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

Wed Sep 17 13:33:00 2003

Hi

The small solar panels used to charge Volkswagen batteries in shipment =
and storage are perfect to charge AA NiMh batteries. This panel outputs =
about 24 volts open circuit and will provide 175 mA in bright sun about =
3 watts. 1800-2200 mA hour cells would be charged at about their 1/10 C =
rate so it is not necessary to have a charge controller as long as the =
batteries were only charged for about 8-10 hours. Solar panels are =
constant current sources so they will provide the same current into any =
load. You can connect any number of cells from 1 to 12 and the panel =
will supply 170 mA as long as the panel is in bright sun. The current =
will fall off as it brightness drops.=20

You may be able to modify the KX1 to charge the cells in the case but I =
think I would be better to have one set of cells in the KX1 and one or =
two sets charging. As you would need a battery holder for the charger =
anyway you could use the cells in the holder with 12 cells to get the =
maximum power out of the KX1 when needed or just install 6 cells inside =
the KX1 when running low power and you would have another spare set =
charged.=20

The solar panels are available on E-Bay and from Volkswagen dealers =
sometimes for the asking or a few dollars. They are in a flat plastic =
case with suction cups used to mount them on the inside of the =
windshield with a cigarette lighter plug on a 5 ft cable. They measure =
about 12x9x1/2" if you remove the suction cups. It looks like they would =
pack well. You may even be able to mount them on the top of a pack to =
charge while hiking or place the panel on top of a tent to charge while =
around the camp site. =20

All you would need to do is remove the cigarette plug and connect to a =
set of battery holders through a 1n4002 blocking diode. You can rob the =
diode from the plug that comes on the panel. I have had good luck with =
the top rated Maha Powerex 2000 mA hr batteries in my digital camera. =
They now have a 2200 mA hr cell that is even better check out  =
http://www.mahapowerex.com/  A 4 pack set of the 2200 mA hr AA cells are =
about $17 Maha also makes some excellent AA cell quick chargers that =
will charge from the AC line or a 12 volt cigarette lighter. The 401 =
charger can safely charge 4 cells in about 1-2 hours and has 4 =
individual monitored charge circuits.  =20

Don Brown =20
  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Paul Jensen=20
  To: [email protected]=20
  Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 9:50 AM
  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX1 Update: USB/LSB SWL RX modes, wider =
coverage

  Snip

  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.

  Snip

  Paul Jensen
  AD5IW

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