The power arrangement in my shack is similar to Jim's, with slightly different bits and pieces.
Battery: Optima 75AH AGM, model D31M; Siemens SR50 x 2 - 100W of PV solar panels on roof; Micro-M Plus charge controller, modified for 8A output; Transfer switch, homebrew. Selects Samlex 1235 PSU input or PV input as the charge source; TGE battery booster set to 14.5VDC, to keep the K3's DC input in a good range. I have the Optima battery in a plastic container, although spills with AGM are almost unhead-of. Matt Zilmer W6NIA -----Original Message----- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wes Stewart Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 8:35 AM To: Elecraft Reflector; Jim Miller Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3 Jim, I can tell you what I'm very successfully using. I have a Deka 95AH AGM battery that is on continuous charge via a homebrew 25A "smart charger". I also have a boost regulator to keep the supply voltage up to minimize TX IMD, even when the battery voltage is dropping during a power outage. The charger uses a modified Astron 35A supply to provide the raw DC and pass transistors. A slightly modified A&A Engineering card delivers the "smarts". Contrary to what some in this forum will tell you, this combination will not overcharge the battery, but will keep it fully charged even while transmitting at 100W, even during an RTTY contest. My battery sits on the floor under the operating desk. Wes --- On Tue, 11/27/12, Jim Miller <j...@jtmiller.com> wrote: From: Jim Miller <j...@jtmiller.com> Subject: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3 To: "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 8:47 PM 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
