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[KM4CPJ]

Good evening All,

HAM radio operator here. Just found this website and decided to take a look around to see what I can learn and what someone can help me with in the near future.

Anyways, I'm an amateur radio operator, been one for about 4 years now (maybe a little more, maybe a little less). I'm currently building a "manpack" which is a HAM radio mounted in a lightweight frame (mine is aluminum) to include the radio, a battery (mine is LiFePo4 12v 25ah), tuner, mic, required patch cables, and 2 different antennas (one is an HF antenna, and the other is a UHF/VHF antenna). This "manpack" will allow me, if needed, to make communication with any other HAM operator in the world.

Im at the point to where I wish to build my own solar generator so that I can recharge the LiFePo4 battery that powers the "manpack". Im also looking to build my own LiFePo4 battery pack in order to run my RV that I will, most likely, be placing on a 50 acre plot of farmland in order to grow more hemp/marijuana plants (yup I said 50 acres....dont ya just love it that a lot of states are legalizing it?).

Obviously, my "manpack" battery needs to be as light as possible while the RV battery pack needs to be able to power most of the daily items found in an RV.

So, if anyone should want to share their tips, secrets, hints, etc I'd be grateful for the sharing of info. Of course if you share with me I'd be willing to share with you. Maybe, just maybe I could help you out with studying for your HAM radio operators test which is required. Anyways, I'll stop rambling here and wish EVERYONE a Happy New Year 2021 (because I think we can all agree that 2020 was HELL).


73 (as they say in HAM language, meaning Best Regards)

Jeff

 

[Dr. Dickie]

Hello,
KN8G here.
Right now the antenna is down, changed from a OCFD to a vertical. I stole the ideas for Callum (M0MCX) for an 80, 40, 20, 10 vertical. Put it together using the fiberglass military tent poles. 10 meter in height.
Was a major pain to put up, then I have to take it down for every hurricane. I am changing it to a swivel that I can put up and take down easily.
I also have couple of old military HF packs, which I am running with Li ion batteries and portable solar panels. I made a portable antenna for 20,40 meters. But with building a powerall and digging up the backyard for a solar panel upgrade, I haven't had time to take them out.

 

[KM4CPJ]

How do you like the military fiberglass poles?

I purchased some and the ones I have suck, the receiving end (female) of several of them split the sidewall.

Do you have any pics of the ones you have?

I've seen some that look fiberglass but they have what looks to be an aluminum female side and an aluminum male side. Think I might give that format a try.

I'm currently awaiting 12 LiFePo4 40152s battery cells so I can build a solar generator. I have a question that you might be able to answer...When soldering leads to these cells what gauge wire would you go with? I know that I should use as large as I can but I certainly dont want to use 10 gauge....thus my question. Hopefully you have experience in this regard. Thanks for replying.

Jeff

 

[Dr. Dickie]

How do you like the military fiberglass poles?

I purchased some and the ones I have suck, the receiving end (female) of several of them split the sidewall.

Do you have any pics of the ones you have?

I've seen some that look fiberglass but they have what looks to be an aluminum female side and an aluminum male side. Think I might give that format a try.

I'm currently awaiting 12 LiFePo4 40152s battery cells so I can build a solar generator. I have a question that you might be able to answer...When soldering leads to these cells what gauge wire would you go with? I know that I should use as large as I can but I certainly dont want to use 10 gauge....thus my question. Hopefully you have experience in this regard. Thanks for replying.

Jeff

This is the antenna I put together:

Using poles like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-32-FEE...298681?hash=item36673d35b9:g:wjQAAOSw4PBdrIyv
Although they were $60 dollars for 8 when I got them--don't know where those sellers have gone to.
The ones I got were new and have the reinforced female end. Yeah, there are aluminum poles that look exactly the same, but I could not use aluminum for the antenna I made.
I am making the antenna in the video a swivel up, as raising the upper section on the ladder was a major pain in the butt. Using this:

Antenna Mast Swivel Base For Fiberglass Mast Poles W/ base plate | eBay

Portable mast poles for launching antenna. And fiberglass mast poles NOT INCLUDED. USED WITH PORTABLE 48”MAST POLES. poled and aluminum poles. works with fiberglass camo. WITH base plate as shown in photo.

www.ebay.com

For my military packs (the British Clansman PRC-320 and the PRC-515) I have modified this antenna system

So that I can use it on 20 and 40 without having to use the ATU in the radios.

As far as soldering to the cells, I am not the one to ask. Right now I have lead acid for the radios (with solar panels), but I am in the process of putting together an 18650 DIY powerwall. I am still processing the cells, but think I will weld that cells for the 160P packs I am going to make.
But ask in the LiFePO section, there are great folks here who are very knowledgeable and very helpful.

 

[italianuser]

Welcome

KM4CPJ!​

Enjoy!

 

[The Kilowatt Challenge]

I'm also a HAM operator and 320 owner
Welcome to the group!