[aprssig] Charge controllers

[Brad [VE3BSM]]

I sent e-mail to Astron asking if the "BB" options is available as a
retrofit for those of us with non-BB models. If/when I get a response I'll
share it with the group.

Brad.
VE3BSM 

-----Original Message-----
From: aprssig-bounces at lists.tapr.org [mailto:aprssig-bounces at lists.tapr.org]
On Behalf Of Richard Amirault
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2005 9:59 PM
To: TAPR APRS Mailing List
Subject: Re: [aprssig] Charge controllers

If you haven't bought the Astron yet ... the best bet is to get one with the

BB (Battery Backup) option .. then it will be "built in"     That's what I 
run at my 24/7 APRS WX station attached to a size 27 marine / deep cycle
battery.  You'll have to adjust the output voltage of the Astron to match
the float voltage of your particular battery .. but all the circutry is
built in to both charge the battery, and protect the power supply when the
line current fails and power is being supplied from the battery.

This option is a "special order" but I got mine from HRO.  Only specific
models in the Astron line offer the option (I don't remember which ones)

It amounts to having a 12 volt UPS.

Richard Amirault                                N1JDU                Boston,

MA, USA
www.erols.com/ramirault          "Go Fly A Kite"
----- Original Message -----
From: "Phillip B. Pacier"
Subject: [aprssig] Charge controllers


> Well, speaking of charge controllers (I think we were speaking of them 
> here a few days ago), does anyone have a source for a simple charge 
> controller that I can use between an Astron P/S and a battery?  I'm 
> looking for an affordable backup power option - the West Mountain Radio 
> PwrGate is nice, but it's a bit pricey.  Many of the charge controllers 
> I'm finding on Google are of the variety for solar panel charging, and are

> very expensive.  This is for a digipeater site that is subject to power 
> outages and needs battery backup.  The idea was to have the Astron go 
> through the charge controller to the battery, and the digi hooks direct to

> the battery.  Thanks!