PowerFilm F15-1200 Portable Solar Power for Ham Radio

Hello Operators
A few months ago, I ordered the PowerFilm F15-1200 solar panel as a migration away from the Goal Zero Nomad panels I used previously. It was my hope that the PowerFilm panels would prove to be a better investment as a lightweight & rugged puzzle piece in my portable ham radio power strategy.

So in this video, we are discussing the PowerFilm F15-1200 Solar panel, field-testing it along with the DIY 10Ah lithium iron phosphate battery pack from my previous video. Finally, we'll discuss the pros and cons of the PowerFilm panels over other variants.



The link to the episode notes for the PowerFilm F15-1200 can be found in the video description.

The next video in this portable power series, is a DIY 5Ah 4S2P protected pack with BMS.

I'll try to keep up with the comments here on QRZ. The video editing, background research, and field work going into each episode has me quite busy. I will check in, but please be patient.

73
Julian oh8stn

 

Great review. Thanks

 

I bought their 120w foldable this last summer; it's been great for running my ARB 50qt fridge, plus 857D radio setup. I'm interested in going lithium-ion battery route, so I'll be checking back as you test more configurations. Thanks.

 

I went to Powerfilm off the bat, I was at AFCEA WEST conference a few years ago and saw the military application. I found a suitable commercial maritime unit and invested in that running into a Goal Zero converter then broke out into a Powerworks micro Powerpole strip. I run my FT 817ND, charge iPad/iPhone and have an inverter to charge my Powerbook when I am deployed. I am still wrestling with batteries (using two SLAs) and was considering an A123 product.

Keep at it, see ya on the air. KZ3H

 

Neat stuff but quite expensive.

 

I owned the R21 several years ago, it failed in the cold. Output dropped to 5 volts full sun. I can only assume some of the contacts inside the film cracked. Cut it up and tossed it. A rather expensive mistake.

 

How cold are you talking?

 

Wisconsin cold, over time it died...

 

Good review, I have the F16-1800 30w I use for portable ops and backpacking. Great value for the money.

 

I've designed a lightweight portable battery box I've named COMBATT 12V; three configurations! It weighs 8.5# and I can change out the lead-acid AGM battery in two minutes! Pics at QRZ.com; my call sign.

I am going to buy the PowerFilm F16 1800 (30W) foldable solar panel early 2018.

Prefer waterproof so I'm happy you shared this splendid video.

Thank you!

Jesse-
KK6PKN