[VHFcontesting] Dc Power conversion for rovers

["frank bechdoldt" <k3uhf@hotmail.com>]

I would forgo the 450 dollar voltage up converter.  I use 3-4 marine grade 
batteries and I plug them in to the trailer jack on my pick up.  Believe me 
you want to double enclose your batteries, go to gell cells or use a pick up 
bed for your batteries. I had one spring a leak and eat a hole in the car 
seat.

I run TE amps and I get 350 watts out of the amp at 12 volts.  I get 400-450 
with the alternator on.  However that?s all of about 1 DB in gain.  I have 
TE amps on all the 432 and down bands except 222 where I have a Mirage amp. 
I made a mini rack and connected all the amps together with number 4 jumper 
cable wire.  I am about to buy a new jumper cable that comes with a plug in 
the middle fotr this set up and leave a plug to the batteries and one to 
stacked Diamond Power supplies at home.


If I felt the urge to get my voltage up I would buy a generator that is 
known not to be to noisey to the ears or RF world and power the diamond 
power supplies.  The generator would have other uses for camping or portable 
opps as opposed to spending $450 for a voltage boost that might give you one 
more DB. You would be better buying more antenna with that $450.

Top 10 Things to improve first in a rough order.
1.      Location and population density/ activity.
2.      Elevation.
3.      Antenna
4.      Power/ Amplification
5.      Radio
6.      Accessories
7.      Coffee
8.      Bathrooms (moves to number one when it hits ya)
9.      food
10.     pepper spray

On 222 and 432 I?m backing off  of antenna for a wider path as to hear and 
work more people instead of 2   22 ele beams on 432 I now am going to 2 elk 
log periodics for smaller size wider path and about 10 db gain between them. 
 Also less wind/tree resistance.

You still need flame throwers on 900  mhz up, but you are not likely to get 
random contacts there.

My 2 cents
K3UHF/r

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