Paul Remde wrote:

Hi,

It is my belief that all the work required to make an "upconverter" will
lead to only minimal increases in your radios transmit power (10 to
20%?).
It doesn't seem worth it to me. I vote 12V.


I agree. 14V seems to be a magnificent solution to a non-existent
problem.

This summer I was sitting on an airport ramp after 8 hours in the air and
talking to glider pilots 200 miles away - on a single '12V' - 7.5 AH SLA
battery that was 2 years old. The battery still showed 12.5 V while
transmitting.

I do get the impression that newer SLA's perform better than those sold a
few years ago. It's pretty clear that newer radios work much better on
lower voltages. Taken together, it's hard to see what improvements are
needed.

If I ever see the need for more power, I'll replace it with a 12 AH version
and not fool with two batteries and an 'A-B" switch. I'll replace the 7.5AH
before next season even if it seems to be working fine.

My regimen is to make sure the battery goes on a very good charger right
after each use where it remains under trickle charge until I need it again.
I never leave a battery partially charged.


Bill Daniels