Hi, folks - I would like to try running my Icom R-75 at home from a 12
- 13.8 volt cell or battery. The requirements would be that the cell
would be able to recharge from 115v AC during the radio's off time, and
that while the radio is turned on, the battery would be electrically
disconnected from the wall AC. It does not matter to me whether this
connect / disconnect is manual or automatic.

This device might also run an MFJ Noise Canceller unit, which uses
lower voltage (I would need to provide a step-down for this device, or
a separate battery).

I would like the battery to be nice and big, something that would
provide an easy constant 36 watts (12v at about 3 amp max) for several
hours straight without strain. It would be nice if this device did not
develop a memory (no NiCads, please). It would be nice if it were not
an ugly thang with potential leaky chemicals like a car battery.

Can anyone recommend such a set-up, and/or some specific manufacturers
and model nos. that might fill the bill?

Thanks so much ~
Bruce Jensen

I have a big very heavy Sears Marine deep cycle 12 volt battery (like
the kind used in motorhomes and such like) I bought at the local Sears
store about six years ago.Those kinds of batteries (deep cycle
batteries) shouldn't be drawn down to more than about half capacity,or
so I once read in an article.With proper care and maintnance,deep cycle
marine grade batteries should last ten to twelve years or more.
cuhulin

wrote in message
...
I have a big very heavy Sears Marine deep cycle 12 volt battery (like
the kind used in motorhomes and such like) I bought at the local Sears
store about six years ago.Those kinds of batteries (deep cycle
batteries) shouldn't be drawn down to more than about half capacity,or
so I once read in an article.With proper care and maintnance,deep cycle
marine grade batteries should last ten to twelve years or more.
cuhulin

Yes... I have a similar Sears Deep-Cycle battery. My battery is in one of
those plastic marine battery boxes (Battery Box for Group 24 Size Battery)
and I mounted a five position RigRunner on the top cover (RIGrunner Model
4005): http://www.westmountainradio.com/order_us48a.htm I use PowerPole
connectors for everything.

My battery is under constant maintenance charge from a little battery
charger I built specifically for the purpose. Automatic battery chargers
are also available that allow a constant maintenance charge to be applied to
the battery for unlimited duration without damage to the battery.

There are plastic cases available for wet cell "car type" batteries that
help prevent spilling the battery acid in case the battery tips over.You
could set the battery in your garage (don't set the battery on a
concrete floor) and run two long wires from the battery to inside your
house.A good automatic battery charger and amp meter will help to keep
the battery in good condition.Occasionally,use a piece of an old rag and
a cup of warm water with baking soda in the water and wipe the battery.
cuhulin

BpnJ,

You may wish to contact : Gruber Power Services
GPS = http://www.gruberpower.com/
eBAY = http://stores.ebay.com/Gruber-Power-Services
POC = http://www.gruberpower.com/Contact/Call_Customers.htm

hth ~ RHF

BpnJ,

Here is an outline of a DC Power System (Battery & Charger)
to supply most of your Shortwave Radio 'needs' for a Daily
use of 3 to 6 Hours.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortw...a/message/6134

For your 'perceived' "Needs" you may wish to consider :

1. THE BATTERY :
12 Volt (12VDC) 18 AH Ampere Hour Battery
- - - 18 Hours at 1 Amp
- - 9 Hours at 2 Amps
- 6 Hours at 3 Amps
4.5 Hours at 4 Amps
3.6+ Hours at 5 Amps
- 3 Hours at 6 Amps
- - 2 Hours at 9 Amps
- - - 1 Hour at 18 Amps

Battery Specifications
GPS-12180
Voltage : 12 Volts AGM
Style : AGM
Amp Hour : 18AH
Length : 7.13"
Width : 2.99"
Height : 6.57"
Batteries Per Pack : 1
Weight : 13 lb

This type of Battery is commonly used in in Moterized Wheelchairs.
Why is this "Sealed" Battery Superior to other Batteries?
* Vibration Resistant Design
* Results in longer battery life
* Superior Delivery
* Faster Charging
* Improved overall performance
* 1 Year Full Replacement Warranty
* Limited warranties offered by the competition
* Deep Discharge Recovery
* Extended design life from improved plate conductivity
* 100% Sealed
* No acid tube or spills
* Eliminates acid damage to chrome or painted areas
* Longer Battery Storage Life
* When fully charged, it can be stored up to 2 years
* May be installed in all positions {Except upside down}
* Great for custom installations
* Shipped Fully Charged
* Ready to install upon receipt of battery
Cost - Prices out around US $ 32

BATTERY DUTY CYCLE :
Estimated Battery Daily Average Duty Cycle of 67%
which is about 12 Ampere Hours (AH) per Day.
= = = Resulting in a 50% Battery Power (AH) Reserve Factor.


2. THE BATTERY CHARGER :
Automatic 12 Volt (12V) Battery Charger 1 Amp
Smart Automatic Battery Charger Rated at 1 Amp to Trickle Charge.
Safely charges and maintains Batteries at Full Charge.
http://www.gruber.com/gps-pdflib/bro.../55-805000.pdf
* Automatic Two Stage Charging - This charger is a two stage
Battery Charger designed to fully charge a Battery and maintain it
at proper storage voltage without the Battery damaging effects
caused by unregulated trickle chargers.
* Alligator Clip Lead Cable Included
* This charger can be used for any AGM, Gel Cell, Vehicle,
and Alarm 12 volt batteries.

Battery Charger Specifications :
APC # : 55-805000
Electrical Voltage Rating : 12V
Electrical Current Rating : 1000 mA = 1 Amp
Length : 3.76"
Width : 2.70"
Height : 2.25"
Weight : 2.02 Oz.
Cables : Alligator Clip
Cost - Prices out around US $ 22

Why is this Battery Charger Superior ?
* UL Approved 1 Amp (1000mA) maximum charge Rate
* Automatic Smart 2-stage charging system
* LED's provide visual indication of the charging mode
* Charge or maintain up to 4 Batteries of similar type -
in parallel Internal charge sensing circuitry and
auto-switch to trickle charge
* Smart Safety Circuit to prevent overcharging and prolong battery
life
* Output posts for a variety of charging purposes.
http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ5629570379

CHARGER DUTY CYCLE :
* Estimated Charger Time of 12 Hours for a Battery Daily Average
Duty Cycle of 67% which is about 12 Ampere Hours (AH) per Day.
= = = Resulting in an available Battery Use Time of 12 Hours.
* Estimated Charger Time of 18 Hours for a Battery Daily Average
Duty Cycle of 100% which is about 18 Ampere Hours (AH) per Day.
= = = Resulting in an available Battery Use Time of 6 Hours.


BUILDING THE "DC POWER SYSTEM" SERVICE BOX :
http://www.officeworld.com/Worlds-Bi...BDY51532/05Q4/
Use a Metal Box for the Electrical and Safety Enclosure
for both the Battery and Charger.
* Install a standard Electrical Box for a regular AC Outlet
* Use a short 6 to 10 Foot Heavy Duty (Outside) Utility Cord
14-16 AWG between the Wall Outlet and the Metal Box.
* Install a standard SPST Electrical Switch for the AC Power
Switch. [On] and [Off] {Off = Emergency Kill Switch}
* Install a DPDT electrical Switch for the [Charge] and [In Use]
DC Power Output Switching. Note - The "Center" Contacts are
for the [Battery]; with one side [Charge] and the other side [In Use]
* Install the Battery {Up-Right Position}
* Plug-in the AC Power to DC Battery Charger
* Wire the Charger and the Battery to the DC Power Switch.
* Install a Smoke Detector as an Over-Load and Fire Detector.
* Wire the Battery to DC Service Distribution Line.


PLACING THE "DC POWER SYSTEM" IN USE :
1. Ensure that the AC Power Switch is Off and the
DC Power Output Switch is in the [Charge] Position.
2. Plug-in the AC Power Cord to the Wall Outlet.
3. Set the DC Power Switch to [Charge]
4. Set the AC Power Switch to [On]
5. Wait 18 Hours for the Battery to be Fully Charged.
6. Set the DC Power Switch to [In Use]
- - - and enjoy your Radios ) !


as always - more than you wanted to know - iane ~ RHF
.
Tous Sont Bienvenus ! - - - Groupe par Radio
d'auditeur d'onde courte pour des Antennes de SWL
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/
.
Alle Sind Willkommen ! - - - Shortwave Radiozuhörer
Gruppe für SWL Antennen
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/
.
Tutti Sono Benvenuti ! - - - Gruppo Radiofonico
dell'ascoltatore di onda corta per le Antenne di SWL
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/
.
Todos São Bem-vindos ! - - - Grupo de Rádio
do ouvinte do Shortwave para Antenas de SWL
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/
.
Ð’Ñ�е Ð*адушны ! - - - Группа оператора
на приеме коротковолнового диапазона
Radio дл� Aнтенн SWL
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/
.
¡Todos Son Agradables! - - - Grupo de Radio del oyente
de la onda corta para las Antenas de SWL
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/
.
= = = = = Translation = = = = =
All are Welcome - - - To Join the Shortwave Listeners
(SWL) Antenna Group on YAHOO !
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/
.
.
.. .

Hi RHF,

Was reading through the info you had given and had a question regarding
the 55-805000 Battery Charger. Is this device for charging a battery
through the AC current in one's home? I had been looking at the
Xantrex 1500 (http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/63/p/2...24/product.asp)
because it seemed really convenient in this regard (chargin' it from an
outlet at home; no danger of overcharge, etc.). The price, however, is
pretty steep for the Xantrex ($270 or so from these boating sources).

Best,

Junius

RHF wrote:

2. THE BATTERY CHARGER :
Automatic 12 Volt (12V) Battery Charger 1 Amp
Smart Automatic Battery Charger Rated at 1 Amp to Trickle Charge.
Safely charges and maintains Batteries at Full Charge.
http://www.gruber.com/gps-pdflib/bro.../55-805000.pdf
* Automatic Two Stage Charging - This charger is a two stage
Battery Charger designed to fully charge a Battery and maintain it
at proper storage voltage without the Battery damaging effects
caused by unregulated trickle chargers.
* Alligator Clip Lead Cable Included
* This charger can be used for any AGM, Gel Cell, Vehicle,
and Alarm 12 volt batteries.

Battery Charger Specifications :
APC # : 55-805000
Electrical Voltage Rating : 12V
Electrical Current Rating : 1000 mA = 1 Amp
Length : 3.76"
Width : 2.70"
Height : 2.25"
Weight : 2.02 Oz.
Cables : Alligator Clip
Cost - Prices out around US $ 22

Why is this Battery Charger Superior ?
* UL Approved 1 Amp (1000mA) maximum charge Rate
* Automatic Smart 2-stage charging system
* LED's provide visual indication of the charging mode
* Charge or maintain up to 4 Batteries of similar type -
in parallel Internal charge sensing circuitry and
auto-switch to trickle charge
* Smart Safety Circuit to prevent overcharging and prolong battery
life
* Output posts for a variety of charging purposes.
http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ5629570379

CHARGER DUTY CYCLE :
* Estimated Charger Time of 12 Hours for a Battery Daily Average
Duty Cycle of 67% which is about 12 Ampere Hours (AH) per Day.
= = = Resulting in an available Battery Use Time of 12 Hours.
* Estimated Charger Time of 18 Hours for a Battery Daily Average
Duty Cycle of 100% which is about 18 Ampere Hours (AH) per Day.
= = = Resulting in an available Battery Use Time of 6 Hours.

For that kind of money,you can buy a big enough solar cell and let the
Sun recharge that battery.
cuhulin

Junius,

Yes this Battery Charger simply 'plugs' into
the standard 120 Volt AC Wall Outlet.

Looks like a Wall Wart with a Pair of Screw Terminals
to connect the DC Output Feed Wires going to the Battery.

Wall Side - Back View
http://www.gruber.com/images/ebay/55-805000-a.jpg

Front View
http://www.gruber.com/images/ebay/55-805000-b.jpg

DC Output Feed Wires
http://www.gruber.com/images/ebay/55-805000-c.jpg


hope this helps ~ RHF

Interstate brand name batteries are over rated and over priced.Sears Die
Hard batteries are just as good and lower price.
cuhulin