Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
2/18/2015 4:08:11 PM EDT
I purchased a little 5W radio (CW) and a set of rechargeable batteries to use with it.  I am thinking I'd like some recharge ability if I'm out in the backcountry for a few days and so was looking at the following 2 options:

http://smile.amazon.com/ALLPOWERS-Maintainer-Automobile-Motorcycle-Batteries/dp/B00QRHDIPY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1424289836&sr=8-4&keywords=12v+solar+panel
http://smile.amazon.com/Renogy-Monocrystalline-Photovoltaic-Battery-Charging/dp/B00JXPE7IO/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1424289836&sr=8-13&keywords=12v+solar+panel

I would also (probably) get a 12V AGM battery to use as a 'buffer' and then wire the charger for the radio battery pack (think UPS).

I don't expect that the first solar cell would recharge while operating, I'm thinking more along the lines of charging while I'm out hunting/fishing/etc during the day and being able to use the radio for a couple of hours at night.
2/18/2015 4:14:45 PM EDT
[#1]
I ran five days out of a 7 day special event off of solar. It can easily be done.
2/18/2015 4:22:45 PM EDT
[#2]
Most weekends, I run solar--to keep in practice.

I can charge battery while listening, and get close to break even when transmitting.


I can say that I have had very good luck with Renogy, I found their products to be very good and they are helpful.

 
2/18/2015 4:44:56 PM EDT
[#3]
Some reading material.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_22/671603_Portable_power_and_Solar_Charging_Gadgets.html

There is a link to figuring your power requirements.
2/18/2015 4:58:58 PM EDT
[#4]
When I lived in Nevada, I ran my 2/440 rig off of solar power and a 7 amp/hour alarm battery. I just had a little half-assed system I cobbled together out of three completely different solar panels. I just did it for the hell of it: a project to see if it worked. But I ended up doing it for several years. I had a panel I got from Harbor Freight, one that I got off of eBay that was one of those Volkswagen panels, and I had a little Power Film panel.