I have been kicking around the idea of having a battery
backup source of power for my home QTH station. After looking as several
options, I decided to try out one of the Powermax Boondocker PMB4 series
of converter/chargers.
Most hams are familiar with Astron, Samlex, Pyramid, etc. These companies
make fine DC supplies that are listed in ham radio catalogs.
If you look "outside of the box", you will find that the RV/boat industry
has some big players as well. One of these is Powermax.
The Powermax PMB4 is an AC to DC converter with a built in four stage
battery charger. The PMB4 is UL listed and FCC approved. The PMB4 can be
used with or without a battery.Some of the
features include:
14.6 Boost Mode Output
13.6 Normal Mode Output
13.2 Float (trickle) Mode Output
Built-in desulfation cycle
Over-temp, Over-current Protection
Temperature tested to 160 F
105-130 VAC Input Operation
Reversed Polarity Voltage Protection
>85% Efficiency
Safe, Cool, Quiet & Reliable Operation
<1% Load Regulation
Constant Current Charging Technology
Filtered DC Output (Works with or without a battery)
Thermostatically Controlled, Variable Speed Quiet Cooling Fan
Standard 15 Amp, 3 Prong Power Plug on all Models.
Power Factor Correction on 75, 80, and 100 amp models.
3 Year Hassle Free Limited Warranty
As this converter is normally used in the RV/boat
industry as a hardwired unit, we radio ops will have to work around the
lack of an ON/OFF switch. This unit is also not as aesthetically pleasing
as your typical ham radio power supply. (As a personal preference, I would
rather have studs for DC connectivity).
I chose the 100 amp version for my project. The PMB4 series also comes in
35, 45, 60, and 75 amp versions. Power Factor Correction is included in
the 75 and 100 amp units.
I ordered the PMB4 from Best Converter in Idaho, and received it in two
days via standard FedEx Ground shipping. Posts on several RV forums highly
recommended Best Converter and ?Randy? as the go to guy to answer
questions. I emailed Randy and indeed he was quick to respond. He even
responded at 10:15 PM to a question that I emailed after I had received my
unit.
The Powermax comes with just a basic info sheet as it is assumed that the
installer is familiar with the theory behind a converter/charger. I did an
initial DC voltage check, with no load, prior to attaching my Icom and
Yaesu. I found that the DC output was close to 15VDC on an old Simpson 260
multimeter. The question that I emailed to Randy was basically is this
normal operation.
Randy explained that the PMB4 initially starts in ?boost? mode of
approximately 14.6 VDC, and in about 15 minutes will drop to ?normal? mode
of 13.6 VDC. Further checking shows that is indeed accurate.
FYI, the ICOM and Yaesu manuals list nominal supply voltage of 13.8 VDC
+/- 15%.
The PMB4 arrives: Dimensions are 12 x 7x 3 |
