Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Eric Norris]

Use a fly fishing knot on those slippery wires to tie them to a small
insulator.  My late friend Neal WA6OCP (SK) used to buy these perfect
spools he called "offshore fishing line spools."   They were maybe 8" in
diameter, but very thin--perfect for winding up slick, slinky wire for
temporary QRP antennas.  I have no idea where he got them


73 Eric WD6DBM

On Tue, Oct 5, 2021, 3:34 PM Julia Tuttle  wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
> pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.
>
> I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
> temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
> I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:
>
> 1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
> without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
> girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
> ideas?
> 2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
> https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
> termination there.
>
> Thanks and 73,
>
> Julie
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Eric Norris]

I dunno about smoke detector batts, BUT--in my extensive tests with
rechargeable v. non-rechargeable CR123A batts for Arlo cameras, the
non-rechargeable ones last twice as long.  I hate to generate the excess
waste, but hauling my degraded carcass up a ladder twice as often while
alone and afraid :-) isn't worth it any more.

73 Eric WD6DBM

On Tue, Oct 5, 2021, 1:22 PM jerry  wrote:

> I have a related questions about batteries discharging... Not really
> about ham radio, all please feel free
> to delete...
>
>We have a *lot* of smoke detectors.  They are the kind that runs off
> the AC, but each one has a backup
> battery.  The other day, one started beeping...and beeping...and
> beeping.  That momentary beep that says
> "change my battery!".
>
>   Amazon couldn't get me batteries the same day.  And the beeping makes
> it hard to sleep.  So I went to the garage
>   and got one of a set of rechargeable lithium 9V
> rectangulars that I had bought for test equipment - DMMs and such.
>
>The old battery in the smoke detector was 7.88V.  The lithium - 9.4.
> Installed it...and no beeps!
>
>It's tempting to just load all the detectors with lithiums.  The
> alkalines last a couple years.  Maybe a fully-charged
> lithium would last as long... and then you recharge it?  If so, they'd
> be a good deal.  If OTOH they only last a couple months,
> that's NOT a good deal, because I'd have to get out the ladder etc every
> time.
>
>??
> - Jerry KF6VB
>
>
>
>
> On 2021-10-05 11:08, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> > Eddy,
> >
> > The most likely answer is that your batteries are self discharging.
> > NiMH batteries will do that, although there are low self discharge
> > batteries available that you should look into.
> >
> > 73,
> > Don W3FPR
> >
> > On 10/4/2021 11:14 PM, Eddy - k6sdw wrote:
> >>   I have a KX3 with the KXBC3 Nimh charger and Nimh batteries
> >> installed. My
> >> question is: What's the current drain on the NICADS when I store the
> >> KX3
> >> for long periods of time? The KX3 is primarily used for portable
> >> operation
> >> and when I put the KX3 on the bench the batteries are dead needing
> >> recharging. I wonder if I should pull on AA battery out during
> >> storage?
> >>
> >>
> >
> > __
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> > Message delivered to je...@tr2.com
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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[N9DTT via Elecraft]

There's a lot of creative ways to do the loop that all work pretty well.  One I 
have used is to just form a loop by folding the wire back on itself and anchor 
the loop in place with an appropriate sized piece of adhesive lined shrink 
tube.  Depending on how you fashion the shrink tube it can act as a bit of a 
mechanical fuse to pull out when the wire gets snagged or tripped over.  It 
helps when the banana plug is at the wrong angle to pull out.

—
Rob
N9DTT

Sent with ProtonMail Secure Email.

‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐

On Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 at 5:33 PM, Julia Tuttle  
wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
>
> pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.
>
> I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
>
> temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:
>
> 1.  What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
>
> without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
>
> girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
>
> ideas?
> 2.  How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
>
> https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
>
> termination there.
>
> Thanks and 73,
>
> Julie
>
> 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 n9...@protonmail.com
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[Elecraft] KAT500 firmware Beta 02.04, KAT500 Utility, and programming reference updated.

[Dick Dievendorff]

We have just placed KAT500 firmware Beta version 02.04 and an updated KAT500 
Utility and KAT500 Serial Command reference on our web site.

Firmware   & Software – Elecraft

Please send comments to supp...@elecraft.com   
with KAT500 in the subject line.

Thanks to Andy, K3WYC, for his assistance during this effort.

73 de Dick, K6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Brian Hunt]

I just wind a figure-8 between my thumb and little finger and tie the bundle 
with a twist tie. Spade lug on one end and small weight on the other. 25 ft is 
about the longest this works for. 

72,
Brian, K0DTJ
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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Byron Servies]

Hi,

The smallest wire rope thimble you can find (home depot has tiny ones)
and a little bit of the wire sized just under the thimble size. I
don't use the nuts that come with the thimble, usually, but instead
get copper split-bolt splice nuts.

The little bit of extra wire provides the purchase for the nuts and
the thimble is a nice hard connection point.

73, Byron N6NUL

On Tue, Oct 5, 2021 at 3:35 PM Julia Tuttle  wrote:
>
> Hi folks,
>
> I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
> pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.
>
> I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
> temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
> I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:
>
> 1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
> without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
> girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
> ideas?
> 2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
> https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
> termination there.
>
> Thanks and 73,
>
> Julie
> __
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> Message delivered to by...@n6nul.org



-- 
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the Cal QSO Party 2-3 Oct 2021
- www.cqp.org
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[Elecraft] K3 and Expert 1.3

[Bob McGraw]

I'm really surprised that hams would expect ALC to be used to control 
power in any manner.  Yes, it can control power to some small limit.   
It is intended to, in general,  prevent amplifier damage in the event of 
a load failure or minor exciter spike or moment of excessive drive.    
But to expect one to dump the transceiver output into the input of an 
amp and expect to have ALC control the power.that's old ham 
lore.  Not very smart operation either.


In the past I've used the ALC output of my KPA500 back to my K3S with 
ALC active.   Used correctly and monitored on the K3S, you'd never know 
that ALC was in the control path.    On the other hand, for those that 
must make that DX contact, set all knobs to the right and let the ALC 
handle the rest, that really makes a mess on the band.   Sounds like 
crap too.


Although the KPA500 is a bit less power than the Expert 1.3, there is no 
relay clicking when running full QSK and no fan noise.  I'm through with 
big noisy amp relays and with wind tunnel cooling systems.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/5/2021 5:58 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

Message: 1
Date: Mon,  4 Oct 2021 16:15:02 -0400
From: Bill Frantz
To: Mike March
Cc:elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and Expert 1.3
Message-ID:



Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

I have used an Expert 1.3K amp for several years with my
upgraded K3. The short form is it works well. I got it when my
wife won a $1000 off certificate. I knew this amp was a popular
choice of many DXpeditions, and so worked well with the K3s they
used and was reasonably reliable. When I got my amp, I also
ordered a custom cable for the K3 which was delivered in the
same shipment as the amp.

I am careful to not depend on the ALC to control exciter power,
but instead set the output power on the K3 to the right level to
get the output power I want from the amp. I believe this
procedure will result in a cleaner signal.

I am thinking about replacing it with an Elecraft amp for two reasons:

Full break in CW produces a lot of relay clicking. The
Elecraft amps use
PIN diodes.

The level of integration between the exciter (K3) and the amp
is much
better. I can have my K3 operate at 100W when the amp is
offline and at
whatever drives the amp to the right power level when the amp
is online
with automatic switching.

Cheers - Bill, AE6jV



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Re: [Elecraft] Internal KX3 batteries

[Howard Zehr]

Some of you may be interested in my solution to internal LifePO4 batteries for 
the KX3.
https://k4lxycw.wixsite.com/blog/post/internal-lifepo4-batteries-for-the-kx3 

73 Howard K4LXY

Howard Zehr
K4LXY
Radio blog:  https://k4lxycw.wixsite.com/blog/blog

Photo gallery: www.howardzehr.com







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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Gary Memory]

I use extension cord winders (orange in color, from Home Depot, rectangle
in shape, about 10 - 12 inches long.  Sorry, O can't recall the official
name).  As for the roped ends, I use glass insulators to fluorescent yellow
or fluorescent orange para-cord...about 50 feet worth on each end in order
to meet most total distances between trees, buildings or otherwise.  I also
keep a number of wire ties, velcro straps, small carabiners etc in the
"kit".  Not sure if this helps.

Gary, N7BRJ


On Tue, Oct 5, 2021 at 6:34 PM Julia Tuttle  wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
> pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.
>
> I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
> temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
> I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:
>
> 1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
> without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
> girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
> ideas?
> 2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
> https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
> termination there.
>
> Thanks and 73,
>
> Julie
> __
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>
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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Rich WC3T]

There’s a reason arborists call it “slick line.”   

> On Oct 5, 2021, at 19:05, Walter Underwood  wrote:
> 
> I looped the wire and taped it with electrical tape.
> 
> For winding, I use the SOTAbeams midi winders. They are the same length as my 
> KX3. I tried camping clothesline reels, but they would bind and it just took 
> too danged long to wind them up.
> 
> https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/midi-winders/ 
> 
> 
> For rope into trees, arborist throw line is great. It is lightweight and 
> specifically designed to not get stuck in trees.
> 
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
> 
>> On Oct 5, 2021, at 3:33 PM, Julia Tuttle  wrote:
>> 
>> Hi folks,
>> 
>> I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
>> pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.
>> 
>> I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
>> temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
>> I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:
>> 
>> 1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
>> without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
>> girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
>> ideas?
>> 2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
>> https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
>> termination there.
>> 
>> Thanks and 73,
>> 
>> Julie
>> __
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> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Walter Underwood]

I looped the wire and taped it with electrical tape.

For winding, I use the SOTAbeams midi winders. They are the same length as my 
KX3. I tried camping clothesline reels, but they would bind and it just took 
too danged long to wind them up.

https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/midi-winders/ 


For rope into trees, arborist throw line is great. It is lightweight and 
specifically designed to not get stuck in trees.

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Oct 5, 2021, at 3:33 PM, Julia Tuttle  wrote:
> 
> Hi folks,
> 
> I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
> pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.
> 
> I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
> temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
> I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:
> 
> 1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
> without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
> girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
> ideas?
> 2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
> https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
> termination there.
> 
> Thanks and 73,
> 
> Julie
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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Steve KC6ZKT]

I went with two non-resonant lengths (1). Depending on the band I'm 
working, one acts as the radiator, and the other as the counterpoise. I 
chose 23' and 39'.


I installed banana plugs on the radio end, and tied a bowline hitch (2) 
on the far ends. I also carry additional 1.5mm nylon braided cord and a 
couple of tiny plastic carabiners if I need to tie off the end of the 
antenna somewhere.


I'm happy with small kite winders (3). If you don't have a kite shop 
near you, you can get them from SotaBeams in the UK, and I think DX 
Engineering in the USA sells them as well.


1) Non-resonant antenna calculator: https://k7mem.com/Ant_End_Fed.html
2) Bowline hitch: https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/bowline
3) Kite winders: https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/midi-winders/


On 10/5/21 15:33, Julia Tuttle wrote:

Hi folks,

I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.

I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:

1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
ideas?
2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
termination there.

Thanks and 73,

Julie

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[Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Julia Tuttle]

Hi folks,

I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.

I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:

1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
ideas?
2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
termination there.

Thanks and 73,

Julie
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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Josh Fiden]

You’re supposed to replace the smoke detectors every 10 years because they lose 
sensitivity. In my experience, 9v alkalines in the AC powered models last 
nearly that long. I assume it’s just the shelf life of the battery. 

73
Josh W6XU

Sent from my mobile device

> On Oct 5, 2021, at 1:22 PM, jerry  wrote:
> 
> I have a related questions about batteries discharging... Not really about 
> ham radio, all please feel free
> to delete...
> 
>  We have a *lot* of smoke detectors.  They are the kind that runs off the AC, 
> but each one has a backup
> battery.  The other day, one started beeping...and beeping...and beeping.  
> That momentary beep that says
> "change my battery!".
> 
> Amazon couldn't get me batteries the same day.  And the beeping makes it hard 
> to sleep.  So I went to the garage
> and got one of a set of rechargeable lithium 9V
> rectangulars that I had bought for test equipment - DMMs and such.
> 
>  The old battery in the smoke detector was 7.88V.  The lithium - 9.4.  
> Installed it...and no beeps!
> 
>  It's tempting to just load all the detectors with lithiums.  The alkalines 
> last a couple years.  Maybe a fully-charged
> lithium would last as long... and then you recharge it?  If so, they'd be a 
> good deal.  If OTOH they only last a couple months,
> that's NOT a good deal, because I'd have to get out the ladder etc every time.
> 
>  ??
>   - Jerry KF6VB

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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Mike Short]

Get regular 9v batteries and change them when you set your clocks to/from
daylight savings time

On Tue, Oct 5, 2021 at 16:07 Julia Tuttle  wrote:

> I'm using Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries in my smoke detectors and so
> far they seem to last a long time.
>
> One risk is that their discharge curve is higher and flatter than alkaline
> and then drops precipitously at the end of their lifetime. Fortunately
> yours are hard-wired, so they should still be able to warn you.
>
> I'd say just try it and see how long it lasts -- surely batteries vary in
> shelf life and detectors vary in current draw.
>
> 73,
>
> Julie
>
> On Tue, Oct 5, 2021, 16:22 jerry  wrote:
>
> > I have a related questions about batteries discharging... Not really
> > about ham radio, all please feel free
> > to delete...
> >
> >We have a *lot* of smoke detectors.  They are the kind that runs off
> > the AC, but each one has a backup
> > battery.  The other day, one started beeping...and beeping...and
> > beeping.  That momentary beep that says
> > "change my battery!".
> >
> >   Amazon couldn't get me batteries the same day.  And the beeping makes
> > it hard to sleep.  So I went to the garage
> >   and got one of a set of rechargeable lithium 9V
> > rectangulars that I had bought for test equipment - DMMs and such.
> >
> >The old battery in the smoke detector was 7.88V.  The lithium - 9.4.
> > Installed it...and no beeps!
> >
> >It's tempting to just load all the detectors with lithiums.  The
> > alkalines last a couple years.  Maybe a fully-charged
> > lithium would last as long... and then you recharge it?  If so, they'd
> > be a good deal.  If OTOH they only last a couple months,
> > that's NOT a good deal, because I'd have to get out the ladder etc every
> > time.
> >
> >??
> > - Jerry KF6VB
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On 2021-10-05 11:08, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> > > Eddy,
> > >
> > > The most likely answer is that your batteries are self discharging.
> > > NiMH batteries will do that, although there are low self discharge
> > > batteries available that you should look into.
> > >
> > > 73,
> > > Don W3FPR
> > >
> > > On 10/4/2021 11:14 PM, Eddy - k6sdw wrote:
> > >>   I have a KX3 with the KXBC3 Nimh charger and Nimh batteries
> > >> installed. My
> > >> question is: What's the current drain on the NICADS when I store the
> > >> KX3
> > >> for long periods of time? The KX3 is primarily used for portable
> > >> operation
> > >> and when I put the KX3 on the bench the batteries are dead needing
> > >> recharging. I wonder if I should pull on AA battery out during
> > >> storage?
> > >>
> > >>
> > >
> > > __
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> > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Julia Tuttle]

I'm using Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries in my smoke detectors and so
far they seem to last a long time.

One risk is that their discharge curve is higher and flatter than alkaline
and then drops precipitously at the end of their lifetime. Fortunately
yours are hard-wired, so they should still be able to warn you.

I'd say just try it and see how long it lasts -- surely batteries vary in
shelf life and detectors vary in current draw.

73,

Julie

On Tue, Oct 5, 2021, 16:22 jerry  wrote:

> I have a related questions about batteries discharging... Not really
> about ham radio, all please feel free
> to delete...
>
>We have a *lot* of smoke detectors.  They are the kind that runs off
> the AC, but each one has a backup
> battery.  The other day, one started beeping...and beeping...and
> beeping.  That momentary beep that says
> "change my battery!".
>
>   Amazon couldn't get me batteries the same day.  And the beeping makes
> it hard to sleep.  So I went to the garage
>   and got one of a set of rechargeable lithium 9V
> rectangulars that I had bought for test equipment - DMMs and such.
>
>The old battery in the smoke detector was 7.88V.  The lithium - 9.4.
> Installed it...and no beeps!
>
>It's tempting to just load all the detectors with lithiums.  The
> alkalines last a couple years.  Maybe a fully-charged
> lithium would last as long... and then you recharge it?  If so, they'd
> be a good deal.  If OTOH they only last a couple months,
> that's NOT a good deal, because I'd have to get out the ladder etc every
> time.
>
>??
> - Jerry KF6VB
>
>
>
>
> On 2021-10-05 11:08, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> > Eddy,
> >
> > The most likely answer is that your batteries are self discharging.
> > NiMH batteries will do that, although there are low self discharge
> > batteries available that you should look into.
> >
> > 73,
> > Don W3FPR
> >
> > On 10/4/2021 11:14 PM, Eddy - k6sdw wrote:
> >>   I have a KX3 with the KXBC3 Nimh charger and Nimh batteries
> >> installed. My
> >> question is: What's the current drain on the NICADS when I store the
> >> KX3
> >> for long periods of time? The KX3 is primarily used for portable
> >> operation
> >> and when I put the KX3 on the bench the batteries are dead needing
> >> recharging. I wonder if I should pull on AA battery out during
> >> storage?
> >>
> >>
> >
> > __
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> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> >
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> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to je...@tr2.com
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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[jerry]

I have a related questions about batteries discharging... Not really 
about ham radio, all please feel free

to delete...

  We have a *lot* of smoke detectors.  They are the kind that runs off 
the AC, but each one has a backup
battery.  The other day, one started beeping...and beeping...and 
beeping.  That momentary beep that says

"change my battery!".

 Amazon couldn't get me batteries the same day.  And the beeping makes 
it hard to sleep.  So I went to the garage

 and got one of a set of rechargeable lithium 9V
rectangulars that I had bought for test equipment - DMMs and such.

  The old battery in the smoke detector was 7.88V.  The lithium - 9.4.  
Installed it...and no beeps!


  It's tempting to just load all the detectors with lithiums.  The 
alkalines last a couple years.  Maybe a fully-charged
lithium would last as long... and then you recharge it?  If so, they'd 
be a good deal.  If OTOH they only last a couple months,
that's NOT a good deal, because I'd have to get out the ladder etc every 
time.


  ??
   - Jerry KF6VB




On 2021-10-05 11:08, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Eddy,

The most likely answer is that your batteries are self discharging. 
NiMH batteries will do that, although there are low self discharge
batteries available that you should look into.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/4/2021 11:14 PM, Eddy - k6sdw wrote:
  I have a KX3 with the KXBC3 Nimh charger and Nimh batteries 
installed. My
question is: What's the current drain on the NICADS when I store the 
KX3
for long periods of time? The KX3 is primarily used for portable 
operation

and when I put the KX3 on the bench the batteries are dead needing
recharging. I wonder if I should pull on AA battery out during 
storage?





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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Gwen Patton]

Ah, sorry about that, I saw the all caps and that pulled my attention from
the lower case nimh.

I used to keep Eneloop Pro NIMH batteries in my KX3, until I had a problem
updating the firmware. It got into a stuck condition where the radio
wouldn't allow another firmware upload unless the power was totally
disconnected for a short period of time. It kept automatically switching to
batteries, not allowing the error condition to clear.

I solved it by removing the batteries. I have good external battery power,
and I usually leave it on external power. I think those Eneloops are in my
electric saxophone now.

73,
Gwen, NG3P

On Tue, Oct 5, 2021, 11:58 AM Raymond Sills  wrote:

> I think he made a typo... he said in the first sentence that he had NiMH
> cells installed.  But, maybe he meant Nicad.  As usual, we all need to read
> the fine manual.
>
> I recall Wayne mentioning that NiMH cells can tolerate a long recharge
> setting, so you don't have to worry about overcharging them.  I use Eneloop
> cells, and they work just fine.
>
> 73 de Ray
> K2ULR
> KX3 #211
>
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Gwen Patton 
> To: Elecraft 
> Sent: Tue, Oct 5, 2021 12:25 am
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question
>
> Docs call for Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, not Nickel Cadmium. I don't
> think the internal charger is designed for NICAD batteries. Unless you're
> using a separate charger?
>
> 73,
> Gwen, NG3P
>
> On Mon, Oct 4, 2021, 11:16 PM Eddy - k6sdw  wrote:
>
> >  I have a KX3 with the KXBC3 Nimh charger and Nimh batteries installed.
> My
> > question is: What's the current drain on the NICADS when I store the KX3
> > for long periods of time? The KX3 is primarily used for portable
> operation
> > and when I put the KX3 on the bench the batteries are dead needing
> > recharging. I wonder if I should pull on AA battery out during storage?
> >
> > Many thanks
> >
> > GL/73
> >
> > Ed/k6sdw
> > __
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>
> >
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[Elecraft] SSB Net for Sunday 10-3-2021

[Eric Lanzl]

I am re submitting the log for last Sunday as it seems my computer left off 
some stations. Here is the revised list:
Eric WB9JNZ


WB9JNZ  Eric   IL  YaesuFT  DX101D      
   Net Control

NC0JW    Jim    CO    KX3  1356     
   RelayStation 

AE6JV Bill    NH    K3 6299     
   RelayStation

N6JW   John  CA    K3 936   
   

N6PGQ    Bob   CA    K3 5891    
    

W1NGA   Al  CO    KX2  2002     
   

AB7CE Roy   MT    K2/100  40    
    

KO5V  Jim    NM   K2/100  7225      
  

AL5M  DAVE   TX    KX3  1195    
    

NS7P    Phil    OR    K3 1826   
 RelayStation

WM6P  Steve GA    K3S   11453   
   RelayStation

K9QJS  Hoop WA   K3/ KX3  6884 / 7952   
    

NS4V   David    NC    K3 3564   
 

KC0EMO Kevin    IA K3 561   
   

W4DML   Doug TN    K3 6433      
  

K8NU  Carl   OH    YaesuFT  101DX   
 

K7JG    John  WA   KX3  3519    
    

K7BRR    Bill    AZ    YaesuFT  DX 101  
 

N4NRW   Roger    SC K3 1318     
   

W9EJB Ed IN K3 1593     
   

W5TN  Dave TX    Collins KWM 2  30L1
 

K6VWE   Stan   MI K4 193    
  

N8SBE Dave MI K3S   11361   
   

ZL1PWD  Peter  NZ    K3 139 
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Don Wilhelm]

Eddy,

The most likely answer is that your batteries are self discharging.  
NiMH batteries will do that, although there are low self discharge 
batteries available that you should look into.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/4/2021 11:14 PM, Eddy - k6sdw wrote:

  I have a KX3 with the KXBC3 Nimh charger and Nimh batteries installed. My
question is: What's the current drain on the NICADS when I store the KX3
for long periods of time? The KX3 is primarily used for portable operation
and when I put the KX3 on the bench the batteries are dead needing
recharging. I wonder if I should pull on AA battery out during storage?




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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Walter Underwood]

From the instructions:

"Only a few microamperes of current are required to keep the clock running when 
the KX3 is off. This is supplied by either the external power supply or the 
internal batteries.”

https://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/Manuals%20Downloads/E740167%20Elecraft%20KXBC3%20Installation%20and%20Operation%20Rev%20B1.pdf
 


The self-discharge of NiMH batteries will probably be higher than the clock 
current.

What kind of batteries? Eneloop Pro batteries are low self-discharge, with 85% 
of charge after one year of storage. High-capacity NiMH batteries (often 2700 
mAh or higher) can have higher self-discharge rates. 

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Oct 4, 2021, at 9:25 PM, Gwen Patton  wrote:
> 
> Docs call for Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, not Nickel Cadmium. I don't
> think the internal charger is designed for NICAD batteries. Unless you're
> using a separate charger?
> 
> 73,
> Gwen, NG3P
> 
> On Mon, Oct 4, 2021, 11:16 PM Eddy - k6sdw  wrote:
> 
>> I have a KX3 with the KXBC3 Nimh charger and Nimh batteries installed. My
>> question is: What's the current drain on the NICADS when I store the KX3
>> for long periods of time? The KX3 is primarily used for portable operation
>> and when I put the KX3 on the bench the batteries are dead needing
>> recharging. I wonder if I should pull on AA battery out during storage?
>> 
>> Many thanks
>> 
>> GL/73
>> 
>> Ed/k6sdw
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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Gwen Patton]

Docs call for Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, not Nickel Cadmium. I don't
think the internal charger is designed for NICAD batteries. Unless you're
using a separate charger?

73,
Gwen, NG3P

On Mon, Oct 4, 2021, 11:16 PM Eddy - k6sdw  wrote:

>  I have a KX3 with the KXBC3 Nimh charger and Nimh batteries installed. My
> question is: What's the current drain on the NICADS when I store the KX3
> for long periods of time? The KX3 is primarily used for portable operation
> and when I put the KX3 on the bench the batteries are dead needing
> recharging. I wonder if I should pull on AA battery out during storage?
>
> Many thanks
>
> GL/73
>
> Ed/k6sdw
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Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: KX3 lithium ion polymer internal battery

[KD8NNU Don]

I live 5 miles as a crow flies from downtown Hell MI.   Yes it freezes over.

KD8NNU
Don

-Original Message- 
From: Ken B via Elecraft

Sent: Monday, October 4, 2021 8:16 PM
To: k6dg...@gmail.com ; je...@tr2.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: KX3 lithium ion polymer internal battery

No thanks.  Far worse than Hell MI.

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

 On Mon, Oct 4, 2021 at 7:53 PM, Skip Jensen wrote: 
No, I have not been to Hell MI, although I did do a year remote in the 
northern interior of AK at the Arctic Circle while in the Air Force.  Froze 
there from early Oct to early May.  Had 11 days below -65F ... when it 
finally warmed up to -30F, it felt like field jacket wx rather than parkas.


73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 10/4/2021 4:17 PM, Ken B wrote:


Well you have not been to Hell Michigan.  I can 100% confirm it freezes over 
yearly


Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android



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[Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 EC2 Combo to ICOM 705

[Robin Tew]

Hi All

Many thanks for the replies.
I guess it's back to the drawing board, was hoping for the magic bullet .

Many thanks
Robin G4JDO



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