PowerFilm Lightsaver Max | OH8STN Ham Radio

Hello Operators.
Today we are taking about portable power for man portable QRP ham radio. For some time now, I have been testing the PowerFilm Lightsaver Max with a variety of popular portable QRP radios. Often what these portable ham radios are lacking, is a lightweight and reliable portable power supply, which is easy to use, and airplane friendly.

The PowerFilm Lightsaver Max is a Hybrid Solar panel and power bank, with built-in 60wh lithium ion battery pack. This is perfect for radios like the Elecraft KX2, KX3, Yaesu FT-817, FT-818, Xiegu G90, X5105, Lab599 Discovery TX-500, and QRPVer Minion.

Make sure to watch the video to the end. There is going to be a sneak peek QRP QSO on SSB, using the Lab599 Discovery TX-500 with the Lightsaver Max.

73
Julian #oh8stn

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[corncob]

I note that over the relatively short time I have been following you -- a year or two -- the amount of kit that you are taking on your expeditions is smaller and includes far fewer things that you needed to make for yourself. This is a clear message that manufacturers are watching your videos and paying attention to the input they are receiving from you and other real operators. Congratulations.

[mdouble]

This is an excellent review of the Light Saber Max. I like the idea of having an internal battery and solar panel combined in one unit. The Power Film folks were very clever in adding the ability to daisy chain two panels togther for additional wattage. All in all this product looks like a winner for QRP portable operations.

[scottwood]

Looks like a practical, all-in-one solution for portable power. Thanks!

[G-slinger]

An all in one solar powered energy source for QRP that can be daisy chained. I guess we have finally arrived somewhere in the future.

[PowerFilmSolarEnergy]

Fantastic video, Julian! We love seeing our products in action. Keep up the great work.

[kevinhartley]

Thanks for the video, Julian. I've seriously considered getting Lightsaver Max for when it was too cumbersome to carry my existing Bienno 12V 12AH LiPO4 with 28w Powerfilm rollable and the Powermini on a hike. But was concerned my G90 might draw too much current and it would shorten the life of the Lightsaber Max. Now I have the confidence to try the LightsaverMax after seeing your video. Thanks again & 73 de VE7OVY

[bidlokwerve]

Nabbed a Lightsaver Max based on your recommendation a couple of months ago and it has really freed my station. Solid product with an even better review from you. Thanks for all the work capturing and testing it for the community.

[jbgreer]

Good lints all around on being aware of input voltage of new radios especially QRP. Thanks for another comprehensive review.

[richardiancarpenter]

Thanks for the video about the field gear and the additional blog post specifically about the Lab599 QRP radio!

I like that solar set up. I’m going to add that to my “Wish List” for portable operations.

[survivalcomms]

I have been using the PF lightsaver for years backpacking and love it . For its weight, form factor, and consumer electronics use it still is the best option for backpack charging IMHO. The PS Lightsaver Max seems to be an awesome solution for so many moderate current radio applications. Once an individual uses a power film product it really is hard to consider other manufacturers. Thanks for sharing !

[davidsradioroom]

Another nice power source for QRP. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[jeremy-ketev]

Just wanted tell you that I am absolutely loving your channel. I just discovered it about a week ago and have been power watching your videos. I’ve lived off the power grid for the last four years and have just recently started getting into ham radio, so your channel is right up my alley. 👍🏻

[MrSmartyPants]

add that to the bucket list please. Look's like a great product.

[kurtschulmeyer]

Great video! The technology is changing all the time. Nice to see things that meet most of our needs.

[OHSTN]

If you're interested in the PowerFilm Lightsaver max for your Icom OC-705, there is a new video up.

Thanks for watching.
73
Julian oh8stn

Introduction: 00:00
Problem & Solution: 00:57
PF Lightsaver Max 01:15
Benefits of the Lightsaver Max 01:37
Testing with QRP rigs 02:07
Understanding rigs voltage reqs 02:31
No battery, no problem 03:28
Lightsaver Max external overview 03:46
Charging the Lightsaver Max 04:40
Daisy chaining solar panels 06:16
Field test Lab99 Discovery TX-500 07:35
Final thoughts 10:11
Huge thanks and end screen 11:03
73
Julian oh8stn

[Mhz]

I absolutely love the tx 500, and that is a perfectly good power solution for portible operations.

[paulduncanson]

I’ve purchased 2 of these in Thailand and 1 in America from Amazon. They work great as a 13.8 Vdc power or usb power bank it also charges quickly via the usb or 13.8 vdc input. It’s also charges quickly when when supplemented with an external 30 watt panel. But laying flat on the rooftop of my penthouse in Thailand Thailand even for 12 hours over 2 days is only charges to about 40%. But it will beg very convenient to use with a ic-705 and a Raspberry Pi 4.

[backcountryamateurradio]

Thank you for putting together such excellent videos. The question of power supply seems like portable hams are constantly asking and this seems like really a nice, simple solution.

[flyfisherman]

Outstanding! This was the type of information that I have been looking for to develop my QRP set up. Thank you for the wonderful video.

[Jeff-jgkj]

Another great vid showing practical application. Thanks, Julian!