[Repeater-Builder] Re: Solar Power
Hey Tim, The Santa Fe Amateur Radio Club has opperated a solar powered repeater site for over 2 decades. Here is the link to their repeater site: http://www.w5sf.com/repeaters.html Its the Elk Mountain site. The site was initially a FS repeater site and using automotive batteries and 2 solar collectors. In the picture, is the new building and tower, the old building was a Montgomery Wards type metal shed and a rohn 35 tower. The tower came down during one winter and was replaced with a self supporting tower, and a pre-fab building. Ofcourse its over 11k ASL. At times we have had snow covering the panels and the repeater was dead until the sun recharged the batteries. Thankfully we have a wind gen up there now so the batteries have a constant supply of energy. The current site holds; APRS node, FS repeaterX2, FD repeater, VHF Ham RepeaterX2, and a UHF linking repeater. The power side of it; 1500W Wind turbine, ~6 Solar collectors(cant remember the total, i think six), charging system, and the battery bank consists of 12-2V 1480AH, running two pairs of six batteries(12V). Each battery weights: 250lbs. Recommendation for any solar site is: armor plate your power system. 1/2 plate is what we use around our batteries. We have yahoos in New Mexico who like to shoot at things for fun. 73s Russ/KC5CNT On 13 Jul 2007 17:36:13 -, Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com wrote: Posted by: Tim [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] kk4wh http://profiles.yahoo.com/kk4wh Fri Jul 13, 2007 7:30 am (PST) I have a site located that I would like to install a 220 Ham Repeater but there is no electrical power. I don't know the first thing about solar power but would like to consider this project for my first solar powered repeater. I would appreciate any links, tips, suggestions, or information about solar power for repeater use. I have looked at a couple of web sites but I know there are hundreds of solar powered sites around the country and I figured that this group would have the experience to point me in the right direction for research or purchase of equipment. If you would like to send off group, [EMAIL PROTECTED]kk4wh%40yahoo.comwill get to me. Thanks in advance for the help. Tim, KK4WH -- Oderint Dum Metuant - Emp. Caligula Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc - Addams Family credo
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Solar Power Charge Controller Report
Hi John, You might check on the newer generation of C series charge controllers. The spec on the new C60 is pretty good and I'll have a new C40 next week to beat up on. Construction is pretty good for what it is. I can't see any reason why it won't perform well past the mfgrs rated spec. The obvious answer to your question would be the controller rated to your required temp range would probably cost a lot more money. For the generic consumer market... this C60 is pretty good. I've used other charge controller brands... all with great luck. Even some of the homebrew and kit controllers are pretty good for what they are. cheers, skipp John WØDP [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have always steered away from Xantrex controllers, primarily because of the pathetic temperature specification: 32F to 104F. I have a remote cabin in Ontario, Canada that has to survive on its own during the winter with temperatures well outside that range. I suspect many remote mountaintops would be outside this range as well. I have never understood why a Canadian company would design such a beastgo figure... 73, John WØDP Ames, Iowa - Original Message - From: skipp025 To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2007 2:33 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Solar Power Charge Controller Report Re: Solar Power Charge Controller Report I just put in another solar power system using a Trace Xantrex C-60 aka C60 Controller. My first time using this (specific) newer generation Trace controller model, which appears to have an onboard pic processor. When compared to earlier C35 and C40 controllers the mechanical relay also goes away for 100% electronic switching/control. Lots to say about the C60... most of the current model features being well received. Of interest is the ability to configure the controller as a charge controller or a load diverter (but not at the same time). The only major downside is no true load LVD in the charge controller mode. ... but few small or moderate capacity quality solar charge controllers seem to include load LVD. But it's not a problem if you simply include a Load LVD such as the Newmar LVD units previously mentioned here in the group. Construction quality is pretty good and the manual is pretty darn good. Sad to see the unit now being made in China but that's the way of the world global economy. I needed the 60 amp capacity... otherwise I would probably spec the C40 controller for the higher input voltage range. The C60 input range is very good but the C40 input range is very impressive. System install and startup went without a hitch so onward we go... cheers, skipp
