About
This class is designed to help the new HAM radio operator build an emergency back-up power supply. The power supply will be based on a 12 volt deep-draw battery in a self-contained box for those times when the power is out.
Taught in a series of three sessions, this hands-on class is open to HAMs of all ages and others 14 and older interested in emergency backup power.
Class size is limited to 10.
Class Description
Session one: Starting with a black plastic battery box, a trickle charger will be incorporated to maintain the battery to keep it topped off for those times when you really need it. A four gang fuse box will be installed to protect components. Additionally, switches will be added to control additional components as they are added.
There will be discussion on what size deep draw battery will be added by the individual user. A handout will be provided. A battery isolation switch will be installed so that the entire power box can be turned off for safety. A cigarette lighter type receptacle (CLR) will be included to charge your handheld radio or other battery operated device – such as a laptop computer or tablet.
Session two: Add additional components to the power box for increased functionality. A dual power pole panel mount receptacle will be added with a 20 amp DC output to power a radio or other DC device.
Session three: Configure a second power pole receptacle Add a 5 volt 4.2 Amp USB port for charging devices like cell phones and powering emergency LED lights. In addition, a switched panel mounted volt meter will be installed. Also, a solar controller will be added to the system to allow a solar panel to charge the battery. The solar connector will use pulse width modulation and be configured to reduce RFI and radio interference.
Materials Fees
A materials fee of $160 will be added to the class fee. Your power supply is yours to take home with you.
Note that materials fee does not include a deep draw battery. You will receive help selecting the right size battery for your needs as well as a handout and information about what to purchase one.
Instructor Bios
Wade WA7DE and Jim K7EXP both hold the Extra certification, the highest HAM certification.
Jim, K7EXP, received a BA in Chemistry and Biology from PLU and an MS in Oceanography from OSU. He spent his civilian career exploring the world’s oceans while doing highly complex technical and scientific projects. He was an Air Force pilot in Vietnam where he had is first opportunity talking on radios. Jim has built various radio related projects for use when fly fishing and exploring remote locations in the Western US. He has been active in HAM radio for the last seven years and is a Trustee of the Bainbridge Island Amateur Radio Club.
Wade, WA7DE, has been a HAM since the early ‘70’s. He has built a plethora of various types of HAM radio equipment and likes experimenting with and building antennas. He served as a Trustee in the Bainbridge Island Amateur Radio Club. The Bainbridge Island Amateur Radio Club (BARC) supports HAM radio operators and those who want to become HAM radio operators at all levels.
About BARC (Bainbridge Amateur Radio Club)
BARC meets at 9 am for a breakfast meeting at Casa Rojas in the Pavilion on the first Saturday of every month. The club supports various community events such as the Chilly Hilly and the Rotary Auction.
Contact Annette Walker: ETA.Lead@BainbridgeBARN.org
TS
Reviewed/tt/07/07/17
