[Elecraft] Internal LiFePo4 for KX3

[Jim Brown]

On Wed,2/11/2015 2:00 PM, Henshaw, Andy wrote:
> For my immediate purposes, however, an external charger would be acceptable, even though I hate cracking open my KX3 to remove batteries.  But, for the one- or two-day backpacking trips that I'm likely to do, a single charge would be sufficient for me.

I've been looking seriously at battery packs for KX3, and agree that 
LiFePO4 is the best solution. There are many options at

http://www.batteryspace.com/128vlifepo4batterypacks.aspx

BatterySpace gets their cells from a "partner" manufacturer in China, 
combines them in battery packs for all sorts of packages, sizes, shapes, 
and ratings, does the marketing, sells suitable chargers, etc. They're 
across the Bay from me in Fremont, CA.

There's another company called Bionelle selling 20Ah and 30 Ah batteries 
at comparable prices. They come with PowerPole to run the radio, and a 
concentric jack for the charger. They're in Southern California.  I 
don't know anything quality of these products, but both companies offer 
quite intelligent support by telephone and/or email.

Carefully note the UN 38.3 Safety Test limitation on shipping. Battery 
Space has a lab to do that testing. I think they primarily sell to 
manufacturers, but they seem happy to deal with individuals.  My 
neighbor, W6GJB, had a very good experience with them.

I'm preparing an applications note on portable power, DC power, solar, 
etc. and would like to see first hand experience from those who have 
used any products in this category, good and bad.

73, Jim K9YC