Dear Gang: I've been playing with different battery packs for my KX1 and K1 lately, and I thought I would share these observations--if only for a brief break in the K3 APF action.
KX1: I tested my KX1 key down with various battery packs and noted the output. This was into an OHR QRP wattmeter and a dummy load. Here are the results, in descending order of output: Lithium-Ion Nanophosphate pack (4.6 AH) from Buddipole 4.3W 12v Pb Gel Cell 5AH 4.0W Fresh Alkaline 8-cell AA pack 3.3W 8 C Cell NiMH in spring-clip holder 5000mAH 2.8W Mid-life alkaline 8-cell AA pack spring 2.7W 8 cell AA NiMH spring Eneloop 2000mAH 2.7W 8 cell AA NiMH 2650 mAH in spring loaded pack 2.6W Internal 6-cell pack with Lithium AA 1.5 W K1: I originally squeezed the 2650 mAH NiMH batteries into my K1's internal holder. But they were always dead when I got a sudden schedule opening and good weather for a little QRP portable. I replaced these with the lower-capacity 2000 mAH Eneloop batteries that are supposed to retain 80% of their charge for an entire year. Then I attached a wattmeter and dummyload to the K1, and let it call CQ for two hours. At then end of this it was still putting out 5 watts and I stopped the test--a couple hours of QRP portable is usually all I do. Your mileage may vary, of course. While looking for battery articles online I ran across one by a regular contributor to this list, who warned of the rather substantial I**2R losses from spring-loaded battery holders. Also, I just received the nanphosphate pack so I haven't used it in the field. I will report back later after I have some experience with it. 72..74 Eric WD6DBM KX1 K1 K2/10 K3/100 P3 XV144 XV432 W2x2 nearly all mini-modules and foaming for a KPA500. Email me if you are looking to buy a pristine pre-MFJ AL-1200 ______________________________________________________________ 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
