DIY LiFePO4 Battery – Pocket Portable

July 18, 2022 Julian OH8STN battery power, DIY projects, Education, Elecraft KX2/KX3, Emergency Communications, Field Comms, Field Radio, FT-818, Ham Radio, Icom IC-705, Lab599 Discovery TX-500, LiFePO4, Man Portable Off-Grid Power, Portable Ham Radio, Portable Power, powerfilm solar, QRP, QRP Portable, Xiegu G90, Xiegu X5105, Xiegu x6100, Yaesu FT-817ND, Yaesu FT-818/FT-817 2

Hello Operators
This is a simple 12v battery pack. It is purpose built for a balance of size, weight, energy density and storage capacity. As our portable stations become smaller and more efficient,  we can augment our favorite QRP radios internal battery, with this pocket sized power supply.

Parts List
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an Amazon affiliate or eBay Partner commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

K2 26650 LiFePO4 Cells http://oh8stn.net/26650lifepo4
(use my callsign for discount)

26650 Battery Holders ( #sponsored ): https://ebay.us/wMm6zl

Battery Spot welder ( #sponsored ): https://ebay.us/X7MNoo

4S LiFePO4 BMS ( #sponsored ): https://ebay.us/vi1NfB

3D Printed enclosure: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5436333/

Solar Charge controller

Genasun GV5-MOD-LFP MPPT
This charge controller is a stripped down version of the GV5L. It’s meant for embedded applications where the charge controller will be integrated into a larger project. In this case we will integrate the battery, battery management system and charge controller creating a pocket-sized micro solar generator.
The trash controller can be configured via a jumper, for 3s lithium iron phosphate or 4S lithium iron phosphate. It has pin headers for solar, battery and load. The load Port can be used as a switch for a relay or connected directly to our devices. Max amperage on the load board is 5 amps. If we require more than 5 amps on the load port we can tap the battery directly for the load, leaving the charge controller to manage the charging of the battery.
The solar input can manage a maximum of 5 amps from the solar panel.

Desktop charging

Desktop charging is simple. A 14.2-14.6 volt CC/CV charger of no more than 10A charge current. Lower charge current will increase cycle life, but is slower to charge.

How to solar power your portable ham radio:

Support the channel by shopping on Amazon, ebay, at Battery Hookups or GigaParts.
For GigaParts and Battery Hookup, use my callsign for a small discount.
Alternatively, drop a little something in the TipJar. It really makes a difference.


Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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