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Radio => Transceivers => Topic started by: GreekMan on October 26, 2015, 12:49:35 PM

Title: Yaesu FT-60R power questions
Post by: GreekMan on October 26, 2015, 12:49:35 PM
A fellow prepper asked me for a powerbank for his FT-60R.
But before advising him further i want to check out these:

1. A look at both the European and the US Manuals shows that the European version of the radio charges without a cradle.
Specs are 12V and 200mA for the charging unit.
Assuming a powerbank capable for 2A is connected, is there a chance that the radio will draw more than 200mA?

To complicate the issue further, in the US manual it also mentions a shorter charging time with use of the SBH-13 cradle charger.
US manual page 11 - http://yaesu.com/downloadFile.cfm?FileID=8034&FileCatID=151&FileName=FT%2D60R%5FE%5FOM%5FUSA%5FEXP%5FEU%5FENG%5FEH017M209.pdf&FileContentType=application%2Fpdf (http://yaesu.com/downloadFile.cfm?FileID=8034&FileCatID=151&FileName=FT%2D60R%5FE%5FOM%5FUSA%5FEXP%5FEU%5FENG%5FEH017M209.pdf&FileContentType=application%2Fpdf)
EU manual page 11 - http://www.yaesu.co.uk/files/FT-60R_Operating%20Manual.pdf (http://www.yaesu.co.uk/files/FT-60R_Operating%20Manual.pdf)

2. Yaesu offers the E-DC-5B  car charger adapter and the E-DC-6 DC cable and specs input to the radio as 6-16V DC.
Can one -not only charge- but operate the radio with these cables?
Anyone has an idea of the amp draw?
Title: Re: Yaesu FT-60R power questions
Post by: spacecase0 on October 26, 2015, 04:34:45 PM
going from other yaesu radios newer and older that I have played with,
the DC cable direct to the radio should charge the battery at about the 200mA it says, and in addition it will take how ever much current needed to run the radio if it is on.
likely there is just a resistor from the DC input jack to the batteries
so doubt it will charge the battery with 6V in, but it should run the radio
you should be able to run the radio while charging the battery with somewhere near 12V in
you will have to measure the current into the battery (just measure the current at the DC power wires with the radio off ) and calculate your charge time with what specific voltage you have going in.
Title: Re: Yaesu FT-60R power questions
Post by: Tevin on October 26, 2015, 05:26:14 PM
I have an FT-60 as well as the E-DC-5B charger. I've never tried it myself, but it's my understanding that it will charge as well as operate the radio. By the way, it also works on my FT-817ND.

For your buddy's project I suggest he simply wire a 12 volt automotive plug to the power bank and run his radio off the the E-DC-5B. Don't fuss over current draw or any of that...we're talking about handheld radio here. I think he'll be very happy with the results.

Title: Re: Yaesu FT-60R power questions
Post by: AD on October 26, 2015, 08:44:29 PM
When I use mine with the car cig lighter adpater, the radio shows 13.5 volts and operates just fine.  The radio will get REALLY HOT if left plugged in for extended time with eother car charger or wall wart. 
Title: Re: Yaesu FT-60R power questions
Post by: GreekMan on October 28, 2015, 05:07:04 AM
The radio will get REALLY HOT if left plugged in for extended time with eother car charger or wall wart.
Is that when just when operating or when is left alone/charging?
When charging, it will not be good, cos it will be cooking off the battery.

For your buddy's project I suggest he simply wire a 12 volt automotive plug to the power bank and run his radio off the the E-DC-5B.
I will admit that i did not get what you are saying. you mean wire a female plug, to connect the E-DC-5B, and then the radio?
Title: Re: Yaesu FT-60R power questions
Post by: AD on October 28, 2015, 08:09:37 AM
Is that when just when operating or when is left alone/charging?
When charging, it will not be good, cos it will be cooking off the battery.


Both.  When I am using it in the car driving, I leave it plugged in. 95% of the time its RXing.  It still gets hot. It gets hot turned off and charging. 
Title: Re: Yaesu FT-60R power questions
Post by: GreekMan on October 28, 2015, 08:28:24 AM
thanks..I will tell my friend about this..