FT-818 & MX-P50M: Power Consumption Realities!

In my latest video, we put the FT-818 to the test, this time coupling it with the compact yet powerful MX-P50M amplifier, a match made in ham radio heaven for enthusiasts looking to boost their signal without compromising portability. The MX-P50M, though tiny, is a force multiplier for QRP transceivers like the FT-818, IC-705, and Elecraft KX2, offering greater reach for your communications. During my testing, I unearthed that this setup consumes around 2 amp-hours of power - a critical piece of data for operators relying on off-grid power sources. With this consumption rate, we analyze the charging capability of a PowerFilm 20-watt solar panel paired with a Bioenno 3AH battery. The results indicate that while the setup provides some level of power sustainability, it will not be entirely sufficient for extended use without additional power-saving strategies or supplemental energy reserves or the sun blasting the solar panel to give me 1AH. Join us as we dive into the details of managing power consumption and maximizing the effectiveness of solar charging in field conditions, ensuring you stay on the air longer and more reliably.

[@cw4karlschulte661]

Need more battery. Figure 40 T, 40 R and 20 standby minutes/hour for active hf opns. Add both Ft817 and amp xmt amps for T amps X 30 min. Add Rec amps X 30 min. Gives av amp hour. Better than just looking at transmit amps. 45 watt amp is about 110 peak watts on dc supply. Go to CW or better SSB. Better peak to av power drain. At 5 W out on ext 7 ah lithium battery i can operate all day. Look at receive drain not just key down. Think 1 hour rec and 1 hour xmt in 2 hour session. A lot more than using xmt time amps alone.