A123 batteries

There's been a great explanation posted on the Buddipole list about the practicalities of using the A123 battery packs Buddipole sell from their site.

The advantages of the A123 chemistry are low weight, fast charge times and ability to deliver high current. As well their voltage - 13.2v for a four cell pack such as the one shown - is well-suited to modern amateur radio gear.  

The email exchange is yet another example of how an innocent newbie's question can draw out the best information which benefits the broader group. Mark KD5RXT's explanation of duty cycle and the unique qualities of this new battery chemistry are almost text-book ready!


I'm still keen to find out more about the selection of the best solar cell and charger system to keep such a battery topped up. I sense that a system that could take advantage of its fast charge rate might dwarf the rest of the radio gear. And I also sense that current portable solar panels, especially the expensive roll-up ones might barely keep track even at QRPp levels.

iPad date announced for Australia

News this morning from Apple that the delivery date for iPad (both WiFi & 3G) - in Australia - is 29th May.

I'm so looking forward to seeing how an iPad might fit into a portable QRP operation. Or even a remote one. I'm also hoping that Apple will retain enough of open protocols so that the device does not simply become an expensive personal front end to whatever shops they wish to set up, like the sadly not ready for primetime Kindle.

Lack of a camera on the iPad is odd - given the next iPhone will actually have two - one in the front as well as the existing one on the back. Bluetooth keyboard sounds like it could be fun. I also imagine that ham radio apps to track satellites (ProSat) and monitor solar activity (Space Wx, 3D Sun etc) should look amazing. A work colleague showed me his new Android phone with a graphically brilliant astronomy application that you could use to locate, stars, planets and constellations easily. It felt like visual velvet and the images were much richer than I've seen so far on the iPhone.

Even a straighforward app to display bandplans should be able to be made to look clear and brilliant and enable you to get different views depending on mode, QTH or licence class.

CW and the missing link

I've been keen on finding out more about the Palm mini paddle. I like the look - and the size - of the paddle. I haven't worked out yet if there's a way to strap it onto your leg, but it certainly doesn't seem to require too much in the way of real estate.
I also like the design style of this line including the modular keyer, the "code cube".
Most impressive of all is the Infra Red link technology they've incorporated into the line. It looks like you can purchase an IR enabled Code Cube to plug into an existing Mini Paddle so you can link up via an IR receiver connected to your transceiver, or even a tiny sensor within the txrx - up to 5 metres away.
Marshall Emm's Morse Express seems to be the most accessible distributor. The site hosts extensive info including the pdf manuals, which can also be found on the German site.