28 March 2011

FT-817 Interactive Frequency Reader - current consumption

Measured on the FT-817ND 12Vdc input, the I.F.R. draws:
  • nominally about 16 mA
  • about 110 mA when communicating over the CAT interface
These measurements were taken without LCD backlight.

Since the circuit uses a 78L05 regulator, rated at 100mA continous, I would power the LCD backlight directly from the 12Vdc line, or a dedicated battery.