Elecraft KBT2 User Manual
E L E C R A F T K B T 2 I N T E R N A L B A T T E R Y O P T I O N
Installation and Operating Instructions
Revision A, July 19, 1999. Copyright © 1999, Elecraft; All Rights Reserved
Introduction
The KBT2 rechargeable battery option allows convenient operation of the Elecraft K2 transceiver during
power outages or in the field, without the need to connect an external battery. The 2.9 amp-hour battery can
handle the K2’s full 10-12 W maximum power output, although QRP levels (5 W or less) will provide
greater battery life. When a suitable power supply is connected to the K2 (14.0 V), the battery can be
recharged whether the rig is in use or turned off.
The internal battery kit includes a recessed battery-disable switch. This switch must be set to the OFF
position whenever an external battery is used, as well as when the K2 is transported. For protection from
shorts or polarity reversal of the internal battery, the K2 includes a self-resetting fuse and shunt diode.
Conservatively-rated components and gold-plated connectors are used to insure reliable operation under
field conditions. To provide physical stability, the battery is held firmly in place in the top cover of the K2
by a custom .060” aluminum bracket.
Specifications
1
Battery
Type PowerSonic PS-1229, 2.9 AH sealed rechargeable lead-acid
Dimensions 7.01 x 1.34 x 2.52 inches (178 x 34 x 64 mm)
Life >5 years (standby/float service, with occasional full discharge)
Temp. range –10 to 50° C (14 to 122° F)
Charging Requirements
Voltage 13.8-14.2 VDC measured at K2's DC power jack (J3)
Time 12-16 hours typ. depending on discharge condition
Operating time
Receive-only >20 hours (receive current = 150 mA or less)
Transceive 6-12 hours typ. (150 mA receive, 5 W transmit, transmit duty cycle 20%)
Weight 2.5 lbs. (1.1 kg) including battery, bracket, and all components
1
Battery not included in model KBT2-X.
Installation
CAUTION: The battery is supplied charged. To prevent shorts during assembly, cover the (+)
terminal of the battery with tape immediately after removing it from the shipping box.
Identify all of the components in the kit using the parts list below. If anything is missing or damaged,
contact Elecraft.
Qty Description Part Number, Source
1 2.9 AH rechargeable battery PS-1229, PowerSonic
1 K2 internal battery bracket 100077, Elecraft
1 SPST power slide switch V701-13-SS-05-Q, C & K
1 2-pin male header, 0.156” (4 mm), gold WM5224, Digikey
1 2-pin female housing, 0.156” (4 mm), gold WM2111, Digikey
2 crimp pin, gold WM2305, Digikey
1 shottky diode, 5 A SB530CT-ND, Digikey
1 Resistor, 6.2 ohm, 2 W, 5% P6.2W-2BK-ND, Digikey
2 FASTON terminal A0907, Digikey
1' (30 cm) 20 AWG stranded wire, black C2040B, Digikey
2' (60 cm) 20 AWG stranded wire, red C2040R, Digikey
4 3” (8 cm) cable tie RP101, Digikey
4” (10 cm) Heat-shrink tubing, 0.25” (6.4 mm) OD CP014, Digikey
2 0.25” (6.4 mm) 4-40 thd hex M/F standoff 8714K, Digikey
2 4-40 x 3/8” (9.5 mm) machine screw, black Olander
2 4-40 x 1/4” (6 mm) machine screw, black Olander
2 #4 internal-tooth lock washer Olander
2 4-40 hex nut Olander
1 Foam pad, .050 x 2 x 6” (0.13 x 5 x 15 cm) Elecraft
2
Turn the K2 off and disconnect any power supply or battery connected to the DC power jack (J3).
Remove the six screws identified in Figure 1 from the K2 top cover, then remove the cover itself. Note
that screws #3 and 4 are removed from the side panels, leaving two 2-D fasteners attached to the top cover.
12
34
56
Figure 1
Disconnect the speaker.
There are two extra screws, nuts, and lock washers in the top cover between the speaker and the rear
panel. Remove these now. They will be used to secure the battery bracket.
Remove the bottom cover.
Install and solder the 2-pin male header at P3, as shown by its outline on the right-hand edge of the RF
board. P3 must be oriented so that its plastic polarizing tab is towards the front panel.
If you have a field-test version of the K2 (revision XC), you’ll need to install the self-resetting fuse
and shunt diode. A separate instruction sheet has been provided for this modification.
3
Switch
Battery
Battery Bracket
(-)
(+)
Speaker
Foam
Pad
K2 Top Cover
Detail A
Figure 2
4
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