[Elecraft] K2 Battery Life?

[Alan WB6ZQZ]

The Lithium Polymer batteries are rated for 600 full cycles of life, which 
is defined as 80% of original capacity. Peak current is rated at 2C or 6.4 
amps for a 3200 mah pack. This pack weighs about 8 ounces. I'm still 
waiting for my order so I don't have test data yet.

My experience with SLA batteries is they last longer when periodically 
topped up rather than float charged. Putting energy into a battery that is 
already full is a tricky business and often leads to accelerated battery 
degradation, in spite of manufacturer's recommendations.

-- Alan WB6ZQZ


At 01:04 AM 12/4/2003, giantbug@earthlink.net wrote:

>I think you are right there, Phil. SLA batteries are not the best choice =
>for deep cycling. The internal gel cell was no doubt intended primarily =
>for portable QRP use: FD, hiking, general away from the shack =
>applications. It needs to be kept as fully charged as possible lest it =
>suffer diminished capacity.