Heating an off-grid ham radio station in winter

The Lithium LiFePO4 batteries used in the off-grid ham radio station must be protected from freezing temperatures during charging. In this video, I demonstrate how a Chinese diesel heater can keep our lithium batteries, and the off-grid ham shack warm enough for charging in winter, even when it's far below freezing outside.
73
Julian #oh8stn
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Read the episode notes: oh8stn.org/blog/2024/01/25/ke...
If you’re interested in building your own off-grid ham shack, consider starting here: Building your off-grid ham shack blog: oh8stn.org/blog/2023/12/21/bu...
More about Power Queen batteries & offers: oh8stn.org/power-queen-lifepo4/
Use discount code JULIANOH8STN
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Vevor diesel heater used in the video: www.vevor.com/diesel-heater-c...
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[@OH8STN]

Here's the links to share the video as well as the episode notes.

[@ke8mattj]

This is why I'm glad I live alone. I have my shack be in my office, and the home is heated with a woodstove in the living room.

[@erikgrant8464]

Not 5 minutes after watching this I find an advert for a LiFePO4 with internal heater in my email.... THEY'RE WATCHING!!!! LOL

[@kevlarnegative]

People who think electrification is the answer to climate change need to watch this video. Thank you man, keep up the good work

[@W4BTK]

Never had an issue with your audio but the new microphone is smoother. 73 Julian

[@sk8crk]

lots to consider in regard to offgrid hamshacks and offgrid living.

[@LaneGiesler-KL5PK]

Those are great heaters, i mount them in boats and a bunch of stuff! I would mount inside and run exhaust through wall with the proper fitting like we do on boats and cabins. You then circulate intake air from inside and not cold outside air and its a lot more efficient. Espar heaters 8 to 10 times more and i still install them becasue they are serviceable and parts available.

[@mattstosh6960]

Thank you... Interesting unit. Ill get one for heating a small outside shed. Fairbanks Alaska is currently -40F / same as -40C today.

[@anydamaddress1]

I heat my shack (garage) with a wall mount 30K BTU natural gas heater. It was cheap, no electric needed to be run to it, and I had a natural gas line right there. I'd imagine it uses little, it's almost never on hi. 73

[@Swamp-Fox]

Those Chinese diesel heaters seem to be very popular and a great economical option for applications like yours. The modification will make it even better.

[@Sgt2881]

J,

[@maytronix7201]

Great video man. Very informative and thought provoking.

[@truhartwood3170]

Diesel starts gelling at -10°C. Could you keep the tank inside? Making an enclosure for the heater will help keep it and the fuel lines from gelling as well. Adding some kerosene can help keep it from gelling as well. Could you put a woodstove outside and just run the flue through the shack? A rocket stove is cheap and easy to make. That would allow a long run of flue along the floor of the shack. Stack some bricks around it, or encase it in concrete and that thermal mass will continue to radiate heat long after the stove goes out.

[@lavenderlilacproductions]

Morning Julian. 15 C here in the Ozarks. Waiting for another freeze forecasted. Schizophrenic weather this year.

[@paule7837]

I always enjoy the knowledge you share with everyone! Keep up the great work!

[@tobeaprepper3864]

Take air from inside haystack. Vs. Outside ambient colder air. This way your reheating inside air. (Loke a car recirculate)

[@k5wxp22]

I enjoy your videos so much! Things that would not "ever" come up in my environment have happened over the last couple of years. (Temps in Texas below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for several days).

[@TotalNonsenseActual]

Thanks!

[@garytedlock7533]

Thanks for responding

[@mankatoguy56001]

I have a diesel heater much like yours, which I intend to install in my utility trailer (improvised off-grid/hunting camper) this year. However, I'm going to be installing it inside the trailer in it's entirety, running the exhaust outside (down and out), and the diesel tank mounted on the tongue. I suppose you could say, the opposite of what you've done there. I fear you might be losing some of your precious heat to the elements. Therefore I might recommend insulating your duct work. Even if it just saves you a little runtime.