General Category > How to
How to -- SHTF emergency power
WA4STO:
I noticed an interesting article today about the electrical grid in this country going down when SHTF.
http://www.shtfplan.com/emergency-preparedness/when-the-grid-goes-down-you-better-be-ready_02142012
Which immediately brought to mind the question of whether we put enough thought (and action!) into prepping for SHTF grid-down scenarios. Here's my how-to.
In my case, I've been on emergency power since the 70s. Back then, I didn't have the moolah to purchase a decent power supply for my 12 - volt - only Ten Tec Omni A. So I bought a battery. Thus, my ONLY power was emergency power.
Today, I power my radios with both a 115v switching power supply, and a much enlarged battery bank. Just in case.
In the middle of the left photo, you can see the 115v power supply. Above it, the 'rig runner' which provides fused Anderson Power Pole connectors. With the exception of the banana plugs in that same picture, I use the powerpole connectors for almost everything. They've become the 'industry' (is that what we are now, an industry?) standard. Also -- and more pertinent to my own klutzy self -- they pretty much forbid me from getting high current polarities mixed up, and thus producing either sparks or smoke. Or both.
On the right is the 'emergency' part of my emergency communications capability. Those four batteries, at 200 bucks a pop, were almost as expensive as my HF rig. Argh! Plus, now I can power the computers, monitors and bunker/compound lighting as well.
Since you won't be seeing any microphones in my shack, which implies that I will be doing either CW or digital modes, I can turn the power output of my rigs down to just a few watts. Anybody here know why that is?
Best 73 de "Luck", WA4STO
in Wilber, Nebraska
idial1911:
What batteries are those?
What are you using to charge them? Is there a controller? Charger? Solar?
scubadivingjoe:
Looks Good. When I set up my home system, it will have a battery back up system. As for your question, Sorry to new to answer.
WA4STO:
--- Quote from: idial1911 on February 15, 2012, 12:40:30 PM ---What batteries are those?
What are you using to charge them? Is there a controller? Charger? Solar?
--- End quote ---
These are Optima deep cycle batteries. Specifically, the D31 with 900 cold cranking amps -- each.
I had one previously. Bought it in 1999. It sold with my motorhome in 2011 -- still functioning perfectly. I just love 'em.
http://www.amazon.com/Optima-Batteries-8052-161-BlueTop-Purpose/dp/B00099DW6G/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1329335415&sr=8-9
WA4STO:
--- Quote from: idial1911 on February 15, 2012, 12:40:30 PM ---
What are you using to charge them? Is there a controller? Charger? Solar?
--- End quote ---
During 'normal' times, I charge them occasionally (they hold their oomph amazingly well...) with an intelligent Schumaker battery charger.
http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-SC-10030A-SpeedCharge-Automatic-Maintainer/dp/B001MYWBF0/ref=sr_1_12?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1329336042&sr=1-12
During SHTF or power outages of any sort, I've got a 3500 watt generator.
In each case, although there isn't 'formally' a controller, there actually is one, in that the Schumaker only cranks out about 30 amps.
The thing about the battery charger is that it's 'aware' of these Optima batteries (AGM) so it can successfully (and fully) charge regular car batteries as well as the fancier new styles.
73 de "Luck", WA4STO in Wilber, NE
Ex-KY1T from Newington CT
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