help with project

[David Dobbins]

I'm in need of a little guidance.

I recently purchased an eBike, a RadRunner 1 step-thru, which has place for a box up on the front rack where I plan to install my Yaesu FTM-10SR "motorcycle" radio, and a Byonics MicroTrak APRS tracker. I want the "box", probably going to be a Pelican-like case about 14" x 14" x 8" where I will install the guts of the MicroTrak and FTM-10SR, a couple lighter weight, hopefully LiOn batteries and controller, and room for a solar panel atop the box to keep the batteries charged.

Looking thru the FTM-10SR manual, specs say the radio draws about 2.0-2.4 amps. I haven't looked up the MicroTrak RTG yet, but would be surprised if it's over 500mA draw. Rather than buying a couple heavy lead-acid batteries, like in the old days, I'd prefer to switch to LiOn or something lighter weight. I don't know what specs to look for in this type battery. Then there's the solar panel. I have one that might work, at least in size, about 13" x 13", and probably rated at 7.5amps. I'd want to charge the batteries externally as well, perhaps with a trickle charger of some sort. 

Anybody out there like to help point me in the right direction? Batteries, solar panel, charge controller, etc. Help appreciated.

David K7GPS

[Keith VE7GDH]

David K7GPS write…

Looking thru the FTM-10SR manual, specs say the radio draws about 2.0-2.4 amps.

“You’re gonna need a bigger battery!” or was that “a bigger boat” in Jaws? You can certainly use the FTM-10SR, but with a current draw of over 2A, it will run the battery down quickly unless you size it appropriately. You are right to be thinking of a lithium battery. I would recommend LiFePO4, at least until solid state batteries are available. The lithium ferrous phosphate batteries are safer and will have a very long life as long as you don’t hit them with over-voltage. Bioenno are a good make.

https://www.bioennopower.com/collections/12v-series-lifepo4-batteries

A voltage regulator set for something less than 14.6V should keep them happy when connected to a solar panel.

Or make your own. Add a BMS and be sure to fuse them.

https://batteryhookup.com/products/4-headway-38120-hp-3-2v-8ah-lifepo4-lithium-batteries-25c-200a-super-cells

PS - have fun on the bike, but consider one with a mid-drive motor for the next one, especially if you have any hills.

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73 Keith VE7GDH

[David Dobbins]

Thanks, Keith. Appreciate the input. Dave K7GPS

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[Keith VE7GDH]

Dave K7GPS wrote…

> Thanks, Keith. Appreciate the input. Dave K7GPS

No problem! It should be a nice project. Another thing about LiFePO4 is that after the initial voltage drop when you start using them, the voltage is almost constant until the end. They will last longer if you don’t deep discharge them right to zero, but you should be able to pull 90% or more of the energy from them and still get thousands of charge-discharge cycles out of them. Take the battery down to 10V if you have to but try and keep it above 12V if you can. A “WattsUp” meter or similar will allow you to keep an eye on the voltage and how much you have pulled out from the battery.

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73 Keith VE7GDH

[David Dobbins]

  Hi Keith, et al. Here's what I've put together from Bioennopower.com

Battery: 12v 12Ah LFP, 8.5"x2.2"x3.1", 3.3lb, $125 (2 of these)

or

Battery: 12v 12Ah LFP, 4.4"x4.3"x3", 3.3lb, $125 (2 of these)

or

Battery: 12 15Ah LFP, 5.5"x4.3"x3.2", 4.3lb, $150 (2 of these)

Would you pick two of the 12Ah or two of the 15Ah batteries. Besides being a little larger, the bigger batteries will add 2 lbs to the solution.

4A LFP Charger, $25

Solar Charger Controller, $50

Solar Panel 40Watt BSP-40, $125 (might be too big, is 21"x25".... will look for a smaller one)

I see these batteries come with Anderson Powerpoles; that's great.

If I hook the batteries in parallel, I'll have 12v 24Ah or 30Ah available. 

Harbor Freight has two potential cases made by Apache, basically Pelican knock-offs and I would attach the case to the rack with four bolts and nuts.

The Yaesu radio and MicroTrak are both mounted on my Harley now, but I'm about done with riding heavy motorcycles now, and will move them to the bike.

Dave

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[Keith VE7GDH]

Dave K7GPS wrote…

> Would you pick two of the 12Ah or two of the 15Ah batteries?

I would recommend the larger ones if you want more operating time, but Bienno recommends not connecting them in series or parallel. See the user manuals for the batteries you are looking at. They say if you must do it, only connect batteries with an equal state of charge, and that they should have closely matched internal resistances, and to fuse them, I assume separately.

You could always use one battery and keep one in reserve… or get the 30 Ah battery. You would have to add your own cables with Anderson PowerPole connectors. The 20 Ah battery has Anderson connectors already in it. Would that give you enough capacity?

> I'm about done with riding heavy motorcycles now, and will move them to the bike.

It’s a nice way to go… no noise or fumes, and you get to enjoy the view a bit more!

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73 Keith VE7GDH

[Steve]

Is this too heavy?  It will keep you warm too.

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Multi-Mission_Radioisotope_Thermoelectric_Generator_(MMRTG)

Just joking! 

Steve N0FPF

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Pardon the brevity, sent from a mobile device. So there.

[David Dobbins]

Thanks Steve. I'm sure I have a connector for the power out, but is it regulated 12v? I wouldn't have to worry about re-charging it, would I?

Dave K7GPS

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[David Dobbins]

Thx for the info again, Keith.

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