A lead-acid battery is still the champ for the best cost/performance ratio to run a K3 in transmit as well as receive. But it's not terribly portable.
Acid spills are unacceptable, of course, and you can avoid them in two ways: One is to put the battery in a container so if a spill occurred nothing would get loose. You can get such containers through any marine supply. They are used on small boats and other vehicles where a spill is unacceptable. The second is to us a "sealed" battery that does not require refilling with electrolyte. Electrolyte is, IMHO, worse than an angry cat. Working on ships where I had to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in old lead-acid batteries regularly, I always worked extremely slowly and carefully to open the battery and suck up some electrolyte to measure its specific gravity. But, no matter how carefully I worked, I *always* found at least one small acid hole in my clothing a few hours later. There is another issue: ventilation. While a container is good, a *sealed* container is bad. Lead-acid batteries can release a small amount of hydrogen. Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe and completely harmless in small quantities. But you don't want it to collect in an enclosed container (think "Hindenburg". Hi!) 73, Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Miller Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 7:48 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3 I've decided I might get a battery for my K3 for occasional operation to chase QRM issues. As long as I'm getting it for reception I thought I might consider one which would prove useful for transmitting as well. My "shack" is in the living area of our house with hardwood floors. I wouldn't be happy with an acid spill there. So I'm looking for battery size and type information and what sort of operating time I might expect with QRP and 100W levels (and anything in between...). Also would like some recommendations for practical handling and charging to avoid "issues." Charging would be from the AC line. No solar planned. I'm pretty sure an AGM deep cycle battery is what I've seen recommended. What else should I look for? All recommendations welcome. 73 Jim ab3cv ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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
