Category Archives: Alternative Power

Using solar power for Field Day

Posted on August 7, 2012 by robert

The ARRL Field Day includes a 100 point bonus if at least 5 contacts are made using “Alternative Power”.  For the QRP folks, this is an easy bonus, and in fact those folks often times run the entire event off … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Power, From the OM | 2 Comments

Extending Your Honda Generator Run Time

Posted on August 6, 2012 by robert

Outside of raising an antenna tower, probably the most dangerous activity during Field Day is refueling the generator.   A few clubs have back-up generators that they can quickly switch over.  Other clubs have battery backup that allows the rigs to … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Power, From the OM, Gear | 1 Comment

Do you need a charge controller with a LiFePO4 battery?

Posted on November 28, 2011 by robert

The makers of the new LiFePO4 batteries recognized a market in replacing traditional Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries.  With a little help from some built-in electronics, they offer a technology that packs 30% more energy into the same form factor … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Power, From the OM, Gear | 10 Comments

Field Day 2011

Posted on June 27, 2011 by robert

Remembering the fun I had 40 years ago working field day for K4BFT in Huntsville Alabama, and K2AE in Schenectady New York, I figured it might be fun to try my hand at FD again.  I had hoped to contact … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Power, From the OM, Gear, QRP | Leave a comment

You light up my life…(almost)

Posted on June 21, 2011 by robert

One of the conveniences of the WB4SON Shack (called the “Wombat Room” by family members), is a 40 Amp 12 VDC power bus, normally fed by an Astron linear power supply.  It is also fed by a 110 Amp-Hour deep … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Power, From the OM, Gear | 2 Comments