[Yaesu] FT 817 filters and battery use questions

[Clark Savage Turner]

Enjoying my new 817 here, finding the stock K14 filter "OK" (was the 
stock filter in the Kenwood 440 so long ago, too).  Lots of guys seem to 
think the Collins mechanical filter is better, but I looked at the specs 
from Collins and Murata and they are not very different.  Some small 
difference in shape factor, but I don't have stop band specs or 
information out at 6 KHz or further (that might make a difference?)  
Anyway, I love to fiddle with filters and looking for anyone who has 
really looked into this.  Has anyone swept the two filters to see what 
is happening?

The other question I have is whether anyone has found the better 
alkaline battery choices for the internal battery holder.  I know that 
they don't last long, but I know that Duracell claims its "M3" 
technology lowers internal resistance to make them more suitable for 
high current applications, anyone test this out?  Other particular 
alkaline cells that work better than the stock ones?  Just curious.  I 
will soon have a 2 amp/hr internal pack that should keep me on for my 
lunch hours and I also have some nice gel cells to cover me when I am 
not really backpacking for 2 weeks in the Sierras.

Another question, just in case anyone is nutty about backpacking: anyone 
use a flexible or portable solar panel to keep internal 817 batteries 
charged while operating or walking?

I know about the 817 "discussion groups" but I really don't like yahoo's 
privacy policy (they will market to me via email for the privilege of 
discussing 817's with my fellow amateurs, not my cup of tea.)  Anyone 
know of an active 817 discussion group that is not also a membership 
oriented marketing plan?  :-)

Clark
WA3JPG