[Elecraft] Backpacking a K1?

[Dave, G4AON]

I agree withMike, KK5F, and his comment about using 10 x AA cells 
external to the K1 (his April 2011 post). I have used that arrangement 
several times on overseas trips without issue. Under these circumstances 
there are a few advantages to the external AA cell approach:

1. Using 10 x AA NiMh cells gives a nominal 12 Volts supply for a good 
steady 5 Watts capability.
2. The internal battery option might look better, but if you want 
rechargeable NiMh cells the Voltage is lower with 8 cells and you cannot 
run as much power. In addition, freshly charged cells are warm and may 
cause additional drift if used straight from charge.
3. While it's not easy to charge 10 cells, for casual operation a couple 
of 2/4 way AA rapid chargers will suffice and take up little space in 
luggage.
4. Lead acid batteries are heavy for air travel and despite being 
sealed, the wording "acid" can cause problems with airlines and airport 
security.

While my operating isn't backpacking as such, the need to keep weight 
down is important. I tend towards using vertical antennas on fishing 
poles rather than end fed or random length inverted "L" antennas for 
increased efficiency... The need to take a length of coax is an issue as 
it's heavier that the wire needed for an end fed.

If you use a K1 with the 80/40 band module, the ATU might struggle to 
match some low band antennas... See my article on increasing the tuning 
range: http://www.astromag.co.uk/pdfs/g4aon_kat1_mods.pdf

In addition, I use a Palm mini paddle and the wide range tilt stand to 
run the radio on a table, which makes for very comfortable use.

73 Dave, G4AON
K1 #1154,