Retevis Ailunce HD2 DMR Radio is here!
The Retevis Ailunce HD2 is finally here! Here’s a short preview of the highlights. A few weeks before this post was published, Retevis reached out […]
Articles by Julian OH8STN
HF Propagation predictions
An amateur radio operator explores how detailed weather data could predict HF band openings, leveraging temperature, pressure, and historical contact information while considering the impact of cold on equipment conductivity.
Ruuvi Sensors & Gateway | Off-Grid Ham Shack
Integrating the Ruuvi Gateway and sensors to remotely monitor indoor/outdoor temperatures, ensuring safe temperatures for lithium battery charging.
Off-Grid Ham Shack
Keeping the Ham Shack & my Lithium batteries warm in winter
To protect lithium batteries from cold while charging, a video/blog showcases using a Chinese diesel heater in an off-grid ham shack. It’s vital to keep batteries above freezing, a lesson learned from electric cars in winter. The video details the installation and operation of a 3kw Vevor diesel heater, which also powers up using the ham shack’s LiFePO4 batteries, maintaining ideal temperatures for both batteries and equipment.
Charging a LiFePO4 battery with wind power
This video shows charging Power Queen LiFePO4 batteries with a vertical wind generator and discusses off-grid ham shack power storage solutions, including during non-solar conditions.
Retevis Ailunce HD1 GPS First impression
The Retevis Ailunce HD1 GPS, rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, surpassed expectations in extreme weather testing at -30°C, showing no signs of battery, LCD, or condensation issues after being left outside for three days. The robust HD1 performed admirably, suggesting it’s a serious contender in rugged radio options.
New TX-500MP HF Man Pack from Lab599?
Lab599 teases a new portable ham radio, the TX-500MP (Man Pack), responding to feedback for improved wire management and a more backpack-friendly design. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Benefits of adding parallel batteries in an off-grid system
This tutorial demonstrates how to connect two 12-volt batteries in parallel using Power Queen 12.8V, 100Ah, 1280Wh lithium iron phosphate batteries. The provided YouTube link offers a detailed guide. For related content, explore building a solar-powered Off-Grid Ham Radio Station and information on radio-friendly MPPT charge controllers and off-grid communications.
Building a Solar Powered Ham Radio Station
The Off-Grid Ham Shack series discusses creating a self-sufficient ham radio station or ‘Ham Shack’ capable of operating on solar power during any grid down scenario, emphasizing the importance of an energy strategy for off-grid communications. This system includes solar panels, a charge controller, battery, and power distribution system. Key elements are the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels to harness solar energy, a solar charge controller to regulate energy flow and prevent battery overcharging or damage, and a battery to store energy for later. As well, power distribution ensures the allocation of power to multiple devices simultaneously. A grid-down energy strategy is crucial to any communication-related emergency, be it CB, FRS, GMRS, MURS or PMR radio, UHF CB, DMR, DStar, Meshtastic or LoRa communications.
Power Queen LiFePO4 for Christmas
The blog post highlights the benefits of Power Queen LiFePO4 batteries for off-grid projects over traditional lead-acid batteries, focusing on the better performance and cost-effectiveness in the long run. Additionally, it provides subscribers with information and discounts on Power Queen’s Christmas offers, and illustrates how LiFePO4 batteries function in an off-grid system. It also includes descriptions and respective links of the batteries suited for specific needs in the US, Europe, and Canada.