[Elecraft] Experience with off brand Lithium AAs?

[Fred Jensen]

Steven M. Knapp wrote:
> I've found a few "generic" brand Li AA's. I know the Energizer's are the 
> preferred battery for the KX1, but am curious if anyone has tried these 
> off-brands that seem to save a couple bucks?


Only one data point:  For a trip thru the Canal a year ago, I wanted 
something close to 12V to power my KX1 as K6DGW/MM.  On the suggestion 
of a friend, I visited the local R/C Model shop and purchased a 3-cell 
LiPoly battery pack that provided about 11.8 volts and the KX1 made 
around 3 watts.  It is called a "Thunder Power."  It worked well, and 
lasted the whole trip.  It is covered with warnings about fire, and I 
liked the idea that it plugged into the 12V jack and was external to the 
KX1, figuring I could unplug it and toss it overboard from our "balcony" 
if it caught fire.

About 3 months later, I noticed that the battery was dead and the cells 
had swelled, breaking the filament tape that held them together.  The 
battery is now in a coffee can outside, and will go to the e-waste at 
the dump the next time I take some.  It was fairly expensive and likely 
will be my last experiment with LiPoly for awhile.

K6DGW/MM was a bit underwhelming, regardless of batteries, story at

www.foothill.net/~andreaj/Ham43.htm

73,

Fred K6DGW
Auburn CA CM98lw