During the "Lippeklap" Net held on 11 December 2022 we discussed the different type of batteries available on the market today to be used in Amateur Radio and you home. This ended up in a very interesting discussion and several great ideas and information "surfaced" during the discussion. Many participants agreed that batteries are the most expensive and important energy component used in the Shack, repeater site etc. We all agree that your batteries need to be protected from under and over voltage to mention only two aspects amongst others.
Koos ZS5KDK and yours truly suggested that one of the following two battery protectors might be of use to radio amateurs as well as private individuals to protect those valuable batteries.
Here are two battery protectors that are currently used by ZS5KDK and ZS1I:
The above BatteryMate protector is successfully used by Koos ZS5KDK on the Pietermartizburg Repeater Network. Several models are available.
More information on this product can be downloaded HERE (PDF)
The above Victron Smart Battery Protector is successfully used by Johan ZS1I on the GRHub Network. Several models are available.
More information on this product can be downloaded HERE (PDF)
Finally: With the cost of batteries today it is important to protect those batteries all the time. Installing this unit will contribute to the life expectancy of your battery(s) in the Shack, Repeaters etc. However a good solar controller and intelligent battery charger is a must if you want to extend and maintain the life expectancy of your battery(s).
Ed. Many thanks to Koos ZS5KDK for sharing the information of the BatteryMate with fellow radio amateurs on the "Lippeklap Net' that takes place every Sunday afternoon at 15h00 on Echolink ZS1I-L, AllStar Node 49355 and 145.500 Mhz Simplex 88.5 CTCSS Tone in the Mossel Bay area.
