I got my K1 originally with the KBT1 option. I too didn't like having to hasstle with changing batteries/removing to recharge. The worst thing was the smaller speaker. My old ears needed more oomph! I sold it off too very soon after I installed it.
I have had very good results with the Ni-MH batteries. Mine don't seem to self discharge near as fast as the old Ni-Cads did. Ni-Cads were the "pits" as a cell frequently would go down and spoil the whole pack. I use mostly 1.5 and 2 A/H Ni-MH batteries in a 10 cell external holder. 73, Sandy W5TVW ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Babineau" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 4:02 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? | Mike Morrow <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> | | >I had the KBT1 installed for 18 months before permanently removing it. | I like the larger original speaker much better than the >micro speaker | of the KBT1, and I don't like having potential chemical leakage sources | inside the K1 case. It's also awkward to >recharge the KBT1 pack. | | Mike : | | I also have a K1 and the KBT1 is the only option I don't have. I did | purchase it and build it but didn't | install it for basically the same reasons that you removed yours. I | ended up selling it eventually. | | Based on my experiences with the KX1 and Lithium AA cells, I think if I | was to consider the KBT1 option | again I would put non-rechargable Lithium cells in the K1 and run the | Rig at 3W. Current draw should | be similar to the KX1 so that would give about 20 or so hours of | operating which is pretty good. | The problem with the KBT1 and rechargables is that NIMH cells don't | hold a full charge very long | so one has to open the rig up remove, recharge and reinstall the | batteries prior to each outing which | isn't too convenient. | | With my KX1 I most often power it externally with a 10 AA Nimh pack but | it is nice to have the internal | cells at times and with Lithium cells the shelf life of the batteries | is very long ... very handy if you | forget to bring the external NiMH pack along, which I have done on | occasion. | | Michael VE3WMB | | P.S. I love my KX1 but my K1 stills gets used. I decided to go with the | K1 for Field Day mainly because of the | extra output power and slightly more robust receiver and I wasn't | disappointed with how it performed. | If I could only have one QRP CW rig for home and field use it would be | a K1. | | _______________________________________________ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: [email protected] | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
