Battery Boosters

These devices boost battery voltage, producing 13.8VDC or so to keep a Ham Radio rig operating at full transmit power when operating from batteries such as automotive or deep cycle marine. The following notes were obtained from internet searches, eHam reviews, experience from friends and direct email with the vendor. Only units rated to handle 23A or more are mentioned here, as this is the level of power required for HF Ham Radio gear.

An important Receive Disable feature on many but not all units shuts down the voltage boost when not transmitting. This eliminates RFI and saves battery power since the receiver does not benefit from extra voltage.

N8XJK Boost Regulator - new version in 2007. Old product, looks very good. has RCV disable. Few RFI complaints. Case appears heavy - may have extra cabinet weight if that is an issue. Email questions were answered fairly well. This is the one I plan to try first.
eHam Reviews∞
N8XJK Boost Regulator website∞

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MFJ new product 2006/7, availability problems, no data on RFI, has receive disable.
www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-4416

Powerstream - designed for audio, some RFI problems, some customer service problems, they claim to have improved the RFI. No receive disable. Caution advised.
www.powerstream.com/dc2.htm

W4RRY - old design, no receive disable, some RFI problems, customer service problems, questionable engineering. I corresponded with W4RRY some time ago and he did not answer my questions. He did not sound like the engineer of the product. See eHam company reviews for more information. Avoid. May be unavailable.

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AlanB
CategoryHamRadio