Batteries a Study in Power to Go

Sample

    These calculations are not exact.  Equipment manuals are not always exact.
    At some point the battery voltage will drop to the point that the rig will quit working.  It is generally good to not assume you will get more than 70% of the battery AH.  That means a 30 AH battery should be assumed not useable after 21 AH have been used. 
    Always give good margins.

Actual Battery Configurations

    Large (heavy) battery example – open

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Actual Battery Configurations

    Battery is trolling motor battery, 115 AH capacity. 
    It is in a plastic case for protection of the battery and people and things around it.
    The connection has fuses in both positive and negative.
    Battery is held tight in the case by the insertion of cardboard on both sides.
    The keeper to the left end of this case has jumped out of slot when under pressure.  A rag behind it insures it will stay in place and not move. Do not use a block that could puncture the battery.
    THE BATTERY MUST NEVER MOVE IN THE CASE.  This can cause a case fracture.

Actual Battery Configurations

    Large (heavy) battery example – closed

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Actual Battery Configurations

    The battery case should have a cover that is vented.  The cover should be in place except when removed for servicing.
    The cover should be securely tied down.  The tie down strap is missing in this picture.  Remember: Any metal object shorting the terminals can cause an explosion.
    The leads on this battery are too long.  They could be stepped on when carrying it.  Suggested is 1-3 inches.
    Multiple connections can be provided.  This wire should be #12 or #10.  Note the power poles on the leads.
    Some hams like a volt meter to monitor.

Actual Battery Configurations

    Medium battery configuration

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Actual Battery Configurations

    This is two 14 AH batteries glued together. 
    Deficiencies include, no case, no fuse. 
    This will power a 50 W transmitter for some time but will not handle it for a full day of net control and may not for a full day of other service.
    It is nice for short events and for bench power. 

Actual Battery Configurations

    Small battery for HT

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Actual Battery Configurations

    This is a pair of quad AA battery cases from Radio Shack.
    They are glued back to back with a fuse holder on the right side.
    The two are in series with the fuse and connect to power poles also glued to the holders.
    A cord with power poles and a VX-7 power adapter is below the battery.  The 8 AA’ should provide more time than the rechargeable.
    The belt case is a recycled camera case.
    If you want to use rechargeables add two more cells in series.  (1.2 X 10 = 12)

Battery Charger

    Note power poles in leads allow connection to the battery without opening the case.

Picture to be added.

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Useful Items – Adapters

    Power pole to alligator clips
    Power pole to auto accessory plug
    Power pole to auto accessory socket
    Power pole to pigtail
    Power pole to ring connector
    Power pole extension cord (#10 only length 10ft)
    Power pole splitter
    Power pole polarity checker
    Power pole to your rig connector