[Elecraft] KXBC3 and Batteries

[Don Butler]

I have my new KXBC3 installed in KX3 S/N 125, and all seems to be working as
it should.  I'm definitely glad to have it, but must admit that I was very
content with the KX3 without it.  The ability to easily monitor battery
voltage and select the charging time is very nice.  And the internal clock
is a great feature also, and will be very slick for getting QSOs accurately
logged while out in the bush!

It doesn't make a lot of sense to me to become super knit-picky about
batteries, and I'm not going to do that, but I do plan to continue using
non-rechargeable Lithium batteries for my occasional mountain top hikes.
They definitely provide more punch than the NiMH variety, and, thus far have
always seemed capable of supporting a few good hours of operation while
using a solid 5.0 watts on transmit.  They're also much lighter than NiMH ..
My KX3 (without paddle) with 8 AA lithium batteries installed weighs 31 oz.,
but when it's loaded with 8 AA NiMH batteries it weighs 3.5 oz more: 34.5
oz.  (that's an 11.3% weight increase).  That may not seem like much, but
when you're carrying a backpack up a steep hill every little bit does make a
difference to a 69 year old geezer like me.

For everyday KX3 operation I've been using a small external power supply
(the Radio Shack 3 amp switcher).. Or a big heavy deep cycle battery that I
sometimes haul in my truck.. So for normal use I'll keep a set of NiMH
batteries installed, and keep them charged and ready with the KXBC3  . but
before my next hike they'll be replaced by Lithiums with the menu
appropriately configured to 'CHG OFF'.

Don, N5LZ