Elecraft

[K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

Classic

List

Threaded

16 messages Options

Jim AB3CV

[K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

I've decided I might get a battery for my K3 for occasional operation
to chase QRM issues. As long as I'm getting it for reception I thought
I might consider one which would prove useful for transmitting as
well.

My "shack" is in the living area of our house with hardwood floors. I
wouldn't be happy with an acid spill there. So I'm looking for battery
size and type information and what sort of operating time I might
expect with QRP and 100W levels (and anything in between...).

Also would like some recommendations for practical handling and
charging to avoid "issues." Charging would be from the AC line. No
solar planned.

I'm pretty sure an AGM deep cycle battery is what I've seen
recommended. What else should I look for?

All recommendations welcome.

73

Jim ab3cv
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Jim Wiley

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

Get a fairly large AGM type unit, say 60 to 80 amp-hours or thereabouts,
and charge it slowly with a 1 to 2-amp charger. There will be almost no
chance of overcharging the battery, and no chance whatsoever of a spill.
It will run the K3 for at least 24 hours of normal intermittent
operation (10% transmit, 90% receive) in the event of an emergency.
Since it will charge from regular mains power, you don't care if it
takes 2 or 3 days to recharge, and the charger can build up the battery
while you are asleep. For absolute safety against spills, put the
battery into a large plastic tub instead of directly onto the floor. An
amazingly small charger will keep the battery up if your operate time is
typical of most hams, that is to say just a few hours of actual "on-air"
time a week.

- Jim, KL7CC

On 11/27/2012 6:47 PM, Jim Miller wrote:

> I've decided I might get a battery for my K3 for occasional operation
> to chase QRM issues. As long as I'm getting it for reception I thought
> I might consider one which would prove useful for transmitting as
> well.
>
> My "shack" is in the living area of our house with hardwood floors. I
> wouldn't be happy with an acid spill there. So I'm looking for battery
> size and type information and what sort of operating time I might
> expect with QRP and 100W levels (and anything in between...).
>
> Also would like some recommendations for practical handling and
> charging to avoid "issues." Charging would be from the AC line. No
> solar planned.
>
> I'm pretty sure an AGM deep cycle battery is what I've seen
> recommended. What else should I look for?
>
> All recommendations welcome.
>
> 73
>
> Jim ab3cv
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Rick WA6NHC

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

AGM is the choice for inside as you've found. But Battery Tender is your
friend: http://batterytender.com/battery-tender-plus-12v-at-1-25a.html

You might consider an RV 'converter' for the heavy charge and the Battery
Tender to keep things properly charged. Not terribly expensive, RF quiet
and it can be neatly rack mounted.

Rick wa6nhc

On 11/27/2012 6:47 PM, Jim Miller wrote:

Gary Smith-2

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

In reply to this post by Jim Wiley

I use Deka AGM batteries for my motorcycles. They're made in PA and
they're really wonderful batteries, better than any conventional
lead/acid variety I have ever used. I bought mine from
http://www.bohannonbattery.com/ You might find them cheaper locally
but they were the best price I found.

Gary
KA1J

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

N5GE-2

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

In reply to this post by Jim AB3CV

I use a West Mountain Radio Super PWRgate PG40S between my HB 100 Amp
P/S and three server room backup batteries in parallel to power all
of the 13.8V devices in the shack, including all the equipment that
came with wall warts (I cut the P/S's off and use the cable and
plug).

Once I did one of my regular tests of that backup system by turning
the P/S off. Two weeks later when the voltage dropped low enough to
make the K3 warn me I noticed that I had not turned the P/S back on.
By the way, I never turn my K3 and equipment off. That means that
the batteries supported my system for two weeks before going low
enough to cause problems.

The West Mountain Radio device is a good swith-over device, although
a little pricey.

Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member

On Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:47:46 -0500, Jim Miller <[hidden email]>
wrote:

>I've decided I might get a battery for my K3 for occasional operation
>to chase QRM issues. As long as I'm getting it for reception I thought
>I might consider one which would prove useful for transmitting as
>well.
>
>My "shack" is in the living area of our house with hardwood floors. I
>wouldn't be happy with an acid spill there. So I'm looking for battery
>size and type information and what sort of operating time I might
>expect with QRP and 100W levels (and anything in between...).
>
>Also would like some recommendations for practical handling and
>charging to avoid "issues." Charging would be from the AC line. No
>solar planned.
>
>I'm pretty sure an AGM deep cycle battery is what I've seen
>recommended. What else should I look for?
>
>All recommendations welcome.
>
>73
>
>Jim ab3cv
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

N5GE-2

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

Oh forgot...

Find a company that has a large server farm and ask them to let you
their discards when the become of mandatory swap out age. They have
to pay for the disposal of them, so they are happy to give them away
to avoid the disposal fees, and they are still good enough for what
you want to use them for.

73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member

On Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:21:03 -0600, N5GE <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
>I use a West Mountain Radio Super PWRgate PG40S between my HB 100 Amp
>P/S and three server room backup batteries in parallel to power all
>of the 13.8V devices in the shack, including all the equipment that
>came with wall warts (I cut the P/S's off and use the cable and
>plug).
>
>Once I did one of my regular tests of that backup system by turning
>the P/S off. Two weeks later when the voltage dropped low enough to
>make the K3 warn me I noticed that I had not turned the P/S back on.
>By the way, I never turn my K3 and equipment off. That means that
>the batteries supported my system for two weeks before going low
>enough to cause problems.
>
>The West Mountain Radio device is a good swith-over device, although
>a little pricey.
>
>Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
>ARRL Lifetime Member
>QCWA Lifetime Member
>
>On Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:47:46 -0500, Jim Miller <[hidden email]>
>wrote:
>
>>I've decided I might get a battery for my K3 for occasional operation
>>to chase QRM issues. As long as I'm getting it for reception I thought
>>I might consider one which would prove useful for transmitting as
>>well.
>>
>>My "shack" is in the living area of our house with hardwood floors. I
>>wouldn't be happy with an acid spill there. So I'm looking for battery
>>size and type information and what sort of operating time I might
>>expect with QRP and 100W levels (and anything in between...).
>>
>>Also would like some recommendations for practical handling and
>>charging to avoid "issues." Charging would be from the AC line. No
>>solar planned.
>>
>>I'm pretty sure an AGM deep cycle battery is what I've seen
>>recommended. What else should I look for?
>>
>>All recommendations welcome.
>>
>>73
>>
>>Jim ab3cv
>>______________________________________________________________
>>Elecraft mailing list
>>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

W6ODJ

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

In reply to this post by Jim AB3CV

Jim,

I can recommend the Power Sonic PS-12350. It is a 35 AH, AGM, sealed, lead-acid battery. I got it because it is about the heaviest that I can carry comfortably. I use it for portable operation with the K3 at 100 watts output. It runs for a good long time when fully charged. At least 5 or 6 hours. I keep it charged with their PSC-124000A-C charger. Battery is on the charger whenever it is not in use. Keeps it topped up, which is recommended for such batteries.

73,
Oliver
W6ODJ

On 27 Jan. 2012, at 19:47 PM, Jim Miller <[hidden email]> wrote:

Deni F5VJC

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

Interesting.
This has prompted me to do some online research thinking of battery power
for home station use. K3, KPA-500 + numerous small accessories.

It seems AGM batteries would be fine but I find "Sealed Calcium" batteries
of similar capacity 90AH, are half the price of AGM.
These are apparently recommended for boat caravan etc deep cycle. An
extract from an ad is below.

Anyone any comments on these for this purpose.
Thanks, 73 F5VJC

The dual purpose XV battery range is original equipment on some of the
biggest boat manufactures in the world. With its twin marine terminals and
sealed calcium construction which makes it 100% maintenance free this
battery is fast becoming a favourite within the leisure industry. This
battery is built to full USA specification and is perfect for boat, caravan
and motor home instillations and can run up to 250 lifecycles

On 28 November 2012 07:56, Oliver Johns <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Jim,
>
> I can recommend the Power Sonic PS-12350. It is a 35 AH, AGM, sealed,
> lead-acid battery. I got it because it is about the heaviest that I can
> carry comfortably. I use it for portable operation with the K3 at 100
> watts output. It runs for a good long time when fully charged. At least 5
> or 6 hours. I keep it charged with their PSC-124000A-C charger. Battery
> is on the charger whenever it is not in use. Keeps it topped up, which is
> recommended for such batteries.
>
> 73,
> Oliver
> W6ODJ
>
> On 27 Jan. 2012, at 19:47 PM, Jim Miller <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > I've decided I might get a battery for my K3 for occasional operation
> > to chase QRM issues. As long as I'm getting it for reception I thought
> > I might consider one which would prove useful for transmitting as
> > well.
> >
> > My "shack" is in the living area of our house with hardwood floors. I
> > wouldn't be happy with an acid spill there. So I'm looking for battery
> > size and type information and what sort of operating time I might
> > expect with QRP and 100W levels (and anything in between...).
> >
> > Also would like some recommendations for practical handling and
> > charging to avoid "issues." Charging would be from the AC line. No
> > solar planned.
> >
> > I'm pretty sure an AGM deep cycle battery is what I've seen
> > recommended. What else should I look for?
> >
> > All recommendations welcome.
> >
> > 73
> >
> > Jim ab3cv
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

N0AZZ

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

In reply to this post by Jim AB3CV

Jim

I had the same questions early this year but I had carpet on the floor. I
ended up buying an Optima deep cycle battery the largest they made for auto
usage online about $200. Before that I found a charger/auto changer over
device that worked off of your power supply to keep everything in shape. I
found it on QRZ.COM in the for sale section under ham made items it's called
a Low Loss PWE GATE. It's cheap and does a great job if power fails you
never know it because the transfer is so fast to the battery from the power
supply. Same for temp loss and low voltage.

When you use a battery like this you should see a very long lifespan on the
battery. I have ran my K3 loaded for several days a 1/2 power with quite a
bit of talk time because of a simulated emergency traffic in an exercise
State wide 24/7 only had to increase power 3 times to stations with very
poor antennas on 80m.

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Miller
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 9:48 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

I've decided I might get a battery for my K3 for occasional operation to
chase QRM issues. As long as I'm getting it for reception I thought I might
consider one which would prove useful for transmitting as well.

My "shack" is in the living area of our house with hardwood floors. I
wouldn't be happy with an acid spill there. So I'm looking for battery size
and type information and what sort of operating time I might expect with QRP
and 100W levels (and anything in between...).

Also would like some recommendations for practical handling and charging to
avoid "issues." Charging would be from the AC line. No solar planned.

I'm pretty sure an AGM deep cycle battery is what I've seen recommended.
What else should I look for?

All recommendations welcome.

73

Jim ab3cv
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Mike B-12

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

In reply to this post by N5GE-2

I can second the Super PWRgate. I've been using one for more than a few years,
and no complaints. I believe it uses the same 4-stage charging IC that A-A
Engineering use in their chargers.

73,

Mike KW1ND

On 11/28/2012 01:21 AM, N5GE wrote:
> I use a West Mountain Radio Super PWRgate PG40S

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

n7ws

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

In reply to this post by Gary Smith-2

I use Dekas too. Can't beat them.

--- On Tue, 11/27/12, Gary Smith <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: Gary Smith <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3
To: [hidden email]
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 11:15 PM

I use Deka AGM batteries for my motorcycles. They're made in PA and
they're really wonderful batteries, better than any conventional
lead/acid variety I have ever used. I bought mine from
http://www.bohannonbattery.com/ You might find them cheaper locally
but they were the best price I found.

Gary
KA1J

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

N0AZZ

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

In reply to this post by Mike B-12

The Low loss PwrGate works just as well at a 1/3 the cost.

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Mike
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 6:02 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

I can second the Super PWRgate. I've been using one for more than a few
years, and no complaints. I believe it uses the same 4-stage charging IC
that A-A Engineering use in their chargers.

73,

Mike KW1ND

On 11/28/2012 01:21 AM, N5GE wrote:
> I use a West Mountain Radio Super PWRgate PG40S

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

zeke7237

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

In reply to this post by Deni F5VJC

"sealed calcium" sounds like a marketing term to me ;)

I suspect they're claiming the plates are calcium/lead alloy, which
does make for a longer life battery than e.g. antimony/lead or
tin/lead .. also claims to reduce water loss

de w1rt/john

On Wed, Nov 28, 2012 at 2:39 AM, F5vjc <[hidden email]> wrote:
> "Sealed Calcium" batteries
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Jack Berry

Re: [K3} Battery recommendation for K3

In reply to this post by N0AZZ

I picked up a package from West Mountain Radio (I have no connection with them other than being a customer) and have found it a good solution. It still required buying a gel cell battery (not AGM).

No leaks, no overcharging, fused power distribution for 8 items I believe. The whole station floats on the Astron + their "DC-to-Go" power pack giving me a UPS for a LOT less cost than a traditional UPS of sufficient size.

God Bless & 73!
Jack - WE5ST

________________________________
From: Fred Smith <[hidden email]>
To: 'Jim Miller' <[hidden email]>; 'Elecraft Reflector' <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 3:49 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

Jim

I had the same questions early this year but I had carpet on the floor. I
ended up buying an Optima deep cycle battery the largest they made for auto
usage online about $200. Before that I found a charger/auto changer over
device that worked off of your power supply to keep everything in shape. I
found it on QRZ.COM in the for sale section under ham made items it's called
a Low Loss PWE GATE. It's cheap and does a great job if power fails you
never know it because the transfer is so fast to the battery from the power
supply. Same for temp loss and low voltage.

When you use a battery like this you should see a very long lifespan on the
battery. I have ran my K3 loaded for several days a 1/2 power with quite a
bit of talk time because of a simulated emergency traffic in an exercise
State wide 24/7 only had to increase power 3 times to stations with very
poor antennas on 80m.

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Miller
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 9:48 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

I've decided I might get a battery for my K3 for occasional operation to
chase QRM issues. As long as I'm getting it for reception I thought I might
consider one which would prove useful for transmitting as well.

My "shack" is in the living area of our house with hardwood floors. I
wouldn't be happy with an acid spill there. So I'm looking for battery size
and type information and what sort of operating time I might expect with QRP
and 100W levels (and anything in between...).

Also would like some recommendations for practical handling and charging to
avoid "issues." Charging would be from the AC line. No solar planned.

I'm pretty sure an AGM deep cycle battery is what I've seen recommended.
What else should I look for?

All recommendations welcome.

73

Jim ab3cv
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

n7ws

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

In reply to this post by Jim AB3CV

Jim,

I can tell you what I'm very successfully using.

I have a Deka 95AH AGM battery that is on continuous charge via a homebrew 25A "smart charger". I also have a boost regulator to keep the supply voltage up to minimize TX IMD, even when the battery voltage is dropping during a power outage.

The charger uses a modified Astron 35A supply to provide the raw DC and pass transistors. A slightly modified A&A Engineering card delivers the "smarts". Contrary to what some in this forum will tell you, this combination will not overcharge the battery, but will keep it fully charged even while transmitting at 100W, even during an RTTY contest.

My battery sits on the floor under the operating desk.

Wes

--- On Tue, 11/27/12, Jim Miller <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: Jim Miller <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 8:47 PM

I've decided I might get a battery for my K3 for occasional operation
to chase QRM issues. As long as I'm getting it for reception I thought
I might consider one which would prove useful for transmitting as
well.

My "shack" is in the living area of our house with hardwood floors. I
wouldn't be happy with an acid spill there. So I'm looking for battery
size and type information and what sort of operating time I might
expect with QRP and 100W levels (and anything in between...).

Also would like some recommendations for practical handling and
charging to avoid "issues." Charging would be from the AC line. No
solar planned.

I'm pretty sure an AGM deep cycle battery is what I've seen
recommended. What else should I look for?

All recommendations welcome.

73

Jim ab3cv
______________
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

mzilmer

Re: [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

The power arrangement in my shack is similar to Jim's, with slightly different bits and pieces.

Battery: Optima 75AH AGM, model D31M;
Siemens SR50 x 2 - 100W of PV solar panels on roof;
Micro-M Plus charge controller, modified for 8A output;
Transfer switch, homebrew. Selects Samlex 1235 PSU input or PV input as the charge source;
TGE battery booster set to 14.5VDC, to keep the K3's DC input in a good range.

I have the Optima battery in a plastic container, although spills with AGM are almost unhead-of.

Matt Zilmer W6NIA

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Wes Stewart
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 8:35 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector; Jim Miller
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3

Jim,

I can tell you what I'm very successfully using.

I have a Deka 95AH AGM battery that is on continuous charge via a homebrew 25A "smart charger". I also have a boost regulator to keep the supply voltage up to minimize TX IMD, even when the battery voltage is dropping during a power outage.

The charger uses a modified Astron 35A supply to provide the raw DC and pass transistors. A slightly modified A&A Engineering card delivers the "smarts". Contrary to what some in this forum will tell you, this combination will not overcharge the battery, but will keep it fully charged even while transmitting at 100W, even during an RTTY contest.

My battery sits on the floor under the operating desk.

Wes

--- On Tue, 11/27/12, Jim Miller <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: Jim Miller <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] [K3} AGM Battery recommendation for K3
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 8:47 PM

I've decided I might get a battery for my K3 for occasional operation to chase QRM issues. As long as I'm getting it for reception I thought I might consider one which would prove useful for transmitting as well.

My "shack" is in the living area of our house with hardwood floors. I wouldn't be happy with an acid spill there. So I'm looking for battery size and type information and what sort of operating time I might expect with QRP and 100W levels (and anything in between...).

Also would like some recommendations for practical handling and charging to avoid "issues." Charging would be from the AC line. No solar planned.

I'm pretty sure an AGM deep cycle battery is what I've seen recommended. What else should I look for?

All recommendations welcome.

73

Jim ab3cv
______________
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html