Great video! I love using Bioenno batteries. FYI, the barrel connector for charging is just there for convenience sake so you can charge them via their AC charger while discharging via Powerpole. You can also charge via the Powerpole connector, the BMS doesn't care. If I charge via AC, I leave my Powerwerx meter plugged in so I can see when the capacity peaks, then I know it's charged. Or flip it around and plug it into a Powerpole bench supply to watch it charge. Bioenno also have good runtime charts on their website for 20/80 or 50/50 duty cycles for each battery.
They are actually connected to the same spot on the BMS. I haven't seen the run charts that's good to know, I'll have to take a look and see how they compare with my experience. I just wish the charger would show when its done. Not a big deal for my cuz I use a different charger that shows me all the info I need, but yes, I would def plug my meter before it to see how much has gone into the battery.
It's a pitty the Bioenno batteries are practically impossible to buy in the European Union. I'd be very glad to hear from someone who knows the ways to do that! 73 ! Linas LY2H
I just got a Bioenno 70Ah battery, which is obviously way overkill for QRP, but with things the way they are, I wanted to have a backup for more than just radio. With the "Portable Power Box," and a Maximum *Continuous* Discharge Current of 60A on the battery, this setup is a beast, and very compact and portable! I live alone, and besides the central ac, I could almost run everything in the house with this thing. *lol* The battery was very expensive, of course, but I try to imagine what it would be like with no grid power and no backup, and it suddenly looked to be a more reasonable purchase. Thanks for the video.
Wow that's a beast of a battery. And yes the up front price is shocking to some people, but when you understand how much better LiFePO4 batteries are than any other chemistry, plus the life span of them, its a no brainer. You would buy 4 sets of lead acid batteries over the lifespan of one LiFePO4 battery. Nevermind the fact that these are way lighter.
I have a BioEnno 15ah battery and absolutely love it. The battery, charger, and powerwerx meter fit perfectly into a harbor freight ammo can that is very easy to carry!
Good info Mike. It is all about what you want to do for that day. The 3 Ahr is a great light weight option of a hike in day. Mine puts out a little over 14v fresh. For the weight it is a great option if weight is an issue. Ham is an addiction. QRP is an addiction. Double whammy, so do it right and make the most of it. Thanks for your contact Mike.
I bought a 12ah Bioenno when i bought my 891, K8MKL and I (W8MJL) use it on our pota activations and stay out all day. We did a 5 park run last year and still had battery left over at the end. We love ours and would defiantly recommend them to every ham. And as soon as i get back to work i'm getting one of those X5105's, I've been eyeing those since they came out. 73 de W8MJL & K8MKL
I have a 20a bioenno. I used it for the first time yesterday with my wolf River Coil (also for the first time) What a great combo with the FT857d. Got some DX on 20m. Plenty Of contacts on 40. I was out for 3 hours just in my yard. The battery did not falter using 100w on quick contacts. Love your videos. 73 W8XDX
For sure. They are fantastic batteries. Thats a great setup you have too and should be able to run for many hours with it. The solar cycle is certainly picking up again. It's nice hearing DX contacts again. Thanks for watching. 73
Oh dude, your pack will be so much lighter its ridiculous. Those SLA's are terrible. What do you have? An 8AH? You really only get 4AH out of it before you have depleted the battery. It's false advertising in my opinion. Plus, that prob weighs the same if not more than my 20AH Bioenno. I'm telling you man, get the LiFePO4. You will never look back.
K8MRD RADIO STUFF OK. You convinced me. I do have an 8Ah Duracell. Never ran it out. And it is pretty heavy. I used to carry everything in the backpack. Ugh. Now I use the Harbor Freight case for the rig/batt and the backpack for everything else. And of course my PVC antenna carrier which I’d love to figure out something better for too
Thanks for the review, I use my bioenno's in the back or out portable all the time. Amazon does have that lunch bag for 14.95 ( Carhartt Insulated Soft-Sided Lunchbox ).
Thank you for posting this. This was very helpful for me! Before I was only thinking of amp hour in capacity and not peak draw in transmit. Again thank you, liked!
The 3.8Ah internal battery of the X5105 lasts for hours on its own. I only carry the external battery as a backup at this point. Great video! Excuse me while I go buy a lunch box.
Oh for sure, ridiculously long. I'm going to run off the Bioenno the next time I'm out and see what it does to it. I love that the X5105 has the ability to use internal or external power. I really like that radio.
Thank You for this. Trying to.make a decision on what battery to buy, especially now that I'm looking at the Xiegu G-90 and I'm trying to get the right balance of runtime vs weight. I'm looking at getting one battery and the solar charger so that I can extend my runtime. I can't wait to put all this together.
The 6AH works perfect for me. If you throw in a decent solar setup you should have no problems. The only reason you might want to go bigger is if you plan on operating for many hours after the sun goes down.
You love the word “amp-hours”. You used it for everything. How long did your battery last?: “6 amp-hours”. What voltage is it?: “12 amp-hours”. What is the power output of your radio?: “20 amp-hours”
If you'd like to save money, search eBay for "18650 12 volt pack." The empty cases run from about $10 up. You'll have to provide your own 18650 batteries, but that has an advantage. If you're in the field, you can swap out those batteries. Also, if you rip apart old computer battery packs, you'll often find that it has 18650 batteries and two or three of them are still usable. Ebay also has fancier packs that let you connect those batteries in series/parallel for more capacity. Just be sure, when you compute the total cost, to factor in the cost of a 18650 charger.
The 18650s would be a great option for qrp radios. I've seen some people using them with their Elecraft radios. Just need to make sure you keep them 3 in series vs 4 with lifepo4. Otherwise you will be around 16 ish volts vs I believe 11.5 with 3 in series. I think I might go by some on eBay and try it out. Thanks for reminding me. I need more batteries to play with. 73
Great vid, thanks! I love this kid of vid. So very useful for hams. I can't wait for FD this year. I like doing the 1B1-battery thing in the middle of the Huron National Forest. I, like thousands like me, will be in the woods, regardless of what the ARRL says about FD. It's not their 'test anyomore. They lost control of it 75 years ago when it took on a life of it's own.. lol. PS- my SAD-40 deck antenna spans the nation! Just, uh, bragging. I'm ready for FD. 73
Yeah I think a lot of people are going to be going solo for field day this year. Kinda sucks cuz I love getting together with everyone to play radio for the weekend. Oh well, I'm quite good at being alone so back yard portable I may go.
@@hamradiotube I'm a loner type, not like you. That's too bad.. what a drag. The whole FD 'playing radio' thing sounds like a hell of a good time. Maybe this thing will pass sooner than expected. Shame they can't move FD to a month or two later, but that would probably be a logistical nightmare for the arrl and the groups that must plan for the operation. Thanks for your awesome vids. 73 OM
I plan on using all Bioenno Products. A 12W/24W solarcontroller, a 12/12A battery, on a 28 watt solar panel to run an Icom ic-7000 radio on 20 watts or less. I hope I am not messing up somewhere. I also plan on buying an additional battery.My main goal is to go light in a messenger bag. My antenna will be a buddistick deluxe Until I can afford something lighter. An elecraft t1 tuner and a packtenna. I want to also purchase a LNR precision 5B qrp rig in the future.
You should be good with that setup. I would check how much current that 28 watt panel actually puts out vs how much current draw your radio uses on receive as well as TX. Would it be enough to keep your batteries topped off? Of course, like anything else in radio, everything is a compromise. Smaller panel will be more portable but provide less energy.
I am using AA sized NiMH in a pack, they are allowed on planes and a lot less worrisome, connect it to my solar panel and if all else fails I can buy a set of AA batteries at the store.
You move that 20amph battery like it's a feather I bring my 100w IC-7200 outside all the time I'm gonna have to get one. Still love the mast brother 73's
What someone need to do a video on is how to measure the DC current draw on common equipment that you would take in the field BESIDE the radio. I can think of 5 things off the top of my head that might need charging from a battery.: #1 Cell phone #2 Computer/laptop/tablet #3 GPS #4 Satellite Emergency communication device #5 Rechargeable Headlight/Flashlight/lantern. If you can find the current draw from the devices adapter ( barrel connector or USB) BEFORE you leave home you could have a better idea of what size of battery you might need. Then connect that battery to a properly sized solar panel so that you can keep the battery charged while it is charging the devices so that you would know how long that battery would last AFTER the Sun goes down.
Thanks for the great video ! At 13:18 you mention your "other video about batteries and charging". I looked though your playlist and it isn't obvious which one you're referring to. Could you please provide a link to that particular video ? Thanks !
I have a good one and 2 crappy ones. The Powerwerx is actually accurate, hence the $50 price tag. The other 2 were like $15 from amazon or eBay and are crap.
With my new Icom IC-705, and a Bioenno 6 amp hour battery, when I turn the radio up to the full 10W, how many amps am I pulling out of the Bioenno when I key up?
I a Qrp fan. Qrp HF cw is all I do Also a sealed lead acid battery fan These batteries are said to be half the weight and twice the power What is not said is the cost These Bioenopower batteries cost more than 4 times as much as a Sealed Lead Acid battery of the same rating And you need a special charger Anyway :) There is no magic or secrets If you want your battery to last reduce the load I hear about running 100 watts and packing a battery and LMAO :) Batteries are but a vessel to store Power Like a bucket You can buy a bucket made of gold if you like My bucket made of lead been in service well over 100 years Good luck TU U
Another great vid Mike , getting a bioenno out side usa is not easy,. im still using lead acid, keep it on trickle charge, n carry the beast when able to go portable.. always great to see you ....cheers mike ... 73
It's too bad they aren't distributed in too many countries outside the US. It's a matter of distribution from what I'm told. Vendors would need to import them in quite a bit of quantity to make it work while.
Bioennos are very good lifepo4's, but another consideration is how low a voltage your radio will operate on. For instance, the G90 will run, albeit with less output wattage, on as low as 10 volts. When operating portable with my IC-7300, down to 11.6 volts, the 7300 would no longer operate.
LiFePO4 batteries hold a pretty much constant 13.3 volts until they are about to die so that really doesn’t matter. Of course they do sag under load a bit but I’ve not had any issues with either my 7300 or 891. You get almost the full rated capacity out of them.
Great video Mike!! I have one of their batteries, it is a 12 v 4a/hr battery. I like it a lot! I would of liked a larger one but I figure why since I either run the 817ND or the uBitx that I have. I really like how light weight they are compared to the 12 v 7 a/hr SLA battery I was using. Keep up the good videos. Oh, getting ready to order the parts to build that wire antenna that you used in your one video. 73 Juddie WD8WV
You certainly don't need a bigger battery for what you are running. That 4Ah should last all week with the uBitx! Not sure which antenna you're talking about but any antenna project is great in my book.
K8MRD RADIO STUFF morning Mike. It is the antenna that your friend that does SOTA sent you. He made the video on how to make it. The toroid fits on the back of the BNC connector. Have a good day and stay safe. Juddie WD8WV
I am not sure this is the lunch box but look like it could be. www.amazon.com/dp/B071LN78DN/ref=twister_B01EKRU3DM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 EDIT: Mike has added a link to the video description. Use his link. Help the channel out if you are interested in the lunch box.
Good information about QRP STUFF! Thanks for passing along what you know. I plan on buying me a Bioneno battery in the near future. 73 AE4OY William P. (EM-81UF) (South East Georgia)😃
@@hamradiotube I was wondering if you are planning on going to the Orlando ham fest when it gets back on line. After all this Corona19 crap is over with ?🤔73 AE4OY WILLIE P.
I'm looking for any adecuated battery for my health... Can I to have this Bioenno 20AH LiFePO4 Battery using my Icom 7300 with 100 watts TX ?? Is this battery type healthy to have it in my room where I sleep? I have many noise when I use power supply.
Yes you can use a Bioenno 20 amp battery for your 7300. I do it all the time. Check out my 2020 field day video. Yes they are safe. Not sure what you mean by healthy. They do not produce noise.
I really like your videos. I am going to retire my SLAs and get Bioenno. It will be mostly for a G90 (and "maybe" some use with my 450/857). I had been looking at the 15 amp and 12 amp versions. For packability, I kind of like the 12 amp model. Thoughts? (Even with the 450/857, I don't use full power on a battery.) Down the road, I might get the Pax100 amp... Steve/KJ4KKI
Thanks for watching. The 12AH would be great for the G90. That would last almost 24 hours on RX. I use a 6ah for my G90 and haven't come close to draining it on a POTA activation. After reviewing the PAX100 amp, I don't think I would recommend it. It does put out the power but I had SWR issues from 20 - 10 meters and I was going into a dummy load, so beware.
You pay for what you get. If you want cheap, you are going to get heavy, inefficient batteries like lead acid. You pay more, you get light weight, efficient, true capacity rated batteries that will last 4 times the life of other batteries. The cycle life on this chemistry is at least 2000 times vs 250-500 for lead acid batteries.
Is there something I could connect to them to see the power level/static charge inside of a batt? Bioenno batts don't have an exterior charge indicator and like you said the corded charger just has a red or green LED. I'd like to know how much gas is in the tank ya know...
Did you watch the video?? Between about 4:00 and 7:20 you can see the radio hooked up to the battery with a Powerwerx watt meter in line. You can use that to monitor the battery while it's being charged and you can also use it to monitor the battery when in use. There are plenty knock off versions of the meter on amazon that can be had for about $15, but they are not very accurate. I've got 4 other non powerwerx meters and they are all off by a bit on the voltage and the current.
@@hamradiotube Actually the meter was the reason for the question. I see.you can monitor draw/load and total amp hours but which field shows overall battery charge? If the batt wasn't fully charged to start, knowing mAh would be flying blind. And I'd never buy anything not powerwerx, they are superior quality.
@@MrButterpantz Well its not really going to show the state of charge. A 12V LiFePO4 battery will be fully charged once it reaches about 14.6 volts. You really need to monitor the voltage and the amps. You'll know you're close when the current draw starts to drop and the voltage gets to that 14.6~ range. Note that the voltage will only be that high temporarily. The battery will settle to around 13.2-13.4V once charging is complete. Of course, I do none of this as my charger handles all of the work, and shows the voltage and current that it is putting into the battery, as well as the time it took to charge it. And yes, powerwerx stuff is great quality.
It's ok. Not the best. One died on me so the one in my shack is actually my 3rd as I have one in the car as well. For as little as I am on VHF/UHF it serves me just fine.
Rambling on are you saying you're a talker guess you are in the right places ham radio need sale Autographed pictures. Just pulling your leg I really enjoy your videos I'm very interesting battery's so put your self movies. But seriously this poking fun I'm debating on what size battery to get I go portable I would think with all the gear laptop and radio many amps for all stuff. Have fun with your radio. 73
If you're just going qrp any of these batteries should be more than enough. I use a 20AH when I'm running 100 watts and thats usually more than enough to run several hours of a pileup.
Let's see, 991a and aG90. I feel having two batteries. Need to get powered meter. I guess over a longer operating in a Emergency the thing would turn. Gust just getting started on portable, would you not want solar to change with. How many watts would you use. Some device to control it. Yes I need to get power poles and different sizes. Guess I have to many questions 73 de KQ4CD Paul
2 batteries would be better than one. I use a 6ah for my g90 and a 20ah for my 7300. You can get solar if you're going to be out for an extended period, like an all day activation where you are making a LOT of contacts. For shorter trips of a few hours or less you really don't need solar in my experience. I would get a 100 watt panel and at least a 10 amp charge controller. Make sure your charge controller is compatible with the chemistry battery you are going to use though. For LiFePO4, either Bioenno or Genasun make good charge controllers that are RF quiet. I'm pretty sure both brands have lead acid controllers as well. And Power Pole EVERYTHING!!
Can’t wait this this stupid virus is done so I can write my test and get on hf bands. Have you ever done a video on “what radio you use and what antenna you liked or pota”? I know it a loaded question each there own but maybe aimed at first timers ...like myself that want start doing that type of stuff.
@@hamradiotube Agreed. always wanted to go the Bioenno route but shipping would kill it for me. ive seen a battery called Ultramax, 22A 12v for £131.00. Comes with a battery bag and t bar connector too.
For a mobile radio, to avoid running a new fused line to your battery or fuse box, could you possibly use one of your higher current batteries with a car charger in between (ignition hot accessory plug) so that the battery is a buffer between the radio and the car battery AND could hand the occasional peak amps in excess of the 15amp limit on most cigarette lighter/12v accessory plugs? The extra battery would always be charging while the car is running and the radio would draw power directly from the extra battery.
I purchased a Bioenno 20A battery a few weeks ago. Works great so far with my Icom 706. Their customer service is excellent!
You have chosen wisely.
How many hours can you have transmitting with 100w with the battery that you purchased ? 73 HI3MFR
@@MFGaming2020 prob about 8
Great video! I love using Bioenno batteries. FYI, the barrel connector for charging is just there for convenience sake so you can charge them via their AC charger while discharging via Powerpole. You can also charge via the Powerpole connector, the BMS doesn't care. If I charge via AC, I leave my Powerwerx meter plugged in so I can see when the capacity peaks, then I know it's charged. Or flip it around and plug it into a Powerpole bench supply to watch it charge.
Bioenno also have good runtime charts on their website for 20/80 or 50/50 duty cycles for each battery.
They are actually connected to the same spot on the BMS. I haven't seen the run charts that's good to know, I'll have to take a look and see how they compare with my experience. I just wish the charger would show when its done. Not a big deal for my cuz I use a different charger that shows me all the info I need, but yes, I would def plug my meter before it to see how much has gone into the battery.
You can draw a load from the barrel connector.
It's a pitty the Bioenno batteries are practically impossible to buy in the European Union. I'd be very glad to hear from someone who knows the ways to do that! 73 ! Linas LY2H
Yes it is. I've gotten him in contact with one of the dealers in the UK but don't know what ever came of that.
As always, great video, Mike. I picked up some Bioenno batteries at Hamcation and so far, I have been happy with them.
I know you did, you got those really cheap refurbished ones that I didn't even know about. I would have snatched a couple of those up myself.
Well explained - Thank you..... I love my 6ah for the KX3 and 40ah for POTA 100 watts ..... W1FYG
Thanks Don. You just need 2. A big and a small. 73
K8MRD RADIO STUFF ..... I have two 6’s and two 40’s. Just bought another 7300 (don’t tell my wife!😂)
Nice job, I’m a pretty big fan of Bioenno 👍
Thanks Ape. Me too.
I have four SLA batteries. All were given to me. When they die, I will definitely go Bioenno. Nice comparison!
And you will never look back. Thanks for watching.
I just got a Bioenno 70Ah battery, which is obviously way overkill for QRP, but with things the way they are, I wanted to have a backup for more than just radio. With the "Portable Power Box," and a Maximum *Continuous* Discharge Current of 60A on the battery, this setup is a beast, and very compact and portable! I live alone, and besides the central ac, I could almost run everything in the house with this thing. *lol* The battery was very expensive, of course, but I try to imagine what it would be like with no grid power and no backup, and it suddenly looked to be a more reasonable purchase. Thanks for the video.
Wow that's a beast of a battery. And yes the up front price is shocking to some people, but when you understand how much better LiFePO4 batteries are than any other chemistry, plus the life span of them, its a no brainer. You would buy 4 sets of lead acid batteries over the lifespan of one LiFePO4 battery. Nevermind the fact that these are way lighter.
@@hamradiotube Yes sir!
I have 2-4.5ah Bioenno’s I run my FT818 and Various other QRP radios with these. Fantastic batteries!
Nice, you have chosen wisely.
Great presentation, Mike. Ten minutes after I finished your video for the second time, I ordered one of the ones you suggested.
You have chosen wisely.
Kevin is soooo patient and helpful. Great video!!!
I have a BioEnno 15ah battery and absolutely love it. The battery, charger, and powerwerx meter fit perfectly into a harbor freight ammo can that is very easy to carry!
Love me some harbor freight ammo cans. I have a batter box I made out of one of those too.
Good info Mike. It is all about what you want to do for that day. The 3 Ahr is a great light weight option of a hike in day. Mine puts out a little over 14v fresh. For the weight it is a great option if weight is an issue. Ham is an addiction. QRP is an addiction. Double whammy, so do it right and make the most of it. Thanks for your contact Mike.
Boy you got that right. I got addicted hard core haha!
I bought a 12ah Bioenno when i bought my 891, K8MKL and I (W8MJL) use it on our pota activations and stay out all day. We did a 5 park run last year and still had battery left over at the end. We love ours and would defiantly recommend them to every ham.
And as soon as i get back to work i'm getting one of those X5105's, I've been eyeing those since they came out. 73 de W8MJL & K8MKL
Another conformation about the great quality of the batteries. Thanks Michael. And the X5105 is awesome!
I have a 20a bioenno. I used it for the first time yesterday with my wolf River Coil (also for the first time) What a great combo with the FT857d. Got some DX on 20m. Plenty Of contacts on 40. I was out for 3 hours just in my yard. The battery did not falter using 100w on quick contacts. Love your videos. 73 W8XDX
For sure. They are fantastic batteries. Thats a great setup you have too and should be able to run for many hours with it. The solar cycle is certainly picking up again. It's nice hearing DX contacts again. Thanks for watching. 73
Now you’re convincing me to get rid of my Duracell SLA!! Thanks for the demo!!
Oh dude, your pack will be so much lighter its ridiculous. Those SLA's are terrible. What do you have? An 8AH? You really only get 4AH out of it before you have depleted the battery. It's false advertising in my opinion. Plus, that prob weighs the same if not more than my 20AH Bioenno. I'm telling you man, get the LiFePO4. You will never look back.
K8MRD RADIO STUFF OK. You convinced me. I do have an 8Ah Duracell. Never ran it out. And it is pretty heavy. I used to carry everything in the backpack. Ugh. Now I use the Harbor Freight case for the rig/batt and the backpack for everything else. And of course my PVC antenna carrier which I’d love to figure out something better for too
@@hamradiotube WOW! That's what I have too! I'll be upgrading soon also
Thanks for the review, I use my bioenno's in the back or out portable all the time. Amazon does have that lunch bag for 14.95 ( Carhartt Insulated Soft-Sided Lunchbox ).
They are great. A few people have found the lunch box as well. Thanks for watching.
Great video. I am looking at bioenno batteries right now for portable use.
73 George
Don't just look, get one. You will never look at other types of batteries again.
Great education on Bieoenno... I have a 20ah with my normal portable full size..
Hey thanks for watching!
@@hamradiotube Mike, it is my pleasure... I enjoy the videos and know the parks well as I used to live there!
Thank you for posting this. This was very helpful for me! Before I was only thinking of amp hour in capacity and not peak draw in transmit. Again thank you, liked!
You're very welcome!
Bioenno is great! (And this coming from a guy who obsesses about building batteries.) Great video, Mike. Thanks for sharing your compact setup.
DenCo™®© is right up there buddy.
The 3.8Ah internal battery of the X5105 lasts for hours on its own. I only carry the external battery as a backup at this point. Great video! Excuse me while I go buy a lunch box.
Oh for sure, ridiculously long. I'm going to run off the Bioenno the next time I'm out and see what it does to it. I love that the X5105 has the ability to use internal or external power. I really like that radio.
Thank You for this. Trying to.make a decision on what battery to buy, especially now that I'm looking at the Xiegu G-90 and I'm trying to get the right balance of runtime vs weight. I'm looking at getting one battery and the solar charger so that I can extend my runtime. I can't wait to put all this together.
The 6AH works perfect for me. If you throw in a decent solar setup you should have no problems. The only reason you might want to go bigger is if you plan on operating for many hours after the sun goes down.
@@hamradiotube What would be your recommendation for charging a 7ah battery?
You love the word “amp-hours”. You used it for everything. How long did your battery last?: “6 amp-hours”. What voltage is it?: “12 amp-hours”. What is the power output of your radio?: “20 amp-hours”
downright sick of seeing your face, but you got all the cool toys and the best info, been a big weekend of learning. thanks for the great vids
um, thanks, I think...
Thanks, buddy! Good stuff, as always!
Thanks Lee
Thanks for a great video. I have been looking for the right battery for my 817 sat setup. Nice work.
Well here are 3 perfect ones. Glad to help. 73
If you'd like to save money, search eBay for "18650 12 volt pack." The empty cases run from about $10 up. You'll have to provide your own 18650 batteries, but that has an advantage. If you're in the field, you can swap out those batteries. Also, if you rip apart old computer battery packs, you'll often find that it has 18650 batteries and two or three of them are still usable. Ebay also has fancier packs that let you connect those batteries in series/parallel for more capacity. Just be sure, when you compute the total cost, to factor in the cost of a 18650 charger.
The 18650s would be a great option for qrp radios. I've seen some people using them with their Elecraft radios. Just need to make sure you keep them 3 in series vs 4 with lifepo4. Otherwise you will be around 16 ish volts vs I believe 11.5 with 3 in series. I think I might go by some on eBay and try it out. Thanks for reminding me. I need more batteries to play with. 73
I use a small lightweight 12V Bosch drill batteries surprisingly good, easy to charge, lasts for about two to three hours on transmit with an 817.
That's pretty creative.
Can you upload a video so we can see how it comes together?
A good value is when the price matches the performance level. Bioenno batteries are definitely a good value.
They are absolutely fantastic.
Good video. I like the idea the battery supplies 13.1 volts.
Thanks for watching!
At 13.1V you need to charge that almost dead battery.
Great video Mike❗️ I ordered the X6100 yesterday now I need to order a smaller Bianano battery as the 20 amp I have is a big overkill 👍
Not sure the power consumption of the 6100 but i would imagine if its anything like the x5105 a 3ah would do just fine.
Just the info I was lookin for. Recently got a Xiegu G90 and looking forward to some CW portable. Sounds like the 6Ah is the one. Thanks for info!
Glad I could help!
That make some awesome batteries! I still have my 12A one and love it. Great explanation Mike! 73
Right on Brad. They'll keep going, and going, and going...
Great vid, thanks! I love this kid of vid. So very useful for hams. I can't wait for FD this year. I like doing the 1B1-battery thing in the middle of the Huron National Forest. I, like thousands like me, will be in the woods, regardless of what the ARRL says about FD. It's not their 'test anyomore. They lost control of it 75 years ago when it took on a life of it's own.. lol. PS- my SAD-40 deck antenna spans the nation! Just, uh, bragging. I'm ready for FD. 73
Yeah I think a lot of people are going to be going solo for field day this year. Kinda sucks cuz I love getting together with everyone to play radio for the weekend. Oh well, I'm quite good at being alone so back yard portable I may go.
@@hamradiotube I'm a loner type, not like you. That's too bad.. what a drag. The whole FD 'playing radio' thing sounds like a hell of a good time. Maybe this thing will pass sooner than expected. Shame they can't move FD to a month or two later, but that would probably be a logistical nightmare for the arrl and the groups that must plan for the operation. Thanks for your awesome vids. 73 OM
Very good explanation.
I plan on using all Bioenno Products. A 12W/24W solarcontroller, a 12/12A battery, on a 28 watt solar panel to run an Icom ic-7000 radio on 20 watts or less. I hope I am not messing up somewhere. I also plan on buying an additional battery.My main goal is to go light in a messenger bag. My antenna will be a buddistick deluxe Until I can afford something lighter. An elecraft t1 tuner and a packtenna. I want to also purchase a LNR precision 5B qrp rig in the future.
You should be good with that setup. I would check how much current that 28 watt panel actually puts out vs how much current draw your radio uses on receive as well as TX. Would it be enough to keep your batteries topped off? Of course, like anything else in radio, everything is a compromise. Smaller panel will be more portable but provide less energy.
I am using AA sized NiMH in a pack, they are allowed on planes and a lot less worrisome, connect it to my solar panel and if all else fails I can buy a set of AA batteries at the store.
You move that 20amph battery like it's a feather I bring my 100w IC-7200 outside all the time I'm gonna have to get one. Still love the mast brother 73's
They weigh hardly anything. If you’ve never picked up a LiFePO4 battery you are in for a real surprise let me tell you.
@@hamradiotube I have the harbor freight battery they sell it's heavy
What someone need to do a video on is how to measure the DC current draw on common equipment that you would take in the field BESIDE the radio. I can think of 5 things off the top of my head that might need charging from a battery.:
#1 Cell phone
#2 Computer/laptop/tablet
#3 GPS
#4 Satellite Emergency communication device
#5 Rechargeable Headlight/Flashlight/lantern.
If you can find the current draw from the devices adapter ( barrel connector or USB) BEFORE you leave home you could have a better idea of what size of battery you might need.
Then connect that battery to a properly sized solar panel so that you can keep the battery charged while it is charging the devices so that you would know how long that battery would last AFTER the Sun goes down.
Great information.
Nice presentation,
Great video!
Thanks for the great video ! At 13:18 you mention your "other video about batteries and charging". I looked though your playlist and it isn't obvious which one you're referring to. Could you please provide a link to that particular video ? Thanks !
I talk about batteries a lot but it’s prob this one about charging. Charging LiFePO4 Batteries
ruclips.net/video/OhpvIlPmYeU/видео.html
@@hamradiotube Yeah, that was the problem - hard to find the right one. This is it, thanks !
Great review Mike
Thanks Scott.
Very informative vid. Thanks.👍☘️
Glad you enjoyed it
Very good Mike. I ned to get me a meter like that!
I have a good one and 2 crappy ones. The Powerwerx is actually accurate, hence the $50 price tag. The other 2 were like $15 from amazon or eBay and are crap.
How do you physically connect the G90 to the battery? I am looking to do the same with an X6100 and a BLF-1212A.
This batteries is future
The future is already here.
With my new Icom IC-705, and a Bioenno 6 amp hour battery, when I turn the radio up to the full 10W, how many amps am I pulling out of the Bioenno when I key up?
I a Qrp fan. Qrp HF cw is all I do
Also a sealed lead acid battery fan
These batteries are said to be half the weight and twice the power
What is not said is the cost
These Bioenopower batteries cost more than 4 times as much as a Sealed Lead Acid battery of the same rating
And you need a special charger
Anyway :) There is no magic or secrets
If you want your battery to last reduce the load
I hear about running 100 watts and packing a battery and LMAO :)
Batteries are but a vessel to store Power
Like a bucket
You can buy a bucket made of gold if you like
My bucket made of lead been in service well over 100 years
Good luck TU U
Another great vid Mike , getting a bioenno out side usa is not easy,. im still using lead acid, keep it on trickle charge, n carry the beast when able to go portable.. always great to see you ....cheers mike ... 73
It's too bad they aren't distributed in too many countries outside the US. It's a matter of distribution from what I'm told. Vendors would need to import them in quite a bit of quantity to make it work while.
I forgot to mention,, They are 100% environmentally safe!!!!!!!!!!!
Got my eye on the G90.
So get one. It's a sweet radio.
Nice stuff, unfortunatley there seems to be no Biennopower dealers in DL.
Yeah they can be tough to get outside of the US I'm told.
Bioennos are very good lifepo4's, but another consideration is how low a voltage your radio will operate on. For instance, the G90 will run, albeit with less output wattage, on as low as 10 volts. When operating portable with my IC-7300, down to 11.6 volts, the 7300 would no longer operate.
LiFePO4 batteries hold a pretty much constant 13.3 volts until they are about to die so that really doesn’t matter. Of course they do sag under load a bit but I’ve not had any issues with either my 7300 or 891. You get almost the full rated capacity out of them.
1203W or 1203AB both are listed as .8lbs. So which is the better form factor?
Just bought a 9 amp for my g90 for my pota setup!
Right on, that should last you quite a while out there.
@@hamradiotube yeah excited to get it out and test it. Hope to hear you on the air sometime. Your videos are helpful and entertaining. 73 de N9MJH
Very informative video. Did you make a connector on the G90 to connect it to the battery? I thought the G90 has a different connector or no connector.
The G90 power cable has the weird connector on one side to connect to the radio, and bare wire on the other so I crimped power poles on it.
@@hamradiotube Thanks for the quick reply, that's good to know.
Nice workbench I got the same one
Harbor Freight for the win!
Absolutely!
Great video Mike!! I have one of their batteries, it is a 12 v 4a/hr battery. I like it a lot! I would of liked a larger one but I figure why since I either run the 817ND or the uBitx that I have. I really like how light weight they are compared to the 12 v 7 a/hr SLA battery I was using. Keep up the good videos. Oh, getting ready to order the parts to build that wire antenna that you used in your one video. 73 Juddie WD8WV
You certainly don't need a bigger battery for what you are running. That 4Ah should last all week with the uBitx! Not sure which antenna you're talking about but any antenna project is great in my book.
K8MRD RADIO STUFF morning Mike. It is the antenna that your friend that does SOTA sent you. He made the video on how to make it. The toroid fits on the back of the BNC connector. Have a good day and stay safe. Juddie WD8WV
@@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures Oh that one, duh! It's still early. That antenna is amazing, I love it. Looks like a pita build but well worth it.
All that math... I need a drink. Great video.
Might be a little early there but I’m not judging haha.
Any idea how long the 6a takes to charge on the charger you get from bioenno?
I never use that charger but I think it has a 2amp output so 3-4 hours I'd guess.
What battery are you using with the FT891?
I typically use the Bioenno 20ah.
Have you had any experience with the power banks (ravpower, anker) for qrp? Looking to downsize my portable power for the 817.
I don’t but Stuart KB1HQS was just tweeting about that RavPower thing a week or so ago. Seems like it is working for him and his KX3.
I am not sure this is the lunch box but look like it could be. www.amazon.com/dp/B071LN78DN/ref=twister_B01EKRU3DM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
EDIT: Mike has added a link to the video description. Use his link. Help the channel out if you are interested in the lunch box.
That is the one. I could not find it anywhere. Thanks.
As info - that charger is now $40 on Amazon. Did I get ripped off?
Are you still satisfied with the 5105? I am thinking about getting one when they are back in stock
Very much so. That has become my take it everywhere radio.
Thank you for explaining this!
🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡
#hamHarder
You bet!
im building my go pack, im thinking of doing POTA in CW mode, whats the best battery for my transciever( Xiegu G90)
I use the 6ah Bioenno with my G90. It's the perfect size.
Good information about QRP STUFF! Thanks for passing along what you know. I plan on buying me a Bioneno battery in the near future. 73 AE4OY William P. (EM-81UF) (South East Georgia)😃
Glad it was helpful!
@@hamradiotube I was wondering if you are planning on going to the Orlando ham fest when it gets back on line. After all this Corona19 crap is over with ?🤔73 AE4OY WILLIE P.
@@williampeacock9473 Oh yeah. We're all itching to get out to some ham fests.
Do you use solar panels with them?
Not yet. We don’t see a lot of sun in Michigan but it’s on the list.
Ok thanks
I'm looking for any adecuated battery for my health... Can I to have this Bioenno 20AH LiFePO4 Battery using my Icom 7300 with 100 watts TX ?? Is this battery type healthy to have it in my room where I sleep? I have many noise when I use power supply.
Yes you can use a Bioenno 20 amp battery for your 7300. I do it all the time. Check out my 2020 field day video. Yes they are safe. Not sure what you mean by healthy. They do not produce noise.
I really like your videos. I am going to retire my SLAs and get Bioenno. It will be mostly for a G90 (and "maybe" some use with my 450/857). I had been looking at the 15 amp and 12 amp versions. For packability, I kind of like the 12 amp model. Thoughts? (Even with the 450/857, I don't use full power on a battery.) Down the road, I might get the Pax100 amp... Steve/KJ4KKI
Thanks for watching. The 12AH would be great for the G90. That would last almost 24 hours on RX. I use a 6ah for my G90 and haven't come close to draining it on a POTA activation. After reviewing the PAX100 amp, I don't think I would recommend it. It does put out the power but I had SWR issues from 20 - 10 meters and I was going into a dummy load, so beware.
Nice free marketing for Bioenno Batteries.. If they would make these batteries cheaper, more people will buy them.
You pay for what you get. If you want cheap, you are going to get heavy, inefficient batteries like lead acid. You pay more, you get light weight, efficient, true capacity rated batteries that will last 4 times the life of other batteries. The cycle life on this chemistry is at least 2000 times vs 250-500 for lead acid batteries.
Is there something I could connect to them to see the power level/static charge inside of a batt? Bioenno batts don't have an exterior charge indicator and like you said the corded charger just has a red or green LED. I'd like to know how much gas is in the tank ya know...
Did you watch the video?? Between about 4:00 and 7:20 you can see the radio hooked up to the battery with a Powerwerx watt meter in line. You can use that to monitor the battery while it's being charged and you can also use it to monitor the battery when in use. There are plenty knock off versions of the meter on amazon that can be had for about $15, but they are not very accurate. I've got 4 other non powerwerx meters and they are all off by a bit on the voltage and the current.
@@hamradiotube Actually the meter was the reason for the question. I see.you can monitor draw/load and total amp hours but which field shows overall battery charge? If the batt wasn't fully charged to start, knowing mAh would be flying blind.
And I'd never buy anything not powerwerx, they are superior quality.
@@MrButterpantz Well its not really going to show the state of charge. A 12V LiFePO4 battery will be fully charged once it reaches about 14.6 volts. You really need to monitor the voltage and the amps. You'll know you're close when the current draw starts to drop and the voltage gets to that 14.6~ range. Note that the voltage will only be that high temporarily. The battery will settle to around 13.2-13.4V once charging is complete. Of course, I do none of this as my charger handles all of the work, and shows the voltage and current that it is putting into the battery, as well as the time it took to charge it. And yes, powerwerx stuff is great quality.
@@hamradiotube Gotcha, thank you!
@@MrButterpantz No prob. Good luck
How do you like your TYT FH-9800 Plus?
It's ok. Not the best. One died on me so the one in my shack is actually my 3rd as I have one in the car as well. For as little as I am on VHF/UHF it serves me just fine.
Rambling on are you saying you're a talker guess you are in the right places ham radio need sale Autographed pictures. Just pulling your leg I really enjoy your videos I'm very interesting battery's so put your self movies. But seriously this poking fun I'm debating on what size battery to get I go portable I would think with all the gear laptop and radio many amps for all stuff. Have fun with your radio. 73
If you're just going qrp any of these batteries should be more than enough. I use a 20AH when I'm running 100 watts and thats usually more than enough to run several hours of a pileup.
Let's see, 991a and aG90.
I feel having two batteries.
Need to get powered meter.
I guess over a longer operating in a Emergency the thing would turn.
Gust just getting started on portable, would you not want solar to change with.
How many watts would you use. Some device to control it. Yes I need to get power poles and different sizes. Guess I have to many questions
73 de KQ4CD Paul
2 batteries would be better than one. I use a 6ah for my g90 and a 20ah for my 7300. You can get solar if you're going to be out for an extended period, like an all day activation where you are making a LOT of contacts. For shorter trips of a few hours or less you really don't need solar in my experience. I would get a 100 watt panel and at least a 10 amp charge controller. Make sure your charge controller is compatible with the chemistry battery you are going to use though. For LiFePO4, either Bioenno or Genasun make good charge controllers that are RF quiet. I'm pretty sure both brands have lead acid controllers as well. And Power Pole EVERYTHING!!
73 de Erwin HB9GNK and KB9GNK
73
xiegu x5105, g90 sdr👍qrp
all good things
Can’t wait this this stupid virus is done so I can write my test and get on hf bands. Have you ever done a video on “what radio you use and what antenna you liked or pota”? I know it a loaded question each there own but maybe aimed at first timers ...like myself that want start doing that type of stuff.
I've done a lot of videos on radios and antennas. Thats a good portion of this channel.
Not available in the uk with shipping more than the battery is worth.
No they are not.
@@hamradiotube shipping or non availability?
@@matknight both. I mean, technically you can get whatever you want. You just have to pay to ship it.
@@hamradiotube Agreed. always wanted to go the Bioenno route but shipping would kill it for me. ive seen a battery called Ultramax, 22A 12v for £131.00. Comes with a battery bag and t bar connector too.
Is the price
www.bioennopower.com/collections/12v-series-lifepo4-batteries
Thanks , Good INFO! 73 K4YYY
Any time!
For a mobile radio, to avoid running a new fused line to your battery or fuse box, could you possibly use one of your higher current batteries with a car charger in between (ignition hot accessory plug) so that the battery is a buffer between the radio and the car battery AND could hand the occasional peak amps in excess of the 15amp limit on most cigarette lighter/12v accessory plugs? The extra battery would always be charging while the car is running and the radio would draw power directly from the extra battery.
Here is like for the bag on Amazon... Carhartt Insulated Soft-Sided Lunchbox, Black www.amazon.com/dp/B071LN78DN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_47-IEbYJHQ1HQ
thanks
Here is that Carhartt bag: www.carhartt.com/products/womens/Lunch-Box-291801B
Thanks. Someone else found it too last night and I added it to the description.
CQ
POTA
pota pota pota
@@hamradiotube Thanks for the quick reply 🤔🙄😂😂😂😂😂😂.
@@oscaropont haha right? I've been trying to clear up all the unanswered comments but there are so many!!
@@hamradiotube I bet,, you have lots of videos.
Only good for USA customers, not available in Europe or UK
DETAILS ON THE XCHARGER, PKLEASE