Solar Powered Paging

Trenching hundreds of feet through asphalt and cement to install outdoor paging speakers was avoided with solar powered equipment and a radio link.  I designed and built this system.  All welding and fabrication was performed at the jobsite.


 

Wireless mic receiver modified for contact closure upon carrier detect. Used to turn on the amplifier and strobe.

Body pack transmitter modified for stationary use. Note the regulator added to the battery compartment.

A Radio Design Module added to the body pack transmitter to provide a balanced audio input.

Framework to support solar panel, horn drivers, RF antenna, and strobe light.

Side view.

There is something ironic about getting the first solar powered PA system finished just after sunset!

The RF antenna being reinforced for outdoor use.

Articulating bracket allows precise aiming of the antenna.

The finished towers held up to several days of sustained winds. Gusts were recorded in the high 80's.

Daytime view of a finished tower.

A closeup photo of one of the finished towers.

Speaker and antenna placement prior to solar panel installation.

Solar panel being attached.