[Elecraft] [K2] LiFePO4 replacement for internal SLA battery in K2

[Robert G Strickland]

Steve...
Thanks for the info and for your effort in getting this item up and 
running. Question: installing this battery in the K2 requires the 
Elecraft battery mounting hardware, yes? Charging the new battery uses 
the SLA battery charging circuit, yes? Thanks in advance.

Elecraft...
If this battery stands up to Elecraft scrutiny, perhaps they will make 
it available like they did with the PowerWerk power supply.

Like many people out there, I'm hanging on to my K2 forever, and having 
this battery/etc with the auto turner installed makes for a nifty 
portable package.

...robert

On 8/29/2015 01:51, inventor61 . wrote:
> Hello
>
> My older K2, #771, is still in use after almost 16 years since I built it.
>
> I have the internal sealed lead-acid gel cell battery option.  I have the
> charge circuit slightly modified using the kit from ProAudio Engineering,
> and I use their superb external power supply as well.
>
> I get great results, but I know one day this battery (the 2nd I have had)
> will eventually need to be replaced once again.
>
> I contacted Batteryspace.com and asked them to fabricate a LiFePO4 pack
> that matched the dimensions of the SLA in my radio, and to also include a
> matching Elecraft pigtail to plug in to the PCB connector, with a
> protection circuit board to prevent over discharge, shorts, and the like.
>
> The SLA is rated at 2.9Ah and the new LiFePO4 pack is rated at 4.5Ah.  The
> new pack also has the benefit of running at a slightly higher voltage for
> most of the longer discharge curve.
>
> One key operating difference versus the SLA is that you should not
> continuously float charge the LiFePO4 pack.
>
> The new pack is not inexpensive, but it roughly doubles both the discharge
> period and the cycle life of the SLA.
>
> The new pack has shipped and I expect to get it after Labor Day / Shelby
> weekend.  The pack has to come via ground (to NC from W6) due to the hazmat
> restrictions on such cell packs.
>
> If you look at their website, the pack is now listed :: item CU-J1087 (prod
> id: 9647).
>
> I will report back here after I get the pack and try it out.  I am not
> affiliated with this firm in any way.  Rather, I am reporting this
> information as a courtesy to the other Elecrafters who recently mentioned
> the need to replace their K2 SLA batteries.
>
> 73
>
> Steve KZ1X
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-- 
Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
rcrgs at verizon.net.usa
Syracuse, New York, USA