For those that are curious Mark and I and the other operators are talking about just running off our 12 volt batteries for the duration of the event. My battery is a 100 AH which should last the 8 or so hours that we will operate. I think this may give us 5 extra points and a quieter FD site.
The problem is we are all using laptops whose batteries won’t last the duration of the FD event.
(Remember that laptops can be run off of AC Mains unless used to control/key up the radio. If logging only then you can plug it in to the wall outlet.)
Folks, some of our choices include:
- Run a generator all the time.
- Run a generator when laptops need to be charged.
- Use an 12v to 120v inverter however this will put more load on your battery and may emit RF interference.
- Get a power supply/charger specific for your laptop that runs off of 12v. Might be a little late to get one of those now and they can emit RF interference.
What do you all think?
I may just run my little Honda 1000i while there operating.
Charles WA5VHU
