[Elecraft] Re: K1: most countries worked? solar panel recomme ndations?

[Morrow, Michael A.]

Wayne Burdick wrote:

> By the way, 2000 mA-hr NiMH cells are now available from 
> several sources. 

I used 2000 mA-hr cells in my KBT1 for about eight months.  They tend to be
just a tiny bit longer than lower capacity AA cells, such that the ends of
the plastic cell holder tend to bow outward after a short while, and cause a
very tight fit between the top of the front panel MCU chip and the edges of
the KFL1 and KAT1 PCBs.

I have one main fear of internal battery cells in my K1:  Chemical leakage.
Ultimately, I decided to remove the KBT1 altogether and use one of several
10-AA cell external battery packs I have.  That allows me the use of the
standard K1 speaker as a side benefit.

If I ever find an acceptable way of mounting a polarized connector on the K1
RF PCB, I'll fix my KBT1 so that it can be installed and removed with ease.
All that it would take is to have a polarized two-pin male connector on the
back of the K1 RF PCB just like that used for the speaker connector, but
used as a power connection to the KBT1.  It would have more than sufficient
current carrying capability.  There's plenty of room for one off to the side
of the power switch, especially if the PCB were revised for it in future
K1s.  I'm considering some minor RF PCB drilling and surgery to accommodate
one.

Mike / KK5F