Hello Operators Back in February 2019, I published the DIY Solor Generator video. That was a 576 watt hour 12 volt LiFePO4 portable power and solar storage system for ham radio emergency communications and preparedness. In this video I follow up on that build, answering questions about the first build, and sharing modifications made, making this system easier to build, easier to maintain, and the best diy portable power project in teh ham radio community.
Here is the original video link:
Share the update video:
For ham radio operators, this update is just in time for ARRL Field Day 2019. With the latest updates to the system, a two operator station, with two individual rigs, augmented by solar power, can run the entire field day weekend, with a single system. This build includes solar battery storage, Bluetooth shunt, fuse block with LED blown fuse indicator, Anderson Powerpole pods, ground bus, Bestech BMS, Genasun MPPT charge controller, plastic can enclosure, ...
I'll use this LiFePO4 solar storage system along with PowerFilm Solar panels. For field day 2019, I'll keep the system topped up with 2x 28 watt R28 panels from PowerFilm Solar. If Field Day 2019 is covered by grey skies, I'll also deploy the 120W PowerFilm, in a two charge controller configuration as shown in the video.
PowerFilm Solar was kind enough to offer our community a discount code for their products on Amazon. The code is valid through ~June 2020. Feel free to use the code OH8STN10 and this link ( ) to PF panels on Amazon. It supports the channel, and also shows PF that the community, appreciates PowerFilm Solar.
Main features
- 576 watt hours, 45amp hours
- 2000 charge cycles (minimum)
- 60A continuous
- 2x USB ports
- Internal Bluetooth battery monitor
- 4x DC Powerpole ports
- Every port is individually fused
- MPPT charge controller
- Dual Solar inputs
- Total weight 18lbs (8.3kg)
- Easy maintenance
- Replaceable Components
- Optional pure sinewave inverter
- Easy to build
Build notes.
Parts List:
6-way Fuse block with LED Indicator:
Blue Sea ground bus bar:
Headway LiFePO4 Cells:
Bestech BMS 4S LiFePO4:
Enclosure:
Genasun MPPT Charge controller:
Powerpole USB:
Alt Powerpole USB:
Powerwerx Powerpole POD:
45A Powerpoles:
Powerwerx Powerpole crimper:
Thornwave Bluetooth Shunt:
Powerpole distribution board:
Pedal generator seen in the original video
K-TOR PowerBox 50
Anderson Powerpole gear from ebay:
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The Solar Generator build was also a featured Instructable on There are lots of full HD images of the project there as well:
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Julian oh8stn
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