[Elecraft] LiFePO4 battery packs

[Don Wilhelm]

Steve,

Temperature today was only 96 here in Wake Forest today, and the nasty 
Thunderstorm mid-afternoon cooled it off some.  Sounds like you might 
want to move a bit East to the other edge of the Triangle area.

My answer depends on how you are going to use them - If you are going to 
put them inside either the K2 or K3, then I would discourage that, but 
then there are many reports that the LiFePo batteries are plenty safe.

Any of the Lithium battery technology batteries provide great 
power/weight ratios.

Use the proper charger(s) for any battery.  Most proper chargers want 
direct access to the battery terminals, and that is one reason I do not 
recommend putting them inside the transceivers.  That can be done, but 
do it safely and install a fuse.

If you are considering these batteries for the KX3, then think the 
process through carefully.  Are you going to be portable for extended 
times?  If so, stick with the internal NiMH batteries and the charger.  
If those batteries are exhausted, go to the store and buy a pack of AA 
size Alkalines and continue to operate.  If instead you have converted 
the battery pack to use LiFePo batteries, and they are discharged, you 
are off the air until you can get the KX3 to a proper source of power to 
recharge the batteries (you cannot use AAs from the store).

So, that is why my KX3 will retain the NiMH batteres, but I may use am 
external LiFePo battery pack because the voltage is higher.

I do not have experience with either of the batteries you mentioned, so 
I will have to let others answer that part.

Too many choices, too little time!!!

73,
Don W3FPR



On 7/6/2012 10:06 PM, Steve Jackson wrote:
> Greetings to all from the Old North State ... which doesn't feel all that
> 'north' lately.  100F + every day.
>
>
>
> There's a good contingent of portable-power aficionados here, and likely to
> be even more ... with the new radio shipping in volume.
>
> So, what is the opinion of the learned and experienced regarding these
> battery packs?
>
> http://www.batteryspace.com/customizelifepo414505battery128v600mah4sflat77wh06aratewith55x21mmmalebarrelconnectorandpcb.aspx
>
> and/or
>
> http://www.batteryspace.com/lifepo418650battery128v2700mah55mmmalebarrelplug3456wh4aratewpcb.aspx
>