[Elecraft] Highest power supply voltage for K2?

[W3FPR - Don Wilhelm]

Dan,

You method will work in some cases, but can result in component damage in 
others - there is no one answer, it depends on the device and its design.  I 
personally wouldn't try that with my digital camera (it is not a throw-away 
expense to replace it).

Far better to use a regulator or even a string of diodes to bring the 
voltage to something less than the max specified for the device in question.

73,
Don W3FPR

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan Barker" <dbarker at visioncomm.net>
To: "Elecraft" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 8:29 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Highest power supply voltage for K2?


> I've always done the following to see if I was going to toast something.
> Maybe someone can tell me the error of may ways (the last thing I did this
> on was a $1,400 Video Camera - if the method is dangerous, I'll stop!).
>
> I hook the 6V Camera up to a 6V power supply (actually a variable voltage
> PS) through an ammeter. I slowly advance the voltage (toward the 9.6V 
> target
> of the high-capacity batteries stolen from my Electric Zagi model 
> airplane).
>
> I figure if the current goes up, I'm going to cook something. If the 
> current
> decreases, then the power being dissipated is roughly constant so I'm not
> cooking anything.
>
> If I'm WAY off in left field, let me know. I'll spring for the $60 camera
> batteries that don't last worth a poop instead of the [already on hand]
> airplane batteries that hold up nicely.
>
> If I'm NOT off in left field, this is a nice way to check out a circuit
> without a diagram or any disassembly/tracing.
>
> Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456
>
> I a message dated 30/11/04 02:01:23 GMT Standard Time, althoff at verizon.net
> writes:
>
> <snip>
> What is  the absolute highest safe voltage you can pump into the K2 before
> you start  overheating the regulators etc?
> </snip>
>
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