[Elecraft] KX3 interal battery charger

[Edward R. Cole]

JP WF4Z wrote:
=snip
If I am understanding correctly, a PbAcid (e.g. SLA) equalize charge
operation does not have access to each cell and instead is an operation
that uses a carefully controlled "overcharge" function, within the safe
"operating envelope" of the battery, to bring up the lagging cells without
damaging the stronger cells.

It sounds like equalize and balance are two different operations, intended
for different cell chemistry and charging styles.
=snip

Yes, the PbAcid battery bank at my former employment used a PS that 
had both float and equalize voltage settings (which were set to the 
specific brand-model per their specs).  Equalize raised charge 
voltage about 0.35v from float and was applied across all batteries 
as a bank and not each individually.

Purpose of "balance" and "equalize" seems the same though 
accomplished differently (make all cells equal in voltage).

Equalize had both voltage setting and charge timer so it would resume 
float at conclusion.  These are not cheap units!  We had one for 12v 
and one for 48v (master battery system for our UPS units).

I do not expect to run internal batteries in my KX3 (except on a rare 
flight somewhere).  Probably just use AA alkaline's.  But opening the 
KX3 to change batteries is a delicate operation due to the flex and 
power wires.  I might opt to make a small gel-cell package with a 
power connector, instead.

PS:  I made a makeshift mounting bracket for my KX3 that attaches to 
the 4-40 tapped holes used for the paddles (which I did not 
purchase).  Simple flat aluminum plate that I bent up 15-degrees to 
view the display directly.  Plate screws into my wooden radio 
shelfs.  I cut a 13/16 inch hole in the plate to "port" the speaker.







73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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