The Heart of Rover 2.0!

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     After the voltage sag issues experienced during the 2020 ARRL June VHF Contest, I immediately began to work on a solution. Some research and discussions with other rovers yielded a fix that will work for me.

     The first part of the solution is to add an auxiliary power source in the form of a "yellow-top" Optima battery. This type of battery is a hybrid solution that combines cranking amp capability along with deep-cycle features. Ultimately, this battery could be used as an emergency jump-start source for the truck should the main battery discharge or malfunction.

Here's the Optima battery that will reside in a battery box in the back of the truck cab:
Optima Battery D35 Group Size 35 620 CCA
     This will run in conjunction with the truck's main battery when the alternator is charging and be switched to only auxiliary power when the engine is off. This is accomplished via a West Mountain Radio ISOpwr+ Auxiliary Battery Isolator which provides automatic DC power switching between vehicle and the second battery. It handles up to 40-amps and will feed directly into my existing RigRunner power distribution block.

 The WMR ISOpwr+


     This system should provide enough steady power, combined with shortening of existing power leads going  to equipment, to reliably power the rover while in motion. When sitting in place or on portable operations, I proceeded to obtain a 2,000-watt inverter generator. This will allow for extended stationary operation without burning vehicle fuel. In some planned upcoming 'gridpeditions' out in some "off the beaten path" locations this will become important.

The Champion Power 2000-Watt Inverter Generator


      I gave the new generator a 5-hour test and break-in run today and it works well. It even started on the first pull so I hope this bodes well for Rover 2.0!

73 DE WA5RR

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