[Elecraft] Re: KX1 Update: USB/LSB SWL RX modes, wider coverage

[Wayne Burdick]

Paul Jensen wrote:

> Would it be possible to add a solar panel jack & internal recharger (or
> maybe external)?  It would be great on a hiking or kayaking trip to have
> a small solar panel that could recharge the radio batteries.

Hi Paul,

The KX1 already has an external supply jack which could be used with a solar
panel. The recommeded maximum voltage is 14 V, so if your solar panel is
unregulated, an appropriate zener diode should be used.

It's not safe to charge batteries inside the KX1 (or any product that doesn't
have a sealed battery compartment). But its current drain is so low (34 mA on
receive) that a set of fresh batteries will provide 20-30 hours of operating
time, and more than that if you supplement it with a solar panel.

73,
Wayne
N6KR