[Elecraft] Internal LiFePo4 for KX3

[Eric Norris]

With batteries, it is easy to let the perfect get in the way of the good (as someone once said).  With external LiFePO4 batteries, you can use a roll-up solar panel with a Genasun (or other) solar charge controller (with proper output for this chemistry) and use the KX3 at full power.  They are bulky but light.  I use a LiFePO4 external pack and the internal NiMH as a backup for my little expeditions, and forget about the charger.  

The advantage of external packs is you can mix and match chargers depending on whether you're in a hotel room, backpacking, or at a local park for the afternoon.  

Also, the LiFePO4 pack with solar panel and charge controller gets a lot of attention during Field Day, and is a great conversation starter for people "too cool" for radio ("haven't you heard of the internet?").  I'm sure the PX3 will really wow them this year.   :-)

73

Eric WD6DBM

Jim Wilkie <santini at verizon.net> wrote:

>Andt, will wait for the experts to answer, but I think the nimh charger 
>vs the lopo charger would be a problem.
>
>Jim Wilkie WY4R
>
>
>On 2/11/2015 2:18 PM, Henshaw, Andy wrote:
>> Has anyone looked into hacking a replacement battery case for the KX3 that featured LiFePo4 cells?  I've seen external LiFePo4 packs being used, but it seems like an internal solution might be workable.  With a 13.2V supply (four cells in series), one can run the KX3 in full-power mode.  In addition, the discharge curve of LiFePo4 is much better than NiMH.
>>
>> I'm asking, because I'd like to take my KX3 on some backpacking trips and it just seems wasteful (of space) and slightly awkward (for setup) to have to carry an external battery pack in order to get full-power.
>>
>> It appears that AA size LiFePo4 cells are available.  So, wouldn't it be feasible to arrange them in a 4S2P configuration that could replace the existing battery holder?
>>
>> Andrew Henshaw
>>
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