While the KX3 can sense the battery voltage, it can't sense the voltage (or temperature) of the individual cells of the battery, and so it can not detect an imbalance that may result in undercharging or overcharging of specific cells. Therefore, Elecraft opted for a conservative approach of using a safe low charge rate (C/10) with a timer.
I suppose a charging cycle could be initiated automatically based on battery voltage, but it is probably better to rely on the low battery voltage warning to indicate that a low threshold has been reached, and then let the operator decide when is an appropriate time to initiate a charging cycle (eg. if you are operating off an external battery in the field, you may not want a charging cycle for the internal cells to start until you get home and connect the KX3 to the mains supply). 73, Matt VK2RQ On Nov 3, 2012 10:40 AM, "Jeff Herr" <[email protected]> wrote: > 1. Why can't the charging circuit apply charge current until a voltage > threshold is reached as opposed to being timer controlled? > 2. Why can't charging be initiated by the battery voltage being below a > threshold ? > > The ability to sense the battery voltage exists. > > > WW6L > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of David F. Reed > Sent: Friday, November 02, 2012 15:31 > To: elecraft Reflector > Subject: [Elecraft] KXBC3 arrived > > The KXBC3 for my KX3 (serial # 620) arrived today. It took less than an > hour > to install, set up, and test. Most of the time went into making sure the > sockets that connect it to the main board were lined up properly before > pressing it down (slowed down by poor eyesight and less than steady hands). > > It all went well, and is currently charging my IMEDION 2500 ma, batteries, > with another 13.27.00 to go before I know if it shuts off as expected, and > charged to what voltage, etc. > > Thanks again Elecraft for keeping the dream alive. > > 73 de Dave, W5SV > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
