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 |
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.
- 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.
3 comments:
Hi there, I have a Nomad 7 and have tried to charge my F6a with it. However, when I plug it in the charge lights on the F6A light up momentarily then turn off. I suspect not enough current, but you say you were able to make it work. What am I missing?
Hi Steve,
Full direct sunlight is needed. Also, as I explained in my series, I found that a voltage regulator was a necessary addition.
73,
NJ2X
nice
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