Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power
As I understand it, AGM batteries are designed for high current performance, ie good for engine starting, but for radio use I would have thought that gel batteries would be more suitable as they have a longer life, particularly in hot climates. I have no experience of either, just reading the specs. David G3UNA - Original Message - From: Jeff Cochrane jeffvk...@gmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 1:01 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power On Thu, 28 Nov 2013 05:36:15 +1000, John's email k...@att.net wrote: I use 2 x 6V 300AH AGM batteries as the prime power source in my shack. I use a 15Amp smart charger to keep them topped up whilst mains power is available and a 200Watt solar panel is available for after cyclones (hurricanes) as we invariably lose power for a day or three after them. -- Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA East Innisfail QLD, Australia __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 + P3 Combo Pelican / Hard Case
I put my K3 into a large food box I bought for a few £ from Morrisons supermarket. It has a tight-fitting lid and the K3 is held snugly in place and everything is protected. I carry this my shoulder bag. The box is polypropylene I think and is soft enough to absorb knocks on the corners. I haven't done a drop test, but I think it would be fine for travelling. In a shoulder bag it would be surrounded by other materials and is good for carry-on. I haven't tried the P3 in a food box, but I'm sure I'd find one, even another of the same as the K3 filled with stuff like your bug key, headphones, etc. I know it's not quite what you asked for but I think this is a superior solution and the cost is negligible. David G3UNA - Original Message - From: Alan Hawrylyshen k2...@polyphase.ca To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 5:16 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 + P3 Combo Pelican / Hard Case I have looked at the archives a little bit, but I haven't quite stumbled on a short and sweet paragraph or two about this. Has anyone selected and used a Pelican case to protect and transport a K3/100 + P3 combo. If so, what case did you choose? I've been looking at the 15xx (1550) and possibly the iM2500 cases; but they are quite 'tight' dimensionally. I'm interested in any experiences people have with: 1) Pelican Cases for a K3/100+P3 combo (I mention /100 because of the fans hanging back), and/or; 2) Experience with a similar but potentially less expensive option. I'd like to pack my radio up for the trip to G-land and select a case that would allow me to take the radio on a DXpedition at some point -- so an option is to expand the case size to include the power supply, etc. More than anything - I'm interested in opinions around how much space is needed to protect the radio, etc. Thanks Alan K2ACK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power
I live in Florida and as a fishing guide, the 4 group 27 AGM batteries on my boat have performed perfectly now for over 4 years of almost daily use. I have almost every piece of marine electronics and radios running on the boat. Jack W4GRJ On Nov 30, 2013, at 3:17, David Cutter d.cut...@ntlworld.com wrote: As I understand it, AGM batteries are designed for high current performance, ie good for engine starting, but for radio use I would have thought that gel batteries would be more suitable as they have a longer life, particularly in hot climates. I have no experience of either, just reading the specs. David G3UNA - Original Message - From: Jeff Cochrane jeffvk...@gmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 1:01 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power On Thu, 28 Nov 2013 05:36:15 +1000, John's email k...@att.net wrote: I use 2 x 6V 300AH AGM batteries as the prime power source in my shack. I use a 15Amp smart charger to keep them topped up whilst mains power is available and a 200Watt solar panel is available for after cyclones (hurricanes) as we invariably lose power for a day or three after them. -- Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA East Innisfail QLD, Australia __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] P3/SVGA send-receive
Hi Gary, No keyboard is required if you want to view CW/RTTY/PSK decode on the external monitor connected to the SVGA board in the P3. The P3 doesn't do any of the decoding. It just displays the same thing that the K3 displays if you have decode turned on. What it does do is display a continuous stream of decode. The area on the monitor can be enlarged to more or fewer lines of decode as desired. The feature is turned on in the SVGA card in the SVGA menu group. I use this and it works just fine. The only caveat is that occasionally the K3 starts in 75 baud RTTY which won't properly decode 45 baud RTTY. It's necessary to change this using the K3 Data Mode Button. Now if you feel the need to also send CW/RTTY/PSK from an external keyboard that can be accomplished by plugging in a USB keyboard into the SVGA board. Additional capabilities include numerous memories for canned messages and the ability to send macros from the keyboard. Detailed explanations can be found in the P3 SVGA manual. You can also just use the keyboard for it's ability to store and recall numerous macros.This can be a lot of fun if you are into K3 and P3 macros. 73, Mike K2MK Gary NL7Y wrote After some time adrift in radio ownership land I just received another K3/P3, now with a P3SVGA. Elecraft sales indicated that CW/RTTY/PSK encode send and decode receive was now enabled and viewable on the P3 by adding a PC compatible PC USB BIOS keyboard, and splitting the display. I don’t intend to initially use the Utility via my Mac, just the K3/P3. Have others used this digital feature? Any brief operating suggestions? I’ll finish the shack install tomorrow and am reading the Manuals as I explore the changes since my previous 2009 K3. I’ve not gone back through all the Elecraft Archives yet to search the comments on the process. 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/P3-SVGA-send-receive-tp7581258p7581264.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power
Hello Jack I can see your experience is good. I haven't so far uncovered what is meant by life for these batteries, perhaps it's when the energy being fed in is more than double what is taken out or something of the kind, or the time it takes to drain to a projected cut-off. I doubt that the internal resistance is measured. As an ex marine operator, standby (emergency) battery life was very important and they were replaced on a strict schedule, however good or bad they might be in use - a bit like alarm batteries and such like. I know amateur requirements are somewhat flexible shall we say : - ) David G3UNA I live in Florida and as a fishing guide, the 4 group 27 AGM batteries on my boat have performed perfectly now for over 4 years of almost daily use. I have almost every piece of marine electronics and radios running on the boat. Jack W4GRJ On Nov 30, 2013, at 3:17, David Cutter d.cut...@ntlworld.com wrote: As I understand it, AGM batteries are designed for high current performance, ie good for engine starting, but for radio use I would have thought that gel batteries would be more suitable as they have a longer life, particularly in hot climates. I have no experience of either, just reading the specs. David G3UNA On Thu, 28 Nov 2013 05:36:15 +1000, John's email k...@att.net wrote: I use 2 x 6V 300AH AGM batteries as the prime power source in my shack. I use a 15Amp smart charger to keep them topped up whilst mains power is available and a 200Watt solar panel is available for after cyclones (hurricanes) as we invariably lose power for a day or three after them. -- Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power
David, I believe the key to AGM longevity is to keep them on a proper charger 24/7. This is what I have done with excellent results. Jack W4GRJ On Nov 30, 2013, at 9:36, David Cutter d.cut...@ntlworld.com wrote: Hello Jack I can see your experience is good. I haven't so far uncovered what is meant by life for these batteries, perhaps it's when the energy being fed in is more than double what is taken out or something of the kind, or the time it takes to drain to a projected cut-off. I doubt that the internal resistance is measured. As an ex marine operator, standby (emergency) battery life was very important and they were replaced on a strict schedule, however good or bad they might be in use - a bit like alarm batteries and such like. I know amateur requirements are somewhat flexible shall we say : - ) David G3UNA I live in Florida and as a fishing guide, the 4 group 27 AGM batteries on my boat have performed perfectly now for over 4 years of almost daily use. I have almost every piece of marine electronics and radios running on the boat. Jack W4GRJ On Nov 30, 2013, at 3:17, David Cutter d.cut...@ntlworld.com wrote: As I understand it, AGM batteries are designed for high current performance, ie good for engine starting, but for radio use I would have thought that gel batteries would be more suitable as they have a longer life, particularly in hot climates. I have no experience of either, just reading the specs. David G3UNA On Thu, 28 Nov 2013 05:36:15 +1000, John's email k...@att.net wrote: I use 2 x 6V 300AH AGM batteries as the prime power source in my shack. I use a 15Amp smart charger to keep them topped up whilst mains power is available and a 200Watt solar panel is available for after cyclones (hurricanes) as we invariably lose power for a day or three after them. -- Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power
My 2.5 centavos worth - I've been running my station (couple years with an IC-756 Pro III, and three+ years a K3/100) on three Sun-Xtender PV-1040T AGM batteries connected in parallel. They are 104 AH each, so I've got about 300+ AH to run my equipment. These three batteries are connected to a ProStar 15M charge controller, which is also hooked to a single 72-watt G.E. solar panel. These three batteries have ample power to run my K3 at full power (along with a KAT500 auto tuner) for hours on end, along with a 12v station desk lamp. The batteries are at least 6-7 years old and appear to be holding their own. I have them connected to an N8XJK boost regulator, which provides me with a full-time supply of 14 volts into a RigRunner 4008 power distribution module. In addition to the K3, I have a home-brew 80 watt, all-mode, 2 meter linear amplifier running from the same supply to give my K3's 2 meter RF a little punch. My K3 has never been connected to the power company mains - 100% solar / battery. Now , my KPA500 amplifier - that's a different story! Jim / W6JHB On Saturday, Nov 30, 2013, at Saturday, 8:29 AM, W4GRJ wrote: David, I believe the key to AGM longevity is to keep them on a proper charger 24/7. This is what I have done with excellent results. Jack W4GRJ On Nov 30, 2013, at 9:36, David Cutter d.cut...@ntlworld.com wrote: Hello Jack I can see your experience is good. I haven't so far uncovered what is meant by life for these batteries, perhaps it's when the energy being fed in is more than double what is taken out or something of the kind, or the time it takes to drain to a projected cut-off. I doubt that the internal resistance is measured. As an ex marine operator, standby (emergency) battery life was very important and they were replaced on a strict schedule, however good or bad they might be in use - a bit like alarm batteries and such like. I know amateur requirements are somewhat flexible shall we say : - ) David G3UNA I live in Florida and as a fishing guide, the 4 group 27 AGM batteries on my boat have performed perfectly now for over 4 years of almost daily use. I have almost every piece of marine electronics and radios running on the boat. Jack W4GRJ On Nov 30, 2013, at 3:17, David Cutter d.cut...@ntlworld.com wrote: As I understand it, AGM batteries are designed for high current performance, ie good for engine starting, but for radio use I would have thought that gel batteries would be more suitable as they have a longer life, particularly in hot climates. I have no experience of either, just reading the specs. David G3UNA On Thu, 28 Nov 2013 05:36:15 +1000, John's email k...@att.net wrote: I use 2 x 6V 300AH AGM batteries as the prime power source in my shack. I use a 15Amp smart charger to keep them topped up whilst mains power is available and a 200Watt solar panel is available for after cyclones (hurricanes) as we invariably lose power for a day or three after them. -- Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power
I use these solar panels for portable operation. They are at Dayton every year and sell their blemished military panels to Hams. http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/?foldable_solar_panelsshow=category; productCategoryID=6579productCategoryIDs=6578,6579 Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch Staunton, Illinois email: b...@wjschmidt.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] APF
Can someone explain how to engage and use the Audio Peak Filter on the K3? thanks in advance todd WB2ZAB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power
On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 04:12:54 -0500, W4GRJ wrote: I live in Florida and as a fishing guide, the 4 group 27 AGM batteries on my boat have performed perfectly now for over 4 years of almost daily use. I have almost every piece of marine electronics and radios running on the boat. Which has nothing to do with this application. A boat is like a car. In the shack and with solar power, they charge and never have a large current discharge put on them like a starter motor. Gary -- http://ag0n.net 3055: http://ag0n.net/irlp/3055 NodeOp Help Page: http://ag0n.net/irlp __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] APF
I'll copy and paste from my notes, hope it helps clear it up for you. sm APF on the K3 The APF is an easy tool to use. However, one of the main concerns people are talking about now is the fact that the filter seems to be a bit tight, and tends to ring. This, of course, is normal for an APF (IIR type filter), but not everyone wants to hear ringing on their CW signal when they use it. Others just can’t copy the CW signal when the ringing is at the same exact frequency as their CW tone. For this reason I have written this little tutorial on how to remove the ringing from your APF filter while still getting the most out of it. Let’s start by centering your SHIFT (before you turn on the APF) and make sure you see the * next to your PITCH/center IF frequency. Next, spot the CW signal in. i.e., hit the SPOT button when you’re trying to copy someone, or use the VFO to center the line on the CWT display. Now you can be sure that the CW station is in the center of your IF passband. Next, adjust the width setting to your liking. It almost doesn’t matter once the APF is on what you choose. However, what it will help with is blocking noise from the sides of the signal you’re listening to. This can be helpful if you have other stations that are very close to the CW signal you’re trying to peak. The lower you set your Width filter the more you will reject to the sides. Any signals (including noise) that are left over on the sides will be compounded into the center of your IF passband and cause more ringing noise. So I would suggest that you keep your WIDTH from 250 Hz to 100 Hz setting. You can play more with the WIDTH control once you have the APF on. Turn on the RIT control (tap the RIT button). Next, lower the RIT frequency -20 Hz. (You must have CONFIG:PB CTRL in the config menu set to .01 to move in 10 Hz steps). If your pitch is set to 500 Hz, then the tone of the CW should now be 480 Hz. Next, turn on the APF by HOLDING the DUAL PB button. Adjust the APF using the SHIFT Fc Knob (now APF control). Move the APF down -20 Hz to match the CW signal. Once you have the signal in the center of the new 480 Hz tone you should hear that the CW signal pops up about 5 or 6 dB. What you should also notice is that CW tone is now centered at a different frequency than your IF passband center. This also allows you to avoid peaking the ringing sounds that live in the center of your selected IF area. Your brain is now free to discriminate the two different tones instead of having to copy code at the same frequency as all the ringing noise. If and When the K3 has a variable Q adjustment you will then be able to avoid the ringing by opening up the tightness of the PEAK Filter and allowing a little more signal to pass. Of course you also compromise the “sharpness” of the current APF operation, but if you feel that you don’t need as much peaking on the signal then you will be able to control it a little more accurately. Having a Variable Q control would be best used on a signal that is ‘less’ weak than those hard to copy signals in the noise floor. Another great feature of the APF is being able to use it on either/or filter position I or II. If you like, you can set filter I for APF off, and filter II to APF on. Switching between the two filters is as easy as HOLDING the SHIFT knob in. Once you set either filter position with the APF on or off the K3 will remember how you have it set. Dusty K3WC Jun 26, 2012; 1:19pm K3/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work Both the K3 and KX3 have an APF control (audio peaking filter). APF can be extremely effective when you're trying to copy weak CW signals buried in noise. Most DSP filters have very steep skirts; they're often referred to as brick-wall filters for this reason. This is the type of filtering associated with the WIDTH control (K3) or PBT control (KX3). In contrast, the APF is a filter with a very narrow peak (about 30 Hz at the -3 dB points) and very broad skirts. The narrow peak brings up the signal amplitude slightly, while the broad skirts prevent noise from being amplified and delayed in such a way as to dominate the signal. The APF function used in the K3 and KX3 is a modern DSP reinterpretation of the hardware APF circuit found on some legacy transceivers, which was very effective. On the KX3, the APF switch is labeled APF (tap), while on the K3, it's labeled DUAL PB (hold). The K3 actually provides two different special filter functions; use the DUAL PB menu entry to set up the switch for APF. When you turn on APF, the DSP graphic changes to remind you of the nature of APF, with its narrow peak and broad skirts. I suggest setting the passband width to about 250-300 Hz when using APF. The DSP graphic still shows an approximate representation of the width even with APF turned on. 73, Wayne N6KR On 11/30/2013 11:45
Re: [Elecraft] APF
one more fyi on the [XFIL/DUALPB] button when in RTTY, both AFSK A and FSK D, it's a Dual Passband Filter when in CW mode it acts like the single peak APF there's an image of the APF in use on N1EU site: http://n1eu.com/K3/K3_apf.htm On 11/30/2013 11:56 AM, Sam Morgan wrote: I'll copy and paste from my notes, hope it helps clear it up for you. sm APF on the K3 The APF is an easy tool to use. However, one of the main concerns people are talking about now is the fact that the filter seems to be a bit tight, and tends to ring. This, of course, is normal for an APF (IIR type filter), but not everyone wants to hear ringing on their CW signal when they use it. Others just can’t copy the CW signal when the ringing is at the same exact frequency as their CW tone. For this reason I have written this little tutorial on how to remove the ringing from your APF filter while still getting the most out of it. Let’s start by centering your SHIFT (before you turn on the APF) and make sure you see the * next to your PITCH/center IF frequency. Next, spot the CW signal in. i.e., hit the SPOT button when you’re trying to copy someone, or use the VFO to center the line on the CWT display. Now you can be sure that the CW station is in the center of your IF passband. Next, adjust the width setting to your liking. It almost doesn’t matter once the APF is on what you choose. However, what it will help with is blocking noise from the sides of the signal you’re listening to. This can be helpful if you have other stations that are very close to the CW signal you’re trying to peak. The lower you set your Width filter the more you will reject to the sides. Any signals (including noise) that are left over on the sides will be compounded into the center of your IF passband and cause more ringing noise. So I would suggest that you keep your WIDTH from 250 Hz to 100 Hz setting. You can play more with the WIDTH control once you have the APF on. Turn on the RIT control (tap the RIT button). Next, lower the RIT frequency -20 Hz. (You must have CONFIG:PB CTRL in the config menu set to .01 to move in 10 Hz steps). If your pitch is set to 500 Hz, then the tone of the CW should now be 480 Hz. Next, turn on the APF by HOLDING the DUAL PB button. Adjust the APF using the SHIFT Fc Knob (now APF control). Move the APF down -20 Hz to match the CW signal. Once you have the signal in the center of the new 480 Hz tone you should hear that the CW signal pops up about 5 or 6 dB. What you should also notice is that CW tone is now centered at a different frequency than your IF passband center. This also allows you to avoid peaking the ringing sounds that live in the center of your selected IF area. Your brain is now free to discriminate the two different tones instead of having to copy code at the same frequency as all the ringing noise. If and When the K3 has a variable Q adjustment you will then be able to avoid the ringing by opening up the tightness of the PEAK Filter and allowing a little more signal to pass. Of course you also compromise the “sharpness” of the current APF operation, but if you feel that you don’t need as much peaking on the signal then you will be able to control it a little more accurately. Having a Variable Q control would be best used on a signal that is ‘less’ weak than those hard to copy signals in the noise floor. Another great feature of the APF is being able to use it on either/or filter position I or II. If you like, you can set filter I for APF off, and filter II to APF on. Switching between the two filters is as easy as HOLDING the SHIFT knob in. Once you set either filter position with the APF on or off the K3 will remember how you have it set. Dusty K3WC Jun 26, 2012; 1:19pm K3/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work Both the K3 and KX3 have an APF control (audio peaking filter). APF can be extremely effective when you're trying to copy weak CW signals buried in noise. Most DSP filters have very steep skirts; they're often referred to as brick-wall filters for this reason. This is the type of filtering associated with the WIDTH control (K3) or PBT control (KX3). In contrast, the APF is a filter with a very narrow peak (about 30 Hz at the -3 dB points) and very broad skirts. The narrow peak brings up the signal amplitude slightly, while the broad skirts prevent noise from being amplified and delayed in such a way as to dominate the signal. The APF function used in the K3 and KX3 is a modern DSP reinterpretation of the hardware APF circuit found on some legacy transceivers, which was very effective. On the KX3, the APF switch is labeled APF (tap), while on the K3, it's labeled DUAL PB (hold). The K3 actually provides two different special filter functions; use the DUAL PB menu entry to set up the switch for APF. When you turn on APF, the DSP graphic changes to remind you of the nature of APF, with its narrow peak and broad skirts. I
Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power
I for one would be interested in more details. Which products do you use? What is needed to prevent overcharge. What does less than full sun do to the capacity. What sort of storage do you use and what sort of load do you service? Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: Dr. William J. Schmidt, II b...@wjschmidt.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 11:44 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power I use these solar panels for portable operation. They are at Dayton every year and sell their blemished military panels to Hams. http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/?foldable_solar_panelsshow=category; productCategoryID=6579productCategoryIDs=6578,6579 Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch Staunton, Illinois email: b...@wjschmidt.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Carrying case Market Research (:-)
For those who are interested, I have one of the early models that Rose made custom for me. While the XYL and I were at the International DX Convention in Visalia earlier this year, someone borrowed one of her KX3 cases and took it to the Elecraft booth. It was a snug fit, and the KXPA100 missed fitting in by about 1 in height. Rose was amenable to the modification, at no extra charge no less, and also agreed to a larger back pocket so that Fred Cady's KX3 manual could be carried as well. I'm very happy with the way my case turned out. There's also plenty of room for accessories (I have both side pockets) like headphones, paddle and antenna. As far as the market research question, I doubt that I will actually take the KXPA100 portable, but I wanted that option if things changed down the road. Our local Field Day is 100% QRP and mostly Elecraft (K2s, one K3 and a KX3 last year - more next year, including mine) so the KXPA100 won't be needed for that event. 73 de Jim - AD6CW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power
Garyyou are incorrect, because you have no idea what the duty cycle is on my boat. Between the 1000 watt sonar, Radar, Multi Function Display's, vhf and hf radios, my AGM's are tested a lot more than the usual amateur station. As an electrical engineer, I have a pretty good idea of the various applications using batteries as E/I source and the associated mathematics. Jack W4GRJ On Nov 30, 2013, at 12:49, AG0N-3055 mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote: On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 04:12:54 -0500, W4GRJ wrote: I live in Florida and as a fishing guide, the 4 group 27 AGM batteries on my boat have performed perfectly now for over 4 years of almost daily use. I have almost every piece of marine electronics and radios running on the boat. Which has nothing to do with this application. A boat is like a car. In the shack and with solar power, they charge and never have a large current discharge put on them like a starter motor. Gary -- http://ag0n.net 3055: http://ag0n.net/irlp/3055 NodeOp Help Page: http://ag0n.net/irlp __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power
I'm very interested in your complete setup on the boat. I'm Not an engineer nor a whiz in the math department but do use some of the items discussed and always looking for ways to improve my merger station. Thanks for your input on this topic. 73, Fred/N0AZZ K3 Ser # 6730--KX3 # 5210--K2/100 # 6470-KAT100 P3/SVGA--KAT500--W2 Amps Elecraft KPA500 HF/6m--Alpha's 9500 HF--87A HF--Mirage B-5030-G 300+w--(2) B-5016-G's 165w 2m -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of W4GRJ Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 2:08 PM To: mcduf...@garymcduffie.com Cc: elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power Garyyou are incorrect, because you have no idea what the duty cycle is on my boat. Between the 1000 watt sonar, Radar, Multi Function Display's, vhf and hf radios, my AGM's are tested a lot more than the usual amateur station. As an electrical engineer, I have a pretty good idea of the various applications using batteries as E/I source and the associated mathematics. Jack W4GRJ On Nov 30, 2013, at 12:49, AG0N-3055 mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote: On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 04:12:54 -0500, W4GRJ wrote: I live in Florida and as a fishing guide, the 4 group 27 AGM batteries on my boat have performed perfectly now for over 4 years of almost daily use. I have almost every piece of marine electronics and radios running on the boat. Which has nothing to do with this application. A boat is like a car. In the shack and with solar power, they charge and never have a large current discharge put on them like a starter motor. Gary -- http://ag0n.net 3055: http://ag0n.net/irlp/3055 NodeOp Help Page: http://ag0n.net/irlp __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3426 / Virus Database: 3629/6877 - Release Date: 11/29/13 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] P3/SVGA send-receive
Thank you Mike K2MK and others that sent e-mail direct. Your suggestions on operating the K3/P3 are appreciated. Lots to relearn and learn anew. 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/P3-SVGA-send-receive-tp7581258p7581277.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 and solar panels
Howdy Gene, I am Scott AK6Q (email is old call sign) I have been using the A123 systems lithium nano phospate 12v 4.6aH battery with a US military 65W folding solar panel and a chinese charge controler (DC to DC). Pictured is my system. I got all of the parts from Ebay. A123 is about $129, the Solar Panel is $199 and the charge controler is about $29. I put it in my new bug out bag with a dipole 20M and an EndFed Half Wave antenna, throw line, KX3, Mic and Paddles, and note taking stuff and a small parts bag all for less than 17lbs. From: Gene Ruff [via Elecraft] ml-node+s365791n7581153...@n2.nabble.com To: KD6QZX kd6...@sbcglobal.net Sent: Monday, November 25, 2013 11:43 AM Subject: KX3 and solar panels I am looking for information on using folding solar panels with my KX3 . success stories or sad ones. Thanks G. R. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-and-solar-panels-tp7581153.html To unsubscribe from Elecraft, click here. NAML IMG_1008[1].JPG (2M) http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/attachment/7581278/0/IMG_1008%5B1%5D.JPG - K3 #348 KX3 #2499 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-and-solar-panels-tp7581153p7581278.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power
All this talk about solar panels makes Green such an ugly color and the smell of gasoline and the roar of an engine seem so much more practical. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: Bill Blomgren (kk4qdz) billblomg...@yahoo.com To: WILLIS COOKE wrco...@yahoo.com Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 5:13 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power The 70 watt panels will produce 2-3 and up to 6 amps when fully illuminated -- That means having an aiming system of some sort so that they swivel... Not something I'd put on a roof around here... (especially since I'm not allowed to.) a 3-4 amp charge rate would take a while on a 100 amp hour battery... but still passable. (won't cook the battery either..) Two of the 70 watt panels sound like what would really do the job. Didn't realize that they were only 40 watt panels. The guy here had some 35 volt panels that he sells to the highway department for roadside equipment. (You can never tell what he has in stock, however...) He's always out of stock at the end of the hamfest season, unfortunately. (I would have gotten one of this 70 amp panels, and a charge controller...possibly 2 of them.) Again, my location is SUB Optimal for solar, but at least I could have light and a small fan and perhaps TV if the power goes off... KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them! From: WILLIS COOKE wrco...@yahoo.com To: Bill Blomgren (kk4qdz) billblomg...@yahoo.com Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 5:59 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power The Harbor Freight offering is the one that I have been wondering if it is worthwhile. It is on sale tomorrow for 139.95, but it is three 15 watt panels for a total of 45 watts. Using the information you collected it would mean about two days of good sun to charge a car battery. You might be able to get two straight days of good sun on a Sport Fisherman at sea, but unlikely to get that much at a Deer Lease in your camper unless you are camping in West Texas or Arizona or some similar place. The efficiency on a boat would depend on cloud cover and how much charging you can get from the engine alternator. I would guess that the person with four batteries has separate batteries for cranking and is using the 4 batteries only for electronics and housekeeping and using other batteries for cranking. The electronics he describes sounds to me like a Sport Fisherman or a large center console with two electrical systems. Most of these can get some charging from the engines when the cranking batteries are fully charged or at least nearly so. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: Bill Blomgren (kk4qdz) billblomg...@yahoo.com To: WILLIS COOKE wrco...@yahoo.com Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 4:08 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power I've seen numbers thrown around at hamfests by a local solar guy - figure 50% of the claimed output of any solar panel since at normal 'earth level' you might see full output for only a few minutes at noon. He was selling a 40 amp hour led acid in a roll around cooler with a 40 watt panel attached to the handles for a reasonable amount. (I don't remember the exact number) - with a charge controller. His comment was it would probably take 6 hours for the panel to take the battery from 10 volts up to 'full'. He had panels there that were up to 70 watts, which is okand there is a kit from harbor freight that is about $150 or something for a 100 watt 2 panel (or was it 150/3 panel) without batteries...Throw in the charge controller, and the batteries...and you have a FAIR backup. (The panels they use degrade over time, however.. loosing oomph after 3-4 years...) They pulse the batteries in most cases, so that means that pulses are faster and a tad bigger when the panels are throwing out the most energy..at least until the battery is topped off. KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them! From: WILLIS COOKE wrco...@yahoo.com To: Bill Blomgren (kk4qdz) billblomg...@yahoo.com Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 3:49 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power I am watching for such comments. I am interested in the noise of the charger as well as the amount of reduced capability under less than optimum charging conditions. You are correct in general about charging capacity and load capacity, but the charging capacity chosen needs to take the self minimum discharge which adds the minimum load and the self discharge load as well as the maximum load and duty cycle. One would not want to use a 0.5 amp charger to charge a 100 amp battery, but would a 45 watt 3.5 amp charger be adequate? Typical manufacturer's specs will usually not advertise this but inquiring minds want to know! Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart
[Elecraft] FS: Elecraft K3/100 and options
I have my K3/100 for sale. K3/100 # 5250 Factory assembled. following options KRX3-F K3 2nd receive rKFL3A-400 - 400 Hz 8-pole IF filter KFL3A-2.1K 2.1khz, 8 pole roofing filter KAT3 - Internal ATU with 2nd Ant KXV3A - RX Ant, IF Out and Xverter Interface KTCX03-1 - High stability reference oscillator Power Cord Original User Manuals New cost nearly $ 4000.00 $3000.00 shipping/ins included in the cont. US Scale of 1-10, a perfect 10 in looks and performance. I also have the Fred Cady Manual included. US Postal money order/Paypal w/fees Pictures available upon request. TIA, 73 Dick __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power
It really depends on what you're trying to do. A lot of us like to operate portable. For some of us, that's the only way to get an antenna up. A small generator weighs a bit over 30 pounds, plus about six pounds for every gallon of gas. A 65w solar panel weights about four pounds. It's a lot quieter too. How far do you want to carry that generator? -- Lynn On 11/30/2013 3:33 PM, WILLIS COOKE wrote: All this talk about solar panels makes Green such an ugly color and the smell of gasoline and the roar of an engine seem so much more practical. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power
For QRP operation and portable operation, there's a lot to be said for solar power. For QRO, gasoline is probably more practical. But, in the long run, humans will run out of gasoline way before they run out of sunlight. Of course, that assumes that there still will be humans. For the record, I have a couple of small solar panels, but I am looking at possibly getting a panel with 20 watts or so capacity. And, I do have a very small gasoline generator (a Honda unit, good for 300 watts max, 150 watts economy setting) which is fairly quiet (less than 55 dBA). I'd rather use solar/battery for portable operating. On Nov 30, 2013, at 7:11 PM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote: It really depends on what you're trying to do. A lot of us like to operate portable. For some of us, that's the only way to get an antenna up. A small generator weighs a bit over 30 pounds, plus about six pounds for every gallon of gas. A 65w solar panel weights about four pounds. It's a lot quieter too. How far do you want to carry that generator? -- Lynn On 11/30/2013 3:33 PM, WILLIS COOKE wrote: All this talk about solar panels makes Green such an ugly color and the smell of gasoline and the roar of an engine seem so much more practical. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power
On 11/30/2013 9:49 AM, AG0N-3055 wrote: A boat is like a car. Depends a lot on the boat. Check out KC2IOV/MM. Four solar panels (high, angled at the stern) keep her batteries charged enough to run a 100W ICOM marine radio and all the lighting and instruments on her 38-foot sail boat. She just finished a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the earth, entirely on sail power alone. I worked her several times on 40M SSB from the South Indian Ocean. 73, Jim K9YC. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power
Your point is well taken Lynn. Some of us are trying to make a QRP contact from the peak of Mt. Everest, some are trying to survive an ice storm or hurricane, some of us want to catch a giant fish and need radar and sonar to do it, some of us want to crank the diesel on the boat and some want to make a pot of coffee at a primitive deer camp. We are all wanting to use solar energy and batteries and we have very different objectives. We all have in common that we need to understand our options to make the correct choice. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT k...@coldrockshotbrooms.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 6:11 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power It really depends on what you're trying to do. A lot of us like to operate portable. For some of us, that's the only way to get an antenna up. A small generator weighs a bit over 30 pounds, plus about six pounds for every gallon of gas. A 65w solar panel weights about four pounds. It's a lot quieter too. How far do you want to carry that generator? -- Lynn On 11/30/2013 3:33 PM, WILLIS COOKE wrote: All this talk about solar panels makes Green such an ugly color and the smell of gasoline and the roar of an engine seem so much more practical. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 and solar panels
Just received my Instapark Mercury27W solar panel from Amazon for $119. It included a standard power plug for 12VDC, BUT it is unregulated and open circuit is 18.58 VDC It also has 2 USB ports for charging external devices. I will install a post regulator for 14.1 VDC and leave the rest alone. It has 4 panels and folds up into a oversize 8.5 x 11 x 2 inch package. So far, it powers the Battery fine. Mel, K6KBE On Saturday, November 30, 2013 2:56 PM, KD6QZX kd6...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Howdy Gene, I am Scott AK6Q (email is old call sign) I have been using the A123 systems lithium nano phospate 12v 4.6aH battery with a US military 65W folding solar panel and a chinese charge controler (DC to DC). Pictured is my system. I got all of the parts from Ebay. A123 is about $129, the Solar Panel is $199 and the charge controler is about $29. I put it in my new bug out bag with a dipole 20M and an EndFed Half Wave antenna, throw line, KX3, Mic and Paddles, and note taking stuff and a small parts bag all for less than 17lbs. From: Gene Ruff [via Elecraft] ml-node+s365791n7581153...@n2.nabble.com To: KD6QZX kd6...@sbcglobal.net Sent: Monday, November 25, 2013 11:43 AM Subject: KX3 and solar panels I am looking for information on using folding solar panels with my KX3 . success stories or sad ones. Thanks G. R. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-and-solar-panels-tp7581153.html To unsubscribe from Elecraft, click here. NAML IMG_1008[1].JPG (2M) http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/attachment/7581278/0/IMG_1008%5B1%5D.JPG - K3 #348 KX3 #2499 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-and-solar-panels-tp7581153p7581278.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] ... and solar power
Despite the fact that I still love the smell of motor oil (can't say I like gasoline that much now that it is mixed with ethanol), I REALLY enjoyed the peace and quiet of running solar power during Field Day this year. I had a surplus of power available to run my K3 at full output at the GOTA station with a 100 watt panel and a 60AH LiFePO4 battery. (I started the contest with a full battery, and ended it with a full battery plus another 19AH of surplus power). I wouldn't have risked our main run stations on the vagaries of the sun, but perhaps some year we might give it a try. Of course what is quiet about a radio contest in the first place? But not having the drone of even a quiet Honda running was more in tune with being outdoors. 100% of my KX3 activity is solar using a smaller PowerFilm panel and battery. 73, Bob, WB4SON __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Elecraft SSB net announcement
The weekly Elecraft SSB net will meet tomorrow (12/1/13) at 1800z on 14.3035 MHz. I will be net control from western Oregon. See you there. 73, Phil, NS7P __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Batteries and solar power
On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 15:08:27 -0500, W4GRJ wrote: Garyyou are incorrect, because you have no idea what the duty cycle is on my boat. You're right. I have no idea what you do or how you do it with your boat. I was under the (apparently mistaken) assumption that we were talking about running a ham station at home. This assumption includes constant charging with no heavy discharge cycles (assuming a transceiver as the load). Anyway, I bow to higher knowledge. Gary __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
