Re: [Elecraft] K2 Buyers remorse
Jerry: We had turbine generators on our airborne missions in SE Asia a lifetime ago ... 10 KVA but very light, 2 troops could carry one at a moderate trot. We found we could muffle the whine very nicely with sandbags. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/7/2021 6:35 PM, jerry wrote: All, Not sure if I'll actually be using this PA... The fan is just so LOUD! It's like a mini turbine engine running on my desk. - Jerry KF6VB __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement
Good Evening, The sun was orange all week, dark red at sunrise. Smoke is causing the trees to lose leaves. After I started dinner yesterday I walked onto the porch. The red huckleberries are easy to spot in this new color scheme. I was interrupted by a snort to my right. The wind was coming from that direction, how could she smell me? I went inside to find her. A black-tailed doe was outside my window for the next half hour sampling the greenery. The sun has been blank most of the week. Solar flux is low. I expect weak signals with medium to deep QSB. There was enough solar wind to shake up the ionosphere. I received a single lever paddle on Wednesday. Relearning characters went quickly, many of them are easier with one paddle than with two. The one character which has been difficult is Q. With two levers the keyer allows you to hold the dash key for all three dashes while adding the dit at the correct spot. I have to force my forefinger to release pressure for that dit to be sent. Please join us on (or near): 14050 kHz at 2200z Sunday (3 PM PDT Sunday) 7047 kHz at z Monday (5 PM PDT Sunday) 73, Kevin. KD5ONS - How do you get to Carnegie Hall? My text book of the week: http://www.r-5.org/files/books/computers/algo-list/realtime-3d/Christer_Ericson-Real-Time_Collision_Detection-EN.pdf __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Need help.
Were there thunderstorms in your area overnight? 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 8/7/21 7:16 PM, Richard Isaacs via Elecraft wrote: I recently purchased a K3 and Panadapter. No issues since June. Last night after using the radio, covered and went to bed. This morning…it’s like the antenna is not attached. No receive and when keying the mike…no transmit. All other radios work off my Butternut antenna. Went into utilities and reloaded 5.67…still nothing. Please help and thanks in advance. Rick W3RKI __ 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 Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Need help.
I recently purchased a K3 and Panadapter. No issues since June. Last night after using the radio, covered and went to bed. This morning…it’s like the antenna is not attached. No receive and when keying the mike…no transmit. All other radios work off my Butternut antenna. Went into utilities and reloaded 5.67…still nothing. Please help and thanks in advance. Rick W3RKI __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Buyers remorse
While editing, tap DISPLAY to change the KPA100 fan mode: x FAN nor is the normal setting; the fan stays off until needed x FAN LoHi keeps the fan at low speed, going to high if needed x FAN Hi keeps the fan at high-speed at all times in QRO mode -73- FrankKG9H kg9hfr...@gmail.com > On Aug 7, 2021, at 8:35 PM, jerry wrote: > > All, > > Not sure if I'll actually be using this PA... The fan is just so LOUD! > It's like a mini turbine engine running on my desk. > >- Jerry KF6VB > __ > 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 > Message delivered to kg9hfr...@gmail.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K2 Buyers remorse
All, Not sure if I'll actually be using this PA... The fan is just so LOUD! It's like a mini turbine engine running on my desk. - Jerry KF6VB __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3/10 is sick and needs help!
Hi Dick, Does the K3 Utility talk to the radio? Perhaps then a reload of the firmware or a forced reload might help? Chet, N8RA -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of RVZ via Elecraft Sent: Saturday, August 7, 2021 1:48 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Cc: doug...@gmail.com Subject: [Elecraft] K3/10 is sick and needs help! Hi Guys, I received a used K3/10 this week via UPS Ground and it arrived sick. The radio looks "Like New" even though it's an older unit: Serial 822. Perhaps the radio has the front panel "tin pin" problem? I'd appreciate you reviewing the following symptoms and let me know if you have any suggestions. Things that work: POWER button turns the radio on/off and the front panel Display lights and displays multiple items including Frequency. AF control turns the volume up/down. VFO A and VFO B knobs change frequency. Receives signals well, S-meter works fine, and CW stations have a nice clear tone. Things that don't work: the BAND, MENU, DISP as pressing these have no action. However, pressing some front panel buttons cause the wrong function, such as: pressing the XMIT button turns the PRE on/off and holding down the XMIT button turns on the ATT. Similarly, pressing the ATU button on/off switches the AGC from Fast/Slow. I once had a K3 get sick after being shipped cross country and the solution was to Reset the radio through the recommended Initialization process. However, I haven't been able to do an Initialization of this K3/10 because "pressing and holding down the SHIFT/LO button while pressing the POWER button" as the Manual instructs doesn't Initialize the radio as it should. Thanks in advance for your recommendations. Write direct if you wish: r...@aol.com 73, Dick- K9OM __ 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 Message delivered to chetsubacco...@snet.net __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KV5J's line of Digital Displays for Elecraft's W2, KXPA100, KPA500, KAT500 and KPA1500
A couple of month ago I purchased on of these babies for my KTA500 and KPA500. I just love them, I am able to see all the parameters is so reassuring. I should have purchased them sooner. 73, Lou KE!F PS: I have no relationship with this company or anyone at this company. Hi. On 8/7/2021 19:55, Keith Ennis via Elecraft wrote: KV5J's line of Digital Displays for Elecraft's W2, KXPA100, KPA500, KAT500 and KPA1500 - Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's W2 Watt Meter: - With digital read out the Display Unit takes the guess work out of the LED light bar. - - Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KXPA100 amplifier: - Don't wait for a fault light to come on. Keep an eye on 5 crucial readings at all times. 1. Power amplifier's heat sink temperature 2. Power amplifier's high voltage supply voltage 3. Power amplifier's current 4. Power amplifier's output power 5. SWR that the KXPA100 sees at its output - - Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KPA500 amplifier: - Instead of seeing only 1 crucial reading, monitor all 7 at the same time. 1. Power amplifier's heat sink temperature 2. Power amplifier's high voltage supply voltage 3. Power amplifier's current 4. Power amplifier's output power 5. SWR that the KPA500 sees at its output 6. Displays Operate/Standby mode 7. Displays Band amp is tuned to - Digital Display Unit for KAT500: - This unit displays the front panel settings. If the tuner is in bypass or not. Displays the capacitance and inductance used. What type of circuit is used. LC or CL. SWR of both before and after a tune cycle is completed. - - Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KPA1500 amplifier: Displays the same display that is on the KPA1500 Amplifier Change the display on the KPA1500 and the display changes to show this same screen - - All of the Digital Display Units: - Display Unit can be located at a more visible location Up to the RS232 limit from unit - Easy to read 2 line display No USB or serial cable to computer No com port in Windows to manage No computer needed Plug and Play Simply connect the SUPPLIED dc power cable (with inline on/off switch) from the DDU to power supply and SUPPLIED SERIAL data jumper cable to the device Retains all functions of the front panel All displayed info obtained directly from the device - Only 4" x 4" x 2" - - For more information and ordering go to: http://www.kv5j.com/store - Reviews: https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14701 - https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14820 - - - - Keith, KV5J http://www.kv5j.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 Message delivered to lmecs...@cfl.rr.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KV5J's line of Digital Displays for Elecraft's W2, KXPA100, KPA500, KAT500 and KPA1500
KV5J's line of Digital Displays for Elecraft's W2, KXPA100, KPA500, KAT500 and KPA1500 - Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's W2 Watt Meter: - With digital read out the Display Unit takes the guess work out of the LED light bar. - - Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KXPA100 amplifier: - Don't wait for a fault light to come on. Keep an eye on 5 crucial readings at all times. 1. Power amplifier's heat sink temperature 2. Power amplifier's high voltage supply voltage 3. Power amplifier's current 4. Power amplifier's output power 5. SWR that the KXPA100 sees at its output - - Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KPA500 amplifier: - Instead of seeing only 1 crucial reading, monitor all 7 at the same time. 1. Power amplifier's heat sink temperature 2. Power amplifier's high voltage supply voltage 3. Power amplifier's current 4. Power amplifier's output power 5. SWR that the KPA500 sees at its output 6. Displays Operate/Standby mode 7. Displays Band amp is tuned to - Digital Display Unit for KAT500: - This unit displays the front panel settings. If the tuner is in bypass or not. Displays the capacitance and inductance used. What type of circuit is used. LC or CL. SWR of both before and after a tune cycle is completed. - - Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KPA1500 amplifier: Displays the same display that is on the KPA1500 Amplifier Change the display on the KPA1500 and the display changes to show this same screen - - All of the Digital Display Units: - Display Unit can be located at a more visible location Up to the RS232 limit from unit - Easy to read 2 line display No USB or serial cable to computer No com port in Windows to manage No computer needed Plug and Play Simply connect the SUPPLIED dc power cable (with inline on/off switch) from the DDU to power supply and SUPPLIED SERIAL data jumper cable to the device Retains all functions of the front panel All displayed info obtained directly from the device - Only 4" x 4" x 2" - - For more information and ordering go to: http://www.kv5j.com/store - Reviews: https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14701 - https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14820 - - - - Keith, KV5J http://www.kv5j.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2
Jerry, What is the serial number of that K2? If below SN 3000, it likely does not have the alternate AF gain wiring. In any case, with those symptoms, replace tha AF Gain pot. Check to see if the KPA100 has the latest updates. The instructions for the KPA100UPPKT will tell you. Also check for the latest KPA100 shield. The latest shield has spring clips to ground it to the base K2 (sand the paint off the contact places) -- also check for the width of the slot above the SO239 jack, it should be narrow (a bit over 1/8 inch). If it is the older wide slot, replace the shield with the KPA100SHLDKT. You can use the K2ATOBKIT instructions to check for other upgrades - be sure to check all the mod kits that are listed on the 1st page of the ATOB instructions. Also check the markings on the crystals both on the RF Board and the KSB2 adapter - if they are maked with a "-S" suffix, they are the latest. You can check the firmware level for the base K2 easily - hold any button down while powering on and the MCU and KIO2 levels will be briefly shown in the display - the latest is 2.04r MCU and 1.09 KIO2. If you do not remember how to disassemble the K2 to get to the headphone jack, take a look at https://www.qsl.net/wy3a/Replace_K2_Headphone_Jack.htm. 73, Don W3FPR On 8/7/2021 2:05 PM, jerry wrote: All, My new K2/100 has a scratchy volume control knob. Also, it still makes noise at full CCW. I suspect that the volume control mod was not done. I'll be taking it apart to take a look. If none of the mods were done, it might make sense to just transfer the KPA100 & KAF2 to my QRP K2, which does have the mods. I already looked, and the QRP_K2 DOES have the mods for installing the QRO module. Also, the headphone jack feels a little looser on the new K2. Still works fine, just a teensy bit looser. The finger detent thing on the front of the tuning knob had come loose - I'm guessing things out hot out there in shipping. I stuck it back on, it's not going anywhere. But that gave me a thought - is there a finger detent with a bearing out there? - Jerry KF6VB - Jerry KF6VB On 2021-08-06 16:47, jerry wrote: All, I just scored a K2/100 on Ebay. It came in at noon today. Took me a while to fabricate a power cord. With inline 20A fuse, natch. The Bird says it makes over 100W. It also has the audio filter, which my K2/10 doesn't. And the ATU. Buying the K2 seemed to be the only way to get a KPA100. Sometime next week, I'll take the new K2 apart and see if it has the mods. I have put aside my Tiny Linear project for the moment, in favor of the Alpha 78... Even though the Tiny Linear got me an S9 report from *Barcelona* on 20M SSB this morning. 800W just seems like more than 65W :). The only trouble with the Alpha is that LOUD blower. I do have a new blower for it - got it back when Alpha still stocked such things - but am not sure how much quieter a new one would be. A pair of noise cancelling headphones fixes it right up though. Blower? What blower? - Jerry KF6VB __ 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 Message delivered to je...@tr2.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 Message delivered to d...@w3fpr.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2
All, My new K2/100 has a scratchy volume control knob. Also, it still makes noise at full CCW. I suspect that the volume control mod was not done. I'll be taking it apart to take a look. If none of the mods were done, it might make sense to just transfer the KPA100 & KAF2 to my QRP K2, which does have the mods. I already looked, and the QRP_K2 DOES have the mods for installing the QRO module. Also, the headphone jack feels a little looser on the new K2. Still works fine, just a teensy bit looser. The finger detent thing on the front of the tuning knob had come loose - I'm guessing things out hot out there in shipping. I stuck it back on, it's not going anywhere. But that gave me a thought - is there a finger detent with a bearing out there? - Jerry KF6VB - Jerry KF6VB On 2021-08-06 16:47, jerry wrote: All, I just scored a K2/100 on Ebay. It came in at noon today. Took me a while to fabricate a power cord. With inline 20A fuse, natch. The Bird says it makes over 100W. It also has the audio filter, which my K2/10 doesn't. And the ATU. Buying the K2 seemed to be the only way to get a KPA100. Sometime next week, I'll take the new K2 apart and see if it has the mods. I have put aside my Tiny Linear project for the moment, in favor of the Alpha 78... Even though the Tiny Linear got me an S9 report from *Barcelona* on 20M SSB this morning. 800W just seems like more than 65W :). The only trouble with the Alpha is that LOUD blower. I do have a new blower for it - got it back when Alpha still stocked such things - but am not sure how much quieter a new one would be. A pair of noise cancelling headphones fixes it right up though. Blower? What blower? - Jerry KF6VB __ 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 Message delivered to je...@tr2.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3/10 is sick and needs help!
Dick, Download either the KRX3 or KDVR3 installation instructions. I know both tell you how to remove the Front Panel assembly. That will tell not only how to remove the assembly, but just removing and re-instaling the Front Panel may wipe the pins enough to remove any oxidation and restore proper operation. If tin pins, ask support@elecraft for the gold front panel pins. The old tin pins are not difficult to remove if you work on one pin at a time - remove the plastic separator, cutting it if you have to, then remove the pins one at a time. Clean up with solder wick, and if solder remains in the holes, heat the solder pad and push it out with a wooden toothpick. 73, Don W3FPR On 8/7/2021 1:48 AM, RVZ via Elecraft wrote: Hi Guys, I received a used K3/10 this week via UPS Ground and it arrived sick. The radio looks "Like New" even though it's an older unit: Serial 822. Perhaps the radio has the front panel "tin pin" problem? I'd appreciate you reviewing the following symptoms and let me know if you have any suggestions. Things that work: POWER button turns the radio on/off and the front panel Display lights and displays multiple items including Frequency. AF control turns the volume up/down. VFO A and VFO B knobs change frequency. Receives signals well, S-meter works fine, and CW stations have a nice clear tone. Things that don't work: the BAND, MENU, DISP as pressing these have no action. However, pressing some front panel buttons cause the wrong function, such as: pressing the XMIT button turns the PRE on/off and holding down the XMIT button turns on the ATT. Similarly, pressing the ATU button on/off switches the AGC from Fast/Slow. I once had a K3 get sick after being shipped cross country and the solution was to Reset the radio through the recommended Initialization process. However, I haven't been able to do an Initialization of this K3/10 because "pressing and holding down the SHIFT/LO button while pressing the POWER button" as the Manual instructs doesn't Initialize the radio as it should. __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Please evaluate LiFePo4 battery/charger choice
On 8/7/2021 5:31 AM, John Harper wrote: I'm a Bioenno fan, I've been using their batteries for 7 years. A 100Ah battery has been running my station for five years. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and P3 for sale, UK ***Sold***
Early serial number K3, complete with 2nd RX module. Front panel and PA plugs/sockets have been upgraded to gold plated and all applicable official mods done. In full working order. The radio comprises the following roofing filters and modules: 2 x 2.8 KHz, 2 x 400 Hz, 1 x 6 KHz, 1 x 250 Hz (all 8 pole, Elecraft) 2 x KSYN3A upgraded low noise synths KTCXO-3 (Elecraft) KAT3 (ATU) 1 x KBPF3 (general coverage) KXV3 (transverter interface) KRX3 (sub receiver) KDVR3 (digital voice recorder) P3 (pan adapter includes cables) Advanced Receiver Research P50VDG 6m 0.5 dB NF GaAsFET preamp £1600 Prefer buyer inspects and collects. Located nr J38, M62, East Yorkshire 73 Dave G4AON -- Sent from my iPhone SE __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 Please evaluate LiFePo4 battery/charger choice
I'm a Bioenno fan, having recently purchased a 12AH that has more than its advertised capacity: http://ae5x.blogspot.com/2021/03/pleasantly-surprised-with-bioennos-12v.html Note that in the comments, others mention similar results. John AE5X __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Please evaluate LiFePo4 battery/charger choice
A few years ago I picked up a couple of the Hobbyking LiFePO4 packs, and a couple friends of mine did also. Every one puffed after some months despite being properly balance charged, not overdischarged, and not really used very hard. They continued to operate, but they were clearly outgassing. I've had many, many Hobbyking Lithium Ion packs without this problem, only the LiFePO4 seemed to suffer in this way. That was a few years ago, so perhaps it's not the same now. As was noted there's no BMS which means a balancing charger is needed, and extreme care to not overdischarge them. A small per-cell meter would be important to monitor the cell voltages periodically. Many folks report good results from the Dakota and Miady LiFePO4 batteries, as well as the Bioenno of course. Miady overstates their capacity and current ratings, so more reasonable data should be used. I've just graphed a Miady 8AH discharge (Amazon $35), and it puts out a solid 7 amp hours rather than the rated 8. Right now I'm graphing a Bioenno 6AH that's less than 2 years old and it just stopped at under 4.6 amp hours out of it's rated 6 (testing at 10 hour rate). You don't really want to run them fully out anyway, so expect about 80% of the rated amp hours and value accordingly. I also ordered some Bioenno in May for Field Day and am still waiting, so apparently they are having supply problems like many others. The Miady came a bit out of balance, letting them sit on the charger for a day or two will allow the BMS board to balance them which increases useable capacity. Clearly when selling a LifePO4 battery at these low prices they can't spend too much time on them, so the final QC is left to the buyer. It's easy to return Amazon items so charge them and check their voltage and amp-hour capacity, or buy more expensive brands that do more testing for you. The two Miady batteries I've tested seem to have 85% of their rated capacity out of the box, but their cost is about 35-40% of the brand names. Even the brand names don't always reach label capacity. I use Bioenno for the high current loads but for lower current items perhaps the lower cost battery is a good budget choice. Test it during the return period and see if you agree. There are quite a few Miady (and other) reviews on utoob, most who actually use them for awhile have had decent results. 73 de w6akb On Sat, Nov 16, 2013 at 9:57 AM Esquer Dave wrote: > Hello Arno, > > I just picked up 2 of these 13.2v, 4200mAh LiFePo batteries from > HobbyKing. So far, they are working great. I retired my SLA 12v, 5Ah > battery too. Twice the amp-hours at 1/2 the weight. They run at 13.2 volts, > so portable I can run the 12 watts for a bit. > http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=14067 > > They are in the US Warehouse too, no shipping from China. > > This guy turned me onto them: > > http://www.worldwidedx.com/hf-bands-hf-rigs/143215-ultimate-portable-power-elecraft-kx3.html > > At $46.00 each, a good deal in my pocketbook! > > Dave, K6WDE > > More static, more of the time … > > Dave Esquer, K6WDE > dave.esq...@gmail.com > http://www.daveesquer.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
