[Elecraft] Supply Voltage Range Elecraft K2 transceiver

[Vic K2VCO]

Would it work to use 4 cells with a couple of series diodes to reduce the voltage?

On 1/12/2012 1:49 AM, rolf wrote:
> 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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-- 
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/