+++++++++++++++++ See also Battery Pack Alternatives +++++++++++++++++ From: "Thor - N9IK" To: "Charles L. Gardner, Jr." , Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K1 build question Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 09:47:17 -0600 I have been using a deep-cycle marine battery exclusively for my power supply for years. I do have a DC power supply, but it failed just as soon as the one year warranty was up, and the battery route has worked so well that I haven't bothered to try to fix the power supply. Originally, I used an old car battery, but I didn't keep it charged well enough. Then I was able to get my hands on an old deep-cycle battery (for free!) that I used for several years. Finally, a few months ago I wore that battery out, and another free one wasn't readily available, so I bit the bullet and bought a new, heavy duty, marine deep cycle battery to use. There's no doubt that having a DC power supply would be a bit more convenient, but I wouldn't exchange the flexibility that I have for anything. I should note that prior to this year, I was powering an old Kenwood TS-130s that drew quite a bit of power. I was able to get about 3-4 hours of effective power from the battery using the TS-130s. Now, with the K1, this battery is far more that I really need - I'm only having to put the charger on the battery once a week or so instead of every day. So, my short answer is: If you have access to a good battery, have the resources to easily keep it charged without having to worry about gasses, leaks, etc., then go the battery route. For the record, I do plan on building a power supply (40-amp switcher out of the ARRL hand book) for the experience and education, but I won't spend the money on buying one. - Thor, N9IK > -----Original Message----- > From: elecraft-admin at mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-admin at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Charles L. Gardner, > Jr. > Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 5:57 PM > To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net; res05gc2 at verizon.net > Subject: [Elecraft] K1 build question > > > I am to the point in building my K1-4 (#1074) where I need 12 to 14V DC > (p. 30 of Owner's Manual Revision E). I am asking for suggestions as to > whether I should purchase a DC Power Supply (expensive) or should I use > a battery with appropriate Power supply cable. This is my first kit in > 30 years. I assume that I will succeed and go on to build a K2. > > Many thanks for any suggestions. > > 73 Charlie Gardner WA4HKN > Lexington, KY > K1-4 #107 +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 09:48:01 -0800 From: Jerry Kincade Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 build question To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net, res05gc2 at verizon.net Go down to the local battery store and buy a 12V 7 AH sealed lead-acid battery for around $16 or $17. It will run the K1 for a loooooong time, is of course easily rechargeable with any common battery charger (I use a little WalMart 1.5A trickle/maint charger on mine), and you won't have to worry about supply voltage stability whilst doing your alignment. Plus after you are done, you'll have an excellent little "picnic table portable" DC supply to carry around with you that will easily run the K1 all weekend plus some. These batteries have handy little push-on terminal connectors, and making up a supply cable to the K1 is a snap. Do any adjustments or alignments using the battery alone, without the charger connected. 73, Jerry W5KP K1-4 #955 +++++++++++++++++++ From: K4IA at aol.com Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 11:13:37 EST Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 build question (batteries) To: w5kp at swbell.net Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net I like your idea but a much smaller battery will do the trick and not be so heavy to lug around or as expensive. I have used a 4.5 ah battery for days and I suspect you could go to a 2.5 ah. NiMH AA's can provide 1.5 ah for afternoon outings. Radio K4IA Craig Buck Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 USA FISTS CW CLUB # 6702 CC 788 Diamond #64 QRPARCI # 2550 K1 #470 K2# 2460 ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 11:58:11 -0500 From: "Kwik, Ed " To: "Elecraft (E-mail)" Subject: [Elecraft] K1/K2 power options Here is what I have been doing for the last couple of years. I got me one of these float chargers(see link) http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3D41288 I use it to charge my collection of gel cells. My gel cells are units that have been retired from service in commercial alarm systems. Ask around and you might get them free from places like hospitals, schools, and large office buildings. If not you can pick them up at any swap meet. I have both 4.5 Ah and 7 Ah units. The charger is always connected to one of the batteries. When I am not on the air, I put it on the gel cell connected to my K2. When I want to operate I disconnect the charger and put it on one of my spares. When I am done operating, the charger goes back to the gel cell connected to the K2. Works very well for me. Only once did the K2 battery go low on me and I had to swap batteries. It was during the SS contest at about 8 hours of continuous use. I always have charged batteries for portable operations or when the power fails. Ed AB8DF +++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 11:17:08 -0600 From: k4zm at comcast.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 build question To: "Charles L. Gardner, Jr." Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Hello Charlie: I use a battery when operating portable while camping and an Astron 4 Amp regulated Astron power supply when operating form my home. I have a K2 with all options and find I can run it an entire weekend contest using a Power Sonic PS12120 12V 12 amp/hr gel cell battery. ++++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 13:02:59 -0700 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 build question (batteries) From: Gary L Surrency If you do use a large battery, or any high current capacity DC supply - be sure to fuse the power leads to the K1 or K2 so a short circuit inside the rig does not vaporize the PCB traces. Put the fuse as close as possible to the battery or DC supply terminals. A short inside the DC coaxial connector can instantly destroy the connector and the power cable. Gary Surrency AB7MY On Wed, 27 Feb 2002 11:13:37 EST K4IA at aol.com writes: > I like your idea but a much smaller battery will do the trick and not > be so > heavy to lug around or as expensive. I have used a 4.5 ah battery > for days > and I suspect you could go to a 2.5 ah. NiMH AA's can provide 1.5 > ah for > afternoon outings. > > Radio K4IA > Craig Buck > Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 USA > > FISTS CW CLUB # 6702 CC 788 Diamond #64 > QRPARCI # 2550 > K1 #470 K2# 2460 +++++++++++++++++++ From: Tim ORourke To: "'elecraft at mailman.qth.net'" Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 08:07:57 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Power Source for K1 I would suggest a small adjustable power supply and either the internal battery option or a small gell cell. A 1 amp gell cell will operate the K1 for many houra, I used one .8 amphr battery for extended packback trip with no recharge. U can operate the K1 from the adjustable supply and also recharge the battery. Make sure the supply will go up to 14.7 volts to recharge the battey. I now use the internal battery option witn 1.8 amphr NiMH batteries for portable use. I can get abt 1/2 hr per nite use for 12 day trips with no recharge. Tim O'Rourke KG4CHX ++++++++++++++++++++ From: kevinrock at earthlink.net To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Fri, 21 Jun 2002 13:05:17 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Battery Information I am reposting this from the QRP-Solar list : This link is to a very interesting web site for a book by Isidor Buchmann. "Batteries in a Portable World A Handbook on Rechargable Batteries for Non-Engineers, 2nd Edition" http://www.buchmann.ca/default.asp 72, Kevin. +++++++++++++++++++++