Re: [Elecraft] Re: KX1 improvements
John Harper wrote: John, I wasn't happy with the compromise between having internal batteries or having a decent RF output. 6 internal AA cells provide *significantly* less than half the power the KX1 is capable of but I liked not having to carry an external battery pack, so I installed two rechargeable LiPo batteries in a 2nd bottom case that I ordered from Elecraft. Now I have more than double the power out with no increase in weight, no decrease in operating time and I still have an integrated package. FWIW: I used an LiPo battery I got from the local RC Model shop, and it lasted about 6 months before the terminal voltage went to zero and it began to swell. I figured it was just a fluke, and I got another. It resulted in a moderately bad experience [bad, as in, it caught fire while I had it plugged into my KX1]. I am glad it wasn't inside the radio. The good news is that I was able to grab the power plug and fling it out onto the gravel driveway. The bad news is that the driveway was wet. Made for an interesting display to be watched from a distance. They were a bit pricey. I've now decided not to power my radios with lithium-anything. YMMV 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2007 CQP Oct 6-7 - www.cqp.org ___ 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] Re: KX1 improvements
Those of you who have the KX1 (or decided against purchasing it), what improvements, add-ons, fixes, etc. would you suggest for this little radio? John, I wasn't happy with the compromise between having internal batteries or having a decent RF output. 6 internal AA cells provide *significantly* less than half the power the KX1 is capable of but I liked not having to carry an external battery pack, so I installed two rechargeable LiPo batteries in a 2nd bottom case that I ordered from Elecraft. Now I have more than double the power out with no increase in weight, no decrease in operating time and I still have an integrated package. Details photo are here, but scroll down to the chart for a better idea of what these batteries accomplish: http://www.ae5x.com/kx1.html John Harper AE5X http://www.ae5x.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] RE: KX1 improvements
I very much like AE5X's idea (documented on his website) of going with 12 volt lithium in the KX1, right from the start. This would be very easy for Elecraft to implement, no mods required other than to make the suggestion to wire the battery holders in parallel instead of series. How about Elecraft does a mass purchase of 3.7 volt AA batteries and chargers, thus getting a much better price than many individual purchasers? Would help those of us out of the US a lot with shipping as well! Joel VE6VOX -- Message: 20 Date: Sat, 05 May 2007 12:21:59 -0400 From: John Harper [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] Re: KX1 improvements To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=original Those of you who have the KX1 (or decided against purchasing it), what improvements, add-ons, fixes, etc. would you suggest for this little radio? John, I wasn't happy with the compromise between having internal batteries or having a decent RF output. 6 internal AA cells provide *significantly* less than half the power the KX1 is capable of but I liked not having to carry an external battery pack, so I installed two rechargeable LiPo batteries in a 2nd bottom case that I ordered from Elecraft. Now I have more than double the power out with no increase in weight, no decrease in operating time and I still have an integrated package. Details photo are here, but scroll down to the chart for a better idea of what these batteries accomplish: http://www.ae5x.com/kx1.html John Harper AE5X http://www.ae5x.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
