[Elecraft] Re: Problems with K2 #4502 ??

[wayne burdick]

Hi Fred,

Power output varies from K2 to K2, but if you feel that it's low, Gary 
can send you a list of things to check.

Regarding the solar-charging issue:

You can probably increase the output of the solar charger a bit. For 
example if there's a diode in series, you can replace it with a 95SQ015 
type, which has very low voltage drop. We should have them in stock 
(send a request to parts at elecraft.com). If the solar charger is 
regulated, there may a voltage trimming adjustment. With no charge 
regulator, the open-circuit voltage from a solar panel is generally 
well above 13.7 V.

You can continue charging the K2's internal battery as long as the 
voltage is at 14 V or higher, *or* if it's steadily *rising*, 
indicating that the battery is pulling the voltage down as it charges. 
A depleted battery may drag the solar panel down to 12 to 13V during 
initial recharge, depending on how large a panel you have and how much 
insolation is available. (It's 800 watts per square meter at the 
equator in full sun, and you won't need that much  :)

Further details on solar charging can be found in back issues of QST, 
on the web, and probably from the manufacturer of your panel.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

---

http://www.elecraft.com