Hi everyone:
"Bryan" wrote in message
...
The logging PC will have it's own homebrew DC-DC boost converter.

Out of curiosity (Yes I know what it does to cats *LOL!*), why not just
simply use A LAPTOP? You can always replace the batteries in a laptop.

Again....Just out of curiosity (At the risk of feline death I might add
*LOL!*)

Cheers & 73

Pat Cook, KB0OXD
Denver, Colorado
WEBSITE - http://www.qsl.net/kb0oxd/
**NEW VIDEO SECTION - http://www.qsl.net/kb0oxd/cybershacktv/

On Jun 24, 3:45?pm, "Pat Cook" wrote:

The logging PC will have it's own homebrew DC-DC
boost converter.

Out of curiosity
why not just
simply use A LAPTOP? You can always replace the
batteries in a laptop.

I think they are using a laptop, because I don't know any desktops
that run on 12 volts DC (though there are probably some). It sounds to
me like what they did was to use a laptop with a charging cord meant
to go into an auto accessory power socket. That way, the primary power
comes from the 12 volt power system they need for the rig, and the
laptop's internal battery is used for backup in case there is some
sort of power interruption.

FD lasts more than 24 hours, and I don't know any laptops whose
batteries will run that long. Using external power means no
interruptions.

73 de Jim, N2EY

just got back from FD

wrote in news:1182718200.618480.68940
@c77g2000hse.googlegroups.com:

I think they are using a laptop, because I don't know any desktops
that run on 12 volts DC (though there are probably some). It sounds to
me like what they did was to use a laptop with a charging cord meant
to go into an auto accessory power socket. That way, the primary power
comes from the 12 volt power system they need for the rig, and the
laptop's internal battery is used for backup in case there is some
sort of power interruption.

FD lasts more than 24 hours, and I don't know any laptops whose
batteries will run that long. Using external power means no
interruptions.

An awful lot of laptops run on 18 Volts DC. My IBM's Dells, snd most
recently, a Toshiba. (actually it is 19 Volts) If you aren't going to run
them off 120 volts and their own power supply, you'll need to run a DC to
DC p.s.

- 73 de Mike KB3EIA -

Mike Coslo wrote:
N2EY wrote:

I think they are using a laptop, because I don't know any desktops
that run on 12 volts DC (though there are probably some). It sounds to
me like what they did was to use a laptop with a charging cord meant
to go into an auto accessory power socket. That way, the primary power
comes from the 12 volt power system they need for the rig, and the
laptop's internal battery is used for backup in case there is some
sort of power interruption.

FD lasts more than 24 hours, and I don't know any laptops whose
batteries will run that long. Using external power means no
interruptions.

An awful lot of laptops run on 18 Volts DC. My IBM's Dells, snd most
recently, a Toshiba. (actually it is 19 Volts) If you aren't going to run
them off 120 volts and their own power supply, you'll need to run a DC to
DC p.s.

- 73 de Mike KB3EIA -

I so do dislike quoting myself but, "The logging PC will have it's own
homebrew DC-DC boost converter."
The laptop PC's AC power supply produces 16VDC @ 4A. The DC-DC boost
converter produces regulated 16VDC @ 4.5A. The boost converter for the rig
similarly produces 14VDC @ 25A. Both units are dead quiet in terms of EMI,
and aren't upset in the presence of RF.
Bryan WA7PRC

Hi all,
Hope you all had a great FD, I certainly did. I started out by helping
with setup, and then also worked as a VE in a test session we began at
10AM, had one person go from no license to Extra in that one session!
The test session really worked out well and we're eager to do that again
next year. Got some new club members out of it too *smile*.

I came back at 8pm (an hour earlier than scheduled) with the unlicensed
YL who once more worked as my logger (though I had to bribe her with
some ice cream on the way *smile) and we had a great time, including
contacting W1AW! We also enjoyed contacting many VE3 sations as my wife
is Canadian/American.

We headed home for the night and on the spur of the moment I decided to
head back and help out, so I ended up logging for 3 more hours then made
the last 2 contacts of the event.

All in all , it was a great event for all (with much better weather than
last year when I was working the righ with rain water running down my
back from a hole in the tent...what a deluge).

Wonder if I worked any of you ? We were using our club call of W3QBD, in
Delaware.

Jerry

Pat Cook wrote:
Hi everyone:
Bryan wrote:
The logging PC will have it's own homebrew DC-DC boost converter.

Out of curiosity (Yes I know what it does to cats *LOL!*), why not just
simply use A LAPTOP? You can always replace the batteries in a laptop.

Again....Just out of curiosity (At the risk of feline death I might add
*LOL!*)

Cheers & 73

Pat Cook, KB0OXD
Denver, Colorado

We *did* use a laptop. The batteries won't run 24 hrs continuously w/o
being changed which, in the middle of a pileup, you don't want to have to
do. On the other hand, 4 x 80 Ah 12V lead-acid batteries in parallel can
more than handle the load of a 100W HF xcvr + the laptop's meager power
requirement. We used this unit in Tent2, with zero issues. Tent1 used
AC-powered equipment and they had to keep an eye on the generator fuel
level... while listening to the drone of the engine.
Bryan WA7PRC