[Elecraft] Battery use with QRP rigs - page updated

[Daniel Reynolds]

I've run NiMH's (2200 or 2400 mAh) from WalMart - using a 10 AA-cell holder
from Mouser. At 5W, I start getting the low voltage 'beep' in the headphones
after an hour or two of use. If I run at 1W, I figure I can get 4-6 hours
(enough for a short sprint). I haven't checked out the webpage yet to see what
sort of results you're asking about with regards to NiMH's. I switch to the
NiMH's after I pulled my KBT2 out. My NiMH's are outboard - attached to the
bottom of my K2 with velcro and have a very short lead to the back of the
radio. With one of those 15 minute charges, I can be fully charged in less than
an hour (10 cells, 3 charge cycles, 4 cells/charge cycle).

I've seriously considered the LiPo's as an option, but initial cost keeps me
with the NiMH's. I found a good site for those who want to tinker with them...

http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=897

I have no financial interest in this company - I only found them while googling
for LiPo's a few months ago.

The only problem with the NiMH AA's ... in my house they often get snatched up
for another form of wireless ... the wireless gamecube controllers in the
living room.

72/73,
Daniel AA0NI
Oklahoma City


--- John Harper <john at ae5x.com> wrote:

> Rod,
> 
> I haven't tested NiMH batteries yet and probably won't since I don't own any 
> and can't justify the expense in purchasing them + another charger since I 
> already have a growing LiPo collection. However, if someone wanted to send 
> me a NiMH or two, I'll gladly test it/them, post the results and pay for 
> return postage - as long as they email me first and let me know. That way I 
> don't get redundant batteries...;-)
> 
> Regarding the charging of LiPos: you are correct in that a dedicated charger 
> is needed and that the manufacturer's instructions should be followed. The 
> links I posted at the bottom of my page were meant to address this (and the 
> many other) aspects of LiPo batteries  - I'm only interested in describing & 
> comparing their behavior in regards to my recent QRP operation and the 
> previously-used alkalines. Google is available to those seeking more info 
> than could possibly be contained on a single website.
> 
> Thanks and 73,
> 
> John Harper AE5X
> Portable QRP: http://www.ae5x.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Rod N0RC" <rcerkon at gmail.com>
> To: "John Harper" <john at ae5x.com>
> Cc: "QRP-L" <qrp-l at mailman.qth.net>; "Elecraft" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Sunday, June 11, 2006 9:55 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Battery use with QRP rigs - page updated
> 
> 
> > John,
> >
> > On 6/10/06, John Harper <john at ae5x.com> wrote:
> >> I've finally gotten around to updating my "batteries" page to reflect my
> >> experiences with my new-found love, Lithium-Polymer batteries:
> >> http://www.ae5x.com/batts.htm
> >>
> >> Comments, suggestions & experiences of other outdoor QRP ops are most
> >> welcome.
> >
> > Missing from your analysis are NiMH batteries, which i believe to be a
> > viable alternative to LiPo cells. I don't have access to a West Mt.
> > Battery Analyzer, so I can't offer a detailed analysis. Perhaps you
> > can add that to make your analysis more complete. One advantage NiMH
> > batts have are lower cost, OTH I suspect they weigh a bit more.
> >
> > An import consideration WRT to LiPo that you fail to mention is
> > charging requirements. LiPo has had problems with charging, sometimes
> > catastrophic. It is VERY important to follow the manufacturers
> > recommendations and use the proper charging equipment.
> >
> > --
> > 73, Rod N0RC
> >
> > 
> 
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