I find it hard to see much value in Elecraft simply reproducing a standard PS (like the Astron or Samlex you mention) dressed up in Elecraft colors.
However, I think an innovative internal power supply designed for the K3 and housed inside the P3 would be a very useful and marketable product. Here is what I would love to see: Given the success of the Gamma Research HPS-1a, and Lithium-ion Nano phosphate batteries (e.g. A123), Elecraft could design a small (RFI quiet) switching PS which would constantly recharge an appropriately sized LiFePO4 battery pack, which in turn would supply the power needed by the K3/P3 combo (i.e. 25 amps). In effect this would replace the large caps in the HPS-1a design, with the LiPo battery. Bottom line: a universal voltage uninterruptible internal PS. The innovation would come in the form of the control hardware that would take care of input voltage, proper charging rates, over/under voltage protection, cell balancing, etc. This should be able to be done in the open space available in the P3 without compromising the expansion potential provided for in the stackable PC boards at the rear of the P3. Here are the marketable advantages to this approach: 1. It is in keeping with the portable design philosophy of the K3. I would LOVE to take a P3 (with internal PS) in place of the external PS (Astron switcher) I now have to lug around. One less box to take is a BIG asset. (I could easily fit a K3 and P3 in a small aluminum case that I can take as carry on luggage on a plane. Since I have to take a PS, the utility of the panadaptor/waterfall functions of the P3 represents significant operational enhancement, simply going along for the ride!) 2. Battery technology is now at a point where one could get around one hour of operating time running a contest at 100w; more doing S&P; and significant battery life running reduced power, let alone QRP levels. 3. A real boon for dxpeditions. One could still keep operating for a while after loss of commercial power (an all too frequent occurrence in many parts of the world), or during refueling of generators. 4. The P3 would not move around when pushing buttons! :) I believe something like this would fill a real need, fit with the Elecraft ethos, further the state of the art, and increase demand for the P3. While this option would cost more than currently available power supplies, I believe the utility and benefits far outweigh the cost. Of course, some may have no need for this option and do without, others like me would be willing to place our orders immediately. 73 John N6JW K1, K2, K3 owner. John Fritze wrote: > > > I would be interested in both units! I was wondering why Elecraft > never produced a super clean DC power supply. > > Currently I'm using a 35Amp Astron at home and a Samlex for away from > home. > > John > K2QY > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-Power-supply-tp5388972p5390986.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
