back to getting started with solar

3 power distribution:




You will need decent gauge wire to run to the panels (which may be 50 feet or more away from your radio and
batteries) as well as some jumpers of various lengths to use to connect your equipment. You should also have
some longer lengths available to run over to other stations, and the ability to patch in additional batteries
that others have brought to bolster the power grid.

Fuses should be installed in strategic locations to prevent damage in the event of an accident or hardware
failure. Your connections should be standard PP45 Anderson Powerpoles, keyed in the ARES standard way, to
insure compatibility with other users' accessories. SB50 connectors can also be included but are less common.
(they're good to use for the primary connector on a lead acid battery) I use a 120 amp AGU fuse on my battery
and whatever is appropriate on my individual accessories.

Make sure you have some way to combine and split power wires to connect to multiple accessories and branch off
to other stations. Bring a few alligator to PP and battery post to PP pigtails for guest connections too.

Powerpole sets have gone up quite a bit in price lately. Buy in bulk, try to pay under $2 a pair for them.
TheCrazyHam sells nice yet very inexpensive powerpole distribution blocks an eBay.

I use 3/4" heat shrink for strain relief on the PP35/45 housings.


10ga CCA super flexible twin lead (100ft for $40 at Amazon)

AGU fuse holders (5 for $15 at Amazon)

CrazyHam powerpole distribution block ($6 at eBay)

powerpole color housings at eBay

PP35 bulk sets (100 pair for $170 at eBay)

PP35-45 housing heat shrink (10ft for $14 at Amazon)


ARES standard powerpole keying:



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last updated 11/30/2023 at 20:12:37