I Don't Need 1.21 Gigawatts, a Flux Capacitor or Plutonium to make a QSO

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Note: I've had this post in the can for a long, long time and felt now; due to the potential of price increases as a result of tariffs directed to countries where these batteries are produced, it might be a good time to look at these batteries.


I look back to 1985 when the "Back to the Future" movie was release when we became aware of the Flux Capacitor and I remember when operating portable those days of lugging around a BIG HEAVY battery to operate with my Ten Tec Omni transceiver. In the words of a Bob Dylan song, "The Times Are a'Changin"

No more lugging around a 16+ lb. 12 volt battery.  In today's Amateur Radio World, all I need is one of these units to power my Amateur Radio portable activities.




Miady 12VC 16Ah LiPo4 Battery

TalentCell 12V 6Ah Battery

TalentCell 12V 3Ah Battery

Bioenno 12V 3Ah LiPo4 Battery

Thunderbolt Magnum 9V 200 mAh NiMH Rechargeable Battery



A few years ago I came upon a YouTube video review by Jason KM4ACK about his experience with this affordable priced LiPo4 battery he had purchased on Amazon.  I had just recently purchased a used Yaesu FT-891 and was in need of an average capacity battery.  Jason hit the ball out of the park with this review.  


12V 16Ahr LiPo4 Battery


Jason's KM4ACK YouTube video review of Miady Battery 




I ended up purchasing two of these 16 Ah LiPo4 batteries Over the these few years both of these batteries have served me well through many portable SSB, FT8, Winlink, Packet, CW, and satellite activities.

This is not an endorsement or non-endorsement of this battery. In May 2024. I brought out both of them to re-charge with my TP Solar 60 Watt Solar Panel. ( Another item I was introduced to by Jason KM4ACK)  Both had not been charge since July 2023.  To my amazement, one battery showed 13.6 volts and after being solar charged for about 15 minutes, it went into float mode.  The other battery showed 13.2 volts and took about 45 minutes before going into float mode, largely due to skies becoming overcast. I was amazed by how little voltage degradation of both batteries over a year period.


Jason's KM4ACK YouTube video review comparison of TP/solar vs PowerFilm Solar




Since I am a car-free person, most of my POTA activations are via bicycle or when I don't feel like cycling, I'll walk or use public transportation to a POTA site. As a result, weight is always a consideration when it comes to my portable ham radio activities. 

The 12V/16 Ah battery fit my weight needs perfectly. In the picture below is one of the POTA setups I use with my FT891, Buddipole Power Mini, TPSolar panel and the Miady 12v 13Ah battery.






TP Solar 60 Watt Solar Panel


Miady 12VC 16Ah LiPo4 Battery
with Yaesu FT-891





My other POWER BANK is what I call my Smoke Detector Power Systems.  The results of using this Thunderbolt Rechargeable 9V /200mAh battery is truly astonishing.


Yes, this 9 volt battery has powered my QRP Labs QCX Mini CW / Morse Code Transceivers with unimaginable results. 

During the 2024 total Solar Eclipse over a wide area of the U.S., I setup my 20 meter QCX mini in WSPR mode with this 9v battery and was shocked at the beacons that picked up my signal.  RBN receivers not only across the U.S. but Alaska and Australia as well.




9V with QCX Mini in WSPR Mode





Like so many of portable ham radio operators, there are times when Murphy rears its ugly head. Upon setting up for a POTA activation on 6/8/2023, I realized I forgot my Talentcell battery, Additionally, the YouKits HB-1B rig I was using was fully uncharged. Dismayed? You bet.  But I remembered I always carried the 9V 200mAh  battery for emergencies.





HF band conditions weren't great during this early late morning activation and I was shocked to say the least of the results I garnered during this short valid activation with less than 1 watt on 30 and 20 meters using Morse Code.





A year later this time I purposely operated with a 9V battery and the results were equally amazing and satisfying. 





Finally I learned about the Talentcell Battery banks from Mr. QRPer, Thomas K4SWL.  These small lightweight batteries are perfect for my "Ham on a Bike" Parks on the Air activations. 



I use the one on the left (12v-3Ah) mostly for operating with my QRP Labs QCX 40 / 20 meter mini, my YouKits HB-1B unit and QRP Labs QDX Digital rigs. 








For long duration digital operating I use the (12v-6 Ah) Talentcell for my QRP Labs QDX when operating FT4/FT8.



And of course, there is OLD RELIABLE 12v-3Ah Bioenno battery when using my FT817/z817 combo.



My take on these batteries is not only are they light in weight , extremely powerful and durable for my "Ham on a Bike" applications, but I don't need to carry around a batch of plutonium, a Flux Capacitor nor travel at 88 MPH in order to achieve 1.21 Gigawatts to make a QSO.















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