[Elecraft] K2 battery options

[Don Wilhelm]

Lou,

The charging mechanism for the KBAT2 is specifically for the SLA 
battery.  It may work for the LiFePO4, but that is just a guess on my 
part based on the terminal voltage.

Secondly, you should not exceed 15 volts, so a 4 pack of Li-Ion exceeds 
that voltage.

Then there is the matter of charging a battery different than an SLA.
Use a charger that matches the battery chemistry chosen.  You could add 
a direct connection to the battery to plug in the charger.  See my 
website www.w3fpr.com for some ideas - do NOT eliminate the fuse inside 
the K2 - it is important because a battery contains a LOT of energy and 
can cause fires and spew molten metal should a short occurs.  Murphy 
says it will happen!

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/25/2021 4:54 PM, Louandzip via Elecraft wrote:
> I'm looking at current options for K2 battery operation.  I built mine 20 years ago and never got the internal SLA option. I always used an external battery.  I see the KBAT2 is still available but wonder about some of the newer battery types; Li-Ion, LiFePO4 etc.  I saw LiPO conversion from '04 that fit in the internal SLA holder, but I'm not enthused about that.  Internal is nice, but not essential.  What are you using and recommending?