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This summer we lost power to our house for 3.5 days. That got me to thinking that I need some sort of emergency power system for my shack so that I can get on the radio even without power. I am learning towards a battery backup solution, but am open to other options. Which type of backup power do you prefer a generator or a battery backup? Which one is simpler and safer when it is around little kids? Are there other options worth considering? |
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I utilize both in my shack. I'm currently finishing a portion of my basement which will become my new ham shack. Here is what I have done in my shack. Generator Setup I have an older house and didn't want to invest in a whole house generator setup. I mounted a plug to the outside of my house in the back yard. The receptacle is mounted in a weather proof box. The wiring from that outside outlet is routed into my new shack area and terminates into another outlet. This outlet is red in color. When needed, I would position my generator on the back deck (remember never run a generator indoors). I built a special cable that runs from the generator to the outside receptacle (described above). With generator running I can power my entire shack. In addition, because the basement is easier to heat I have a rollaway bed in the basement and can roll that into the basement where my wife, our cats and myself can stay if needed for longer outages. That red outlet (mentioned above) is only "hot" when the generator is setup outside on the back deck and running. Shack Setup I also have battery backup for my shack. I use the West Mountain Radio Super PWRGate PG40S Backup Power System. http://www.westmountainradio.com/SuperPWRgate.htm This provides an automatic switchover from power supply to battery power in the event of a loss of power. This works great in short-term powe outages. My generator setup might be overkill for a typical shack setup, but it does serve as a backup system and when needed would do more than just operate the ham shack. Regarding which system is less complicated. You'll probably get different answers, but if one can afford a generator and understands how to maintain it etc. A generator might be less complicated than battery power, especially when you think about outages lasting longer than 24 hours. Depending on the size of the generator it could be capable of doing more than just powering your ham shack. Of course, if cost is an issue. A couple of 12v gell cell or AGM type batteries could operate your shack for several hours or even longer when just listening (stand by). Of course, you'll need to maintain your backup batteries as well. I hope this helps. 73, Jerry kd0bik Host of The Practical Amateur Radio Podcast MyAmateurRadio.com |
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I use a generator to keep the fridge and freezer going, I also use it to charge two marine batteries to power up my ham equipment. Best advice I can offer you is: develop a list of things you want powered. How many amps/watts do you need? How long an outage will you plan for? What things do you already have on hand (battery charger, gas cans etc.) Before you plan for your ham equipment do you have alternate heating, cooking, etc.? How about saving your frozen foods? That's what I had in mind, the ham equipment was a secondary thing. Do you want to run extra wiring like Jerry? He has a very nice setup. I use two very heavy drop cords but I already had them handy. I live in town our power is usually back on in a couple of days, my brother-in-law's is out for a week to ten days. So answer the basic questions and that will kind of start you down the road to coming up with the "right" answer for your situation. |
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I moved to NW Tennessee in 2005. Quite a few of the neighbors had whole house generators, so that's what I had installed. It's an automatic 13KW unit, runs on propane. I have to change the oil and filter once a year. It's automatic and all the wiring and installation (done by a licensed electrician) is external to the house. This type of arrangement will run about $5500.00. Rich Eckenrode, WB3AAC |
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What happens when the hamsters go to sleep in the middle of a contest? |
