In our prior post, "Project: Hacking the Nomad 7 Solar Panel for Amateur Radio Use", we explained how to replace the stock 12Vdc 8mm male connector with the more useful Anderson PowerPole connector.
In this post, we describe how to make a pigtail cable to connect the Kenwood TH-F6A triband HT to a 12Vdc power source via an Anderson PowerPole connector. As our starting point, we purchased a Kenwood PG-2W cable from Universal Radio. The Kenwood PG-2W cable comes with fuses already installed.
Step 1: Slide on a short length of heat shrink tubing
Step 2: Solder on Anderson PowerPole contacts
Step 3: Install the Anderson PowerPole housing
Step 4: Test the cable
Voila! That is how we fabricated our very own pigtail to connect the Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar panel to the Kenwood TH-F6A radio for the purpose of recharging the radio's battery.
In the next article in this series, we share our project to regulate the 12v output of the Nomad 7 Solar Panel.
Good DX and 73, NJ2X
© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2016.
In this post, we describe how to make a pigtail cable to connect the Kenwood TH-F6A triband HT to a 12Vdc power source via an Anderson PowerPole connector. As our starting point, we purchased a Kenwood PG-2W cable from Universal Radio. The Kenwood PG-2W cable comes with fuses already installed.
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| Kenwood PG-2W |
- Slide on a short length of heat shrink tubing over both the tinned ends of the PG-2W cable.
- The tubing will be used to dress the cable and provide a little strain relief.
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| Kenwood PG-2W with heat shrink tubing slide on |
Step 2: Solder on Anderson PowerPole contacts
- Solder (or crimp) on the Anderson PowerPole contacts onto the tinned ends of the PG-2W cable.
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| Kenwood PG-2W cable with Anderson PowerPole contacts soldered on |
Step 3: Install the Anderson PowerPole housing
- The positive wire is clearly tagged on the PG-2W.
- Install the Anderson PowerPole housing such that the positive contact is inside the red side of the housing.
Step 4: Test the cable
- Using your voltmeter, confirm that the positive contact on the 3.4mm dc connector is connected to the red Anderson PowerPole contact
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| Kenwood PG-2W cable - back of the package showing polarity of the 3.4mm dc connector |
Voila! That is how we fabricated our very own pigtail to connect the Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar panel to the Kenwood TH-F6A radio for the purpose of recharging the radio's battery.
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| Nomad 7 with Anderson PowerPoles connected |
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| Goal Zero Nomad 7 V2 solar panel charging the Kenwood TH-F6A HT Transceiver via Anderson PowerPole cables |
In the next article in this series, we share our project to regulate the 12v output of the Nomad 7 Solar Panel.
Good DX and 73, NJ2X
Articles in this series:
- Backpacking Amateur Radio Power: Requirements
- Backpacking Amateur Radio Power: Alternatives
- Project: Hacking the Nomad 7 Solar Panel for Amateur Radio Use
- Project: Fabricating a Anderson PowerPole to 3.4mm dc connector for the Kenwood TH-F6A
- Project: Regulating the 12v Output of the Nomad 7 Solar Panel
- Field Test: Nomad 7 Solar Panel Performance
Other related articles on NJ2X.COM
- Project: Anderson Powerpole Polarity Checker
- Project: Tiny Mint Tin Switched 9v Battery to Anderson PowerPole
- Project: PicoKeyer Plus Kit
- How To: Lock Together Anderson PowerPole Connectors
- Project: Anderson Powerpole to 2.1mm Connector Pigtail
- Project: Car power adapter to Anderson Powerpole
© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2016.
Comments
Full direct sunlight is needed. Also, as I explained in my series, I found that a voltage regulator was a necessary addition.
73,
NJ2X