Amateur Radio Power Sources

⚡ Ever been caught with a dead battery during that perfect DX opening, or wondered how to power your rig during a camping trip? ⚡

Power is the lifeblood of amateur radio, and understanding your options can mean the difference between making that crucial contact and missing the opportunity entirely. Whether you're planning for emergency communications, portable operations, or just want to understand what's powering your shack, this comprehensive guide will energize your amateur radio knowledge!

What You'll Power Up With

🔌 AC to DC Mastery
Dive deep into switching power supplies, linear supplies, and everything in between. Learn how to choose the right power supply for your specific radio needs, understand efficiency ratings, and discover why some supplies work better for certain applications than others.

🔋 Battery Wisdom
Explore the expanding universe of battery technologies available to hams today. From traditional lead-acid to cutting-edge lithium options, understand capacity ratings, charging requirements, safety considerations, and how to match battery technology to your operating style and budget.

🔄 DC to AC Solutions
Master the world of inverters and discover when you need them (and when you don't!). Learn about pure sine wave versus modified sine wave, sizing considerations, and efficiency trade-offs that can make or break your portable operations.

🚗 Mobile and Automotive Power
Navigate the complexities of powering your amateur radio from vehicles, including traditional cars, trucks, and the growing world of electric vehicles. Discover proper installation techniques, noise suppression, and even how some EVs can become your ultimate portable power station!

☀️ Solar Solutions
Harness the power of the sun for your amateur radio adventures. Learn about solar panel types, charge controllers, system sizing, and realistic expectations for solar-powered operations. Perfect for field day, emergency communications, or off-grid adventures.

🏭 Generator Guidance
Understand when generators make sense for amateur radio operations, from portable units for field operations to standby systems for emergency communications. Learn about fuel types, sizing requirements, and integration with your station.

⚡ Putting It All Together
Discover how to combine multiple power sources for maximum reliability and flexibility. Learn system design principles, backup strategies, and troubleshooting techniques that will keep you on the air when it matters most.

Perfect For:

• New hams setting up their first station power system
• Portable and mobile operators seeking power optimization
• Emergency communicators planning reliable backup power
• Field Day participants wanting to go beyond "plug it in"
• Anyone curious about the latest power technologies
• Hams planning off-grid or remote operations
• Station builders considering power system upgrades

Get ready to energize your amateur radio experience! You'll gain the confidence to power your station anywhere your adventures take you, from the comfort of your shack to the most remote mountaintop.

No electrical engineering background required – just bring your curiosity about keeping the electrons flowing to your radio!

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Rob Suggs, NN4NT brings a unique blend of NASA engineering expertise and practical amateur radio experience to power system design and implementation. Throughout his career at Marshall Space Flight Center and Johnson Space Center, Rob has dealt extensively with spacecraft power systems, solar arrays, and battery technologies for space applications – knowledge that translates perfectly to amateur radio power challenges.

His work on major NASA programs including the International Space Station, Space Launch System, and Artemis Program has given him deep insight into power system reliability, efficiency, and safety considerations. As someone who has helped design power systems for the harsh environment of space, he understands the importance of robust, dependable power for critical communications.

With over 50 years as a licensed amateur (Extra class since 2000), Rob has personally implemented and tested virtually every type of power system covered in this class. His involvement with Parks on the Air activations, portable operations, and emergency communications has provided real-world experience with the challenges and solutions of powering amateur radio equipment in diverse environments.

Rob's passion for helping new hams build successful stations extends naturally to helping them understand and implement reliable power systems that will serve them well for years to come.