KX3 and Batteries

[Phil Hystad-3]

Last night during one of my frequent (at times) recharging of my KX3 batteries, I noticed that the charging in a 4-hour cycle stopped with an error after about 2 hours.  The VFO-B display of menu status said ERR (probably battery ERR but I forgot to write it down).

I took all the batteries out, 2700 mAH NiMH cells, and tested the voltage of each one using DVM (so, no current draw test).  They all tested about 1.38 volts per cell which seems to be about right.

I put them back in to the KX3 but they would not power the KX3 — attempting to turn on the KX3 failed.  I took those batteries out of the KX3 and put in another spare set of batteries and they powered up the KX3 without problem.

Since these batteries are fairly new and maybe only have about two dozen recharge cycles, I am curious as to what the problem might be and whether it is a problem I can test (more than DVM voltage test).  Does anyone have any advice.  I would hate to junk all 8 of them.

Another question:  does the life of a NiMH battery change based on whether a 4 hour or 8 hour charging cycle is chosen?

Thanks,

73, phil, K7PEH

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[Bob N3MNT]

The Err can show up for several reasons that are not really errors, ie supply voltage to low for battery level.   I would try the old batteries again, should have been fine.  The charger uses 200 ma constant current no matter how long charge time is set.  That is low enough that 2 hrs or 4 hrs will not harm batteries.

[Don Wilhelm-4]

Phil,

Check those batteries carefully while they are mounted in the KX3. It
sounds like some of the contacts on the batteries is not making proper
contact with the battery holders.  Slightly oversize battery cylinder
diameter, slightly recessed battery contacts, stuff like that can cause
improper contact in the holders - yes, I have seen some batteries like
that in the past.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/13/2015 2:37 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
> I took all the batteries out, 2700 mAH NiMH cells, and tested the voltage of each one using DVM (so, no current draw test).  They all tested about 1.38 volts per cell which seems to be about right.
>
> I put them back in to the KX3 but they would not power the KX3 — attempting to turn on the KX3 failed.  I took those batteries out of the KX3 and put in another spare set of batteries and they powered up the KX3 without problem.
>
>

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[Elecraft mailing list]

Phil, 
In addition to the items already mentioned,  be sure that the plug on the battery pack leads is fully engaged onto the pins on the circuit board.  When I first received my KX3, I had similar symptoms, and that was what the problem was.  (Not Elecraft's fault).  
MarkKE6BB 
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