In Part 2 of our Guide to Prepping for ARRL Field Day 2026 (June 27-28), we’ll be examining ways to successfully operate your transmitting equipment from sources completely independent of the commercial power mains.

Besides earning bonus points that will go toward your individual or club Field Day score (read ARRL Field Day Rules here), using batteries, solar panels, wind, hydroelectric power, generators or other methods (bicycle power, anyone?) to run y0ur stations expands your portable operating capabilities when emergency communication is critical.

Plus, the techniques you hone during the 24 hours of Field Day can be used in your POTA, SOTA, and other outdoor setups throughout the year. Field Day is an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, test your ingenuity, and try something new—including your club treasurer’s infamous five-alarm chili (note: add antacid tablets to your Field Day list).

Let’s look at a few options available at DX Engineering:

Bioenno Power LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Batteries

Based in Santa Ana, California, Bioenno Power has been a trusted source for sustainable power solutions for the amateur radio community since 2010. Their batteries are assembled in the U.S. and undergo thorough testing before being shipped to your door. DX Engineering carries a great selection of these LiFePO4 batteries optimized for ham radio applications. Features include:

• High performance in a lighter package: These LiFePO4 batteries boast less than half the weight of their traditional counterparts while offering improved performance. This makes them ideal for portable ham radio setups, including 100W HF SSB radios. Users enjoy portability without the need for heavy, expensive battery-boosting equipment.
• Longer operational times: Designed for continuous use, they support extended periods of communication, making them perfect for Field Day and emergency situations.
• Durable and reliable: Built with advanced Protection Circuit Module (PCM) technology, these batteries ensure internal cell balancing and safeguard against overcurrent, under-voltage, over-voltage, and short-circuiting.

Proven Results

OnAllBands’ portable ops specialist and POTA maven John, WG8X, wrote that the Bioenno Power 1212A battery (12Ah, 20A, 240W, 3.31 lbs.) is one of his go-to choices, noting that it “supplies plenty of power for my adventures and is light and long-lasting.”

In addition to the above model, choose from these 12VDC LiFePO4 batteries:

• BLF-1203W: 3Ah, 6A, 72W, .088 lbs.
• BLF-1203AB: 3Ah, 7A, 84W, .088 lbs.
• BLF-12045W: 4.5Ah, 9A, 108W, 1.10 lbs.
• BLF-1206A: 6Ah, 12A, 144W, 1.54 lbs.
• BLF-1208LB: 8Ah, 12A, 2.4 lbs.
• BLF-1209A: 9Ah, 12A, 288W, 2.65 lbs.
• BLF-1209WS: 9Ah, 18A, 216W, ABS Sealed Case, 2.60 lbs.
• BLF-1212AS: 12Ah, 20A, 240W, ABS Sealed Case, 3.5 lbs.
• BLF-1215A: 15Ah, 30A, 360W, 4.19 lbs.
• BLF-1215AS: 15Ah, 30A, 360W, ABS Sealed Case, 4.19 lbs.
• BLF-1220AS: 20Ah, 40A, 480W, ABS Sealed Case with Screw Terminals, 5.73 lbs.
• BLF-1220A: 20Ah, 40A, 480W, 4.19 lbs.
• BLF-1230A: 30Ah, 60A, 360W, 7.9 lbs.

Bioenno LiFePO4 batteries also come paired with a compatible charger.

Refer to these Bioenno Power LiFePO4 resources at DX Engineering to help you find the right battery model for your Field Day needs:

• Mobile Transceiver Duty Cycle Guide: 20/80
• Mobile Transceiver Duty Cycle Guide: 50/50 Heavy Duty
• Mobile Transceiver Compatibility Guide: Icom, Yaesu
• Mobile Transceiver Compatibility Guide: Alinco, TYT
• Mobile Transceiver Compatibility Guide: Elecraft, Kenwood, FlexRadio, Powerwerx

Solar Panels

DX Engineering makes it easy to expand the versatility of your temporary stations with Bioenno Power Foldable Solar Panels.

Available in 28-, 40-, 60-, 80-, 100-, and 120-watt models, these easy-to-use monocrystalline panel systems are perfect for Field Day and other applications when you’re outside with plenty of sunlight but no access to the power grid. Enjoy clean, modulated, and EMI/RFI-free silent output, easy portability, and durability with excellent wear and weather resistance.

The Bioenno Power BSP-28 (above) is a high-strength PET polymer laminated solar panel, weighing 3.3 lbs. It’s integrated into a rugged polyester canvas (also known as PVC fabric). Features include 28W maximum power; 12-18VDC; 1.55A maximum output current; built-in 5VDC USB outlet for charging personal devices such as phones and tablets; and 2.1mm DC output jack. Dimensions when folded: 11.96″ L x 9.48″ W x 0.98″ H.

Find more Bioenno Power solar panels at DX Engineering.

For an all-in-one solution, check out Bioenno Power solar panel, charge controller, and battery packages. Solar charge controllers can also be purchased separately.

PowerFilm Foldable & Rollable Solar Panels

These thin, flexible, high-tech panels are designed to generate electricity even in cloudy, shady, and hazy environments and deliver proven performance in low-light conditions. They are perfect for keeping your batteries topped off when operating portable or for any activity where you want to keep batteries charged without the noise of a generator. The weather-resistant nylon fabric on the back side of the panels provides protection whether the panel is in use or being stored. Grommets on the corners of the panel keep it secure to prevent damage in high winds.

A charge controller is not required if the battery capacity is 100x greater than the panel output. For example, a 100Ah battery would not need a charge controller if the panel output is 1A or less. If a charge controller is required, it should be sized according to the output of the panel.

Rollable panels are available in outputs from 7 to 60 watts. Foldable models come in outputs from 20 to 220 watts.

Find the full lineup of PowerFilm Solar Panels at DX Engineering.

DX Engineering also carries portable and foldable solar battery charging kits from Samlex. They include a solar panel, 10A charge controller, and case.

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Generators

Using a portable generator can earn you bonus points on Field Day as an emergency power source (check Field Day Rules above for details). You’ll find a nice selection of generators from A-iPower, Firman, and Generac at DX Engineering.

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OnAllBands will be featuring more Field Day essentials leading up to the big weekend, including antenna analyzers, power supplies, headsets, portable antennas, and more.

The post Guide to Prepping for ARRL Field Day 2026: Part 2, LiFePO4 Batteries, Solar Panels & Generators appeared first on OnAllBands.