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

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[Don Wilhelm]

Scott,

The KX2 will not produce its full 12 watt output with the internal
battery pack - expect a maximum of 10 watts, but if battery life is a
consideration, use 5 watts output.

You can always use an external power supply or battery pack of up to 15
volts to provide full 12 watts output.

I would not recommend any method of charging Li-Ion batteries in the KX2
or any other radio.  Remember the reports of "flaming" cell phones!

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/17/2018 9:41 PM, K9MA wrote:
> 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.
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[k6dgw]

I follow the dictum, "Never put anything with 'Li' in its name inside
the radio."  I've always charged all of them outside, even though
LiFePO4 are pretty stable.  Had an LiPoly RC battert burst into flames
once while on the deck in the Spartan Sprint with the KX1.  It was on a
pigtail, I flung it down onto the gravel driveway, wife said as it
snapped, crackled, and popped, "Should we get the hose?".  I replied,
"Ummm ...no."

73,
Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 12/17/2018 7:08 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> I would not recommend any method of charging Li-Ion batteries in the
> KX2 or any other radio.  Remember the reports of "flaming" cell phones!
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>

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