Quantum Gel Cell Batteries

[N6KX]

For hams who some years back purchased a Quantum Ham Battery (12V 2Ah), there is a newer model replacement, the Quantum Battery 5+ (QB5+).

My old Quantum Ham Battery (QHB) had been left lying around unused for a few years and no longer would charge up past 10.8V. #Quantum recommended against attempting to replace the cells and instead offered their newer QB5+ as a replacement unit, as they no longer produce the QHB. #I just traded in the QHB and charger, plus $171, and they UPS'd the QB5+ and a new charger.

It's a little heaver, a little larger, but a little more powerful. #Still offers two 12VDC outputs, but a longer life. #It charges more quickly, too - about 3 to 5 hours.

The biggest difference from the QHB is that the QB5+ output connectors are female RCA phono type. #Remember that the main purpose for these batteries is professional photography. #Unfortunately, Quantum no longer offers much specifically intended for ham radio. #I just replaced the old barrel connector on the power cord from my QHB and I'm in business. #I use the QB5+ with my Elecraft KX-1 transceiver, and I can operate with no concern about losing battery power, seemingly indefinitely. #Will asbolutely use for Field Day next year!

Howie N6KX #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N6KX]

One note regarding the QB5+ connectors:

Because I intended to continue using the durable coiled cord that originally came with the QHB, I had to replace the old barrel connector with a male RCA phono plug on one end, and the connector for the rig I'm powering (Elecraft KX-1) on the other end.

Not having had a reason for years to solder an RCA connector, I didn't realize how relatively rare they've become. #I went to two different Radio Shacks and purchased two different "styles" of RCA male phonos and found them to be useless.

They used to be configured in either of two ways: #two solder lugs on the back end, or a hollow center pin through which you would push the hot wire and solder in at the front end. #Radio Shack's connectors had neither; there was only one lug, for the ground, but no way to attach the hot wire. #The center pin of the connector was solid, so no push-through, and there was only a tiny nub of exposed metal to which the hot wire could be attached - not only would solder not adhere to this nub, but even if it did it would have been an insufficient anchor for the wire.

The solution (thanks to hams on QRZ Q&A forum) was Mouser Electronics, where they sell both traditional configurations of RCA phono, and with numerous other combinations of features available to satisfy any requirement. #Mouser experience - easy online ordering, quick delivery, 100% satisfied. #Radio Shack experience - merchandise is worthless junk, sales people have no technical knowledge of any kind, and have no concept of how to take responsibility for these first two facts - a 100% total waste of my time, money, energy, and blood pressure.

Good luck.

Howie N6KX #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif