Steve, You can run the K3 directly from a battery, with or without a charger running, and it will deliver full power within the supply range of 11-15V. You do NOT need a "booster" to supply 13.8V. We had consistent agreement on this some months back in a similar thread.
As voltage goes down, the K3 draws proportionally more current to deliver the watts you desire. That's the same thing the voltage booster does. It's another built-in feature of the K3. One caution that is not adequately covered in the manual is the importance of wire size. If #10 AWG wire is more than about 4 feet distance (8 feet total), its voltage drop may reach or exceed 1V. Keep it very short, or go to larger wire as you can determine from a wire size chart. Also, when choosing a battery charger or charge controller, be sure it is compatible for the type of battery, either sealed or flooded type. They require different max. set points. Most sophisticated charger systems have a setting or adjustment for the type of battery. Windy KM5Q K3 #764 > That PowerGate looks nice however I was thinking about eliminating > the power > supply and running only off battery power. A trickle charger would > charge it > overnight. That would eliminate the power wasting DC supply. > I was looking at the MFJ4416 battery booster to keep the supply V at > 13.8 > too. > > Steve > N4LQ ______________________________________________________________ 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
