Category Archives: Product Reviews
WAY Too Much Lithium Storage!
When I last posted, I had shared that my four year old component-built 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4 or LFP) battery had degraded to a capacity of only 74Ah. Given the cost and shipping charges for a replacement cell and … Continue reading
12V 100-Ah LiFePo4 Battery – Final Review
In 2021, I participated in a “Builder’s Group” session with my local ham radio club, Williamsburg Amateur Radio Club. We had made portable 12V 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4 or LFP) batteries from Fortune 3.2V 100Ah cells and a separate … Continue reading
Tower-Delete: Is THIS Still a “Micro-Tower?”
I discovered roof rack fatigue in July when I removed it for the car’s annual paint maintenance. I was able to find the misplaced parts from my old RhinoRack, shown here, a discontinued rack that I had not yet used … Continue reading
Meshtastic Solar Beacon by Atlavox
Meshtastic is a relatively new form of decentralized communications that allows users to send and receive encrypted text messages in the 900 MHz band without the need for cellular networks or a license. Meshtastic nodes are inexpensive, open source, and … Continue reading
Cargo Organization with Husky Build-Out
Originally published at StealthGTI.com on 3/24/2025. I have been a fiercely independent traveler for a very long time, both in vehicles and on my bicycles. I often carry more tools or parts than necessary. I had been carrying cargo in … Continue reading
Autoexec Car Desk: Reach to Gripmaster
I bought my Autoexec Reach car desk in 2021 when I started doing more with ham radio, particularly when I began exploring digital modes and needed a computer to ride with me. I was still logging on paper sheets and … Continue reading
LiFePo4 Battery Shenanigans and Long-Term Review
I recently had recall work done to my car that required access to the fuel tank. Guess where the fuel tank is accessed? That’s right, it’s accessed by removing the rear seat! If you’re familiar with my car, then you … Continue reading
Why Use a DC-DC Charger in a Mobile Installation?
So, you want to add a “house battery” to your van or an “auxiliary battery” to your touring rig? Adding a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4 or LFP) secondary battery is not as simple as simply placing it in parallel with … Continue reading
Victron Energy Orion XS 12|12-50A DC/DC Charger
I charged my LiFePo4 auxiliary battery with an Orion Tr 12|12-30A for nearly three years with good results. My only complaint was that the unit heats quickly and then de-rates its power output. The “30-amp” output was usually closer to … Continue reading
MFJ-1924 Screwdriver Antenna Controller
This review is way past due. I’ve had my MFJ-1924 screwdriver antenna controller for about three years. I bought it around the same time as my Scorpion Mobile HF Antenna. Later, I replaced it with an automated controller that measures … Continue reading
Mounting the Displays
I’ve been asked many times over the years how I mounted the various displays in my car. I’ve shared photos of a few setups on my other website and in YouTube videos, but I had not shared details on which … Continue reading
Compact Moxon Module
You may recall reading about my “Contest Module,” used for VHF/UHF contesting and exhibitions. It’s quite large, heavy, and impractical for routine use. So, I built a “compact tower” after being asked to bring a VHF setup to a group … Continue reading
Orion-Tr Smart 12|12-30 360-Watt DC-DC Charger
Originally shared at StealthGTI.com on December 9, 2021. NOTE: I have since upgraded to an even more powerful charger! I shared a link to that write-up at the end of this entry. A car’s alternator is NOT appropriate for charging … Continue reading
100-Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Secondary Battery
Originally shared at StealthGTI.com on December 2, 2021. This entry appears 99% as it was shared in 2021. The system saw A LOT of growth before being retired at the close of 2025. Click here to see the setup as … Continue reading
Scorpion SA-680 Black Widow 10-80m Antenna
Originally shared at StealthGTI.com in 2020; Photos last updated or added in 2025. I had a long weekend commute on quiet highways from 2006-2009. Surfing the HF bands was a great way to help the drive pass. I was using … Continue reading