Thursday, May 8, 2014

SCRaGGs Project - Self Contained Radio Grab and Go System

  • Have you ever wanted to have a radio system that will stay on in the event of a power outage? And can operate for long periods on standby or emergency power?
  • Have you ever wanted a radio system that seamlessly transfers power from commercial mains to backup power?
  • Have you ever wanted a radio system where you have the means to recharge the backup system using either generator or photovoltaic  system?
  • Have you ever wanted to have a radio that you can deploy for field day or an ARES deployment without needing to assemble all the needed gear?
  • Have you ever wanted a radio system that can provide total RFI shielding  in the event of EMP burst or very strong RF fields?
If the answer to all of the above is “YES” then welcome the SCRaGGs concept (Self Contained Radio Grab and Go System) where backup power, power switching, charging system, power distribution, antenna tuner, transmitter and receiver are all contained in a durable & portable case.

Ready to Go - All Components Inside
In the Operating Position

Backside showing openings and SO239
The back of the unit now shows to HF bulkhead SO239 connectors and an opening for the power supply AC cord.   The power supply is a Gamma Research HPS-1A which weighs only 1.5 lb and is only slightly bigger than a cigarette pack.  The Low Loss Powergate by KI0BK (a device is used to seamlessly transfer power from commercial mains to back-up or battery power without interrupting the transmission.  The solar charge controller (also by KI0BK) takes care of any external charging of the battery using solar panels.  All of the above items are all contained within the unit.  The ultimate in integration is achieved by using the KXPA100 amplifier shown in the photo below.  The RF shielding is provided by an aluminum foil wrapper behind a thin liner that is tacked on within the enclosure.

KX3/PX3/KXPA100 Combination
SCRaGGs with a K2
The SCRaGGs system can be ordered from jacalawoodworks.com.

No comments:

Post a Comment