[Elecraft] battery pack query

[michael]

Ralph, VE7OM wrote :

> I've just purchased a KX1 and I expect to use it on vacations etc.
>
> What is the collective thinking for an outboard 12VDC rechargeable 
> battery pack I can use with this little gem?
>
> I'm looking for something that I can take away with me that will last 
> for a week or so without recharging using the rig intermittently.  I 
> know that if I were to use it in a Field Day or other continuous mode 
> situation,  I'd want to take along a recharger or some sort. (solar 
> cells?)
>

Ralph I have a few external power solutions that I use for both my K1 
and KX1 :

10 X AA NiMH cells.  These work great but the issue is that the 
self-discharge rate on NIMH cells is reasonable
high so by the end of the week you would probably find that your 13.6V 
pack is sitting at about 11v even if
you didn't use it much. I use this solution if I have a planned outing 
and remember to charge the batteries
the night before.

8 X AA LIthium cells. This is a great solution but a bit pricey. I like 
the Lithium cells because they are very light.
Not rechargeable however.

8X AA High-end Alkaline. I have had mixed results depending on the 
Alkaline cells. Sometimes the pack
goes flat pretty quickly. I haven't used this solution much so I can't 
recommend a particular brand of battery.
One advantage is that AA alkaline cells are easy to find and not too 
expensive so you could bring spares.

a small SLA ( Gel cell) 2ahr or larger.  SLAs don't self discharge as 
quickly as NiMH cells but you won't get
full power out like you would with 10 X AA NiMH cells as the voltage 
quickly settles to 12+V. I often use my
2 ahr Gel cell with a SES Micro M+ Portable charge controller and a 
Coleman 5 W flex panel.

http://www.icpsolar.com/specifications.php3?id_article=38

In reasonable sun the rig sees 13+V so I get full power out of the rig. 
The 5W panel provides enough juice
to run the rig and keep the battery topped up as well. The great thing 
about this solution is that you
can go indefinitely as long as you get some sun every few days to top 
off the battery.

Michael VE3WMB

P.S. I got my Coleman 5W Flex at Mountain Equipment Coop here in Ottawa 
for CAN $88.