[Elecraft] Portable Bat Packs

[Mike Fitzgibbon]

This may not be what you want Matt, but for small portable radios I use 
a two-pack of heavy-duty 6V lantern batteries wired in series.  These 
are usually right around 5 bux at WallyWorld and last for quite a 
while...several extended outings.

I don't remove the plastic wrap holding the two batteries 
together...just melt the wrap around the spring terminals with the 
soldering iron(so it doesn't split).   Then I cut the springs down to a 
couple of turns and solder the wires/jumper on using my fav connector. 
For the finale...wrap the whole works up in a layer or two of...you know 
it...duct tape...to protect the exposed terminals and make a very solid 
package.  You probably shouldn't try going thru airport security with 
this if you don't have a little extra time...  When the batteries drop 
below usefulness I simply remove the tape/wiring harness and start over 
again.

    Fitzie N0MF