[Elecraft] K3 13.8 VDC power

[Walter C. Ames]

> On Dec 22, 2014, at 2:31 AM, Richard Fjeld <rpfjeld at embarqmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Is anyone floating a battery across their power distribution?
> 
> Dick, n0ce


In almost every case possible.  Uninterrupted communications is a very important concept IMHO.

A trick (or maybe not) that I have recently used to address the charging issue, is to use a ‘Solar Charge Controller’, of the appropriate amperage rating, of course.  These devices have a solar input (suitable for a Linear type power supply.  Not quite sure how it would behave connected to a switcher), a Battery Interconnect, and Load out.  Many devices include charging control circuits that you can match to your batteries fairly well, and a Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) to keep your batteries from over discharging.

I have this setup on my K3 and it works great.  I have the K3’s Low Voltage warning set to .3v above LVD cut-out (on the charge controller).  This lets me know when the batteries are close to the bottom.  This is a great feature that helps you with not destroying your batteries.

Walter
K3WCA