Ham Shack Phase II – backup power
This event took place Apr 29, 2017
Replaced the old desk extension with a sturdy wooden table from Clif via Heidi.
Underneath there are two FIAMM 12FLX540 12 FLX 540 150AH 540WPC High Rate UPS Standby Batteries connected in parallel to maintain 12V. That is 300 Amp hours of energy storage and would power the Ham shack for an extended time. They are currently connected through a fused Anderson Powerpole to a “Smart” Charger plugged into our household power, (grid-connected Solar installation). The charger is a Schumacher SC-1200A-CA SpeedCharge 12Amp 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger that will not overcharge the batteries.
We also have emergency solar panels/controllers, (also equipped with Anderson Powerpoles), that could be connected during a major power outage.
Current intentions are to add two more of the FIAMM batteries this winter for a total of 600 Amp hours of storage, move the bank outdoors in a Rubbermaid cabinet and connect it to a dedicated 400W solar installation.
All of our radios are equipped with similar Anderson Powerpole connectors and can be driven from our “RIGrunner” DC Power distribution box.
RIGrunner 4008 – not yet mounted – each connection is fused. The 40 am pair will be connected to the backup batteries, then radio equipment connected as needed. Each Anderson Powerpole pair will have 12V DC available.
I have already created various patch/utility cords, using Anderson Powerpoles, for just about any application I could come up with.
Sunday, 4/30/27, that corner of the Shack is slowly getting filled in. Several SLA batteries, a Black and Decker smart charger for them is hidden behind the larger battery case, (which holds a 35 Amp hour SLA battery). Note the little PowerWorx DC distribution set, (also Anderson Power Poles), setting in front of the RIGrunner.
That little portable cabinet full of drawers will be incredibly handy for all of those little bits and pieces that go along with electronics and this hobby. (The stuff resting on top will be properly stowed away soon.
Received our new window pass through unit from MFJ via HRO. This will replace the older MFJ window pass through we have been using – it simply does not have enough connections to provide for our intended future growth over the next several years. This one will handle that and more.
This one is a significant upgrade over our old one. Again, it should handle current and future requirements for years to come – also they are now using Western red cedar for the wood base, which will be a lot more durable too. Will cut/install it in due time.