Keeping Electronics Running in the Field
Can you keep your electronics running?
Ah, electronic gadgets, we live with and use them every, single day. Love em or hate em they are here to stay.
Think about all the gear in your kit that requires batteries to run… Lights, radios, night vision, IR, thermal imagers, weapons lights, illuminated optics, lasers, drones, cameras, GPS’s, etc… that is a lot of electrical shit to keep running. And to keep it all running you need spare batteries, battery banks, cords, and solar panels. So now you have even more shit to bring into the field with you.
Everyone runs a weapons mounted light (WML) today and an illuminated optic. So there's 2 batteries right there…
How about comms ability? Radios need batteries to work and you either need spare batteries for them or a means to charge them in the field (maybe both).
Oh, and then there are Night Vision devices and IR lights…
Flashlights and headlamps…
Then there's cameras, GPS’s, and phones.
And now Drones are even entering our kits…
So the point here isn't to harp on our electronic footprint (although it is really something to consider) but to get everyone to think about how they are going to manage their electronics in the field.
Example, 2 years ago I switched to all rechargeable battery options (for as much as I could). Just about everything is able to be charged via a battery bank/solar charger. I have found this setup to work well for me. It is simple, efficient, and streamlines admin gear. It doesn't fully replace the need for carrying spare batteries, but it does help extend electronic use in the field in an efficient manner.
Here is a list of items that have helped me with keeping items running in the field:
-ERRBBIC 20,000mAh battery bank
-Thunderbolt 9 watt solar panel
Whatever you decide to do for managing your electronics in the field, make sure you make it work for you and your needs, and go practice with it.
Holy cow, I was just inventorying my electronics...we are truly brothers from another mother! :-)