[Elecraft] KX1 - 1.6 volt NiZN AA Batteries

[Mark Kachel]

A look at wikipedia says the volumetric energy density of NiZn batteries is lower than NiMH batteries. This was confirmed at a web site for strobe users. They are more like NiCd batteries in this respect. You MUST use a specifically designed charger. No using what ever is available.

Wikipedia says NiZn batteries have an open circuit voltage of 1.8 volts and a nominal voltage of 1.65 volts. The numbers for NiMH batteries are nominal, 1.4-1.45 volts and ten percent discharge to 80 percent discharge of 1.25 volts.

My question is, how many NiMH batteries can you put in series before you get in trouble running a K3 or such. It looks like ten NiMH in series is going to be OK. Do you design with the nominal, no load voltage in mind? How many NiZn batteries could you put in series and not worry?

Mark, NØOKS