Recently I replaced my KX3 with a KX2. I really liked the KX3 but for my current uses, I wanted something more compact and with an internal battery that was chargeable in place. I couldn’t really justify having both radios.
The new internal KXBT2 Li-ion internal battery pack is said to last up to 8 hours, but I’m guessing that’s at 5W. I usually run 10W in order to make it as easy to copy on the other end as possible: I’m a ragchewer, not a “599 and 73” op. So I wanted an external battery as backup power and/or charger.
The “Croc”, designed and built by my friend Jim KD2ZVM, (see earlier blog entry) to run the KX3 at a full 15W and would serve nicely but is bigger than necessary. Jim suggested another of his designs, a small but powerful pack that seems more size-appropriate for the KX2 and a compact go-pack. He calls it the “Ninja” and it too was designed to run the KX3 at full power.
Note that the cell camera obscured the battery voltage reading.
The Ninja contains five 18350 3.7v 1400 mAh lithium batteries. Like the Croc, it has a built-in buck converter provides the adjusted voltage and is well-shielded against RFI. Digital volt meters monitor overall battery voltage and output voltage. The Ninja, however, includes two USB connections in case I want to charge my phone. My version has a short pigtail with a barrel connector for the KX2.
The pack can be charged without removing the batteries using a suitable 21v 1A lithium-ion charger.
Croc and Ninja side-by-side
I have not had a chance to field test it yet but since the weather is getting warmer, I should soon and plan to post an update. Given my experience with the Croc and Jim’s extensive testing of the Ninja, I have no doubt it will work well.
For more information on these packs, See Jim’s website: www.mediadogg.com
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