Solar Powered Ham Radio Station

The idea of a solar powered ham radio station has always intrigued me.

Solar powered ham radio station.

Kenwood th f6a 2m 440 handheld. The main solar station is remotely controlled from the home qth. Most hams fall into one of two categories. I ll be using a small 20 watt solar panel and charge controller to charge the battery.

Those who spend many hours researching the various options and end up more confused than when they started. And those who impulsively buy whatever is cheapest easiest to find and end up with poorly chosen solar panels that do not meet their needs. Can you power your station from the sun. This is practically the same as the more common car batteries and they come in various.

This high definition video shows my solar powered amateur radio stations which are located on our isolated bush property about 150 klms away from where we live. Solar powered ham radio. Here is a diagram of the station s power supply. A solar powered ham radio station created by rob norman vk5sw on 2019 06 18 editor s note.

One of the perceived barriers to off grid amateur radio is the selection of solar panels. My handheld of choice is the kenwood th f6a. In may 2010 i decided to do something about it. For some time i have wanted to try powering my ham radio station with solar power and batteries.

Solar power for amateur radio in rental units hoa controlled property where permanent solar installations are not permitted or are logistically difficult. We re going to start out small inexpensive and low power. This video explains solar power from the panels and batteries to charge controllers and sizing. For setting up your solar powered station there are 3 items you will need.

The recommended battery for the setup is a 12v sealed lead acid sla for short pb. The battery is where you get your power from. As you see on other parts of this website i do a lot of low power operating using small simple transceivers rigs that put out as little as. I have an elecraft kx 1 and currently power it from a 12v 7ah gel cell.

I ve been able to solar power a small ham radio station for about two hundred dollars. Amateurs who want an all in one setup to use on a home station but also have the option of taking it out in the field.