Standard Voltages in Ham Radio
Most ham radio equipment runs on 12–13.8 volts DC — the same as a car's electrical system. Mobile radios run from vehicle batteries or regulated power supplies. Handheld radios use internal lithium-ion packs rated at 7.4V with internal regulation. This standardization on 12V makes ham radio uniquely compatible with vehicle power, solar systems, and emergency backup batteries.
HT Battery Types
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Li-ion (standard) | Light, holds charge well | Degrades if stored fully depleted | Daily use |
| Li-ion extended pack | 2× capacity, ~$10 add-on | Slightly heavier | All-day or field use |
| AA NiMH tray | Rechargeable AAs everywhere | Lower voltage, shorter run time | Emergency backup |
| Alkaline AA tray | Available anywhere | Lower voltage, shortest life | Last resort |
Power Supplies for Home Stations
Mobile radios at home need a regulated 13.8V DC supply. Key specs: amperage rating should be at least 20% above the radio's maximum draw. A 50W VHF/UHF radio draws 10–12 amps at full power; a 20–25 amp supply is the minimum, a 30 amp supply leaves headroom.
Linear regulated supplies (Astron RS-35A, ~$180): quiet on HF, heavy, long-lasting. Preferred if you plan to add HF. Switching supplies (Samlex SEC-1223, ~$90): lighter, cheaper, work well for VHF/UHF. Some generate HF interference.
Emergency Battery Backup
A 12V marine deep-cycle battery with a float charger gives your home station hours of operation during power outages. Float chargers (Schumacher SC1281 or similar, $30–$50) keep the battery fully charged until you need it. A fully charged 100Ah battery runs a 10-amp mobile radio for roughly 8–10 hours. This is the foundation of any emergency communications capability.
- Can I run my mobile radio from a USB power bank?Not directly. Mobile radios require 12V DC, and standard USB power banks output 5V (or 9V/12V via USB-PD on some models). A USB-PD power bank with 12V output can technically power some mobile radios through a compatible cable, but current output is typically limited to 3–5 amps — insufficient for full transmit power. HTs charge via USB; mobile radios do not.
- What is the Anderson Powerpole connector?Anderson Powerpole connectors are a genderless, color-coded DC power connector that has become the amateur radio standard for portable power connections. Red/black pairs (30A or 45A rating) connect radios, power supplies, and batteries interchangeably without worrying about plug polarity or gender. ARES and emergency communications groups often standardize on Powerpoles for all station equipment.
Informational only. Verify current rules at fcc.gov and arrl.org. Not affiliated with the FCC, ARRL, or any VEC.