External Base Battery Recommendation

I don't use my 35w radio often -- a TCP connection works most of the time for me -- but when I do I use UHF I power the radio with an Optima D34M battery, and use the Optima charger to charge the battery.

I have been using 55 ah SLA for years.

I add flat connector pig tails. I add 3 of them. One powers the radio, one powers the elec fence, and one (used to) power the Topcon legacy e.

The 55 amp hour sealed lead acid battery is available on eBay, for around $100.00.

The pigtails are heavy, like boats use for their trolling motors. 10 or 12 GA.

To charge, I use a 2 amp trickle charger, that goes into maintenance mode, after batt is charged.

I hope this helps.

Nate

Any deep cycle battery will work fine. Weƒ??ve always either purchased
 Interstate or CAT batteries; both are 
probably overkill but they do fine with GPS & lasers. Weƒ??ll keep them handy due to rampant theft
 of batteries from equipment & 
after some use we simply put them on a battery tender to keep them prepped/ready the?ÿoccasional usage. not sure why the response was reformatted like this

Any deep cycle battery will work fine. 
Weƒ??ve always either purchased
 Interstate or CAT batteries; both are 
probably overkill but they do fine with 
GPS & lasers. Weƒ??ll keep them handy due to 
rampant theft
 of batteries from equipment & 

after some use we simply put
 them on a battery tender to 
keep them prepped/ready the?ÿ
occasional usage. not sure why
 the response was reformatted like this

We used deep cycle marine batteries also. ?ÿTell cell batteries are smaller and lighter weight but cost more. ?ÿA quality automatic charger is just as important. ?ÿ

I've used an Interstate "wheelchair" battery I think like D55 or something like that, it powers the radio, recharges great, lasts a couple years and is VERY small with a handle.

Another vote for the marine batteries. Optima yellow or blue tops are great and will go all day. I have also used ATV/motorcycle batteries if I needed to haul them a ways from the survey rig.

Are you operating in the wide open? I would only boost it to 35W for long distances with a direct line of sight.

Depending on how hot the ambient temp is where you are working, running it at 35W can really heat that radio up...I have seen some folks actually use a cooler and ice packs to keep it from overheating. Just something to think about if you are going to be running it all day in the summertime.

?ÿ

All Powers make solar chargers that should keep your base running all day and ready for the next day by attaching to the battery of your choice.

@greg-shoults-rpls

I attended a seminar at Trimble Dimensions where they recommended wheelchair batteries.

We use a Interstate DCM0075 (75A) battery that runs all day.?ÿ Put it in a battery box.?ÿ Heavy, but keeps it from disappearing.?ÿ The battery charger is a 2A that goes into trickle once charged.?ÿ ?ÿThe charger is just as important as a good battery.?ÿ ?ÿ

My issue is the Trimble radio.?ÿ But that is for another post.

I'd like to point out that any lawn mower battery will cost half of what a deep cycle battery will and will work fine - for a month or 2.

I couldn't get an interstate battery from my supplier one day and I needed a battery quick, stopped in and got a motorcycle battery at the local Honda dealer, it has worked great for many years now.?ÿ

@scotland

Satel is the way to go.

I appreciate all of your recommendations!?ÿ

-MattPASurveyor