[Elecraft] K2 Internal Battery Option

[gehringc at charter.net]

---- Jim Stoneback <jstonebk at shentel.net> wrote: 
> I'm looking for guidance.  I'd like to take my K2 up to the Skyline Drive 
> (the north end is 7 miles from my QTH), throw a dipole up and work some 
> folks from a scenic location.  What's best?  Installing the internal battery 
> option in my K2 or using an external gel cell?  And how do you recharge a 
> gel cell, anyway?

Jim,
I have two options that I use for my K2 when I work Field Operations.  Both have their applications.  When I plan on doing some walking (a mile or two, hopefully less but no more) I may use my K2 with the internal battery option.  I followed the excellent instructions from Don Wilhelm W3FPR on his website http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com/index.htm ,and purchased the 1 Amp Smart Charger from A&A Engineering  http://www.a-aengineering.com/  .
The Smart Charger is just that, it monitors your batteries status so that it does not overcharge.

If I am going to stay near my vehicle then I also have one of the HF Projects Power Pack.  K5OOR Virgil O. Stamps has some excellent kits and his 12VDC 10.5 amp-hour Gel cell project is really nice.  Again it is a smart charging system (different circuit and processor but similiar application) with some very nice options for the home QTH or Field day.  http://site.hfprojectsyahoo.com/power_pack  

So depending on your specific application you may find one or both of these options acceptable.  The K2 with the internal battery is a little heavy for any extended walking but there are times when it is very nice to have all of the features in the field.  I love the HF Projects Power Pack very nice at home when I have an extended power failure.  Carrying a short distance from the truck to a park bench is no problem.

I hope you fid this helpful.

73 K2CG
Chuck G.