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