Home Blogs-User Stories LiTime LiFePO4: The Game-Changing Battery for Ham Radio Field Operations

LiTime LiFePO4: The Game-Changing Battery for Ham Radio Field Operations

LiTime Team
LiTime Team
—
05/06/2025

As a ham radio operator who spends a significant amount of time operating in the field, particularly participating in activities like Parks on the Air (POTA) and portable microwave radio, power has always been a critical factor in how effective and enjoyable my outings are. Whether I’m hiking into a national park or setting up on a remote mountain for a microwave contact, having a reliable, portable, and long-lasting power source is absolutely essential.

image of operating ham radio

The Heavy Truth: My Struggles with Traditional SLA Batteries for Ham Radio

For years, I relied on traditional sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries to run my ham radio equipment. While SLA batteries technically “got the job done,” they brought with them a host of challenges for portable operations:

  • Weight & Bulk: They’re incredibly heavy and bulky, frankly not designed with portability in mind. Lugging one or two SLA batteries into the field along with my radios, tripods, antennas, and laptop quickly became one of the least enjoyable aspects of my hobby. The battery weight alone often dictated how far I was willing to travel for POTA or how much other gear I could carry.
  • Storage & Reliability Woes: Another problem I ran into with SLA batteries was storage and reliability. During the colder, inactive winter months, I often store away my portable gear. SLA batteries do not age well in storage — often when I pulled them out months later, they had degraded or were simply dead. Even when topped off before storage, they seemed to lose capacity faster than expected. This unpredictability introduced stress and frustration to what should be a fun and relaxing part of the hobby.

picture of litime user a ham radio operator

Discovering the LiTime LiFePO₄ Difference for Ham Radio Power

That’s when I discovered LiTime lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries. I had seen some reviews floating around online and heard other ham operators mention them, but I was initially skeptical — could a battery that was lighter also perform better? The answer, it turns out, is a resounding yes.

  • Immediate Weight Advantage: The weight difference was immediately noticeable. I could carry twice the usable capacity at half the weight compared to my old SLA batteries. That means I can take more gear into the field for POTA activations without breaking my back.
  • Superior Performance Under Load: Beyond portability, the LiTime LiFePO₄ battery performance under load has been excellent. I run multiple radios, including high-powered HF rigs for POTA activations, portable UHF and microwave setups, and even digital modes via my laptop. All this equipment demands a solid and stable power source — especially when I crank up the power output to make long-distance contacts. The LiTime batteries hold their voltage even under load, something SLA batteries notoriously struggle with.
  • Reliable Long-Term Storage: Another feature I’ve come to love is how LiTime LiFePO₄ batteries handle storage. After the summer season ends, my LiTime battery gets stored in the shack or garage. When I pull it out again in spring, it’s still holding most of its charge. A quick top-up using a lithium-compatible charger and it’s ready to go. That kind of reliability just didn’t exist with my old SLA units.

power ham radio with litime 12v 200ah lifepo4 battery

LiTime LiFePO₄: Powering Every Aspect of My Portable Ham Radio Station

My current field setup can be power-hungry. I often bring along an HF radio running up to 100 watts, VHF/UHF gear, a laptop for digital modes like FT8, and a GPS unit plus other accessories. Thanks to the high amp draw capability and large capacity of my LiTime LiFePO₄ battery, I no longer have to worry about rationing power or operating at reduced transmit power just to make the battery last.

When setting up at a remote location for POTA or microwave, I typically spend 30–45 minutes deploying antennas, setting up tripods, tuning equipment, and getting my operating position dialed in. Knowing I have a stable power source that will keep my gear running for hours — sometimes all day — allows me to focus on making contacts, logging QSOs, and enjoying the scenery rather than constantly checking voltage levels or swapping out gear to save power.

LiTime has truly become the central power hub of my portable ham radio station.

the ham radio operator holds litime battery showing his satisfaction

LiTime 12V 50Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery

Peace of Mind: Safety and Versatility with LiTime

What impresses me most is how versatile and plug-and-play LiTime lithium batteries are. The built-in battery management system (BMS) protects against overcharging, over-discharging, and even high temperatures, which gives me peace of mind when operating in the summer heat. I can focus on radio — not worrying about damaging my battery or managing complex charge cycles.

protection information of litime lifepo4 battery management system

The Verdict: LiTime LiFePO₄ is a Must-Have for Serious Portable Ham Operators

In short, switching to LiTime LiFePO4 batteries has changed how I approach portable ham radio. It has freed me from the limitations of SLA, allowed me to operate at full power, and made outdoor activations something I look forward to even more. The gear I bring now is determined by what I want to do, not by how much weight I can carry or how long the battery will last.

If you’re a ham who takes radio outdoors seriously — whether it's for POTA, SOTA (Summits on the Air), emergency comms, or general field day fun — I can't recommend LiTime LiFePO4 batteries enough. They’ve become an indispensable part of my kit and have made every activation easier, lighter, and more reliable.

power ham radio with litime 50ah lifepo4 battery

LiTime Team
LiTime Team
The LiTime Team is dedicated to bringing you the latest updates, customer stories, and behind-the-scenes insights from the world of LiTime. With a commitment to reliable power and sustainable energy, we work closely with our customers—from sailors and RV

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