[Elecraft] Supply Voltage Range Elecraft K2 transceiver

[rolf]

Elecraft specifies the voltage supply range for the K2 transceiver to 9-15
Volts.

This range is suitable for lead or nickel batteries. Using Lithium
rechargeable batteries it gets somewhat problematic. The voltage range with
a single Lithium Ion (or Li-Polymer) Cell is from 4.2 V (fully charged) to 3
V (lower limit). Using in  a power supply  battery pack 4 cells in series,
the voltage ranges from 16.8 V (max) to 12 V (min). With the K2 as a load to
the battery pack the maximum voltage drops fast down to the plateau voltage
of about 14.5 V. The upper voltage of 16.8 V, however, exceeds the maximum
supply voltage as given by Elecraft.

Using 3 Lithium Cells in series, the voltage range will be from 12.6 V to 9
V. This is within the specified  supply voltage of the K2. However, this
voltage range is not very suitable for getting the  maximum RF output.

Question: Keeping the RF power output and the DC Current of the K" below the
maximum limit, is it possible to apply a supply voltage exceeding 16 V
without causing a failure to the electronic components in the K2? 

Especially for portable operation the use of Li-batteries reduces the weight
in the "rucksack" considerably.

Any answer is appreciated.

Thanks and 73, Rolf, DL3AO



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