EmComm Battery Box

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Last update May 30, 2021

Battery Box for EmComm
By Rick Besocke KI6ZKM

When power outage time exceeds your cell phone or ham radio battery life, a back up battery can come in handy. This article describes a small, light 5.5 lb 12.8 Volt 16 Amp hour lithium iron phosphate deep cycle battery (LiFePO4) mounted in a plastic 30 caliber ammo box that can get you back up on the air. 12V cell phone and walkie talkie adaptors made for cars can be plugged into the waterproof Powerpole jack on the box. Total cost as shown before taxes and any shipping is $104.85

The 30 caliber ammo can makes this battery box portable for when you might need it to power your base station radio for use at a trail race or other event. Anderson Powerpole connectors are used as they are most common for EmComm purposes. A fuse block is wired between the connector and the battery to protect against any external short.

LiFePO4 batteries have higher Amp hour capacity per weight as well as holding the voltage up over the discharge cycle than Lead-Acid types.

Parts:
30 Cal ammo box - Harbor Freight $3.49
12.8V 16 Ah LiFePO4 battery - Amazon $59.99
Powerpole Jack - Amazon $24.99
ATM Fuse Holder, Inline blade type - AutoZone $4.29
Insulated Disconnect 1/4", 10-12 gage female -
Home Depot $3.10
#12 black wire - AutoZone $8.99

For a little more money, you can buy a ready made battery box from Impulse Electronics model DC12 Mini-T100 for $79.95, attach Disconnects on the wires and plug in the battery for $148.93 total before taxes and shipping.