operating at or close to home to begin with, or on club equipment if there is a club in your area. Julian is doing pioneer work here in his work with solar panels. Given their popularity in other fields it may be only a matter of time before the become more affordable.
Thanks for your interest in the topic.. Suzy G1XST
I'm tempted to wire up my Yaesu 817 in a similar way when my budget allows.
I consider Powerfilm to be far too expensive for my use case. I use US$1 per watt rigid panels at home, and I have a rather large and heavy folding 120W panel that cost under $150. I don't bike out to camp on the beach with my gear either... My idea of harsh conditions is an 80° day without a fan. If you don't need the gear Julian uses, there's no need to pay for it!
Julian is rolling in money... 🤑😉
Just teasing, Julian.
I wish 😂
That operator was being fairly insulting to electrical engineers.
Agreed. Some Operators just don't want to learn anything new.
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Julian oh8stn
The military panels you have chosen are just unaffordable to the majority of Amateurs, please use cheaper panels that operators can afford, it will encourage and allow operators to use your video as a guide to make their own and know the expected yield of power.
Although I appreciate your comment, I'm never going to show cheap Chinese junk on the channel! Most Operators watching my videos know they can use the video as a template, making component adaptations suitable for themselves. The reason I use these panels is reducing the weight since I generally operate man portable. Also because of their ruggedness in the field. Anyway this video is about the battery, not about the solar panels. Feel free to replace my choices with whichever solar panel meets your individual requirements. In my environment, I can't afford to waste money on substandard gear.
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Julian oh8stn
Not a generator.
Good information! 7 3 de VE7PGE