Re: [Elecraft] battery power for backup
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Unfortunately, physical size is an issue, which is why I mentioned the coin cells. I don't know if a coin cell holder will fit in the available space, and I had thought of that possibility, but I will investigate further. The cells can be no larger than the 2032 size. However, I will investigate mounting the memory cells at another location inside the set and running wire leads to the original location. One of my applications is inside a FT-100D transceiver. Other sets probably have more elbow room and for those the battery holder is a good idea. And yes, I can purchase coin cells in any size or quantity I want at the local market, but none that have solder tabs or PC-mount pins. Thanks again for your suggestions. We now return you to your regularly scheduled reflector. - Jim, KL7CC On 11/1/2012 7:38 PM, Steve Jackson wrote: Jim I saw some incorrect answers fly about on the Elecraft reflector. One was good: to buy the cell holder and then buy the CR2032 or similar cells at the drugstore. Another answer you didn't get is to use a pair of L91 AA cells in series. If you download the spec sheet for that cell you will be /astounded /that we have a commercial product widely available in the consumer market that is THAT terrific. Look at the longevity, pulse ampacity, temperature specs, etc., all simply amazing. Will blow away any other solution at 12 years plus. http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/l91.pdf There are programs you can use to calculate a Joules-reduction to show how long your service life will be but basically for back up you're limited by shelf life specs and also the ability of the contacts in the cell holder to maintain ohmic integrity. Steve KZ1X/4 __ 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] Battery power for KX3
I have one of the 4 cell Buddipole Li nano-phospate batteries and it is great. I use it with the KX1. I have also used it for little things here and there such as testing the screwdriver antenna (powering the screwdriver motor) and other things. It seems to deliver whatever power you need which is weird like some kind of Star Trek power source for the M5 computer. The buddipole batteries are made by A123 Systems and you can buy them in a whole variety of systems. Electric utility companies will buy a whole truck load of them (container actually) for emergency power, voltage control situations, and smoothing wind turbine power out. But, buying these is a bit of an investment as the batteries are expensive and the charger is something you need to get too (unless you have one already). 73, phil, K7PEH On Jan 12, 2012, at 7:53 PM, Allen Patterson wrote: Buddypole sells 14.4 volt lithium battery packs that would be perfect for up to full power for the KX3. Allen Patterson, KC7SYR Sent from my iPad __ 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] Battery power requirements
My question is, Under these circumstances, can I expect the battery to last for the more or less 18 hours that I will be operating? Obviosuly, if not, buying a second battery is a not-very-expensive option. Randy W6SJ The Amp Hour rating tells you how much amperage is available when discharged evenly over a 20 hour period. The amp hour rating is cumulative, so in order to know how many constant amps the battery will output for 20 hours, you have to divide the amp hour rating by 20. Example: If a battery has an amp hour rating of 75, dividing by 20 = 3.75. Such a battery can carry a 3.75 amp load for 20 hours before dropping to 10.5 volts. (10.5 volts is the fully discharged level, at which point the battery needs to be recharged.) A battery with an amp hour rating of 55 will carry a 2.75 amp load for 20 hours before dropping to 10.5 volts. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Battery-power-requirements-tp2914254p2914474.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] Battery power requirements
Just doing the math...I would assume that you would draw aprox 20 amps at 100 watts.. you would not be at 100% duty cycle so that would help. I don't think that your rig would work very well when the battery dropped down to 10.5 volts what I would think would be useable would be a battery with a 400 amp hr rating.. 400 divided by 20 = 20 that would give you some head room... prob.. a deep cycle/RV type battery just a guess... Ed -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Battery-power-requirements-tp2914254p2914569.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] Battery power problems.
Hi Tom, the K2 works very well from a 12v supply in normal circumstances; indeed, it is designed to run from an internal 12v supply as an option. There are two possibilities that spring to mind from your description of the problem: 1. You may be using a long power cable that is too light duty for the task and therefore causing a volt drop at the K2. 2. There is RF getting into the power line and causing the distortion you experienced. HTH Trev G3ZYY In message [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Thomas Beltran [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I ran my K2 last weekend on a battery (from my backyard – fully charged 52 Ah. Gel cell), and everyone on the net (40 meter SSB) complained that the signal was distorted and just plain sounded very bad. One person suggested that it was the 12 volts put out by the battery, rather than the typical 13.8 volts. I brought out my power supply and everything worked fine. I guess it was surprising that this radio, that I understood was for portable operation wouldn’t work well on battery power. Has anyone else experienced this or is it unique to my radio? This is a 4000 serial number. I have on order the W4RRY battery booster. By comparison, my FT-857 seems unaffected by 12 volts. Tom W6EIJ Thomas E. Beltran, Esq. BELTRAN, BELTRAN, SMITH OPPEL MACKENZIE, L.L.P. 2501 West Burbank Blvd. Suite 200 Burbank, California 91505 Telephone: (818) 567-1776 Facsimile: (818) 955-9877 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 -- Trevor Day UKSMG #217 www.uksmg.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Battery power problems.
Thomas, I exclusively run my K2 with battery power (oh, I think I've used an Astron RS-20M on it once). I haven't had the problems you are experiencing just because it was run on a battery. Many times from out in the field I use smaller 7 AH gelcells (well, they are smaller than what I usually use as you'll see) when I put the rig, battery, antenna, etc in a backpack and go hiking to set up somewhere on the Appalachian Trail. These are the same batteries that are used in many UPS devices. When I'm home or where I can operate from a drive-up location for portable use I use the same type of battery, but it is in either an 18 or 28 AH package in an automotive battery booster. I used one of those for the whole Field Day weekend last year without any problem at all on SSB. I've run the gelcells down to a reading of about 10.8 VDC at the radio during transmit at 5W, however the battery itself is still at about 11.8 VDC at 25% capacity at which time I swap out the booster pack for another fully charged one. The only thing I did notice was that the el-cheapo cigarette lighter plug with small gauge wires definitely has more voltage drop than the heavier (and shorter) one I made up with 16 Ga wire. So, if voltage is at a premium I would opt for the cable I made up. I doubt the problem is with the battery. Could be the wires from the battery to the rig causing excessive voltage drop. You also want to keep the RF away from the battery to rig wire, so don't wrap the feedline around the battery cable for example. I assume you're just running 5W since you didn't say you are running a K2/100, but this would be even more important at 100W. 73, Mark, NK8Q K2 4786 Thomas Beltran wrote: I ran my K2 last weekend on a battery (from my backyard – fully charged 52 Ah. Gel cell), and everyone on the net (40 meter SSB) complained that the signal was distorted and just plain sounded very bad. One person suggested that it was the 12 volts put out by the battery, rather than the typical 13.8 volts. I brought out my power supply and everything worked fine. I guess it was surprising that this radio, that I understood was for portable operation wouldn’t work well on battery power. Has anyone else experienced this or is it unique to my radio? This is a 4000 serial number. I have on order the W4RRY battery booster. By comparison, my FT-857 seems unaffected by 12 volts. Tom W6EIJ Thomas E. Beltran, Esq. BELTRAN, BELTRAN, SMITH OPPEL MACKENZIE, L.L.P. 2501 West Burbank Blvd. Suite 200 Burbank, California 91505 Telephone: (818) 567-1776 Facsimile: (818) 955-9877 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Battery power problems.
1. You may be using a long power cable that is too light duty for the task and therefore causing a volt drop at the K2. 2. There is RF getting into the power line and causing the distortion you experienced. Thanks for the replies. I am using #12 wire, with Anderson powerpole connectors. The battery cable is about eight inches long, and it goes to a Rigrunner. The cable for the K2 is also # 12, and it is about one foot or so long, also hooking up to the Rigrunner. When I switched to the power supply (Alinco DM-330MV) it was also connected to the Rigrunner, with a little bit longer #12 cable. What cable size should I use? Maybe 52 Ah. is too little for the K2/100? Tom Thomas E. Beltran, Esq. BELTRAN, BELTRAN, SMITH OPPEL MACKENZIE, L.L.P. 2501 West Burbank Blvd. Suite 200 Burbank, California 91505 Telephone: (818) 567-1776 Facsimile: (818) 955-9877 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Battery power problems.
Why don't you measure the voltage drop with a volt meter and let us know what it is? A 52-AH battery should be sufficient to run a 100 watt rig but as batteries age their internal resistance increases with the effect seen as a higher drop in terminal voltage under load. There could also be a weak cell in the battery. I would like to see the battery terminal voltage when the battery is under full load. Mike Scott AE6WA Tarzana, CA (near LA) Elecraft KX1 4-Watts -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thomas Beltran Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 6:24 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Battery power problems. 1. You may be using a long power cable that is too light duty for the task and therefore causing a volt drop at the K2. 2. There is RF getting into the power line and causing the distortion you experienced. Thanks for the replies. I am using #12 wire, with Anderson powerpole connectors. The battery cable is about eight inches long, and it goes to a Rigrunner. The cable for the K2 is also # 12, and it is about one foot or so long, also hooking up to the Rigrunner. When I switched to the power supply (Alinco DM-330MV) it was also connected to the Rigrunner, with a little bit longer #12 cable. What cable size should I use? Maybe 52 Ah. is too little for the K2/100? Tom Thomas E. Beltran, Esq. BELTRAN, BELTRAN, SMITH OPPEL MACKENZIE, L.L.P. 2501 West Burbank Blvd. Suite 200 Burbank, California 91505 Telephone: (818) 567-1776 Facsimile: (818) 955-9877 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Battery power problems.
Any magnetic fields nearby? A standby charger on the GelCell perhaps? Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Battery power problems.
Tom, the #12 cable should be just fine for the K2/100, BUT the battery may be suspect - yes that battery size should be just fine but if you are running at higher power, that battery should allow you operation for about 2 hours if it is in top condition. The condition of the battery may have a lot to do with the situation - many batteries develop a high internal resistance as they age. Connect that K2 to a good deep cycle (or well charged automotive) battery as a test and you will likely find better results. Tap the display button and look at the voltage on the K2 display while transmitting with that 52 Ah battery and you may be surprised how low the voltage will go. The K2 receiver will operate down to about 9 volts, but transmit will have its limits. Normally you should not let the battery voltage drop below 11 volts. Another thing to check is the APP connectors - if they were crimped, did you use a good crimper? The non-rachetted crimpers are usually just not adequate to assure a good connection - try soldering the connectors to get a good low resistance, high current worthy connection (fill the connector with solder but don't get any on the outside). 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- What cable size should I use? Maybe 52 Ah. is too little for the K2/100? Tom ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Battery power problems.
Thomas Beltran wrote: Thanks for the replies. I am using #12 wire, with Anderson powerpole connectors. The battery cable is about eight inches long, and it goes to a Rigrunner. The cable for the K2 is also # 12, and it is about one foot or so long, also hooking up to the Rigrunner. When I switched to the power supply (Alinco DM-330MV) it was also connected to the Rigrunner, with a little bit longer #12 cable. What cable size should I use? Maybe 52 Ah. is too little for the K2/100? Tom I noticed a drop of about 0.6 volts across my Rigrunner when running 100 watts. This bothered me (I'm easily bothered) so I connect the K2/100 directly to the power supply with an inline fuse. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Battery power problems.
The problem could well be the age of your battery and its aging rise in internal impedance. If it will not charge to 13 plus volts of a fully charged battery, it indicates excessive internal resistance/ age. The fact everything cleared up on an AC to DC supply supports the battery as a problem battery. If the battery is 3 years old, expect problems. Most security companies and others relying on gel cells change them out in 2-3 years, even if they have not been heavily used. Stuart K5KVH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Battery Power
Dale Kretzer wrote: From QRP rigs to 100-watt transceivers through VHF/UHF equipment, all my equipment is powered through a single, deep-cycle RV/Marine battery in a safety housing under the bench, constantly connected to a smart battery charger. I've often thought of this, although I would probably put the battery in a box outdoors, just to be 100% safe. An additional cool thing would be to supplement the AC operated charger with a solar panel. I am interested in knowing exactly what smart charger and battery you are using. I (twice!) had to clean up a PDP-11 computer room after a battery exploded as a result of a malfunction in the charger portion of a UPS. That's why I'd keep the battery outdoors. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Battery Power - safety consideerations
Dale, You are correct that batteries provide a good stable source of power. Just remember that they can pack a lot of current, and they do not protect against a short circuit condition like a power supply will - if the battery terminals are shorted they can provide enough current to melt wrenches, screwdrivers, etc and spew molten metal a considerable distance. Be careful with rings, watches, other jewelery and tools around batteries. The only other thing that I can think of is that you did not mention venting the battery to outside air. Since Lead Acid batteries outgas hydrogen, it becomes an explosion hazard should it collect in sufficient quantity. Your 'under the bench location makes it even more of a problem because the air flow there is likely limited. Battery enclosures are available that vent the battery with a tube. They used to be available in RV supply centers, but I have not checked in several years. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- The ongoing discussions regarding woes involving AC power supplies puzzles me, because I've operated for years from 2-volt batteries and wonder why it isn't a more common practice. From QRP rigs to 100-watt transceivers through VHF/UHF equipment, all my equipment is powered through a single, deep-cycle RV/Marine battery in a safety housing under the bench, constantly connected to a smart battery charger. I took a cheap, plastic toolbox and created inside a buss arrangement with fusing to make it easy for neatly and safely connecting all the various radio power leads to one location. All of this can be done for less than $150. In practice, the 20-amp charger absorbs most of the load when a 100-watt rig is keyed and the battery simply acts like a big capacitor to stop hash and voltage flunctuations. When working with simple QRP rigs, the pure DC supply is a joy because it eliminates the most obvious noise source from getting into the receivers. Because the charger is quietly maintaining the battery at a trickle rate, there is little gas given off by the battery and normal household air movement is sufficient to safely eliminate any buildup. The battery box and charger sit under the operating desk, where I can keep an eye on voltages, charging rates and battery condition. I've operated this way for years without a problem, and have had batteries last seemingly forever. I replaced the last one after 10 years of use, which included some major tasks at annual Field Day events. If there are drawbacks to this type of power useage, I'm not aware of them, and highly recommend batteries as the least expensive and most stable way to feed all your 12-volt equipment. Needless to say, the isolation from wavering AC mains is a plus, along with having instantaneous emergency power when the mains fail. If there's something I'm overlooking in this type of operation anyone would like to address, I'd welcome the comments. 73, Dale K6PJV, Sacramento, CA. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.14.21/236 - Release Date: 1/20/2006 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Battery Power
Dale, K6PJV wrote: The ongoing discussions regarding woes involving AC power supplies puzzles me, because I've operated for years from 2-volt batteries and wonder why it isn't a more common practiceIf there's something I'm overlooking in this type of operation anyone would like to address, I'd welcome the comments. Hi Dale - If you're talking about conventional lead-acid batteries, there is the issue of sulfuric acid, highly-flammable hydrogen gas that must be ventilated properly, and lots and lots of toxic lead when the battery is finally scrapped. Shoot, they didn't even allow those things 'indoors' on ships! They were in their own ventilated locker outside the radio room. A lot of people today are operating from living rooms, bedrooms and other places in homes where a lead-acid battery is less than welcome. That's what has made gel-cells popular, but they have severe limitations of their own compared to a normal lead-acid battery. Besides, a decent linear supply will provide decades of reliable service and not produce any RFI and last at least as long as most lead-acid batteries. The problems have started to arise with the popularity of switching power supplies that are light, small, and which, by their very nature, produce a lot of radio frequency interference. The better ones intended for use near radio equipment are shielded and filtered, but the RFI is always there to some degree or another. It's all a matter of what fits the need. For a growing number of Hams the need is for a small, lightweight, non-toxic power source that is a safe and convenient for use inside the living area of a house. For operators like you with a suitable shop space, a heavy-duty lead-acid battery can be a wonderful alternative that is also independent of the power lines. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Battery Power
Shoot, they didn't even allow those things 'indoors' on ships! They were in their own ventilated locker outside the radio room. They do allow them and need them on submarines and these batteries are big enough you could get in the jar! Only time they are vented outside is when performing an equalizing charge. However, they do ventilate the area to prevent H2 buildup in pockets. Get out your chemistry book and work out the molar equations, for the average auto/boat deep cycle battery the amount of hydrogen released during a normal charge is minimal. Very high charge rates (60 120 amp/hr) releases H2 quicker. But there is still a limited amount. Additionally, there would be no H2SO4 or H2O left. Even if all of it was used up you are only talking a few grams (Liters) of Hydrogen and that would be released over several hours. Rich -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.14.21/236 - Release Date: 1/20/2006 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Battery Power
Rich Lentz wrote: work out the molar equations How did this thread morph into dentistry? Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Battery Power
Rich wrote: They do allow them and need them on submarines and these batteries are big enough you could get in the jar! Only time they are vented outside is when performing an equalizing charge. However, they do ventilate the area to prevent H2 buildup in pockets. --- Yes. It's a little hard to get fresh outside air into a sub most of the time G. And in the old diesel subs the batteries were darn near as dangerous as the enemy in wartime, but that was a special case not likely found at home; The mixture of the electrolyte and sea water produced deadly chlorine gas. I would consider the most dangerous problem today the sulfuric acid. Working on marine systems, I was terribly, terribly careful when checking batteries to avoid splashing any electrolyte. Still I didn't own a single pair of work pants that didn't have holes from very, very tiny electrolyte droplets. Of course, after the acid has a little while to work, the hole isn't nearly as tiny as the droplet was. There may not be a huge amount of hydrogen released, but you don't need a lot. There's a reason why one should never attach a live circuit directly to a lead-acid battery, such as when jump-starting a car. The last connection is ground and it goes to a point away from the battery because that inevitable spark when the clamp makes contact has caused entire batteries to blow up, piercing the hapless individual with lead shrapnel from what were the plates while simultaneously bathing him (or her) in sulfuric acid and causing serious burns from the flames. From what I read, the modern maintenance free car batteries are no exception. They have exploded when left alone! As one survivor reported, If you have to be near an exploding battery, be two floors down, in an office, in another building. Worked for me. For the full story see: http://www.rayvaughan.com/battery_safety.htm Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
