Came across your channel today while trying to re spark my ham radio interest. Got the gear, just not the time. Like the videos, clear and to the point. Will be dusting off the radios soon! Am also in Texas, just to the west of you...
@@hamradiotube yeah, will do soon. Plan on heading out next weekend to do some field day stuff. Might try to film it for my fledgling channel. Will be sure to order through your links to help support your channel.
I bought one to go along with my 891 that decided to get based on your videos. Now to try it out in the field. Thanks for the info about the charger too
I want that charger and the Bino the one you showed. Just tried to understand what I have do. So as a guess 250 to get started. Yes I will use your link. 73 KQ4CD Paul ⚓
Thanks Louis, I went out last Saturday with the battery portable for the first time. I'll have the video up soon. I'm sure you already know how it worked! 73
I am using a Bioenno Power Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery Model BLF-1230A for POTA highly recommended it just keeps going and going. I purchased a battery box as well, another nice purchase, not a cleap solution but a good one.
Best 12 volt LiFePO4-only set and forget charger I have found is the CTEK XS. It can overcome the problem of BMS systems that tend to resist chargers. Has a 7-step charging process and shows what stage it's at.
Mike, I took your advice and got the Bioenno 20 amp battery and the RDX1 charger. I did get a barrel to Powerpole adapter. How did you set up the charger for the battery? Mine doesn't seem to work .
Ah yes, I have had that question. On the charger, hit the stop button until you get to system setup. Go down to Bal.Connection and turn that off. Now it should charge. Of course, make sure the other settings are set properly.
I have two bioeno batteries. One is the 12V 12 aH and the other is the 12V 4.5 aH battery. The 12 aH battery is for my camping operation and the 4.5 aH battery is for hiking. What I really like about Bioeno is that they have charts that show how long each battery should run a specific radio for 20/80 and 50/50 duty cycles. Great video. I also have the solar charge controller from Bioeno which takes my solar panels. It can run all day with my Icom 718 at 100 watts on a sunny day.
When I started into ham radio I watched yours and OH8STN videos and was considering making my own batteries but after researching for sourcing components I, like you said, found it cheaper to buy a Bioenno 15ah. I love this in my pota kit and have never looked back. Thanks for another great video Mike and I'll be listening for you in the air. 73 de W8MJL
Forgot to say, I understand the battery charge board inside is supposed to take care of charge in each cell independently but how does it tell you that one of the cells is starting to go bad? How does it tell you there is a fault if one of the cells is not charging up to the recommended voltage? Is there a computer program that you can use?
That would be a limitation of any commercially made battery that I am aware of. You wouldn't be able to monitor each cell specifically unless you broke into it and checked them. From what I know about LiFePO4 batteries though, I would kinda doubt you would have a problem. But, because I know things can happen, like I said in the video, the main reason I wanted to use Bioenno specifically, was because I know they have great customer service. I would be shocked if they didn't make it right.
Nice overview. Been looking for a powerful battery solution. Just got the same setup with the IC-7300 as yours. I'm assuming no soldering is required to connect it to the back of the 7300. I like the idea of putting the PowerEx between the battery and the radio.
I setup my portable satellite station together with a SLA and quickly found out it was less than ideal. My bioenno better is on order and will let me play all day, and is highly recommended by other hams that I know personally.
Excellent intro to Bioenno batteries. I currently own four of them: 12V 20AH, 12V 12AH, 12V 6AH, and 12V 3AH (I do QRP ;) ) I would be interested in a follow up video by you, giving information on how long the 12V 20AH battery lasts in a typical outdoor (park style) activation.
I just come for the cold opens. Never disappointed.. Also, you can have a Powerwerx meter plugged into the battery while it's charging so you can see the status, that's how I keep an eye on mine.
I'd like to see a good video showing the difference between SLA and LiFePO4 batteries for our ham radio use. There are so many SLA batteries still out there, what are the real world differences between them? Power output, lifespan, charging, etc. You can get several SLA batteries on the cheap, why go to one Bioenno battery (I'm not bashing, just a talking point)? Thanks for the video!
That is a very good idea. I of course know the differences but there prob isn't a video out there really explaining that. I think you have just given me another reason to talk about batteries (which I really like doing). Spoiler alert!!! SLA sucks a lot and LiFePO4 is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I will def make a video on this very topic.
Thanks for this. I'm trying to charge my BLF-1220A using the Hitec RDX1, and it's giving me a "Cell Error". Can you please share the full settings you use?
A couple people have said that same thing. I made a video on my charger. Take a look and see if that helps. I would guess it's something pretty simple.
You should enjoy that battery. Mine has worked well and I have been very pleased with it. Do you have or are you planning on a solar setup to go along with it?
Thanks Bob. I don't have any (good) solar at the moment. I would love to have a 100 watt panel and a charge controller, but for what I do portable its not really a need at this point. I think this battery is going to serve me just fine for a while.
@@hamradiotube Yep. That battery should be good for a couple/few hours of operation. My portable ops rarely last longer. I have the bioenno 120 watt panel and their mppt charge controller for things like field day or if I am out camping. The 120 watt is probably overkill, but better to have too much than not enough.
@@BobPlank_KK4DIV Absolutely, better to have it and not need it for sure. I went out last Saturday with the battery and have a video recorded but I still need to edit it. I tried to run it down, and I'll leave it at that...
5 amps charging is pretty poor for modern Lithium, most likely limited by the BMS. a 20 Ah Pack of LiFeP04 shoudl easily handle 0.5 C charge or 10 amps for a 20 Ah pack so the limitation must be the BMS. I can't get a LiFeP04 below 300+ Euro's here in Ireland , Extortion taxes we call V.A.T so I decided to get a 45 Ah 12v SLA from the local Motor store for 80 Euro's, hooked it up to my FT-891 and ran with 100 watts, after 2.5 hrs I used only 4 Ah of the battery, this was some QSO's and a some calling CQ and the rest was listening. The FT-891 draws about 1 amp on receive and about 16 amps max on transmit, you won;t really see more than about 16 amps max on a 100 watt rig on SSB Phone talking normally. I'm not going to be carrying the SLA far from the car so the 45 Ah SLA is cheap and it works perfectly and will run half a day at full throttle. a 3 S LiPo cell could in theory run the 100 watt rig like I did for 2.5 hrs - 3 hrs and LiPo is cheap and a 5 ah Brick could pull 20 amps no problem and it would be tiny. If on SSB Phone and 50 watts and if I was seeing about 16 amps max on SSB Phone then I should see about 8 amps being pulled at 50 Watts, So a 5 Ah 3 S LiPo should power the radio for 4 - 5 hrs. I could also use LiFeP04 4 S 5 Ah or parallel 2 together, RC Lithium is great, but you need a proper balance charger and also cell monitoring to make sure the cells don't get too discharged because with RC Lithium you got to be the BMS ! SLA is cheap and easy manage and can be left on float charge forever and it's 100% ready to use when you need it, with Lithium you should really only store it at about 50% and charge it before you need it as it doesn't like to be stored at 80+ % indefinitely and on the other hand SLA car batteries don't like to be ran down below 50% charge , this is where AGM would be better but they are very expensive as battery makers cash in on the fact they're needed in Hybrids, vehicles with start stop and electric cars for the 12V system. I might just use a Lithium 5 Ah 3S pack for up to 50 Watts, cheap, light but probably can't take it on a plane, that's the problem today, most airlines won't allow Lithium packs or if they do they need to be very little Ah whether LiPo or LiFeP04.
That sucks they are so expensive in Ireland. While most of what you say is true, and echos what I said in the video, I would be curious how those 3s LiPO batteries would work with the 891. You are already starting with lower voltage, and you have 1 less cell. I would guess you would get maybe an hour or so of actual on air usage with it. An average POTA outing for me burns up an easy 5AH in about an hour. Keep me posted if you go that route. I'd be curious of your findings.
@@hamradiotube LiPo has higher voltage, about 3.8 nominal per cell and 4.2 hot off the charger but you can set the charger to end at 4.1 or 4.15 volts per cell etc. 3 S LiPo would be 4.2 x 3 = 12.2 Volts hot off the charger. 4S would be 16.8 volts off the charger but might be a little high for the radio, but it can be charged to 4.1 v per cell would be 16.1 volts, again , might be a little high. Could also use 4S LiFeP04. which is 3.65 volts or 14.4 volts off the charger. For the FT-891 Yaesu recommend psu of 13.8V +- 15% so that would be 15.8 V max so 3 S Lipo might be a bit of the low side , 4S LiFeP04 would be better but no harm trying the 3 S LiPo either. I have no issue running of a SLA battery, the voltage did not go below 12 and it was happy enough so maybe the 3S Lipo would work fine.
Mike, thanks for putting together this video, it was very informative. I’ve been using the bioenno 1212 for my POTA activations and so far no issues 👍🏽. The audio and video quality of your videos are great although this one could use a little more lighting, please don’t take this as a complaint. Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos. 73 de W2MSA
Been wanting this power source for a while but haven't had the funds. Forced myself to save through a Christmas Club savings account. Was able to purchase 2. One for the shack and one for excursions/backup. These batteries will provide long life power for my QRP equipent. Hi Hi Nice video. 73 KB8AMZ
@@MoTown44240 Yeah no kidding. For me one of the biggest challenges doing portable is loosing any excess weight and these are light and pack a huge punch. Have fun operating all day with the battery!
I haven't used it much with the 891 as I've been taking the 7300 out a lot more. But, the 891 draws a constant 1AH of current. So on standby, 20 hours. I imagine it would last ever so slightly less amount of time, as the 891 draws just a little more power than the 7300 does. I did take this battery out on Saturday and activated 3 parks with it and only used 10AH so you will most likely be burned out before the battery!
Would love to have one but a little high priced for me. If your going to use more than 15 watts or so lead acid is not a good choice unless you want to carry a really big and heavy battery with you.
“I’m not really sure what’s inside it...” It’s magical pixies. Pixie dust is the stuff that comes out when you poke it very hard, but don’t do that, not recommend.
Haha that's kind of what I thought. It is a pretty solid bit of kit though. I'm not exactly delicate with things and I think this will hold up to the Mike Abuse.
With just a coaxial two wire charging plug how can you set your charger to charge X volts per cell? Other batteries that can charge each cell independently seem to have a wire going to each cell wired to an internal controller and that way they can charge each cell to a particular voltage. How does this happen in this battery with only two wires? Dave K8WPE
Good question. Inside the pack, there are multiple 3.2ish volt cells connected in series to get 13.6 volts. Connected to those cells is also what is called a Battery Management System, or BMS for short. This BMS is connected to the cells individually and that is how you are able to tell the voltage of each cell. If you watch my Portable Power Solution video you can see another video with the same type (LiFeOP4) of battery that shows the wiring and circuitry.
Really enjoying your channel, Mike. Yours is actually the first I turned on notifications for... I’ve just started getting into portable (from a car more than hiking) and looking at batteries. My thought (and I’d be curious to see what you think) is I know a lead acid will only give me 300-500 charge cycles compared to the 2,000 for a lithium battery, but what is the shelf life of a lithium? If it is only 5 years I may not even use it 500 times during that timeframe. If my assumption is true (based on a little research admittedly), then a battery that is 4X the cost for the same ~5 year lifespan is tough to justify. I know weight is a factor as well, but I’m running a FT-450D so don’t plan on lugging that too far anyway. Love to hear your thoughts on the matter. 73, Mike, N7CCD
Hi Mikey, and thanks so much for watching and subbing! Lead acid is a good place to start and get you on the air, but I think you will quickly find, much like I did, that their limitations far outweigh their price. You have to keep in mind that whatever amp rating they have, you are only going to get half of that (without ruining the battery). I'm not really sure what the shelf life of LiFePO4 batteries is, but I assure you, it is exponentially longer than an SLA. You also have to consider how much power you are going to run at and what the battery can put out with SLA. Marine Deep Cycle batteries will surely do the job with your 450D, but they weigh a ton. Also keep in mind, everything is a compromise. Are there batteries that you can use that will get you on the air for less? Sure. But the compromise is weight, portability, and actual amount of power you can draw from the battery (in AH's). Being new to portable I would say use whatever you have to get you on the air. Just know that there are better, more efficient options out there should you need them. The best advise I could give you is get out there, practice, learn from your mistakes (trust me I make a lot), and make adjustments where necessary to hone your skills to minimize set up time, and increase your time on the air. And most importantly, have fun. That is the #1 goal. 73
K8MRD RADIO STUFF Thanks, Mike for your reply. That is pretty much what I planned to do to start. I just got a 12ah sealed led acid for $25 with the knowledge that I’d get about 6 hours of usage out of it per charge. A few years ago I designed and built a solar generator into a dolly that has a 150ah lead acid (heavy!) with foldable, 200W solar panels to charge it. It was my backup generator for lights, radio, charging batteries, power tools, etc. when I lived in Seattle and figured a gas generator wasn’t a long term practical solution. Very fun build and still ready to go in my garage. Far too heavy to jump in the car with, hence the small 12ah to start my portable journey. I just finished building today a home brew linked dipole that covers 15M-40M that I can deploy as an inverted V. Another fun project. Thanks again and looking forward to your next video! Still enjoying and working through your past videos. Mike, N7CCD
If you have a proper solar charge controller for LiFePO4 than yes, absolutely. Bioenno makes one. I'm not sure about using it in the shack as a main supply and charging it at the same time but I would imagine you could. Perhaps I should try that...
I wish that I could afford one of the bioano12volt 20AH batteries. It's a good battery but when you are on a limited income you have to resort to other means. Like getting a lawnmower battery. You have to do the best that you can. 73 AE4OY WILLIE P. EM-81UF South East Georgia
Yeah they're not cheap but they last pretty much forever. My first battery was an 8ah Duracell AGM that I used with my 891 running qrp. Whatever it takes to get on the air.
Haha yes that is true, and incredibly awesome. Keep in mind though, like I've said before, my whole goal with this channel is to pay it forward. I do these reviews because I myself watch every single ham radio video out on RUclips that I can, and have learned so much from them. I also want to be as complete and thorough as I can, which I feel sometimes doesn't happen with other videos. Not that anyone out there is doing bad mind you, quite the opposite. I have watched so many that have left me asking questions still. I want to give an open and honest opinion when possible and discuss the features and benefits in as deep a way as I'm able to. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting. 73
I think this was the best, most understandable review of a battery presentation that I could understand. I immediately ordered one as soon as you finished. Thank you so very much. I never knew which one to purchase. I do so very much want to work portable. I have a 817 that I am dying to find a spot to work. I have an end fed wire and all the things that go with it. It will not be long now. Thank you for your time and help.
Thank you Tommy! , I appreciate your kind words. With the 817 this battery will probably last all year hihi! While you wait for your battery, sign up for POTA, then get out there and get on the air. 73
Great review!!! I have been looking at those batteries. I got to save up some money and get one of those!! Really do like watching your videos and seeing the things you use for your portable operations!! Juddie WD8WV
Gd Luck buying a Bioenno in Europe,.. I wanted to purchase, was not economically feasible... would like to know of distributor or retailer in Europe, I spoke with them last year, but for single customer, not interested. But great video, n good channel, 73s A92GW LZ/AE1TP
Yeah that sucks. Weird they wouldn't just charge a couple more dollars shipping and send you one??? In this day and age I thought you can pretty much get anything from anywhere. Thanks for watching though. 73
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Your videos are always very helpful. Thanks for investing your time.
Thanks for watching.
Came across your channel today while trying to re spark my ham radio interest. Got the gear, just not the time. Like the videos, clear and to the point. Will be dusting off the radios soon!
Am also in Texas, just to the west of you...
Hey thanks for watching. Hopefully you can make time for some radio. We all get busy, we just have to make time.
@@hamradiotube yeah, will do soon. Plan on heading out next weekend to do some field day stuff. Might try to film it for my fledgling channel. Will be sure to order through your links to help support your channel.
At 6:16 when the battery is fully charged it sound ( tururu ) funny
I have the Bioenno Power BLF-1209WS 8ah I'm wondering what type of cells are inside.?.. I hope there cylindrical type and not the prismatic type ..
Did not see a link for the charger that Orange thing
There's a lot of stuff in there, it's pretty easy to miss. Here is the link amzn.to/2YARsSt
CAN PUT A SMALL 12V FRIDGE DIRECTLY TO THIS BATTERY.?
Sure. I do. Might want to have a fuse in line though just to be safe.
Excellent information! You have a very nice way of explaining and talking to an audience.
Well thank you very much! Thanks for watching.
So w\ a Kenwood TS -2000 I can pwr w\ this batt. anywhere?!
COOL!
Yep
Excellent. Release the hams!
I got the 12V 20 amp hour and used it straight away. Only found out later you should fully charge it first. Will this affect the battery?
Thanks for the info - I've been thinking about buying one of these for my new POTA setup. I look forward to seeing yours in action...thanks and 73!
I have several hours of video to edit but should have it up some time this week. Just buy it. You won't be disappointed hihi!
@@hamradiotube You better look out for that 741 guy, he's a bad egg. LOL!!!
I bought one to go along with my 891 that decided to get based on your videos. Now to try it out in the field. Thanks for the info about the charger too
Nice. Now get out there and play some portable radio!
I want that charger and the Bino the one you showed. Just tried to understand what I have do. So as a guess 250 to get started. Yes I will use your link.
73 KQ4CD Paul ⚓
Yeah about $250 should get you started. Maybe a little more depending on which charger you get.
@@hamradiotube one comes with the battery
Great video as always Mike. I have a BLF-1230A and I love it.
Thanks Louis, I went out last Saturday with the battery portable for the first time. I'll have the video up soon. I'm sure you already know how it worked! 73
I have a 50Ah Bioenno battery.
I am using a Bioenno Power Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery Model BLF-1230A for POTA highly recommended it just keeps going and going. I purchased a battery box as well, another nice purchase, not a cleap solution but a good one.
Good batteries aren't cheap and cheap batteries aren't good. I have yet to drain this out portable.
Best 12 volt LiFePO4-only set and forget charger I have found is the CTEK XS. It can overcome the problem of BMS systems that tend to resist chargers. Has a 7-step charging process and shows what stage it's at.
Mike, I took your advice and got the Bioenno 20 amp battery and the RDX1 charger. I did get a barrel to Powerpole adapter. How did you set up the charger for the battery? Mine doesn't seem to work .
Ah yes, I have had that question. On the charger, hit the stop button until you get to system setup. Go down to Bal.Connection and turn that off. Now it should charge. Of course, make sure the other settings are set properly.
I want to Run it with an Yaesu FT-891 when camping will the radio run good till the battery cuts off?
I have two bioeno batteries. One is the 12V 12 aH and the other is the 12V 4.5 aH battery. The 12 aH battery is for my camping operation and the 4.5 aH battery is for hiking. What I really like about Bioeno is that they have charts that show how long each battery should run a specific radio for 20/80 and 50/50 duty cycles. Great video. I also have the solar charge controller from Bioeno which takes my solar panels. It can run all day with my Icom 718 at 100 watts on a sunny day.
Thanks for the excellent primer on Bioenno batteries! I hope to save my pennies to purchase one soon.
Great awesome incredible wow video and then some. :-) Very informative with lot's of good information. Thanks for posting it.
Well thank you Jeff, I appreciate that.
When I started into ham radio I watched yours and OH8STN videos and was considering making my own batteries but after researching for sourcing components I, like you said, found it cheaper to buy a Bioenno 15ah. I love this in my pota kit and have never looked back.
Thanks for another great video Mike and I'll be listening for you in the air. 73 de W8MJL
Thanks Michael, we got to get a park to park one of these days.
The battery rice is now $228.99 on Amazon. The 2 Powerwerx items you listed are no longer available on amazon.
I'll have to look into that. The battery is under $200 direct from Bioenno.
Forgot to say, I understand the battery charge board inside is supposed to take care of charge in each cell independently but how does it tell you that one of the cells is starting to go bad? How does it tell you there is a fault if one of the cells is not charging up to the recommended voltage? Is there a computer program that you can use?
That would be a limitation of any commercially made battery that I am aware of. You wouldn't be able to monitor each cell specifically unless you broke into it and checked them. From what I know about LiFePO4 batteries though, I would kinda doubt you would have a problem. But, because I know things can happen, like I said in the video, the main reason I wanted to use Bioenno specifically, was because I know they have great customer service. I would be shocked if they didn't make it right.
Love my Bioenno 1230a 30ah. 100w all day and then some.
Nice overview. Been looking for a powerful battery solution. Just got the same setup with the IC-7300 as yours. I'm assuming no soldering is required to connect it to the back of the 7300. I like the idea of putting the PowerEx between the battery and the radio.
Not unless you solder your power poles, its just plug and play. Works like a champ!
Can you charge and use at the same time?
Yes you can. Check out my field day video I posted Sunday. We're running totally solar.
I setup my portable satellite station together with a SLA and quickly found out it was less than ideal. My bioenno better is on order and will let me play all day, and is highly recommended by other hams that I know personally.
Yeah SLA's are pretty useless unless you need to anchor your boat.
Excellent intro to Bioenno batteries. I currently own four of them: 12V 20AH, 12V 12AH, 12V 6AH, and 12V 3AH (I do QRP ;) ) I would be interested in a follow up video by you, giving information on how long the 12V 20AH battery lasts in a typical outdoor (park style) activation.
I just come for the cold opens. Never disappointed.. Also, you can have a Powerwerx meter plugged into the battery while it's charging so you can see the status, that's how I keep an eye on mine.
Well I'm here to please:). Yes that would be a good way to monitor what is going into the battery.
I'd like to see a good video showing the difference between SLA and LiFePO4 batteries for our ham radio use. There are so many SLA batteries still out there, what are the real world differences between them? Power output, lifespan, charging, etc. You can get several SLA batteries on the cheap, why go to one Bioenno battery (I'm not bashing, just a talking point)? Thanks for the video!
That is a very good idea. I of course know the differences but there prob isn't a video out there really explaining that. I think you have just given me another reason to talk about batteries (which I really like doing). Spoiler alert!!! SLA sucks a lot and LiFePO4 is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I will def make a video on this very topic.
Thanks for this. I'm trying to charge my BLF-1220A using the Hitec RDX1, and it's giving me a "Cell Error". Can you please share the full settings you use?
A couple people have said that same thing. I made a video on my charger. Take a look and see if that helps. I would guess it's something pretty simple.
You should enjoy that battery. Mine has worked well and I have been very pleased with it. Do you have or are you planning on a solar setup to go along with it?
Thanks Bob. I don't have any (good) solar at the moment. I would love to have a 100 watt panel and a charge controller, but for what I do portable its not really a need at this point. I think this battery is going to serve me just fine for a while.
@@hamradiotube Yep. That battery should be good for a couple/few hours of operation. My portable ops rarely last longer. I have the bioenno 120 watt panel and their mppt charge controller for things like field day or if I am out camping. The 120 watt is probably overkill, but better to have too much than not enough.
@@BobPlank_KK4DIV Absolutely, better to have it and not need it for sure. I went out last Saturday with the battery and have a video recorded but I still need to edit it. I tried to run it down, and I'll leave it at that...
Thanks, man! I would love to see a video of exactly how you charge it using the HiTech charger.
5 amps charging is pretty poor for modern Lithium, most likely limited by the BMS. a 20 Ah Pack of LiFeP04 shoudl easily handle 0.5 C charge or 10 amps for a 20 Ah pack so the limitation must be the BMS.
I can't get a LiFeP04 below 300+ Euro's here in Ireland , Extortion taxes we call V.A.T so I decided to get a 45 Ah 12v SLA from the local Motor store for 80 Euro's, hooked it up to my FT-891 and ran with 100 watts, after 2.5 hrs I used only 4 Ah of the battery, this was some QSO's and a some calling CQ and the rest was listening.
The FT-891 draws about 1 amp on receive and about 16 amps max on transmit, you won;t really see more than about 16 amps max on a 100 watt rig on SSB Phone talking normally.
I'm not going to be carrying the SLA far from the car so the 45 Ah SLA is cheap and it works perfectly and will run half a day at full throttle.
a 3 S LiPo cell could in theory run the 100 watt rig like I did for 2.5 hrs - 3 hrs and LiPo is cheap and a 5 ah Brick could pull 20 amps no problem and it would be tiny. If on SSB Phone and 50 watts and if I was seeing about 16 amps max on SSB Phone then I should see about 8 amps being pulled at 50 Watts, So a 5 Ah 3 S LiPo should power the radio for 4 - 5 hrs.
I could also use LiFeP04 4 S 5 Ah or parallel 2 together, RC Lithium is great, but you need a proper balance charger and also cell monitoring to make sure the cells don't get too discharged because with RC Lithium you got to be the BMS !
SLA is cheap and easy manage and can be left on float charge forever and it's 100% ready to use when you need it, with Lithium you should really only store it at about 50% and charge it before you need it as it doesn't like to be stored at 80+ % indefinitely and on the other hand SLA car batteries don't like to be ran down below 50% charge , this is where AGM would be better but they are very expensive as battery makers cash in on the fact they're needed in Hybrids, vehicles with start stop and electric cars for the 12V system.
I might just use a Lithium 5 Ah 3S pack for up to 50 Watts, cheap, light but probably can't take it on a plane, that's the problem today, most airlines won't allow Lithium packs or if they do they need to be very little Ah whether LiPo or LiFeP04.
That sucks they are so expensive in Ireland. While most of what you say is true, and echos what I said in the video, I would be curious how those 3s LiPO batteries would work with the 891. You are already starting with lower voltage, and you have 1 less cell. I would guess you would get maybe an hour or so of actual on air usage with it. An average POTA outing for me burns up an easy 5AH in about an hour. Keep me posted if you go that route. I'd be curious of your findings.
@@hamradiotube LiPo has higher voltage, about 3.8 nominal per cell and 4.2 hot off the charger but you can set the charger to end at 4.1 or 4.15 volts per cell etc.
3 S LiPo would be 4.2 x 3 = 12.2 Volts hot off the charger. 4S would be 16.8 volts off the charger but might be a little high for the radio, but it can be charged to 4.1 v per cell would be 16.1 volts, again , might be a little high.
Could also use 4S LiFeP04. which is 3.65 volts or 14.4 volts off the charger.
For the FT-891 Yaesu recommend psu of 13.8V +- 15% so that would be 15.8 V max so 3 S Lipo might be a bit of the low side , 4S LiFeP04 would be better but no harm trying the 3 S LiPo either.
I have no issue running of a SLA battery, the voltage did not go below 12 and it was happy enough so maybe the 3S Lipo would work fine.
Love my Bioenno, worth every penny.
Mike, thanks for putting together this video, it was very informative. I’ve been using the bioenno 1212 for my POTA activations and so far no issues 👍🏽. The audio and video quality of your videos are great although this one could use a little more lighting, please don’t take this as a complaint. Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos.
73 de W2MSA
Great 👍🏼 batteries Mike, I own two of them and they ROCK!!!
Awesome video. You should reach out to Dakota lithium then do a quality and performance comparison.
Thanks Julian. Not a bad idea. I have read your blog post and have looked at Dakota. Perhaps something to look at down the road.
Been wanting this power source for a while but haven't had the funds. Forced myself to save through a Christmas Club savings account. Was able to purchase 2. One for the shack and one for excursions/backup. These batteries will provide long life power for my QRP equipent. Hi Hi Nice video. 73 KB8AMZ
Right on man glad to hear it! I would imagine days of operating QRP with that much power!!
Which two batteries did you buy, for which radio(s)? Thanks.
@@GregoryCarrier BLF-1220A for Yaesu FT-857D and FT-817ND.
@@hamradiotube Yes. It beats lugging around a car battery and HW-9; although it wasn't as much a challenge when I was younger with strong muscles.
@@MoTown44240 Yeah no kidding. For me one of the biggest challenges doing portable is loosing any excess weight and these are light and pack a huge punch. Have fun operating all day with the battery!
That looks to be a great battery!
Nice review Mike. I picked up a 10mah battery from Bioenno at Dayton 2 year’s ago and love it. Great folks to work with. 73, George K2WO
Do you have any numbers yet on how long the 12/20 lasts yet with you ft-891?
I haven't used it much with the 891 as I've been taking the 7300 out a lot more. But, the 891 draws a constant 1AH of current. So on standby, 20 hours. I imagine it would last ever so slightly less amount of time, as the 891 draws just a little more power than the 7300 does. I did take this battery out on Saturday and activated 3 parks with it and only used 10AH so you will most likely be burned out before the battery!
Would love to have one but a little high priced for me. If your going to use more than 15 watts or so lead acid is not a good choice unless you want to carry a really big and heavy battery with you.
“I’m not really sure what’s inside it...”
It’s magical pixies. Pixie dust is the stuff that comes out when you poke it very hard, but don’t do that, not recommend.
Haha that's kind of what I thought. It is a pretty solid bit of kit though. I'm not exactly delicate with things and I think this will hold up to the Mike Abuse.
Shame on me for not being subscribed to your channel btw. Just fixed that. 73
Don't burn the pixies.
With just a coaxial two wire charging plug how can you set your charger to charge X volts per cell? Other batteries that can charge each cell independently seem to have a wire going to each cell wired to an internal controller and that way they can charge each cell to a particular voltage. How does this happen in this battery with only two wires?
Dave K8WPE
Good question. Inside the pack, there are multiple 3.2ish volt cells connected in series to get 13.6 volts. Connected to those cells is also what is called a Battery Management System, or BMS for short. This BMS is connected to the cells individually and that is how you are able to tell the voltage of each cell. If you watch my Portable Power Solution video you can see another video with the same type (LiFeOP4) of battery that shows the wiring and circuitry.
Really enjoying your channel, Mike. Yours is actually the first I turned on notifications for... I’ve just started getting into portable (from a car more than hiking) and looking at batteries. My thought (and I’d be curious to see what you think) is I know a lead acid will only give me 300-500 charge cycles compared to the 2,000 for a lithium battery, but what is the shelf life of a lithium? If it is only 5 years I may not even use it 500 times during that timeframe. If my assumption is true (based on a little research admittedly), then a battery that is 4X the cost for the same ~5 year lifespan is tough to justify. I know weight is a factor as well, but I’m running a FT-450D so don’t plan on lugging that too far anyway.
Love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
73, Mike, N7CCD
Hi Mikey, and thanks so much for watching and subbing! Lead acid is a good place to start and get you on the air, but I think you will quickly find, much like I did, that their limitations far outweigh their price. You have to keep in mind that whatever amp rating they have, you are only going to get half of that (without ruining the battery). I'm not really sure what the shelf life of LiFePO4 batteries is, but I assure you, it is exponentially longer than an SLA. You also have to consider how much power you are going to run at and what the battery can put out with SLA. Marine Deep Cycle batteries will surely do the job with your 450D, but they weigh a ton. Also keep in mind, everything is a compromise. Are there batteries that you can use that will get you on the air for less? Sure. But the compromise is weight, portability, and actual amount of power you can draw from the battery (in AH's). Being new to portable I would say use whatever you have to get you on the air. Just know that there are better, more efficient options out there should you need them. The best advise I could give you is get out there, practice, learn from your mistakes (trust me I make a lot), and make adjustments where necessary to hone your skills to minimize set up time, and increase your time on the air. And most importantly, have fun. That is the #1 goal. 73
K8MRD RADIO STUFF Thanks, Mike for your reply. That is pretty much what I planned to do to start. I just got a 12ah sealed led acid for $25 with the knowledge that I’d get about 6 hours of usage out of it per charge. A few years ago I designed and built a solar generator into a dolly that has a 150ah lead acid (heavy!) with foldable, 200W solar panels to charge it. It was my backup generator for lights, radio, charging batteries, power tools, etc. when I lived in Seattle and figured a gas generator wasn’t a long term practical solution. Very fun build and still ready to go in my garage. Far too heavy to jump in the car with, hence the small 12ah to start my portable journey.
I just finished building today a home brew linked dipole that covers 15M-40M that I can deploy as an inverted V. Another fun project.
Thanks again and looking forward to your next video! Still enjoying and working through your past videos.
Mike, N7CCD
Can you charge them while using? Or must you take it off-line to charge? Thanks. 73. Dave AE7TD
If you have a proper solar charge controller for LiFePO4 than yes, absolutely. Bioenno makes one. I'm not sure about using it in the shack as a main supply and charging it at the same time but I would imagine you could. Perhaps I should try that...
I wish that I could afford one of the bioano12volt 20AH batteries. It's a good battery but when you are on a limited income you have to resort to other means. Like getting a lawnmower battery. You have to do the best that you can. 73 AE4OY WILLIE P. EM-81UF South East Georgia
Yeah they're not cheap but they last pretty much forever. My first battery was an 8ah Duracell AGM that I used with my 891 running qrp. Whatever it takes to get on the air.
You could also look at a brand called Miady. They are really inexpensive and are sold on Amazon. They aren’t as good as Bioenno but it should work.
Can't beat free stuff, especially when it's $200 worth.
Haha yes that is true, and incredibly awesome. Keep in mind though, like I've said before, my whole goal with this channel is to pay it forward. I do these reviews because I myself watch every single ham radio video out on RUclips that I can, and have learned so much from them. I also want to be as complete and thorough as I can, which I feel sometimes doesn't happen with other videos. Not that anyone out there is doing bad mind you, quite the opposite. I have watched so many that have left me asking questions still. I want to give an open and honest opinion when possible and discuss the features and benefits in as deep a way as I'm able to. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting. 73
I think this was the best, most understandable review of a battery presentation that I could understand. I immediately ordered one as soon as you finished. Thank you so very much. I never knew which one to purchase. I do so very much want to work portable. I have a 817 that I am dying to find a spot to work. I have an end fed wire and all the things that go with it. It will not be long now. Thank you for your time and help.
Thank you Tommy! , I appreciate your kind words. With the 817 this battery will probably last all year hihi! While you wait for your battery, sign up for POTA, then get out there and get on the air.
73
Great video Mike! I didn't realize you couldn't combine those batteries. Good to know! -73
Great review!!! I have been looking at those batteries. I got to save up some money and get one of those!! Really do like watching your videos and seeing the things you use for your portable operations!! Juddie WD8WV
That battery is my short list. Also, nice Metallica shirt. ;) 🤘
Thanks, but it's a CatallicA shirt. Pet 'Em All haha!
Oh snap. I just now noticed. Ha ha. That’s Purrfect.
@@KF4LXS haha, I see what you did there
Gd Luck buying a Bioenno in Europe,.. I wanted to purchase, was not economically feasible... would like to know of distributor or retailer in Europe, I spoke with them last year, but for single customer, not interested. But great video, n good channel, 73s A92GW LZ/AE1TP
Yeah that sucks. Weird they wouldn't just charge a couple more dollars shipping and send you one??? In this day and age I thought you can pretty much get anything from anywhere. Thanks for watching though. 73
very very video very good very good
Rock on Mike, love your videos, 73 AB8XL
Hey thanks Paul, glad you made it to the channel!
Great stuff Mike! de K1NKX/AE
Gotta get my rig set up and break out the WRC for a POTA soon.
Just do it!!
Lol...what is going on with that shirt! Ha!
What? Its a CatallicA Pet 'Em All shirt. Quite fitting for a metal head that has a cat if I do say so myself.
K8MRD RADIO STUFF I need one. I also need two cat sized ones.