[Elecraft] K1/K2 power options

[Kwik, Ed]

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