[Elecraft] Modern K2 internal battery options

[Ingo Meyer, DK3RED]

Hello Mike,

> Several people have used LiPos in the K2 - I looked into it but I decided it
> was too risky. There is a risk of fire/explosion but with suitable
> protection the really big risk letting the battery go flat and ruining it. I
> have a LiPO pack to power the K2, but it remains external and has a low
> voltage warning buzzer.

LiFePo4 (lithium iron phosphate) cells are saver than LiPo cells. 4 of them in a row are 
usable for 12 volts transceivers. Working voltage: 3.3 volts x 4 = 13.2 volts. But a 
balancer (like with LiPo cells) is necessary to prevent overchanging and uneven unloading. 
Individual cylindrical in shape cells (with bolts as contacts) are avaiable from different 
stores - balancers as small PCB too (all balancer with 4S are usable). But watch: Neither 
the cells nor the balancer are cheap!

There are also "ready to use" accus, which contain 4 LiFePo4 cells with the necessary 
electronic i.e. from Vision, see
<http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/251470/Vision-LFP1245-12V-45Ah-LiFePO-4-Battery-Rechargeable>. 
To use this batteries only a normal loader for lead batteries is necessary. Unfortunately 
fits the currently available batteries not in the K2.
-- 
73/72 de Ingo, DK3RED - Don't forget: the fun is the power!
www.qrp4fun.de - dk3red at qrp4fun.de