Teotwaki's comms ramblings...

[teotwaki]

That looks like my fiberglass fishing pole. Single string and bait, thats it.

You have a 32 foot long fishing pole? :elkgrin:

 

[Douglas]

That looks like my fiberglass fishing pole. Single string and bait, thats it.

You are describing the popular "squid pole" antenna. I see most people using a 9 meter fishing pole, but you can also buy longer, if desired.

http://www.perite.com/vk7jj/squidpoles.html

http://vk5bbs.ampr.org/pages/techdata/squid.htm

 

[DaveInDenver]

They are also called crappie poles here in the U.S., although those are often a bit shorter at around 6 or 7m.

 

[teotwaki]

For folks that operate portable gear, especially radio transmitters then batteries are always a problem. Lots of amp hours never seemed to bring light weight but A123 Systems' batteries offer a solution.


http://www.a123systems.com/

Their packaged batteries not only replace gel cells but include the charging electronics and cell balancing too.

http://www.a123systems.com/products-modules-lead-acid.htm

Nanophosphate Lithium Ion Battery Chemistry

They are rated at 7 amp hours but can easily supply 20 Amp peaks while weighing less than half the weight of a 7 AH lead acid gel cell. 1.9 pounds versus 4.7 pounds

They can be found on eBay at prices that rival the lower quality Chinese knockoff cells that have no charging circuitry. $129 + $12.09 ground shipping for one battery
http://www.ebay.com/itm/A123-Systems-ALM12V7-Lithium-Battery-/181184627802#ht_1407wt_1399

data sheet: http://assets.buya123batteries.com/images/a123/ALM_12V7_data_sheet.pdf

user guide guide: http://assets.buya123batteries.com/images/a123/406017-001_ALM_12V7_Users_Guide.pdf

system design guide: http://assets.buya123batteries.com/images/a123/ALM_12V7_System_Design_Guide_496002-001.pdf

 

[Rallyroo]

I thought A123 went through bankruptcy proceedings earlier this year.

 

[teotwaki]

I thought A123 went through bankruptcy proceedings earlier this year.

I think that started late last year and exited in May of this year. From some brief reading they sold off some of the company to pay creditors and Wanxiang America bought the rest. They are keeping the two battery manufacturing plants in Michigan.

 

[seanz0rz]

http://www.a123systems.com/about-us-asset-purchase-agreement-and-chapter-11-filing.htm

Update: Wanxiang America Corp. Acquires Substantially All of A123 System, Inc.'s Non-Government Business Assets

On January 29, 2013, A123 Systems LLC, a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of Wanxiang America Corporation, announced that it has acquired substantially all of the non-government business assets of A123 Systems, Inc. in a transaction approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Included in this transaction are A123’s automotive, grid and commercial business assets, including technology, products, customer contracts and U.S. facilities in Michigan, Massachusetts and Missouri; its manufacturing operations in China; and its equity interest in Shanghai Advanced Traction Battery Systems Co., A123’s joint venture with Shanghai Automotive. Excluded from the acquisition is A123’s Ann Arbor, Mich.-based government business, including contracts with the U.S. military, which have been acquired by Navitas Systems LLC through a separate transaction.

Distributions to creditors on account of their claims against A123 Systems, Inc. will be made pursuant to a liquidating plan or other process, in either case under the supervision and with the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.
- See more at: http://www.a123systems.com/about-us...nd-chapter-11-filing.htm#sthash.kVvoGEIp.dpuf

 

[teotwaki]

I really don't want to debate A123's financial issues or the Washington Politics that gave them so much money. Let's stick to technical issues please.

 

[seanz0rz]

I was just posting to inform and didn't see your post on this page about it. I actually think their batteries are some of the best out there, and I love the fact they are made in the USA, even if their raw materials are from elsewhere.

I've been thinking more and more about batteries for my trailer. I'd like to keep it light weight, these might do the trick! Maybe I'll be ready to purchase in a year or so.

 

[SWITAWI]

EDIT: Nevermind. Won't add to the off-track here. Back to bidness.

 

[Crom]

What would be a good moden day scanner for scanning those military freq? Would a Uniden Bearcat be a good choice?

I am not so familiar with Bearcats anymore. I generally buy Radio Shack scanners that are made for them by a company called GRE. Note that not all of what they sell are made by GRE.

You'll need two aircraft frequency ranges in whatever you buy:

118 - 140 MHz (military has channels above 136 that are in AM, not FM)
225 - 400 MHz AM mode

Do you want a handheld scanner?

Radio Shack Pro-164s can be had for a decent price on eBay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RadioShack-...mm_Scanners&hash=item1c32ca9e67#ht_1024wt_903

Thanks for the reply. I have learned something wonderful. I have a Kenwood TM-V71a dual band radio. The left side (side A or band A) is capable of receiving in AM mode for 118 - 524 MHz. The 118 band is AM mode by default. However under menu 102, I can change the mode to AM for the 220, 300, or 430 MHz bands.

It would appear I'm all set to scan / monitor.

Thanks for the dialog, I found the yahoo group too. It's been interesting to see what's been recorded there over time.

 

[teotwaki]

I was just posting to inform and didn't see your post on this page about it. I actually think their batteries are some of the best out there, and I love the fact they are made in the USA, even if their raw materials are from elsewhere.

I've been thinking more and more about batteries for my trailer. I'd like to keep it light weight, these might do the trick! Maybe I'll be ready to purchase in a year or so.

for less money I would buy one Diehard Platinum Marine battery. I think a Group 31M is 100 amp hours. The A123 type will be awfully expensive for a trailer application.