Powering a Node

[CARBBN]

Hello,

What is the best way in your words to power the nodes?  When power your node are you going to use shore power or look into other options?  Has anyone created a battery powered node?

73,

Jeremiah
N0KMO

[KB0NE]

Hi,

  Running my node on battery power 24/7   Battery bank is solar charged and I am using a DC-DC Buck switching (these things are about $5 from China on e-bay)  supply to maintain node voltage at 23 volts.  Note that the battery voltage will drift upward to 30 volts when charging.  If the battery voltage drops below 23 then the supply just sends the voltage straight through and there is an alarm that goes off in the house if battery voltage drops too low letting me know I need to start the generator to recharge everything.

  Also, have a mobile node which uses a DC-DC Boost switching supply that up-converts 12 or so volts to 24.  (these things are about $10 from China on e-bay) While the POE wires in a LAN cable will handle 12 volts at higher current draw, they do better with 24 Volts at lower current draw.  The point being, less power loss in those tiny 24 GA wires, less power loss means less wire heating.   Just something to think about.

   POE adapter pairs are also easily available on e-bay.   I got mine on special from ADAFRUIT in New York.

From Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Ethernet-Injector-Splitter-Cable/dp/B00APVQYA4

John at KB0NE, amateur radio station