[Elecraft] KX3 Rechargeable Batteries

[eric norris]

You must measure the batteries under load.  The no-load voltage is almost meaningless.
You must use NiMH batteries in the KX3 if you are using the internal charger.  The best way to test them is to use an external battery charger built for RC that accomodates NiMH chemistry, and can both charge and discharge multiple cycles, and has a top-off low current cycle built in.  This will balance the pack.  Take the batts out of the kx3, put them in an empty battery holder, and run them through three charge/discharge cycles.  The charger will show their true capacity.  Running several cycles will build up their capacity a bit.  I use only Eneloops.  Regular NiMH batts can lose all their capacity in a few days, and if you let them sit too long, they are ruined.  Eneloops can hold 80% of their capacity for many months.
All batteries have a finite life.
I am sure others will disagree.  This is my (considerable) experience with NiMH.  YMMV.
73 Eric WD6DBM

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