My question kinda tags onto KB9MQU's question about a SAR tracker. I'm struggling with how to power the T2-301's that I purchased. I have some 3.2 AH AGM lead-acid batteries that came out of fire alarm panels. They do a great job of powering a T2-301 and will run for hours with a 60-second beacon rate using compressed beacons. Unfortunately, they are heavy and bulky.
I remember that Scott showed a compact tracker using the T2-301 at Dayton last year. I believe his demo unit was powered with an AA battery pack. And that's where I run into a dilemma. Duracell alkaline AA cells are rated at 1.5 volts and around 2800 mAH (is this number correct?). An 8-cell pack would give me 12 volts. I have found 8-cell AA battery holders that are 2 cells by 2 cells by 2 cells long and holders that are 4 cells by 2 cells by 1 cell long. If I could find holder that's a flat pack (8 cells side-by-side) it would be fairly easy to package along with a T2-301. Sanyo has NiMH AA cells that are rated at 1.2 volts and around 2700 mAH. An 8-cell pack would only provide 9.6 volts, so I think the power output from the T2-301 would suffer. I could wire two 6-cell packs in series and get 14.4 volts. Is this overkill? What's the better choice? I like the idea of using alkaline cells because I can buy them anywhere and don't have to mess with a charger. I don't like the idea of tossing used alkaline cells in the trash, though. What does the group think? Bob...
