[Elecraft] K3 battery power

[Paul Christensen]

Steve,

If you use a station power supply as both a power source and charger, you'll 
want to investigate methods for isolating the battery from the power 
supply/charging source.  I've been using a West Mountain Super PowerGate 
device with an Optima Blue, gelled 80A marine battery.

http://www.westmountainradio.com/SuperPWRgate.htm

The PowerGate is an instant-switching device and can be configured to work 
with gelled, AGM or lead-acid batteries.  It uses three ports: (1) battery; 
(2) power supply; and (3) common output, each using an Anderson Powerpole 
connector.  The output of my PowerGate is connected to a 12-port RigRunner 
power manifold for distribution to all the +12V shack equipment.

Paul, W9AC

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Ellington" <n4lq at carolina.rr.com>
To: <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 10:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 battery power


> I'm wondering what to use for battery power. The K3 requires 13.8v. I 
> would
> like to use a typical golf cart battery and a charger but am concerned 
> about
> the voltage from the charger being too high and possible switching noise.
> I've seen some QST articles showing DIY projects but those are rather
> involved. Does anyone make a charger/controller that you can just plug in
> and not worry about over-voltage?
> Steve
> N4LQ