Start here: Estimate runtime from usable battery watt-hours divided by average station watts, then reduce the result for temperature, conversion loss, aging, accessories, and a reserve.
Make the field decision
- Measure receive current and transmit current at the actual operating power.
- Estimate the fraction of time spent receiving and transmitting.
- Add tuners, computers, displays, amplifiers, and converters.
- Use the battery maker’s usable range rather than draining to failure.
- Confirm the estimate with a timed field test.
What usually goes wrong
- Using the radio’s maximum current as a continuous average.
- Ignoring accessory and converter losses.
- Planning to consume the safety reserve during normal operation.
Turn the idea into evidence
Build the complete station, begin checks at low power, record the physical geometry and operating conditions, and change one variable at a time. A low SWR, one contact, or a connector that fits does not establish efficiency, coverage, structural suitability, or product compatibility.
Stop-work boundary:
Do not deploy near power lines, lightning, unsafe wind, unstable supports, uncontrolled public access, or with damaged equipment. Follow current product manuals, battery and charger instructions, land rules, license conditions, and RF-exposure requirements.
