Posted: 2/2/2014 12:52:00 PM EDT
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Since I've mentioned this a few times I finally got around to posting pics.
Bog standard FT897, LDG AT897 bolt on autotuner, Homemade whip antenna mount, Homemade "back support struts" 10Ah internal homebrew NiMH packs. And I've tested it to 75W output thus far, though I seldomly run over 20-25W. I'd post "in action" pics but there are few feet of snow outside. Antenna is 1/2 a buddipole, or it can take an AT-271 military whip. Update: Semi-finished project at end of thread 
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Do carry on, with info about the battery packs and, well, everything
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Not sure of what you guys want specifically in terms of details.
Batteries are custom built internal pack of 2x11 C cell NiMhs, for a total of 10ah operating power. At 20W the radio pulls about 6 amps, so figure on continuous xmit that is a bit under 2hrs. With a decent TX/RX ratio its easily 4-6 hours of operation, though I've never run it that long. Not picture is a netbook that I can hookup using the standard interface cables and run data modes which I usually do at reduced power. Overall the whole thing works pretty well, the only real downside is that it isn't really waterproof but I plan on making a slip on cover for it though it seldom rains in my AO, and my radio pack is very waterproof as it stands. Some pluses: All bands, and almost all modes (it kinda sucks for ALE). It can and will do at least 75W (highest I tested on the internal batts) out for short periods of time (enough to get someones attention usually), it might be able to do the full 100W, but thats about 2C amp pull rate on the batteries so they wouldn't last real long. It can easily support a 10+ft antenna whip so it can be used ped-mobile, though I seldom do (usually too many trees to really do it in my AO). With an antenna setup you can be up and running in a few minutes, and the 1/2 buddipole combo is quick and easy to use and fairly efficient. Charging, the battery is 2packs that can be combined in parallel or used separately, meaning you can charge one set while using the other. The frame keeps all the crap at the back off the ground and provides a stable platform when using the antenna. Future plans Paint... Maybe close up the bottom with some aluminum sheet. Add in a cable splitter so I can select to use either HF or VHF antennas on the front post (currently I need to switch a cable to do this. Add a quick attach grounding plug to the antenna holder. |
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Quoted:
Yeah. That looks great. Detail pics! The antenna connection, wire layout, everything.  The antenna connection is a standard 3/8x24 mount with a pl259 plug on the end. All the "wiring" is the cable from the antenna to the tuner, and another cable to the VHF/UHF port, I think I will add a switch for that later, currently to use VHF I need to spend 10 seconds unscrewing the HF cable and screwing in the VHF... |
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Quoted:
Tagged for interest, as I just bought one! The worst thing is that the 897 specific tuner isn't dimensionally the same size as the rest of the radio, its a few milimeters larger on the top and bottom, also its internal holes are in different locations than the other side of the radio. Also, the "feet" of the radio interfere bit with the mounting of the frame, but those are mainly cosmetic drawbacks. Other than that can recommend a buddipole/whip for use with the whip mount though something like a MP1 or hamsticks would work as well. The advantage of the buddipole setup is that it will work well from about 40m-70cm. Any lower than that you really need a big wire antenna though there is a guide for using the buddipole vertical on 80m, you need a bigger coil and a really long counterpoise. |