Unchained Preppers

Communications => Comm Discussion => Topic started by: Obh on November 25, 2024, 01:07:25 PM

Title: Backup Power System for Radio
Post by: Obh on November 25, 2024, 01:07:25 PM

John asked me to list out the system I put together to ensure reliable backup power to my radio system, so here it is.

List of Equipment

• Epic Power Gate - $189.99 - https://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=epic-pwrgate (https://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=epic-pwrgate)
• 12v Power Distribution Panel - $55 - https://www.amazon.com/HCDC-Connector-Splitter-Distributor-Source/dp/B08LPVRWJV/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/HCDC-Connector-Splitter-Distributor-Source/dp/B08LPVRWJV/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1)
• Battery System - $149.99 https://www.amazon.com/Mehrpow-Bluetooth-Max-1280Wh-Lifetime-Trolling/dp/B0CQG8DZ71/ref=sr_1_5?sr=8-5 (https://www.amazon.com/Mehrpow-Bluetooth-Max-1280Wh-Lifetime-Trolling/dp/B0CQG8DZ71/ref=sr_1_5?sr=8-5)
• Inverter - $23 - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Inverter-Converter-Charger-Adapter/dp/B07K25F64S/ref=sr_1_7?sr=8-7 (https://www.amazon.com/Power-Inverter-Converter-Charger-Adapter/dp/B07K25F64S/ref=sr_1_7?sr=8-7)
• LED desk lamp - $40 - https://www.amazon.com/Caring-Upgrade-Brightness-Levels-Function/dp/B09VDJ1D8G/ref=sr_1_27?s=hi&sr=1-27 (https://www.amazon.com/Caring-Upgrade-Brightness-Levels-Function/dp/B09VDJ1D8G/ref=sr_1_27?s=hi&sr=1-27)

Equipment Description

• Epic Power Gate - This is the primary item. This allows the system to be powered by power supply (nominally) and if the power supply voltage drops out, will "instantly" switch over to the battery system. This contains a charge controller and can be configured to charge LiFePO4, AGM, or Lead Acid battery systems at 1,5, or 10A. This is rated for 40A. Also has a solar input, which if connected will charge batteries from solar instead of the power supply
• Distribution panel - Connects to the power gate. This specific one allows you to power up to 8 devices.
• Battery System - This is the secondary item. I linked a quick battery on amazon, this is not the one(s) I am using. Price for this one is reasonable. Can use whatever batteries you have or get another one. I like the LiFePO4 because of the constant voltage and number of discharge cycles. How long you can run depends on how many batteries you have. My system, without recharging, can support 3 continuous days of runtime. That accounts for duty cycle usage of the equipment as well.
• Inverter - This inverter is small but enough power to keep laptop charged and run a monitor.
• LED desk lamp - this is a 12V lamp. I added power pole connectors between the wall plug and main cable so I can switch to battery.

Usage
Currently, I have 5 12V items connected to my system:

• HF Radio
• VHF Radio
• HF Tuner
• Inverter
• Desk lamp

Title: Re: Backup Power System for Radio
Post by: JohnyMac on November 25, 2024, 01:18:07 PM

Thank you Obh! This is AWESOME!

I will sticky this but first, answer this question. Using your system, about (Estimate) in days, how long will it last before needing to be charged again? I know this is a tough question to answer however, just looking at it and minimizing the light component, I would guess 7-days.
charging.

Of course the more you listen vs. transmitting will extend or shorted your periods between.

Title: Re: Backup Power System for Radio
Post by: Obh on November 27, 2024, 10:08:48 AM

The answer comes down to usage.

Assuming my list above with the 100AH battery.

• My HF radio draws 1.3A RX,12 TX
• My VHF radio draws 0.12A RX, 1.76 TX
• My LED light draws 0.27A
• My laptop charger draws 3.75A
• My tuner draws 0.75A

Now for duty cycles (this is a big factor)

• HF radio I assume will be 95% RX
• VHF radio will be 99% RX
• LED light will be on 100%
• Laptop charger will be on 50%
• Tuner will be 100%

I figure the above will get consume about 60Ah from the battery battery. That will last 1.66 days before needing to be recharged. With the solar panel, I can recharge that 60Ah in about 6 hours.

Title: Re: Backup Power System for Radio
Post by: JohnyMac on November 28, 2024, 08:31:42 AM

Perfect Obh. Thank you.

I think, you run your equipment totally off this setup vs. just turning it on when the power goes out. Correct?

Title: Re: Backup Power System for Radio
Post by: Obh on November 29, 2024, 01:04:18 PM

Yes, the power supply runs everything under normal conditions. Battery(ies) can be charged by the power supply or solar.

Title: Re: Backup Power System for Radio
Post by: Hope on February 11, 2025, 06:38:48 AM

Epic Power Gate Looks GREAT! Unfortunately, it is out of stock until March 31, 2025, it must be a HOT item!

Title: Re: Backup Power System for Radio
Post by: JohnyMac on February 11, 2025, 08:21:23 AM

Yeah, I noticed that when I ordered it too. I went ahead and ordered it any way along with the other items on OBH's list (Not the lamp though. I have one). One day a package will arrive and I will say, "I wonder what this is". Open it and be stoked I ordered it when I did.

Currently, I have two back-up batteries and a UPS if the grid goes down so no worries on that front. I thought though that OBH did a great job putting in that system though.  :cheers:

Title: Re: Backup Power System for Radio
Post by: Sir John Honeybucket on February 11, 2025, 05:15:23 PM

A handcrank generator and a powerfully built wife is one possibility...

Title: Re: Backup Power System for Radio
Post by: Nemo on February 11, 2025, 07:18:15 PM

That's not a good method.  A disagreement could end rather ignominiously.

Nemo