Charles,
I think Don W3FPR came up with the idea of putting in a second charging
jack that bypasses the resistor and diode but has a fuse, so you can use
a smart charger.
I've put in a jack in mine and bought a double-pole double-throw switch
to replace the existing battery switch so I can swap between the rig
power jack and the battery charger jack and not hook it up wrong, but I
haven't done anything yet but mount the jack in one of the old
transverter holes, as I'm trying to figure out the best way to route the
wires from the transverter hole on one side to the regular DC jack and
switch on the other wide (with minimal loss) and somehow avoid the
KAT2. Also, it would be nice to retain the "off" position, but they
don't seem to make on-off-on switches in that form factor. For now, I'm
using an MFJ switching supply I had around, and adjusted the voltage
internally until it was what I wanted for floating...but there's no good
solution for getting the battery happy quickly unless you bypass the R
and D with a fused line.
http://wa5znu.org/log/2005/01/k2-charging-jack.html
http://www.ac6rm.net/mailarchive/html/elecraft-list/2004-12/msg00230.html
73,
Leigh / WA5ZNU
Charles B. Wilber wrote:
I have read what I could find on the Elecraft web site and in this group's
archives and am still confused about proper use and care of the K2's internal
battery. I know that some owners install a new jack on their K2s to bypass the
K2's built-in battery protection (a resistor and a diode?). However, I can't
imagine that Elecraft would design a radio or one of its accessories that
required modification in order to work properly.
I have two batteries for my K2 (both the Elecraft-supplied Power-Sonic models).
One was receoved from Elecraft less than a week ago. I have not been able to
charge either one to a voltage higher than 12.8 VDC yet. The original battery
eventually got to 12.8 volts. The new one stays at 12.7 volts even after the K2
has been charging for a couple days on my SEC-1223 power supply (rated for
13.8VDC @ 23 amps).
It seems that the battery must be charged at a voltage of 14.2 volts in order to
avoid lead sulfate deposits from accumulating on its plates. On the other hand,
I don't see any recommendations for chargers or power supplies that will provide
that voltage at the proper amperage without risk of overcharging the battery.
Also, I'd like to avoid buying a separate charger and power supply if possible.
My question is whether or not there is a charger or power supply available that
will power the K2 during home base use and also charge the battery properly when
it is not being used. I apologize for my ignorance of battery technology and I'd
appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!
73,
charlie
N1AOK
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