Posted by
N6JW on
Aug 09, 2010; 10:50pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/Elecraft-Power-supply-tp5388972p5390986.html
I find it hard to see much value in Elecraft simply reproducing a
standard PS (like the Astron or Samlex you mention) dressed
up in Elecraft colors.
However, I think an innovative internal power supply designed
for the K3 and housed inside the P3 would be a very useful and
marketable product.
Here is what I would love to see: Given the success of the
Gamma Research HPS-1a, and Lithium-ion Nano phosphate
batteries (e.g. A123), Elecraft could design a small (RFI
quiet) switching PS which would constantly recharge an
appropriately sized LiFePO4 battery pack, which in turn would
supply the power needed by the K3/P3 combo (i.e. 25 amps).
In effect this would replace the large caps in the HPS-1a
design, with the LiPo battery. Bottom line: a universal voltage
uninterruptible internal PS.
The innovation would come in the form of the control hardware
that would take care of input voltage, proper charging rates,
over/under voltage protection, cell balancing, etc. This should
be able to be done in the open space available in the P3 without
compromising the expansion potential provided for in the stackable
PC boards at the rear of the P3.
Here are the marketable advantages to this approach:
1. It is in keeping with the portable design philosophy of the K3.
I would LOVE to take a P3 (with internal PS) in place of the external
PS (Astron switcher) I now have to lug around. One less box to
take is a BIG asset. (I could easily fit a K3 and P3 in a small aluminum
case that I can take as carry on luggage on a plane. Since I have
to take a PS, the utility of the panadaptor/waterfall functions of the
P3 represents significant operational enhancement, simply going
along for the ride!)
2. Battery technology is now at a point where one could get around
one hour of operating time running a contest at 100w; more doing
S&P; and significant battery life running reduced power, let alone
QRP levels.
3. A real boon for dxpeditions. One could still keep operating for
a while after loss of commercial power (an all too frequent
occurrence in many parts of the world), or during refueling of
generators.
4. The P3 would not move around when pushing buttons! :)
I believe something like this would fill a real need, fit with the
Elecraft ethos, further the state of the art, and increase demand
for the P3. While this option would cost more than currently
available power supplies, I believe the utility and benefits far
outweigh the cost. Of course, some may have no need for this
option and do without, others like me would be willing to place
our orders immediately.
73
John
N6JW
K1, K2, K3 owner.
John Fritze wrote
I would be interested in both units! I was wondering why Elecraft
never produced a super clean DC power supply.
Currently I'm using a 35Amp Astron at home and a Samlex for away from home.
John
K2QY