X-Dragon 20W Solar Panel
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For you KX3 SOTA hiker types: Amazon Deal of the Day is the X-Dragon 20W foldable solar panel charger. Should run the KX3 QRP.
http://www.amazon.com/b?gbBuyboxDeal=gbdp_9c3040e1_B00NGKPX4Y&ie=UTF8&node=9559544011&tag=tsa030-20&ascsubtag=ptw-NUL-1-2-1429287027905Ki&ref_=ptw_NUL_1_2_1429287027905Ki <http://www.amazon.com/b?gbBuyboxDeal=gbdp_9c3040e1_B00NGKPX4Y&ie=UTF8&node=9559544011&tag=tsa030-20&ascsubtag=ptw-NUL-1-2-1429287027905Ki&ref_=ptw_NUL_1_2_1429287027905Ki> David Ahrendts [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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Specs don't show it being able to power a KX3.
* Solar Power: 20W sunpower solar panel * Transformation efficiency: 22%-25% * Output 1: 5V2.4A(Max) * Output: 2: 5V2.4A(Max) |
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Maybe charge your batteries to run the KX3.
> On Apr 21, 2015, at 9:05 AM, Bob N3MNT <[hidden email]> wrote: > > Specs don't show it being able to power a KX3. > * Solar Power: 20W sunpower solar panel > * Transformation efficiency: 22%-25% > * Output 1: 5V2.4A(Max) > * Output: 2: 5V2.4A(Max) > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/X-Dragon-20W-Solar-Panel-tp7601649p7601650.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [hidden email] David Ahrendts [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Bob N3MNT
I used a 10W PowerFilm "panel" this past weekend with my KX3.
Judging from the charge rate, my 5W PowerFilm would have kept things charged, too. Yes, 5v isn't going to work. 25% efficiency is poor (very poor) 73, steve WB3LGC On 21-Apr-15 12:05 PM, Bob N3MNT wrote: > Specs don't show it being able to power a KX3. > * Solar Power: 20W sunpower solar panel > * Transformation efficiency: 22%-25% > * Output 1: 5V2.4A(Max) > * Output: 2: 5V2.4A(Max) > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/X-Dragon-20W-Solar-Panel-tp7601649p7601650.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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On 4/21/2015 12:25 PM, steve wrote:
> > 25% efficiency is poor (very poor) > It's actually fairly high for affordable panels... 73, Ross N4RP -- FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.” ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by David Ahrendts
David: You mean take out the batteries and charge them one at a time? I
don't think so. The X-Dragon ads rate high on the snake oil scale. Note all ratings are max, not typical. They say 5v / 2.4a. Don't assume you can ever get those parameters at the same time. My guess it is 5V open circuit or 2.4 amps short circuit. Note also they never indicate how long it takes to charge a cell phone. They also proclaim high efficiency. How high is high? If you are an ant everything is high. You can bet whatever they measure is figuratively done while running downhill with the wind at your back. There are appropriate chargers out there. I would suggest a ham radio knowledgeable seller like Buddy Pole. 73 Fred, AE6QL -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of David Ahrendts Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 9:10 AM To: Bob N3MNT Cc: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] X-Dragon 20W Solar Panel Maybe charge your batteries to run the KX3. > On Apr 21, 2015, at 9:05 AM, Bob N3MNT <[hidden email]> wrote: > > Specs don't show it being able to power a KX3. > * Solar Power: 20W sunpower solar panel > * Transformation efficiency: 22%-25% > * Output 1: 5V2.4A(Max) > * Output: 2: 5V2.4A(Max) > > > > -- > View this message in context: > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/X-Dragon-20W-Solar-Panel-tp760164 > 9p7601650.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at > Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to > [hidden email] David Ahrendts [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Stephen Shearer
Don't know where you got that idea. 25% is actually pretty good for mass produced solar panels. Dave AB7E On 4/21/2015 9:25 AM, steve wrote: > > 25% efficiency is poor (very poor) > > 73, steve WB3LGC ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Fred Townsend-2
Well, let’s broaden the convo. Who successfully uses solar to operate KX3 QRP? What’s the system?
> On Apr 21, 2015, at 10:24 AM, Fred Townsend <[hidden email]> wrote: > > David: You mean take out the batteries and charge them one at a time? I > don't think so. > > The X-Dragon ads rate high on the snake oil scale. Note all ratings are max, > not typical. They say 5v / 2.4a. Don't assume you can ever get those > parameters at the same time. My guess it is 5V open circuit or 2.4 amps > short circuit. Note also they never indicate how long it takes to charge a > cell phone. They also proclaim high efficiency. How high is high? If you are > an ant everything is high. You can bet whatever they measure is figuratively > done while running downhill with the wind at your back. > > There are appropriate chargers out there. I would suggest a ham radio > knowledgeable seller like Buddy Pole. > 73 > Fred, AE6QL > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of David > Ahrendts > Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 9:10 AM > To: Bob N3MNT > Cc: [hidden email] > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] X-Dragon 20W Solar Panel > > Maybe charge your batteries to run the KX3. > >> On Apr 21, 2015, at 9:05 AM, Bob N3MNT <[hidden email]> wrote: >> >> Specs don't show it being able to power a KX3. >> * Solar Power: 20W sunpower solar panel >> * Transformation efficiency: 22%-25% >> * Output 1: 5V2.4A(Max) >> * Output: 2: 5V2.4A(Max) >> >> >> >> -- >> View this message in context: >> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/X-Dragon-20W-Solar-Panel-tp760164 >> 9p7601650.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at >> Nabble.com. >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:[hidden email] >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email >> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to >> [hidden email] > > > > > David Ahrendts [hidden email] > > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message > delivered to [hidden email] > David Ahrendts [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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I use solar to operate a K3 on field day. Since it is a digital
station, the solar also operates the P3, SignaLinkUSB and a MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro alone draws almost 5A at 12V. Since there is no 12v power adapter available, it runs through a small 115v converter. I use a solar panel which can deliver about 6A at 12v in full, straight on, sunlight. It charges 3 AGM batteries which total to about 130-140 AH. (I added a 95AH battery after running out of power early Sunday morning a year earlier.) 73 Bill AE6JV On 4/21/15 at 10:37 AM, [hidden email] (David Ahrendts) wrote: >Well, let’s broaden the convo. Who successfully uses solar to operate KX3 QRP? What’s the system? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | When it comes to the world | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | around us, is there any choice | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | but to explore? - Lisa Randall | Los Gatos, CA 95032 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by David Ahrendts
On Tue,4/21/2015 10:37 AM, David Ahrendts wrote:
> Well, let’s broaden the convo. Who successfully uses solar to operate KX3 QRP? What’s the system? I've not yet used solar with my KX3, but I've used it extensively with my K3/P3/KAT500. The most common way to use solar power is to charge batteries of suitable type and rating. For that, you need a charge regulator that sits between the panel and the battery. On Field Day, we set up a couple of panels next to the operating tent or trailer and run a twisted pair of #12 to the battery that's next to the rig. Long leads on the panel, short leads from battery to equipment. The best charge regulators are made by GV -- MPPT technology, which yields best efficiency, and lowest noise (they are VERY quiet). Charge regulator must match the panel voltage, the charge current rating, the battery voltage, and the battery type. One of the best battery types for our use is the LiFePO4 chemistry. Two good places to buy them. http://www.bioennopower.com/collections/12v-series-lifepo4-batteries http://www.batteryspace.com/128vlifepo4batterypacks.aspx Both companies provide intelligent technical support by email and by land line. Their prices are very good, and about the same for the same product. BatterySpace sells the RF-quiet GV charge controllers. Bioenno shows a much cheaper one, and I'll bet it's noisy. If you're going to pack the batteries, pay attention to capacity and weight. For example, the Bioenn BLF-1220W and BLF-1220TS are both rated 20A at 12V, but the 1220W weighs 5.5 # while the 1220TS is 7#, the 1220W costs $12 less ($193 vs. $205)! This is only one example -- both companies sell a lot of different batteries. 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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Lots of threads on here cover solar in portable operation. To summarize
You can not operate reliably directly from a solar panel, you need a 12V battery ( buffer) The solar panel essentially charges the battery while the battery delivers a constant voltage current surges. You can not charge the batteries in the KX3 with 12V the KX3 will produce an error. You should have about 13.8V. Best solution is a small ( 20W) panel, efficient charge controller and a small battery ( 4 cell LiFe battery is light and efficient) . I would slay the dragon. |
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Thanks everyone. Let’s close this thread. C ya. Bye.
> On Apr 21, 2015, at 1:20 PM, Bob N3MNT <[hidden email]> wrote: > > Lots of threads on here cover solar in portable operation. To summarize > > You can not operate reliably directly from a solar panel, you need a 12V > battery ( buffer) > The solar panel essentially charges the battery while the battery delivers a > constant voltage current surges. > You can not charge the batteries in the KX3 with 12V the KX3 will produce an > error. You should have about 13.8V. > > Best solution is a small ( 20W) panel, efficient charge controller and a > small battery ( 4 cell LiFe battery is light and efficient) . > > I would slay the dragon. > > > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/X-Dragon-20W-Solar-Panel-tp7601649p7601673.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [hidden email] David Ahrendts [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by David Ahrendts
I do. K2/10 when in the field, also at home to charge LiFePO4 when I
can't take the panel. Mine was a gift [from KD5KC], he acquired several, I think taken out of oil field service. Charge controller, I replaced the 5 Ah SLAB, I measure 1.1 A short-circuit, but it was on a partly sunny day and the panel-sun line wasn't normal to the panel. Assembly is too heavy for hiking, but great when I have the truck. I have discharged and charged the SLAB [and my LiFePO4] enough times that I believe nearly all the electrons are green. Admittedly, there could be a few brown ones left, but they're at the bottom and I never discharge either that far. :-) I thus enter field contests [next is QRPTTF this weekend] in the green power class. On 4/21/2015 10:37 AM, David Ahrendts wrote: > Well, let’s broaden the convo. Who successfully uses solar to operate > KX3 QRP? What’s the system? ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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