[Elecraft] KX3 Internal Batteries

[K9MA]

I don't own a KX3, but it appears the internal batteries are a 
limitation. By contrast, the KX2, which I do own, uses an 11 V internal 
Li-Ion (Li-FePO, I believe) battery, and is designed to provide full 
output at that voltage. (The KX3 requires at least 12 V.) One 
possibility for the KX3 would be to do as I did for my old KX1, which 
was to replace the internal batteries with four AA Li-Ion cells, plus a 
low dropout linear regulator to limit the voltage to 15 V. The batteries 
would have to be removed to be recharged, and a second set would be 
required for longer operation. The scheme works well with the KX1, and I 
can't think of any reason it wouldn't work with the KX3. Obviously, an 
external battery pack of 4 larger cells could be used the same way. Of 
course, the usual safety precautions must be taken, as with any Li-Ion 
batteries, and there could be warranty issues.

That said, I expect KX3 owners would appreciate it if Elecraft offered 
an internal Li-Ion battery for the KX3.

73,

Scott K9MA

-- 
Scott  K9MA

k9ma at sdellington.us