[Elecraft] kx3 internal batteries question

[Rich Heineck]

The KXBC3 checks battery voltage before starting a charge, and if it's 
not within a reasonable range (6.4V to 11.2V) it will indicate an error 
condition.  Battery manufacturers recommend not discharging cells below 
0.9V, and healthy cells will normally hold a residual charge pretty well 
without a load, so the error message was letting you know something was 
wrong.  Sanyo (maker of the Eneloops) has historically been a top tier 
battery manufacturer, so they should work well in the KX3.

73,
Rich  AC7MA


On 10/16/2013 02:01 PM, Richard Gagnon wrote:
> I have a question about the batteries in my KX3.
>
>   
>
> I purchased and installed 8 Anasman 2850 NiMH batteries in the KX3 and
> have used the radio successfully on these batteries for several months,
> including several recharge cycles with the KX3 internal charger. I last
> used the KX3 several months ago, so the batteries were understandably
> dead when I went to try it out the other day. I plugged it in to an
> external wall wart (12VDC 1.5A) and turned the radio on. The reading on
> the screen was 12.0V. I then turned on the Battery Charger, but it would
> only give me a BATT ERROR on the screen.
>
>   
>
> Thinking the wall wart might be the issue (it only supplied 12V and the
> manual says the charger voltage must be at least 13VDC) I plugged the
> KX3 into my bench supply at 13.5VDC and got the same BATT ERROR when
> turning on the internal charger.
>
>   
>
> I then removed all 8 batteries and checked their voltage (no load, just
> with an old Simpson VOM) and 4 batteries measured 1.2 V and the other 4
> were at 0.0 V. I am not sure why they would be different, nor do I
> understand the BATT ERROR message.
>
>   
>
> I have since ordered 8 AA Eneloops XX low discharge 2500mAh batteries,
> and a Maha C9000 charger, but am curious as to how only have the
> batteries were dead on what might be going on with the BATT ERROR. Any
> thoughts or advise would be welcome.
>
>   
>
> Thanks,
>
>   
>
> Richard Gagnon
>
> KG1Y
>
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