2021-03-07, 10:26:17
(2021-03-06, 19:56:58)VE3WI Dave Wrote: IC-7300 week at GBARC, I presume?
Modern rigs are typically specified for 13.8 ± 15% VDC supply, i.e. 11.7 - 15.8 V. But, I've read many forum posts where owners of various brands were reporting various kinds of misbehaviours when the supply voltage is low.
The IC-7300 CW splatter in the video is especially worrisome. I wonder what happens on SSB?
Portable ops on an SLA battery would be problematic due to the rapid drop in voltage with discharge. A LiFePO4 would be much better. You can find lots of data showing how the LiFePO4 holds its voltage nearly constant up to very deep discharge.
Another solution would be a DC booster like the MFJ-4416. Here's a link to a review by Phil Salas AD5X that was published in QST:
http://www.ad5x.com/images/Presentations...16RevB.pdf
But, if anyone intends to "bin" their IC-7300, they can give it to me - I promise to supply it with enough voltage :-)
73
Dave, VE3WI
In the past my IC-7000 would be fine to ~10VDC on SSB but I haven't done any operating on CW on batteries. I imagine on CW it would probably pull the voltage down below the cut-off point. I think Icom manual said 10.5 vdc for minimum operating voltage. I will have to try it next time I go portable.
Here is an Amazon link for voltage regulator more affordable than MFJ for $40 CAD. As long you don't have to carry all that portable stuff on a hiking trip then might be better to just go with a QRP rig that operates between 8 - 14vdc. Few of them out there.
https://www.amazon.ca/Converter-DROK-Tra...NWZY&psc=1
For another $25 you can add this multimeter.
https://www.amazon.ca/DROK-Multimeter-6-...ZJN7EAWMD8
73, Adam ve3fp