Diode for 14.8V 4S LiPo

Old Reflector
1

I’ve been given a 14.8V 4S 5Ah LiPo pack to try with my FT-857 and wondered what others are using to drop the voltage down to a sensible level?

I occasionally run the full 100W on the 857 so need something that can cope with the current draw.

Is this the right kind of thing I should be looking at?

http://cpc.farnell.com/stmicroelectronics/stth6012w/diode-ultrafast-60a-1200v/dp/SC11403

Matt
M0LMK

2

In reply to M0LMK:

Hi Matt,

I’ve been using a 40A bridge rectifier as a volt dropper from my 4S LiPO’s to a FT857 for some years now . It works well.
There is a thread on the reflector discussing this matter. I enclose 2 photos just to give you an idea of my setup.

73

Rob G0PEB

3

In reply to M0LMK:

Plenty of options for this as per the other thread.

I used this till I went to the LiFe batteries : http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/290908896228?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Compton
VK2HRX

4

In reply to M0LMK:
Hello Matt,
I worked with my KX3 10 watt , battery a LIPO -Zippy 5000,20c-. I used 2 diodes (1N5401) serial to reduce the DC to 15,5 V. You can use 3 diodes.

73, Sake
PA0SKP

5

In reply to G0PEB:

Thanks Rob,

I have found a 30A version at Maplin:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kbpc3504-35a-bridge-rectifier-ar87u

How would this need to be connected? I guess you only use one side?

Thanks,

Matt
M0LMK

6

I used two diodes and wired in a switch to bypass the diodes once the LiPO voltage fell far enough.

73, Barry N1EU

7

In reply to M0LMK:

Hi Matt,

The bridge is configured as follows to give a parallel/series arrangement of diodes, it seems to work.
DC + from battery is connected to the bridge - tag. The two AC tags are connected together. Output is taken from the bridge + tag.

Don’t forget that the output has to be connected to a load to realise a 1.5v drop. Input volts from the 4S LiPO is 16.3V. Receiver volts on other side of the bridge is 14.8V.

Have alook at this thread from 2010
http://www.sotawatch.org/reflector.php?topic=4132#33873

Hope this helps …

73

Rob G0PEB

8

In reply to G0PEB:

Thanks Rob. That is perfect. I’ll pop out to get one and have a play.

Everyone else, tanks for your replies.

Matt
M0LMK