Dan, I have used the same 10 cell AA holder from Mouser for about a year with the 2500mAH cells from Energizer. I also recently bought the BatterySpace 2500mAH Lipo pack from http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2335 and will be testing the both in real-world condx with my KX1.
Here are a few suggestions for folks trying the NiMH AA's: 1. Use a little DeOxit on the springs and tabs and battery ends. 2. Tape around the + and - ends of the batteries to keep them in tight, and to protect against shorts; ditto for the two long edges of the battery case. 3. If you charge with a pack charger, break down the pack and test the cell voltages after it's discharged. I found I had some cells that had fallen to 0.9v but the rest were 1.2v to 1.3v even under moderate load. I've started using a Ray-o-Vac 4-cell charger that charges each cell individually, and breaking them down. This seeems to result in more even charging and makes the pack last longer per charge. I understand that there are 8-cell and 10-cell chargers that charge each battery separately, and if I hadn't invested in Lipo I probably would get one of those. The 4-cell charger was $19, so it wasn't a big cost. Leigh / WA5ZNU > I've run NiMH's (2200 or 2400 mAh) from WalMart - using a 10 AA-cell > holder > from Mouser. At 5W, I start getting the low voltage 'beep' in the > headphones > after an hour or two of use. If I run at 1W, I figure I can get 4-6 hours > (enough for a short sprint). I haven't checked out the webpage yet to see > what > sort of results you're asking about with regards to NiMH's. I switch to > the > NiMH's after I pulled my KBT2 out. My NiMH's are outboard - attached to > the > bottom of my K2 with velcro and have a very short lead to the back of the > radio. With one of those 15 minute charges, I can be fully charged in less > than > an hour (10 cells, 3 charge cycles, 4 cells/charge cycle). > > I've seriously considered the LiPo's as an option, but initial cost keeps > me > with the NiMH's. I found a good site for those who want to tinker with > them... > > http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=897 > > I have no financial interest in this company - I only found them while > googling > for LiPo's a few months ago. > > The only problem with the NiMH AA's ... in my house they often get > snatched up > for another form of wireless ... the wireless gamecube controllers in the > living room. > > 72/73, > Daniel AA0NI > Oklahoma City > > > --- John Harper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> Rod, >> >> I haven't tested NiMH batteries yet and probably won't since I don't own >> any >> and can't justify the expense in purchasing them + another charger since >> I >> already have a growing LiPo collection. However, if someone wanted to >> send >> me a NiMH or two, I'll gladly test it/them, post the results and pay for >> return postage - as long as they email me first and let me know. That >> way I >> don't get redundant batteries...;-) >> >> Regarding the charging of LiPos: you are correct in that a dedicated >> charger >> is needed and that the manufacturer's instructions should be followed. >> The >> links I posted at the bottom of my page were meant to address this (and >> the >> many other) aspects of LiPo batteries - I'm only interested in >> describing & >> comparing their behavior in regards to my recent QRP operation and the >> previously-used alkalines. Google is available to those seeking more >> info >> than could possibly be contained on a single website. >> >> Thanks and 73, >> >> John Harper AE5X >> Portable QRP: http://www.ae5x.com >> >> >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Rod N0RC" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: "John Harper" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Cc: "QRP-L" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Elecraft" >> <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> >> Sent: Sunday, June 11, 2006 9:55 AM >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Battery use with QRP rigs - page updated >> >> >> > John, >> > >> > On 6/10/06, John Harper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> >> I've finally gotten around to updating my "batteries" page to reflect >> my >> >> experiences with my new-found love, Lithium-Polymer batteries: >> >> http://www.ae5x.com/batts.htm >> >> >> >> Comments, suggestions & experiences of other outdoor QRP ops are most >> >> welcome. >> > >> > Missing from your analysis are NiMH batteries, which i believe to be a >> > viable alternative to LiPo cells. I don't have access to a West Mt. >> > Battery Analyzer, so I can't offer a detailed analysis. Perhaps you >> > can add that to make your analysis more complete. One advantage NiMH >> > batts have are lower cost, OTH I suspect they weigh a bit more. >> > >> > An import consideration WRT to LiPo that you fail to mention is >> > charging requirements. LiPo has had problems with charging, sometimes >> > catastrophic. It is VERY important to follow the manufacturers >> > recommendations and use the proper charging equipment. >> > >> > -- >> > 73, Rod N0RC >> > >> > >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> You must be a subscriber to post to the list. >> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm >> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
