[Elecraft] Power source/supply for k2 testing

[vze3v8dt at verizon.net]

Hi Dennis,

Probably the cleanest power source you can use is a battery of some sort.  Be sure to fuse the power line going to the K2, or anything you have connected to a battery as a short circuit on a battery can deliver lots of current.  I use automotive booster packs, one has an 18 Ah gel cell and the other has 38 Ah.  I alternate between the two and during normal operating find that I can get nearly one week out of the small one before it gets too weak (well, too low voltage for both the health of the battery as well as "low voltage" indicator on the K2).  I also use these for portable operation such as Field Day or outings where I can drive to a portable operating location.  For outings where I need to hike a little ways I opt for a lighter 7 Ah or even a lighter 4 Ah battery, both are sufficient for operating for a couple of hours no problem.  

Next in line is a linear power supply, anything rated for more than a few amps should do fine.  They provide clean power.  I use Astron or Lambda power supplies.  next comes the smaller and lighter (and cheaper???) switching power supplies, however some are noisier than others, so if you go this route get one that is better filtered and shielded.  Personally I don't use any switching supplies directly on the radio gear, however I know many out there have and could speak better to this.

73 and have fun!

Mark, NK8Q
K2 4786
KX1 1644 (some assembly required, batteries not included)



>From: Dennis Vavra <drvavra at att.net>
>Date: 2007/01/15 Mon PM 02:31:24 CST
>To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>Subject: [Elecraft] Power source/supply for k2 testing

>I have reached the alignment and Test, Part 1 Phase of const of k2. On page 42, right column, step 2, it calls for a power source.
>Could anyone direct me to a relatively cheap but reliable power supply (Radio Shack, etc) give me model#  etc...Also could I use a Gel cell batt 
>for testing? What do you all use??  Dennis Vavra,  AD5LY
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