Re: Solar Powered Systems

[r.segrist@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

We have done what you are wanting to do. AES has a subscriber unit
which is DC powered. You want to be sure to have that one. There is a
company locally that manufactures solar panels. These are rated at 85
vdc at about 55 watts. Jameco has a power converter that will regulate
this high voltage down to 13.6 vdc to run the radio. The charging
circuit in the radio will charge the battery when there is sunlight
enabling the battery to operate the radio through the night. This has
been in place for three years now and is still working. You will need
the enclosure from AES rated for outside installation to protect it
from the weather. A 12 v 7 AH gel cell is what we used for backup
power. I have tested the radio to run for a few days on battery alone,
however this time is dependant on the amount of radio traffic you have
going through it. I also mounted the radio in the shadow of the solar
panel to protect it somewhat from direct sun light. Two of these were
set up on bill boards we contracted to use to increase our network with
the AES radio.