Welcome back to TalkieTrail! If you like outdoor excursions as much as I do, nothing beats the pleasure of packing your ham radio gear and venturing into the unknown. Whether it’s a SOTA (Summits on the Air) activation, a field day, or a casual stroll in the wilderness, one thing is certain: without a stable power supply, your day may quickly turn from radio joy to radio quiet. And, let’s be honest, no one wants to be the operator who travels miles just to discover their battery can’t keep up with the fun. In this ham radio review, we’ll look at the hidden heroes of field operations: amateur field batteries.
Why Field Batteries Matter
Before we go into the specifics of battery kinds and manufacturers, let’s first consider why field batteries are so important. When you use your ham radio in the wilderness, you are cut off from the comforts of home—no wall outlets, generators, or backup power unless you bring it with you. A durable field battery is essential in instances like these, ensuring that your equipment stays energized and functioning while you’re out in the field. It’s your lifeblood, ensuring that your radio continues to function for as long as necessary and keeps you in touch with the outside world. You don’t want to be that ham radio operator whose battery runs out just when the conditions are ideal for establishing connections.
For a ham operator, a rapidly draining battery is another big issue. If you face the same problem, check out our troubleshooting article here.
Types of Field Batteries for Ham Radio Use
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to field batteries. Each type of battery has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so the key is to match the battery to your demands and mode of operation. Let us take a deeper look at the various possibilities for ham radio field use.
Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Batteries
Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries, the workhorses of portable power solutions, have long been in use. They’re dependable, economical, and pretty easy to locate. However, they, like that trusty old tool in your shed, have downsides, most notably weight. SLA batteries are bulky, and their energy density (the amount of energy stored per unit weight) is not very high. Having said that, they are a reliable alternative if you are setting up near your car or will not need to transport your batteries far.
Pros
Cons
- Affordable
- Widely available
- Reliable for stationary setups
- Heavy
- Low energy density
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
If you’re looking for a more lightweight option, try NiMH batteries, which provide a practical and effective solution that combines power and mobility for longer usage. These batteries offer a good middle ground between SLAs and more expensive options. They’re lighter, but the energy density isn’t significantly higher. However, for operators who seek mobility without breaking the bank, NiMH batteries strike an excellent balance between weight, capacity, and cost.
Pros
Cons
- Lighter than SLA batteries
- Reasonably priced
- Readily available
- Limited energy density
- Moderate lifespan
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries
We have officially entered the top tier of portable batteries, with dramatically improved performance and capacity. Batteries made of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) are long-lasting, lightweight, and have a high energy density. Because of their lifespan and efficiency, these batteries routinely rate as the best option for field operations, according to ham radio reviews. Although they are more expensive, consider them an investment in your ham radio future. These batteries provide not only power but also peace of mind by ensuring that your battery will not fail at a critical contact.
Pros
Cons
- High energy density
- Lightweight and portable
- Long cycle life
- Expensive
- May require specialized chargers
Top Picks for Ham Radio Field Batteries
After testing a number of batteries over the years, I’ve narrowed down a few top selections that you should consider for your next excursion. Each has its own distinct advantages and is highly regarded in numerous ham radio reviews.
Bioenno Power LiFePO4 Batteries
Why I Love Them: Bioenno Power has an excellent reputation among portable ham radio enthusiasts. Their LiFePO4 batteries are highly efficient, extremely adaptable, and designed with environmental sustainability in mind, making them an excellent choice for those seeking both performance and eco-friendliness. The 12V, 15Ah type is one of my favorites, since it strikes a balance between power capacity and mobility. You may simply transport it in a bag without feeling burdened down.
Features: The built-in Battery Management System (BMS) acts as a personal battery monitor, ensuring that the battery is neither overcharged, over discharged, or damaged. Not to mention that LiFePO4 batteries are far more ecologically friendly than lead-acid batteries, making them an excellent choice for the environmentally concerned ham.
Pros
Cons
- Lightweight and portable
- Long-lasting
- Environmentally friendly
- Higher upfront cost
- May require a specialized charger
Powerwerx LiFePO4 Batteries
Why I Love Them: Powerwerx has a long history in the amateur radio world, and its LiFePO4 batteries meet up to the expectations. The 12V, 50Ah type is very powerful, capable of handling lengthy field days or SOTA activations. For serious operators who want power for extended periods of time, this is an excellent choice.
Features: The battery has Anderson Powerpole connections, which are typical in many ham radio systems. This makes the Powerwerx battery exceptionally simple to incorporate into your existing gear without the need for adaptor connections.
Pros
Cons
- Lightweight for its capacity
- Comes with standard connectors
- Long-lasting power
- Expensive
- Overkill for short, casual outings
Liontron Lithium LiFePO4 Battery
Why I Love It: If you’re planning a multi-day adventure or a prolonged stay in the field, consider the Liontron 12.8V, 100Ah battery. It’s intended for individuals that want significant lasting power in the field, allowing for hours or even days of continuous use.
Features: This durable battery is designed to withstand the most extreme outdoor circumstances. It also has a Bluetooth-enabled Battery Management System, allowing you to monitor its status directly from your smartphone—talk about modern convenience!
Pros
Cons
- Rugged and durable design
- Bluetooth monitoring capability
- Large power capacity
- High price point
- Heavier than smaller capacity batteries
What to Consider When Choosing a Field Battery
When choosing a battery for your ham radio adventures, it is critical to consider more than simply cost and capacity. Take into consideration the following crucial elements that you must remember:
1. Capacity
The quantity of charge stored in your battery, commonly measured in amp-hours (Ah), is critical in determining how long it can power your device before needing to be recharged. The higher the storage capacity of the battery, the more time your walkie-talkie or ham radio will run without interruption. However, don’t just go for the highest capacity; consider the battery’s weight and size, especially if you’re trekking to your working area.
2. Weight
Weight is always an important issue while going on an outdoor trip. You’ll want a battery that’s powerful yet not too heavy to carry. Lightweight batteries, such as LiFePO4, are good for lengthy excursions, whereas heavy SLA batteries are best for stationary or vehicle-based applications.
3. Durability
When you’re outdoors, your battery will be exposed to the elements. Look for a battery that can survive harsh circumstances including rain, heat, cold, and even dust. A long-lasting battery can protect your ham radio trip from an unexpected power outage.
4. Compatibility
Check the connections on your batteries to ensure they are compatible with your radio and other devices. Anderson Powerpoles are a common standard in ham radio systems, however not all batteries include these connections. You do not want to be in the field with a fully charged battery and no method to connect it to your equipment!
Ham Radio Review: Top-Value Battery Choice
After reading several ham radio reviews and putting various batteries through real-world tests, I am certain that LiFePO4 batteries provide the finest balance of mobility, capacity, and longevity for ham radio field operations. Whether you’re a casual weekend operator or a seasoned veteran getting ready for a SOTA activation, investing in a high-quality battery will improve your experience and keep you connected.
Need some help setting up a ham radio base station? Click here for step-by-step instructions. And don’t forget about the repeater.
Conclusion: Power Your Next Adventure
Choosing the correct field battery is more than a technical issue; it may be the difference between a successful, joyful expedition and a stressful day cut short due to a lack of power. Investing in a high-quality battery, like those discussed in this ham radio review, can guarantee that your radio adventures continue uninterrupted and joyful. Whether you like the lightweight ease of Bioenno Power’s LiFePO4 models or the serious staying power of Liontron’s 100Ah battery, there is a battery to meet your demands.
So, before you embark on your next ham radio excursion, double-check your power arrangement and invest in a dependable battery, and you’ll be prepared to face the wild with confidence. Happy operating!
