[Elecraft] K2 - KBT2 and solar power?

[Leigh L Klotz, Jr.]

Don and Don are more qualifued than I am to answer this, and they 
already have, but I wanted to point out another option.  With the KBT2, 
the 10W panel may be too big, and you can use a 5W solar panel and the 
KBT2 without a charge controller *if* the K2 is on and the current draw 
is about the same as the panel output.  For example, the Northern Tool 
flexible folding panel for $40 puts out 340ma at noon, and my K2 with 
all options (DSP) on, pulls 320ma.  I monitor the battery voltage and 
plug in the panel directly to the extra battery connection Don 
mentioned.  When the K2 is off or if I want to charge the battery and 
turn off options, I use Don's controller inline.

Result: after my FD operation 1B2B/WNY (we were driving to Canada from 
Syracuse) I found my KBT2 fully charged.

73,
Leigh/WA5ZNU