Posted: 6/8/2014 9:03:09 AM EDT
Hooked the Ecom box up to my batteries and deployed the solar panel in the backyard. Don't have a ampmeter on the leads from the solar charger to batteries (to compare what I have coming in from the panel to what is going to the radio) but it seemed as if the panel was able to handle the 1.03A draw of listening. I had a steady green light unless some clouds came by, then I got a blinking green (which meant it was trying to charge the batteries--I assume that means the income was not enough to handle the draw and brought the batteries down a little), but it recovered quickly. I then heard W100AW calling CQ from Oregon, and with the power set to 30 watts, I gave him a shout. He heard me. Hit a max of around 5-6 amp draw when broadcasting, but everything worked as it should, and I don't think I touched the batteries (as the charged showed stead green). For me, that makes my day. |
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Quoted: Very cool. I've been unable to contact anyone, bands have been s8+ noise for me in Miami, FL. Which solar panel? The panel is a ALEKO 140W 140-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel I got off Amazon (before they started getting tax from us). I just store in my reloading room and move it out back when I want to use it.  I put an aluminum piece which I can fold out to prop it up.  The plan is to try to use just the go box every weekend (at least through Hurricane season) to get used to everything. |
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At one point in my life I spent 3 years living in an old school bus. Winters here in Maine were tough but with a decent wood stove & 4 deep cycle batteries I managed quite nicely.
I had a 45 watt panel on the roof which served me well from April to October.. After that the sun was too low for good insolation. For awhile I charged with a 2Kw genny & a battery charger. Next I obtained a few parts from The Epicenter (universal bracket & pulley) & bought a hundred dollar, Honda knockoff motor from a local junk store. Add a few more pieces from a junk yard & $20. bux worth of hardware & a used alternator I had myself a 12 volt genny. I rationed the charge time to ~~ 1 quart of gas per day... which was very sufficient to run a small light, a 2M Yaesu (on 24/7) & a Yaesu 847 daily for 3-4 nets. Had dipoles for 40 & 80M, quarter wave verticals for 2, 6 & 10m So.... The bottom line being... It IS do-able. However it does take work, knowledge, patience & a good amount of self discipline & power management to keep it all well charged & running when you needed it the most. I still have the genny I built & it's a solid machine. I use it several times a year at field day etc.. If I can find a camera I'll post some pix....my cam didn't float  ....'nother story........
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