Power source/supply for k2 testing

[Dennis Vavra]

I have reached the alignment and Test, Part 1 Phase of const of k2. On page 42, right column, step 2, it calls for a power source.
Could anyone direct me to a relatively cheap but reliable power supply (Radio Shack, etc) give me model#  etc...Also could I use a Gel cell batt
for testing? What do you all use??  Dennis Vavra,  AD5LY
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[Mark J. Schreiner]

Hi Dennis,

Probably the cleanest power source you can use is a battery of some sort.  Be sure to fuse the power line going to the K2, or anything you have connected to a battery as a short circuit on a battery can deliver lots of current.  I use automotive booster packs, one has an 18 Ah gel cell and the other has 38 Ah.  I alternate between the two and during normal operating find that I can get nearly one week out of the small one before it gets too weak (well, too low voltage for both the health of the battery as well as "low voltage" indicator on the K2).  I also use these for portable operation such as Field Day or outings where I can drive to a portable operating location.  For outings where I need to hike a little ways I opt for a lighter 7 Ah or even a lighter 4 Ah battery, both are sufficient for operating for a couple of hours no problem.  

Next in line is a linear power supply, anything rated for more than a few amps should do fine.  They provide clean power.  I use Astron or Lambda power supplies.  next comes the smaller and lighter (and cheaper???) switching power supplies, however some are noisier than others, so if you go this route get one that is better filtered and shielded.  Personally I don't use any switching supplies directly on the radio gear, however I know many out there have and could speak better to this.

73 and have fun!

Mark, NK8Q
K2 4786
KX1 1644 (some assembly required, batteries not included)



>From: Dennis Vavra <[hidden email]>
>Date: 2007/01/15 Mon PM 02:31:24 CST
>To: [hidden email]
>Subject: [Elecraft] Power source/supply for k2 testing

>I have reached the alignment and Test, Part 1 Phase of const of k2. On page 42, right column, step 2, it calls for a power source.
>Could anyone direct me to a relatively cheap but reliable power supply (Radio Shack, etc) give me model#  etc...Also could I use a Gel cell batt
>for testing? What do you all use??  Dennis Vavra,  AD5LY
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
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>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
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>
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>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

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[Don Wilhelm-3]

Dennis,

Yes, your gel-cell will do fine for the testing, but you will want to
consider a power supply at some point.  If you are planning the KPA100, get
one large enough to handle the current - a 20 amp supply is a good choice,
but if you will remain QRP with the K2 a 3 or 4 amp supply will suffice.

Actually, I run my QRP K2 only on the internal battery - a 2.9 AH gell-cell,
but I have a 3 state smartcharger connected directly to the battery
terminals - it works fine for me.  I do have a 35 amp Astron which powers
the external KPA100 and other equipment at the operating position, but the
QRP K2 runs on its own battery.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> I have reached the alignment and Test, Part 1 Phase of const of
> k2. On page 42, right column, step 2, it calls for a power source.
> Could anyone direct me to a relatively cheap but reliable power
> supply (Radio Shack, etc) give me model#  etc...Also could I use
> a Gel cell batt
> for testing? What do you all use??  Dennis Vavra,  AD5LY
>
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