@@unoxunox4086 i bought a 50 watt 891. external tuner for non res antenna like the wolf river and efhw 40-10, 12 ah battery. all that fits in a Apache go kit .
Tracy, As always, a well thought out observation! In May of this year, I purchased a reviewed and tested 100 AH battery for my yearly 1 week camping trip to Tahoe National forest. Gear included an FT891 and a TR-45 qrp rig. Also brought a 30 amp Bioenno. Operated at 50 watts every day on SSB for an hour or two and qrp cw an hour or two. on the 30 amp Bioenno, Went to the 100 amp last day. For casual operating or a day or two, 30 amp at medium power works fine. 100 amp or two 30 amp for events or heavy operating allows for most 100w rigs. For hiking, packing in your gear, answer is obvious. Depending on how much weight you can carry and how far!
LiFePo is a game changer, but for SOTA, weight and size is still king. I have carried an FT-891 and 9Ah Bioenno up to summits for shorter hikes or drive ups. But in general, for SOTA, it's all about rigs like the KX2, FX-4CR, QRP Labs, Mountain Toppers, etc. And that isn't changing soon. For POTA, I'm right there with you.
I think it's great that we have all these options - some folks love their shacks, some live to broadcast from mountain peaks, some really enjoy days in the park, some like to tinker with antenna designs, some like the challenge of QRP. Mix and match, experiment and follow the path that makes you happy.
Great points here, especially for those who want to operate high power for extended times in the field. I think in a decade we'll be using some form of solid state battery technology and perhaps it'll be even higher capacity with bettter longevity and lower weight than LiFePO4. Who knows? We live in exciting times. Like some others who commented here, I do QRP for the portability aspect; having a super lightweight, compact kit that I can fit in a backpack. At the QTH, though, I have a large LiFePO4 battery powering all of my shack gear including a 50W VHF/UHF mobile and I can tell you that post-Helene, it gave me great comfort having a battery that could keep me on the air for so long. Cheers, Thomas (K4SWL)
And just nine days after this video I bought the same exact 100 ah battery for $ 150.00 on Amazon , and there were several brands to choose from in this amp hour range. The one I selected has blue tooth built into the battery , you can monitor capacity , individual cells, watts & amperes being consumed .
I'm in the UK ,I don't regard drive up pota as portable operation, your just moving your shack outside by car-not hiking into the countryside for field operations-just my thoughts
I backpack. Eight AA batteries can power a Small Wonder Labs DSW 40 for days on receive and quite a bit of transmit. The radio itself weighs about 6 ounces. Receive current drain is 35 mA. Frequency readout is by Morse when you push the tuning encoder in. A Ten Tec R4030 weighs more but has a built in battery and two bands and up to five watts. I remember Wes Hayward’s qrp articles where he is doing a half watt and making contacts from a snow cave on a mountain.
A lot of UK's "POTA" locations are Wildlife Trust, RSPB and other "restricted" parks, where you are only permitted to operate... in the car park. What an absolute joke. "CAR PARKS ON THE AIR" more like.
Well the next guy will come along saying that he backpacks a battery, rig, and amplifier up a mountain with a tri band yagi. That is his definition of what it takes to meet some kind of personal goal that no one else cares about. Lol sorry I had to comment, cheers!
I love LIFPO battery technology. I homebrewed a 100AH pack five years ago using prismatic cells in an Apache hard case from Harbor Freight. I used it to run everything 12VDC, from the electric trolling motor on my inflatable dinghy to my FT-450D. Looking on Amazon now, I could replace that battery with a lighter, more compact equivalent unit for maybe half what I spent on my homebrew model. Such is the way of technology.
It is all about weight. It's one thing to roll into a park and pull up to a park bench and setup. It a totally different thing to roll into the park put on a backpack and hiking miles to that special spot or up to the summit. Ounces equates to pounds when backpacking. That includes battery, radio, antennas, coax, etc.
@@abdulal-hodl8861 I don't see the point of leaving the shack, if you want the shack with you... I like that I can pack everything I need in my satchel, heck I can even pack multiple batteries and still be less than half the weight on that one battery.
Excellent and perceptive video. A major requirement for my100w shack radio is a handle on the side and weight just under 10lb. With a 40 Ah LiFePO battery I can last 8 to 12 hours at a picnic table in the middle of near nowhere. Rig, battery and antenna take just one trip from the car if you're schlepping for only a few hundred feet. With 100 Ah it would last for Field Day. For things like SOTA, it's a different game so QRP (and CW) rigs are still the way to go...But costs and technologies are changing fast.
Interesting video Tracy thanks. I guess I fit into the dyed in the wool qrp’er category but what you said sure does open possibilities for the folks who hate qrp. I will be interested into seeing your test results on this concept.
I do 4 to 5 hour activation's easy with a 20 amp hour bioenno at high power with my 991A . A couple times a year I use the bioenno to run the whole shack to exercise it.
I think we can all agree, we have some mighty fine tools for our hobby these days. It's funny to watch you effortlessly pick up 100ah's like that and then shake it at us as you're making your point. Wouldn't be happening with an old lead acid. Thank you Tracy.
As usual, a great video. You **ALWAYS** make me think. To answer your question, perhaps this will impact a segment of the market, but not for what I do. I actually bought a similar 100Ah battery on Prime day, so it's not that I'm at all against large batteries. It's just that they play a very small role in my long-term strategic plans. You said something that I think is key to your thinking, At 5:45, you said, "...if you want to go into the field for an extended period of time, you're not going to be limited to QRP or 20 watt radios any more". Later you claim that 95% of operators "drive up to a park" to do portable ops. You are certainly right that a 100Am LiFePo changes things when you want to be in the field. I would have loved to have had a battery like this when I ran gensets for Field Day for my club. But I'm wondering where your 95% number comes from. While you do recognize that some people run QRP for the challenge (that would be me), I would assert that number is much higher than you think. For one thing, there are many more radios on the market than those sold by Icom and Yaesu. Think of all of the Elecraft and QCX and similar radios that are out there. In all honesty, when I look at my TH-cam feed there are a lot more of them than there are of you. (But don't worry, you're still one of my favorites. 🙂) I guess what I'm saying is that power is a factor, but it's certainly not THE ONLY factor. I haven't run a QRO rig in a lot of years nor do I plan to anytime soon. And anytime I see a video on adding an amp to a QRP rig, I just shake my head and ask why. What QRP has taught me more than anything is to be patient. If it takes me one call or 20 to check into my local net, what do I care? For me, if I only make a few contacts on a contest weekend then it's a win because I know that in a real emergency, I can get by with a partially charged 2-3Ah battery rather than firing up my rig to discover that I'm 100Ah short of what I need. Better a few good contacts than zero high-quality ones.
Good comments. Having taken my IC-705 to Aruba three times, I can add that for airline travel batteries must be in your carry on and cannot exceed 100 watt hours. In my experience operating portable from Aruba 10 watts is not enough to work much beyond FT8. Adding a 50 watt amp is the difference between a few CW contacts versus hundreds and will run for hours from a 6 Ah battery. For me the IC-705 + 50 watt amp hit a sweet spot. This combo flew with me into Aruba and fit into back pack hiked into Arikok National park for a successful POTA activation. Somewhere around 20+ watts significant DX with modest portable antennas and batteries becomes practical. Enjoy! K1AV
LiTime is a great brand at a great value. I've had a 100Ah in my camper for a while and I've got a 50Ah running my FT-891 in my truck with a DC-DC charger to keep it topped off while I drive. I still do a ton of QRP CW but sometimes 100w can be a lot of fun too!
The LiFePo battery is a game changer for sure. When I run QRP I’m still doing it with a LiFePo battery - just a small one. I do a lot of POTA activating and I like having the option to bring kit suitable to my circumstance and inclination. If I’m traveling, I can go ultra light. If it’s 100 degrees outside, I can operate QRO out of my truck. Turns out a 5.7 Hemi makes a fantastic substitute for radials 😮 It is truly a great time to be in the hobby!
Battery tech has certainly moved on apace but I still wouldn't fancy lugging that battery up to a hilltop for SOTA. Lets also not forget though that QRP is enjoyed by many as an operating "mode" in itself and not practiced simply because of battery limitations. 😀👍
I'm not hiking that big LIFEPO up a hill but for POTA and Field Day this is yuuuuuge. I can't afford those low power rigs, frankly, so I'll haul a K2/100 up a hill with a smaller LIFEPO than that and I'll run 100W from a manpack HF rig. :-) I'm not obsessed with getting out with 5 watts. But I expect many people are and will remain so, and that part of the hobby won't go away.
@@radioaustralia5070I don't understand. If you set yourself up as the target, contacts roll in as fast as one can log them with 5W. Breaking into a pileup is different.
@@spencerhochstetler That's what I love about HAM. There's so many different things available to do. Myself I'm still new so using 100w lets me focus on the other settings, my antenna setup etc. once I'm more experienced I may give QRP a try.
I like QRP because for me it’s about needing as little as possible. Less weight, bulk, and thingamabobs to carry around. Small radio with a built in battery and a resonant antenna. If I do choose to have an external battery it will be a small 3 or 4.5ah battery.
20 Watts from my G90 is more than plenty to make contacts, provided you have a decent aerial, outside of the shack. For 100 Watt users, this new battery is a game changer. Well done on the vids.👏🇨🇮
I agree Tracey. I have an FT-710 and I got a Bioenno 30Ah to go with it. You do much more extended remote trips than I, so your 100Ah use case makes sense. I just go to parks in Toronto so I will never need more than 30Ah.
Allow me to inject something here that my younger brothers probably don't know about yet. Age. Hoofing up a hill becomes not just harder to do but potentially dangerous, so yes, us O.M.'s will drive to a park, transfer the gear he's showing to the park bench to operate POTA, etc. In like minded thinking, there are hams who don't consider digital or even voice real ham radio, only brass pounding 25+ wpm defined real hams. So let's be open minded and acknowledge that life sneaks up on everyone compelling us to enjoy the hobby any way we can. Thanks for the insight and yes, this information means I can bring my FTDX10 to the park.
When I found a 16 Ah LiFePO on Amazon I grabbed it. Found my laptop battery gave out long before the 16 Ah LiFePO did when running 100W. I still do QRP but that is dictated more by room to carry it or I want to have a hike before I get to my operating location.
Yup. Those "mini" 100 Ah batteries have been coming out of China for a few months now. If someone can handle carrying one of those batteries and a larger 100W radio (ICOM IC7300, Yaesu FT-991A/DX-10/FT-710, or other radio of similar size) more power too them. I got tired of hauling my DX-10 up and down 3 flights of stairs before my POTA activations and afterward. And at the same time I liked those smaller QRP radios. They worked great. Now I'm starting to feel the pull back to 100W... But this time I'm still thinking small with the Yaesu FT-891. A 100 Ah battery is great for a weekend away out RV/car camping (or having the vehicle right next to you), but if I'll more portable than that, like hiking or taking a boat to an island, I still need small. I have been thinking about getting one of those mini 100 Ah batteries for the right situation. 73!
I too follow the that specific battery market. It's now getting to the point where we can use any rig in the field for portable operation. However, I don't think I'll drag out the Ten Tec Corsair I restored any time soon. Still that would be fun. Thanks for the great video...73...Hugh...KN6KNB
Question for anyone: I envision with my battery using an inverter for my radio setup, so that I can also use with my tv and router not necessarily all at the same time. Is there a better choice between 12v and 12.8v? Any suggestions on inverters? My radio setup is the FT-897D. The Li-Time certainly has a good line of battery choices.
I have an FT710, and it's been my primary POTA radio all along, paired with a 20Ah battery. I still play with lower power radios, not because of battery or time limitations, but because I want to see how far my signal can get out into the world with only, say, 20 watts and a wire. It's the challenge of it more than power parsimony, for me.
IMHO QRP is about the challenge of not having transmitting power while making contacts with an efficient antenna, understanding propagation and band conditions. That being said, there is a lot to be enjoyed with having 100w or more at your finger tips! 73
I run all my ham off solar. Both in the shack and the field. Ive been on solar from day one. In the shack i have two 320 amp lifepo4 and epever 100 amp charge controler. In the field I use two 20 amp lifepo4 and ether a 20 or 40 amp epever charge controler with two 120 watt folding panels. It goes all day and all night. Thanks for your video. 73 VA6CQB
This will prove even more true as the sun starts to fall back and the conditions fade. At the same time, many of these incredible gimmick antennas will gather dust.
Hi Tracy I have seen a video. I would love to buy that battery. I have a 30amp battery that I use with my IC7200 I run about 75watts normally when I'm in the field. These new batteries are a game changer with price and weight. I had a Harbor Freight AGM battery I had when I first bought my radio. It's very heavy and it's only 12amp. It still works I use it for other things now. I hope you are well and enjoying life. I hope to see more videos and work you on the radio soon. 73s Don
I've been running an FT-897 on lithium-ion and now lithium-iron phosphate in the field for years now; I only turned the power down below 100W to tune up. Changing from SLA to LiFePo4 cut our battery bank's weight in half, with zero reduction (and possibly a net gain?) in Amp-hour capacity. Seems we took a lesson from the RVers, eh? 73, de W8ZZX
After observing the effects of Helene, my original reasons for getting into ham is underscored and has always differed from yours. The goal of contesting is to advance the radio art and this is very necessary. 100 Ah batteries are good for reasons other than you say as long as you have capacity to recharge them off-grid. Thanks for your video.
I usually do SOTA activations, when I am outside. And on this point weight counts. I also have an 818 and the 705. I operate them with 2 x 6Ah LiFePo4 batteries. Between 5w and 100w there are just 2½ S units difference! 73 de DG4RBS Stefan
Tracy, I don't know if you noticed, but your 817 had a frowny face again! I think those monster batteries are great for EMCOM, for which field day is a practice day. 73 KB3JC
I never really understood this. If you go to a field radio event, like the ones you mentioned, who cares about carrying 20 kg of batteries when you're operating just 5 m away from the car? I'm a SOTA radio guy, and my entire radio setup is under 1.5 kg, which is already too heavy. As others have said, QRP for me is all about weight and size, not about battery prices or capacity.
9 December, 2024. On Amazon there are a number of Lithium Iron Phosphate , 12 volt 100Ah, batteries for sale. They range from about USD $160 to $200. The one I am looking at is $200, and weights 21 pounds. But, I might get a cheaper one that weighs less. Reviews are very good.
There is a place for lower power radios. I use my Elecraft KX1 with AA batteries and complete many activations. Compact, light and hook a wire up to it and it will tune.
I use my 20 ah battery at home, as lowers my efi from the power grid. I can use that with my ft-891 for many hours. I've never exhausted it. I disconnect my battery and recharge daily. That recharge takes from 10 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how much I used it. I have used it in the field for a few hours at a time, but not so much lately.
I have a lithium battery now and its great for running an ft891 mostly at 50w. Interfaced with a digirig i get on more modes now out portable. No lugging heavy batteries these days and the lithium is more reliable with more run time getting those 44 QSO's in WWFF.
Does the change in battery technology mean that we don't have to run as low as possible I thought that was the idea was to use as little power as required is to make the communication work
I used my 200ah battery box in the last ARRL DX contest. i used about 143ah's.I used it to run a 991A and i had a 300 watt inverter that charged my laptop and ran a 60 watt desk light at night. Plus charging my phone. I use it for POTA mostly and keep it in the bed of my truck.
Making sure I understand your post. Did you run only your laptop and desk light off the inverter? Or did it also include running the 991a at 100watt capacity? If so, did you experience any issues like overheating or excessive noise from the inverter? I welcome any recommendation you might have on the battery and inverter brands.
@@BBobber I built the battery box strictly for E comm's. The box, inverter and usb ports are all RFI clean. The 991a is connected through the positive post and the shunt side of the batteries. I connect the inverter to the positive post and shunt side with alligator clips when in use. I use 2 Redodo 100ah mini battery's in parallel. I also use a redodo 300 watt inverter. The usb port, battery monitor were bought off of amazon. I have a few video's of my battery box. Just look up my callsign. It will give you idea's for your build. 73's
I think you just solved "the problem" of the external power amplifier. I think the battery is a better investments as it can be used for so many other things outside radio hobby.
When I'm doing POTA with my wife (all SSB), and I want to ensure success, it's a 15 ah LiFePo battery, and the FT-891. Works every time. When it's just me, and I'm out doing POTA with CW only, then it's a QMX with as small a battery as possible. QRP all the way. So, it depends on the circumstances.
Thanks for the video. I see the value in budget friendly batteries but I don’t think picnic table operators are choosing QRP rigs due to battery size. I think QRP is just a totally different market.
Can I run multiple devices on one battery or does each device require a separate battery. New to ham radio. Is there a formula/s that addresses this question? If so your assistance is greatly appreciated
Most POTA activations don't last even four hours. That 20ah lipo battery will do that at 100w. But, I agree. The battery technology is helping us with portable operations tremendously. I'm seeing off-brand 100ah lifepo4 batteries for well under $200 US now. I paid $300 for one a year ago. And there are rumors of even more energy-dense chemistries coming down the road. You can thank the electric vehicle market for driving this revolution!
Thanks for the info, Tracy. Nice of you to do the video. But...Really? Why? K2 station: "You are 59 into Buffalo." VE3TWM: "I should be, I'm running 500 watts from a park bench thanks to my new 100AHr battery. Want to hear my signal from the FT-710? I brought that too...hang on..."
Sitting beside a car operating isnt field operating….. put it on your back with 3 days of food water & shelter run 72 hours in the field unsupported minimum. Make contacts on 40,20,15 & 10m on a home brew antenna without a tuner just battery,radio & wire antenna. Then setup / contact / pack up / move 3 miles do it agan. All on foot on uneven ground through moor & mountain.
I doubt that QRP radios are under any kind threat from all that Massively heavy stuff. I mean you're at a point where you might as well stay in your shack if you have to lug all that around, or just POTA from your car. I run: - TenTec R4020(Waiting on a new QMX) - N6ARA Tiny Paddle - earbuds - Sparkplug antenna with EFHW linked wires cut for 20M and 40M (or sometimes a reel Potable EFHW antenna) - 25' RG316 - A tiny 10000mAh INIU Powerbank than can put out 12v with a trigger cable. All of that can fit into something about the size of maybe even smaller than the IC-705 you got sitting there. The most space consuming thing I carry is the Coax, since you really don't want to crunch that up too much.
Was thinking about getting an LI Time battery, but the reviews of their customer support are terrible. So hopefully you don’t have a problem with the battery.
The LiFePO4 batteries have a REALLY long life, in terms of recharge cycles. This means that used LiFePO's are a legit thing. I've picked a few used ones up at hamfests for less than half the price of a new one. (edited a typo)
LiFePo4 batteries are amazing. On the downside first: 1. Can't be fast charged below 0 degrees Celsius. The price is quite high still today, compared to lead-acid chemistry 2. Should have a special constant current charger at 14.6V nominal voltage, as the internal battery resistance is very low On the upside: 1. Not prone to catch fire as Li-ion and Li-po batteries 2. Much less weight for the same amount of stored energy as lead-acid 3. Can be fast charged in an hour 4. Can be recharged several thousand times, depending on the charge speed and discharge level 5. Higher nominal voltage than lead-acid 6. Much flatter voltage drop during discharge, which compared to lead-acid may increase the "effective capacity" to the double 7. Protected against overcharge, overcurrent and over-discharge due to internal BMS electronics. That said, my 12Ah LiFePo4 battery at 1kg is a perfect companion with my FT-818. No need to worry about operating time with this combo. Thanks again for a great video Mr.
Imagine using that 100 ah battery on my QRP Labs QCX that draws 123 mA on receive. Weeks of use.Haha. I usually run it with a 2200 mAH Li-poli. I can run all day on that tiny battery. If I am driving in, bigger is better. When on foot, size matters.
I have never needed more than 10 watts of power to make the contacts i wanted. Sometimes ineed to wait till the end and let all the people go first who are just blasting away with their amps. But really: i think the main reason people want more power is because Other people use more power. Not because they need it to make the contact
If you can still see your car from your operating point, sure, but for those of us who are hiking anywhere, size, bulk, and weight are still the limiting factors.
The prices have come down for sure, but buyer beware. You have to be careful of the cells they put in these cheaper batteries. I remember a video that torn down some of these batteries and the cells inside had much different date codes and there’s no telling whether any of the cells are used or new inside the battery cases.
This sounds excellent for emergency operations and for any time that main electrical power outages occur. It's fun to think about the possibilities! Thanks for sharing this helpful information. ~ 73 ~ AC7WH
Owning a kx2, i bought a kh1. Why, it has everything i want and need. I like to hike. I wanted an efficient hf radio i could take anywhere and charge with a small solar panel if desired.
I have yet to find a 100w radio and associated bits that I can put in my pocket and go for a stroll to a local park to llay radio... but I can use my usb-PD battery, uSDX an EFHW. and tiny key.... cheaper big capacity batteries are a good development but not necessary for me...🤔
I'd say it changes nothing except how much food and water the QRP folks are willing to pack. How long will trusdx radio last on 100a battery? A week? Bring plenty o' beans, fellas!
My singular POTA activation was done with a 7300 and two 8ah SLA batteries. If you're not going far from a vehicle, it definitely makes sense. I plan to do more of those activations, but I certainly look forward to a very backpack friendly CW QRP rig as well as I am no stranger to weeklong backpacking trips.
Threaten low power, absolutely not. Add additional options to the arsenal, absolutely. Until that big rig and battery is small and light enough to toss in a pack for a trek away from base camp. Some folks just dont want to lug all that around for a quick and easy small and light setup activation.
LiFePo batteries don’t weigh as much as lead acid, but is much safer (in combustion) but a little heavier than LiCoO2 given the same amp hour capacity. Yes, there is progress.
I ran my x6100 down a few weekends ago (California qso party); and all of a sudden a gift from the heavens landed upon me. Lifepo4 (lithium iron phosphate), that has me running for another 3 hours without any issues. Usually I pack up my station after an hour because my lipo batteries are dead. I went out and bought one, excited to bring it out to the field with me.
I own one of the rare IC-7200 radios and I got the some of those same batteries along with charge charge controllers for my fold up solar panels. I also have two G90’s because there is absolutely no other radios on the market like it. An IC-705 is a waste of $$$ compared to a G90 to be honest. A G90 can tune a fish and get you on the air. 😂
Adding solar complicates things, plus the large battery gives me the ability to run for more than 2 solid days without the need to recharge. That's fine for what I do.
It was never about battery capacity; it was all about weight.
About weight and Antenna and Antenna weight...
@@unoxunox4086 i bought a 50 watt 891. external tuner for non res antenna like the wolf river and efhw 40-10, 12 ah battery. all that fits in a Apache go kit .
Indeed
Improved capacity is equivalent to lighter weight since it means you get a lighter battery for same power density.
And the challenge of operating with low power.
Tracy,
As always, a well thought out observation! In May of this year, I purchased a reviewed and tested 100 AH battery for my yearly 1 week camping trip to Tahoe National forest. Gear included an FT891 and a TR-45 qrp rig. Also brought a 30 amp Bioenno. Operated at 50 watts every day on SSB for an hour or two and qrp cw an hour or two. on the 30 amp Bioenno, Went to the 100 amp last day. For casual operating or a day or two, 30 amp at medium power works fine. 100 amp or two 30 amp for events or heavy operating allows for most 100w rigs.
For hiking, packing in your gear, answer is obvious. Depending on how much weight you can carry and how far!
LiFePo is a game changer, but for SOTA, weight and size is still king. I have carried an FT-891 and 9Ah Bioenno up to summits for shorter hikes or drive ups. But in general, for SOTA, it's all about rigs like the KX2, FX-4CR, QRP Labs, Mountain Toppers, etc. And that isn't changing soon. For POTA, I'm right there with you.
I think it's great that we have all these options - some folks love their shacks, some live to broadcast from mountain peaks, some really enjoy days in the park, some like to tinker with antenna designs, some like the challenge of QRP. Mix and match, experiment and follow the path that makes you happy.
Great points here, especially for those who want to operate high power for extended times in the field. I think in a decade we'll be using some form of solid state battery technology and perhaps it'll be even higher capacity with bettter longevity and lower weight than LiFePO4. Who knows? We live in exciting times.
Like some others who commented here, I do QRP for the portability aspect; having a super lightweight, compact kit that I can fit in a backpack. At the QTH, though, I have a large LiFePO4 battery powering all of my shack gear including a 50W VHF/UHF mobile and I can tell you that post-Helene, it gave me great comfort having a battery that could keep me on the air for so long. Cheers, Thomas (K4SWL)
And just nine days after this video I bought the same exact 100 ah battery for $ 150.00 on Amazon , and there were several brands to choose from in this amp hour range. The one I selected has blue tooth built into the battery , you can monitor capacity , individual cells, watts & amperes being consumed .
Thank You Tracy!!!!
Just bought the 710, now look forward to operating from the PicNic Table!!! 73 n keep warm!!!
Great video, just like every other video you have posted. Thanks for sharing you experience and time.
I'm in the UK ,I don't regard drive up pota as portable operation, your just moving your shack outside by car-not hiking into the countryside for field operations-just my thoughts
I backpack. Eight AA batteries can power a Small Wonder Labs DSW 40 for days on receive and quite a bit of transmit. The radio itself weighs about 6 ounces. Receive current drain is 35 mA. Frequency readout is by Morse when you push the tuning encoder in. A Ten Tec R4030 weighs more but has a built in battery and two bands and up to five watts. I remember Wes Hayward’s qrp articles where he is doing a half watt and making contacts from a snow cave on a mountain.
A lot of UK's "POTA" locations are Wildlife Trust, RSPB and other "restricted" parks, where you are only permitted to operate... in the car park.
What an absolute joke.
"CAR PARKS ON THE AIR" more like.
Well the next guy will come along saying that he backpacks a battery, rig, and amplifier up a mountain with a tri band yagi. That is his definition of what it takes to meet some kind of personal goal that no one else cares about. Lol sorry I had to comment, cheers!
I love LIFPO battery technology. I homebrewed a 100AH pack five years ago using prismatic cells in an Apache hard case from Harbor Freight. I used it to run everything 12VDC, from the electric trolling motor on my inflatable dinghy to my FT-450D. Looking on Amazon now, I could replace that battery with a lighter, more compact equivalent unit for maybe half what I spent on my homebrew model. Such is the way of technology.
It is all about weight. It's one thing to roll into a park and pull up to a park bench and setup. It a totally different thing to roll into the park put on a backpack and hiking miles to that special spot or up to the summit. Ounces equates to pounds when backpacking. That includes battery, radio, antennas, coax, etc.
If I have to go through that just to do QRP, I will sell my equipment and burn my ham license.
@@nativetexan9776 stay in the shack then
@@abdulal-hodl8861 I don't see the point of leaving the shack, if you want the shack with you... I like that I can pack everything I need in my satchel, heck I can even pack multiple batteries and still be less than half the weight on that one battery.
Excellent and perceptive video. A major requirement for my100w shack radio is a handle on the side and weight just under 10lb. With a 40 Ah LiFePO battery I can last 8 to 12 hours at a picnic table in the middle of near nowhere. Rig, battery and antenna take just one trip from the car if you're schlepping for only a few hundred feet. With 100 Ah it would last for Field Day. For things like SOTA, it's a different game so QRP (and CW) rigs are still the way to go...But costs and technologies are changing fast.
Interesting video Tracy thanks. I guess I fit into the dyed in the wool qrp’er category but what you said sure does open possibilities for the folks who hate qrp. I will be interested into seeing your test results on this concept.
Excellent video. Many thanks. Older, don't do much hiking. Got great parks. Can have a bar- b -q, And do radio in comfort.
Thank you! Sounds like you've got exactly the right setup for your needs.
I do 4 to 5 hour activation's easy with a 20 amp hour bioenno at high power with my 991A . A couple times a year I use the bioenno to run the whole shack to exercise it.
I think we can all agree, we have some mighty fine tools for our hobby these days. It's funny to watch you effortlessly pick up 100ah's like that and then shake it at us as you're making your point. Wouldn't be happening with an old lead acid. Thank you Tracy.
As usual, a great video. You **ALWAYS** make me think.
To answer your question, perhaps this will impact a segment of the market, but not for what I do. I actually bought a similar 100Ah battery on Prime day, so it's not that I'm at all against large batteries. It's just that they play a very small role in my long-term strategic plans.
You said something that I think is key to your thinking, At 5:45, you said, "...if you want to go into the field for an extended period of time, you're not going to be limited to QRP or 20 watt radios any more". Later you claim that 95% of operators "drive up to a park" to do portable ops. You are certainly right that a 100Am LiFePo changes things when you want to be in the field. I would have loved to have had a battery like this when I ran gensets for Field Day for my club. But I'm wondering where your 95% number comes from. While you do recognize that some people run QRP for the challenge (that would be me), I would assert that number is much higher than you think. For one thing, there are many more radios on the market than those sold by Icom and Yaesu. Think of all of the Elecraft and QCX and similar radios that are out there. In all honesty, when I look at my TH-cam feed there are a lot more of them than there are of you. (But don't worry, you're still one of my favorites. 🙂) I guess what I'm saying is that power is a factor, but it's certainly not THE ONLY factor. I haven't run a QRO rig in a lot of years nor do I plan to anytime soon. And anytime I see a video on adding an amp to a QRP rig, I just shake my head and ask why.
What QRP has taught me more than anything is to be patient. If it takes me one call or 20 to check into my local net, what do I care? For me, if I only make a few contacts on a contest weekend then it's a win because I know that in a real emergency, I can get by with a partially charged 2-3Ah battery rather than firing up my rig to discover that I'm 100Ah short of what I need. Better a few good contacts than zero high-quality ones.
Good comments. Having taken my IC-705 to Aruba three times, I can add that for airline travel batteries must be in your carry on and cannot exceed 100 watt hours. In my experience operating portable from Aruba 10 watts is not enough to work much beyond FT8. Adding a 50 watt amp is the difference between a few CW contacts versus hundreds and will run for hours from a 6 Ah battery. For me the IC-705 + 50 watt amp hit a sweet spot. This combo flew with me into Aruba and fit into back pack hiked into Arikok National park for a successful POTA activation. Somewhere around 20+ watts significant DX with modest portable antennas and batteries becomes practical. Enjoy! K1AV
LiTime is a great brand at a great value. I've had a 100Ah in my camper for a while and I've got a 50Ah running my FT-891 in my truck with a DC-DC charger to keep it topped off while I drive. I still do a ton of QRP CW but sometimes 100w can be a lot of fun too!
Thank you for sharing your experience!
The LiFePo battery is a game changer for sure. When I run QRP I’m still doing it with a LiFePo battery - just a small one. I do a lot of POTA activating and I like having the option to bring kit suitable to my circumstance and inclination. If I’m traveling, I can go ultra light. If it’s 100 degrees outside, I can operate QRO out of my truck. Turns out a 5.7 Hemi makes a fantastic substitute for radials 😮 It is truly a great time to be in the hobby!
Battery tech has certainly moved on apace but I still wouldn't fancy lugging that battery up to a hilltop for SOTA. Lets also not forget though that QRP is enjoyed by many as an operating "mode" in itself and not practiced simply because of battery limitations. 😀👍
I'm not hiking that big LIFEPO up a hill but for POTA and Field Day this is yuuuuuge. I can't afford those low power rigs, frankly, so I'll haul a K2/100 up a hill with a smaller LIFEPO than that and I'll run 100W from a manpack HF rig. :-) I'm not obsessed with getting out with 5 watts. But I expect many people are and will remain so, and that part of the hobby won't go away.
Who needs a 100 Watt radio, when u can make contacts with 5Watt....
🖐
Life's too short for QRP
@@radioaustralia5070I don't understand. If you set yourself up as the target, contacts roll in as fast as one can log them with 5W. Breaking into a pileup is different.
@@spencerhochstetler That's what I love about HAM. There's so many different things available to do. Myself I'm still new so using 100w lets me focus on the other settings, my antenna setup etc. once I'm more experienced I may give QRP a try.
Because it’s really fun to talk to someone 5,000 miles away.
The FT710 you have right there is the exact radio I intend to use in the field when I saw this video I was like yep that's me right there
I like QRP because for me it’s about needing as little as possible. Less weight, bulk, and thingamabobs to carry around. Small radio with a built in battery and a resonant antenna. If I do choose to have an external battery it will be a small 3 or 4.5ah battery.
20 Watts from my G90 is more than plenty to make contacts, provided you have a decent aerial, outside of the shack. For 100 Watt users, this new battery is a game changer. Well done on the vids.👏🇨🇮
That's why I bought an FT-891. Just turn down the power if you want. But if you need it for EMCOM, you got it.
If 50W is enough, FT-818 and MX-P50M and you will save energie for the same power.
Great choice..!!
@@larspregge6420
Have you had success on 20m with that amp?
@@edwarddelaney2912 Yes.
The basic joy of this hobby is there are choices. It’s a win, win whatever makes you smile at the end of the day.
Thanks for this Tracy. This will help me immensely. 73 Andrew Victor Echo 1 Echo x-ray
I agree Tracey. I have an FT-710 and I got a Bioenno 30Ah to go with it. You do much more extended remote trips than I, so your 100Ah use case makes sense. I just go to parks in Toronto so I will never need more than 30Ah.
Allow me to inject something here that my younger brothers probably don't know about yet. Age. Hoofing up a hill becomes not just harder to do but potentially dangerous, so yes, us O.M.'s will drive to a park, transfer the gear he's showing to the park bench to operate POTA, etc. In like minded thinking, there are hams who don't consider digital or even voice real ham radio, only brass pounding 25+ wpm defined real hams. So let's be open minded and acknowledge that life sneaks up on everyone compelling us to enjoy the hobby any way we can.
Thanks for the insight and yes, this information means I can bring my FTDX10 to the park.
When I found a 16 Ah LiFePO on Amazon I grabbed it. Found my laptop battery gave out long before the 16 Ah LiFePO did when running 100W. I still do QRP but that is dictated more by room to carry it or I want to have a hike before I get to my operating location.
Yup. Those "mini" 100 Ah batteries have been coming out of China for a few months now. If someone can handle carrying one of those batteries and a larger 100W radio (ICOM IC7300, Yaesu FT-991A/DX-10/FT-710, or other radio of similar size) more power too them. I got tired of hauling my DX-10 up and down 3 flights of stairs before my POTA activations and afterward. And at the same time I liked those smaller QRP radios. They worked great. Now I'm starting to feel the pull back to 100W... But this time I'm still thinking small with the Yaesu FT-891.
A 100 Ah battery is great for a weekend away out RV/car camping (or having the vehicle right next to you), but if I'll more portable than that, like hiking or taking a boat to an island, I still need small. I have been thinking about getting one of those mini 100 Ah batteries for the right situation. 73!
I too follow the that specific battery market. It's now getting to the point where we can use any rig in the field for portable operation. However, I don't think I'll drag out the Ten Tec Corsair I restored any time soon. Still that would be fun. Thanks for the great video...73...Hugh...KN6KNB
Question for anyone: I envision with my battery using an inverter for my radio setup, so that I can also use with my tv and router not necessarily all at the same time. Is there a better choice between 12v and 12.8v? Any suggestions on inverters? My radio setup is the FT-897D. The Li-Time certainly has a good line of battery choices.
I have an FT710, and it's been my primary POTA radio all along, paired with a 20Ah battery. I still play with lower power radios, not because of battery or time limitations, but because I want to see how far my signal can get out into the world with only, say, 20 watts and a wire. It's the challenge of it more than power parsimony, for me.
IMHO QRP is about the challenge of not having transmitting power while making contacts with an efficient antenna, understanding propagation and band conditions. That being said, there is a lot to be enjoyed with having 100w or more at your finger tips! 73
I run all my ham off solar. Both in the shack and the field.
Ive been on solar from day one.
In the shack i have two 320 amp lifepo4 and epever 100 amp charge controler.
In the field I use two 20 amp lifepo4 and ether a 20 or 40 amp epever charge controler with two 120 watt folding panels.
It goes all day and all night.
Thanks for your video.
73 VA6CQB
This will prove even more true as the sun starts to fall back and the conditions fade.
At the same time, many of these incredible gimmick antennas will gather dust.
Hi Tracy, well your thoughts is based on a constant price to power ratio. If we consider keepin the same compactness then Qrp Is getting cheaper no?
Good point! QRP rigs have generally been getting less expensive, making them a good entry point for new hams.
Hi Tracy I have seen a video. I would love to buy that battery. I have a 30amp battery that I use with my IC7200 I run about 75watts normally when I'm in the field. These new batteries are a game changer with price and weight. I had a Harbor Freight AGM battery I had when I first bought my radio. It's very heavy and it's only 12amp. It still works I use it for other things now. I hope you are well and enjoying life. I hope to see more videos and work you on the radio soon. 73s Don
Totally agree!
I've been running an FT-897 on lithium-ion and now lithium-iron phosphate in the field for years now; I only turned the power down below 100W to tune up. Changing from SLA to LiFePo4 cut our battery bank's weight in half, with zero reduction (and possibly a net gain?) in Amp-hour capacity. Seems we took a lesson from the RVers, eh? 73, de W8ZZX
After observing the effects of Helene, my original reasons for getting into ham is underscored and has always differed from yours. The goal of contesting is to advance the radio art and this is very necessary. 100 Ah batteries are good for reasons other than you say as long as you have capacity to recharge them off-grid. Thanks for your video.
I usually do SOTA activations, when I am outside.
And on this point weight counts.
I also have an 818 and the 705.
I operate them with 2 x 6Ah LiFePo4 batteries.
Between 5w and 100w there are just 2½ S units difference!
73 de DG4RBS Stefan
Tracy, I don't know if you noticed, but your 817 had a frowny face again! I think those monster batteries are great for EMCOM, for which field day is a practice day. 73 KB3JC
I never really understood this. If you go to a field radio event, like the ones you mentioned, who cares about carrying 20 kg of batteries when you're operating just 5 m away from the car? I'm a SOTA radio guy, and my entire radio setup is under 1.5 kg, which is already too heavy. As others have said, QRP for me is all about weight and size, not about battery prices or capacity.
9 December, 2024. On Amazon there are a number of Lithium Iron Phosphate , 12 volt 100Ah, batteries for sale. They range from about USD $160 to $200. The one I am looking at is $200, and weights 21 pounds. But, I might get a cheaper one that weighs less. Reviews are very good.
There is a place for lower power radios. I use my Elecraft KX1 with AA batteries and complete many activations. Compact, light and hook a wire up to it and it will tune.
I use my 20 ah battery at home, as lowers my efi from the power grid. I can use that with my ft-891 for many hours. I've never exhausted it. I disconnect my battery and recharge daily. That recharge takes from 10 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how much I used it. I have used it in the field for a few hours at a time, but not so much lately.
How many watts are you transmitting on adverage would you say. Many thanks jake
I have a lithium battery now and its great for running an ft891 mostly at 50w. Interfaced with a digirig i get on more modes now out portable. No lugging heavy batteries these days and the lithium is more reliable with more run time getting those 44 QSO's in WWFF.
Does the change in battery technology mean that we don't have to run as low as possible I thought that was the idea was to use as little power as required is to make the communication work
I used my 200ah battery box in the last ARRL DX contest. i used about 143ah's.I used it to run a 991A and i had a 300 watt inverter that charged my laptop and ran a 60 watt desk light at night. Plus charging my phone. I use it for POTA mostly and keep it in the bed of my truck.
Making sure I understand your post. Did you run only your laptop and desk light off the inverter? Or did it also include running the 991a at 100watt capacity? If so, did you experience any issues like overheating or excessive noise from the inverter? I welcome any recommendation you might have on the battery and inverter brands.
@@BBobber I built the battery box strictly for E comm's. The box, inverter and usb ports are all RFI clean. The 991a is connected through the positive post and the shunt side of the batteries. I connect the inverter to the positive post and shunt side with alligator clips when in use. I use 2 Redodo 100ah mini battery's in parallel. I also use a redodo 300 watt inverter. The usb port, battery monitor were bought off of amazon. I have a few video's of my battery box. Just look up my callsign. It will give you idea's for your build. 73's
@@BBobber use my name for channel. I have a video of the battery box.
@@KO4GAR thank you very much
@@BBobber yeah if you need any help let me know.
I think you just solved "the problem" of the external power amplifier. I think the battery is a better investments as it can be used for so many other things outside radio hobby.
When I'm doing POTA with my wife (all SSB), and I want to ensure success, it's a 15 ah LiFePo battery, and the FT-891. Works every time. When it's just me, and I'm out doing POTA with CW only, then it's a QMX with as small a battery as possible. QRP all the way. So, it depends on the circumstances.
Thanks for the video. I see the value in budget friendly batteries but I don’t think picnic table operators are choosing QRP rigs due to battery size. I think QRP is just a totally different market.
I used to go bicycle portable with 200w and a car batt on my crossbar, weight never bothered me, I just enjoyed being on the air by the beach.
Can I run multiple devices on one battery or does each device require a separate battery. New to ham radio. Is there a formula/s that addresses this question? If so your assistance is greatly appreciated
You can run lots of devices on one battery you just need a box like the "rigrunner" that provides safe (fused) access to multiple radios or devices.
Most POTA activations don't last even four hours. That 20ah lipo battery will do that at 100w. But, I agree. The battery technology is helping us with portable operations tremendously. I'm seeing off-brand 100ah lifepo4 batteries for well under $200 US now. I paid $300 for one a year ago. And there are rumors of even more energy-dense chemistries coming down the road. You can thank the electric vehicle market for driving this revolution!
Going to thoroughly enjoy watching you carry that up a mountain to activate SOTA or just a multi day hike
73
Interesting how so many hams equate portable operation with backpacking. Gives me an idea for a future video, though!
The only real limit is how much size and weight wise you want to or are able to carry into the field..
Thanks for the info, Tracy. Nice of you to do the video. But...Really? Why?
K2 station: "You are 59 into Buffalo."
VE3TWM: "I should be, I'm running 500 watts from a park bench thanks to my new 100AHr battery. Want to hear my signal from the FT-710? I brought that too...hang on..."
Wow, I didn't know those batteries were so crazy expensive.
I’m still going to run QRP. The batteries are nice though. One that can get me through a weekend of operating is now affordable.
Sitting beside a car operating isnt field operating….. put it on your back with 3 days of food water & shelter run 72 hours in the field unsupported minimum.
Make contacts on 40,20,15 & 10m on a home brew antenna without a tuner just battery,radio & wire antenna. Then setup / contact / pack up / move 3 miles do it agan. All on foot on uneven ground through moor & mountain.
I doubt that QRP radios are under any kind threat from all that Massively heavy stuff. I mean you're at a point where you might as well stay in your shack if you have to lug all that around, or just POTA from your car.
I run:
- TenTec R4020(Waiting on a new QMX)
- N6ARA Tiny Paddle
- earbuds
- Sparkplug antenna with EFHW linked wires cut for 20M and 40M (or sometimes a reel Potable EFHW antenna)
- 25' RG316
- A tiny 10000mAh INIU Powerbank than can put out 12v with a trigger cable.
All of that can fit into something about the size of maybe even smaller than the IC-705 you got sitting there. The most space consuming thing I carry is the Coax, since you really don't want to crunch that up too much.
Why l kept my Ic703+. Sips power.
Now we need more 100w MOBILE rigs!
LiPo is a game changer!
I just wrote my HF exam yesterday. My first radio is a 7200.
I enjoyed the video, but for my field operating I like QRP for small size and low weight.
Yaesu FT-817 all the way - one of the great rigs in Ham History..
Was thinking about getting an LI Time battery, but the reviews of their customer support are terrible. So hopefully you don’t have a problem with the battery.
The LiFePO4 batteries have a REALLY long life, in terms of recharge cycles. This means that used LiFePO's are a legit thing. I've picked a few used ones up at hamfests for less than half the price of a new one. (edited a typo)
LiFePo4 batteries are amazing. On the downside first:
1. Can't be fast charged below 0 degrees Celsius. The price is quite high still today, compared to lead-acid chemistry
2. Should have a special constant current charger at 14.6V nominal voltage, as the internal battery resistance is very low
On the upside:
1. Not prone to catch fire as Li-ion and Li-po batteries
2. Much less weight for the same amount of stored energy as lead-acid
3. Can be fast charged in an hour
4. Can be recharged several thousand times, depending on the charge speed and discharge level
5. Higher nominal voltage than lead-acid
6. Much flatter voltage drop during discharge, which compared to lead-acid may increase the "effective capacity" to the double
7. Protected against overcharge, overcurrent and over-discharge due to internal BMS electronics.
That said, my 12Ah LiFePo4 battery at 1kg is a perfect companion with my FT-818. No need to worry about operating time with this combo. Thanks again for a great video Mr.
In Sweden we can not drive in the the parks so light it most be
Imagine using that 100 ah battery on my QRP Labs QCX that draws 123 mA on receive. Weeks of use.Haha. I usually run it with a 2200 mAH Li-poli. I can run all day on that tiny battery. If I am driving in, bigger is better. When on foot, size matters.
You’ll never need to charge it again 😂
I have never needed more than 10 watts of power to make the contacts i wanted. Sometimes ineed to wait till the end and let all the people go first who are just blasting away with their amps. But really: i think the main reason people want more power is because Other people use more power. Not because they need it to make the contact
I have a 100 amp hour lithium battery that makes a fantastic power supply for my 100 watt rig.
If you can still see your car from your operating point, sure, but for those of us who are hiking anywhere, size, bulk, and weight are still the limiting factors.
Good for operators with Icom IC-7000 and Yaesu FT-857D 100W All-Band Multi-Mode transceiver.
The prices have come down for sure, but buyer beware. You have to be careful of the cells they put in these cheaper batteries. I remember a video that torn down some of these batteries and the cells inside had much different date codes and there’s no telling whether any of the cells are used or new inside the battery cases.
Awesome advice. I avoided the very lowest priced batteries on the market for this reason.
Unless you like backpacking with Radio time then QRP and small batteries are the way to go.
This may help people who don’t want to do QRP to avoid it, but people still like QRP. For POTA, I mostly is the FT-891 in my car.
This sounds excellent for emergency operations and for any time that main electrical power outages occur. It's fun to think about the possibilities! Thanks for sharing this helpful information. ~ 73 ~ AC7WH
Q. Does This MASSIVE SHIFT Threaten Low Power Radio?
A. No
Hopefully back surgery is getting cheaper too because I'd have to pack all of that...
Owning a kx2, i bought a kh1. Why, it has everything i want and need. I like to hike. I wanted an efficient hf radio i could take anywhere and charge with a small solar panel if desired.
I have yet to find a 100w radio and associated bits that I can put in my pocket and go for a stroll to a local park to llay radio... but I can use my usb-PD battery, uSDX an EFHW. and tiny key.... cheaper big capacity batteries are a good development but not necessary for me...🤔
Very clear and logically presented demonstration.
Congrats, you are only a few years behind lol FT891 is backpack portable AND 100 WATTS
Xeigu G90 with a LFP battery for the portable win IMHO
I'd say it changes nothing except how much food and water the QRP folks are willing to pack.
How long will trusdx radio last on 100a battery? A week?
Bring plenty o' beans, fellas!
I think the arrows mean This End Up 😆
My singular POTA activation was done with a 7300 and two 8ah SLA batteries. If you're not going far from a vehicle, it definitely makes sense. I plan to do more of those activations, but I certainly look forward to a very backpack friendly CW QRP rig as well as I am no stranger to weeklong backpacking trips.
Threaten low power, absolutely not. Add additional options to the arsenal, absolutely. Until that big rig and battery is small and light enough to toss in a pack for a trek away from base camp. Some folks just dont want to lug all that around for a quick and easy small and light setup activation.
Ye gods, if I had a rig pulling 2A on receive, I'd send it in for repair.
LiFePo batteries don’t weigh as much as lead acid, but is much safer (in combustion) but a little heavier than LiCoO2 given the same amp hour capacity. Yes, there is progress.
I ran my x6100 down a few weekends ago (California qso party); and all of a sudden a gift from the heavens landed upon me.
Lifepo4 (lithium iron phosphate), that has me running for another 3 hours without any issues. Usually I pack up my station after an hour because my lipo batteries are dead.
I went out and bought one, excited to bring it out to the field with me.
I own one of the rare IC-7200 radios and I got the some of those same batteries along with charge charge controllers for my fold up solar panels. I also have two G90’s because there is absolutely no other radios on the market like it. An IC-705 is a waste of $$$ compared to a G90 to be honest. A G90 can tune a fish and get you on the air. 😂
why dont you get a solar power station with 550+ watt hour for the same price
Adding solar complicates things, plus the large battery gives me the ability to run for more than 2 solid days without the need to recharge. That's fine for what I do.